VehicleVerdict

2003 Mercury Grand Marquis problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 449 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.5 times the median Grand Marquis year — the 2003 model ranks #2 of 35 Grand Marquis years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 22 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: lighting issues account for 47% of all reports (210 of 449), far ahead of electrical system at 52.

449

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

6

Investigations

32

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

22

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Grand Marquis years?

Grand Marquis NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted634 complaints1977: 1 complaints1978: 1 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 8 complaints1983: 14 complaints1984: 24 complaints1985: 29 complaints1986: 22 complaints1987: 57 complaints1988: 98 complaints1989: 69 complaints1990: 63 complaints1991: 106 complaints1992: 330 complaints1993: 178 complaints1994: 197 complaints1995: 222 complaints1996: 282 complaints1997: 370 complaints1998: 168 complaints1999: 202 complaints2000: 216 complaints2001: 207 complaints2002: 101 complaints2003: 449 complaints2004: 422 complaints2005: 634 complaints2006: 187 complaints2007: 111 complaints2008: 101 complaints2009: 35 complaints2010: 35 complaints2011: 11 complaints
Grand Marquis NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand Marquis years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting21047%
Electrical System5212%
Steering286%
Suspension286%
Speed Control276%
Engine184%
Transmission133%
Airbags112%
Tires & Wheels112%
Visibility & Wipers112%
Fuel System102%
Body & Structure92%
Brakes72%
Other61%
Seat Belts51%
Seats20%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V861000LightingDecember 22, 2015 · 296,004 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured October 3, 2001, to August 2, 2005. The affected vehicles have a lighting control module (LCM) that may fail, resulting in a loss of headlights.

Consequence

A loss of headlights can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the LCM, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S39.

06E056000Fuel SystemJune 13, 2006 · 58,640 units

Defect

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Consequence

FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS MODULE FAILED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF AND CAUSED THE DRIVER TO HIT A DEER. THE FRONT END WAS DAMAGED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPORT THE FAILURE TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 28, 2009 · crash

“THE ENGINE REVVED IN FULL THROTTLE WHEN THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE FROM PARK; RESULTING IN A REAR END COLLISION. THIS OCCURRED WHILE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC IN THE CAR WASH LINE. THE REPAIR SHOP FAILED TO DETERMINED WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE, BUT THE CONSUMER FEELS DUE THROUGH THEIR OWN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 2, 2005 · crash

“WHILE MAKING A TURN AT AN INTERSECTION IN MY 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS I FELT A POP IN MY STEERING WHEEL ,WHICH TOTALLY LEFT THE STEERING WHEEL SPINNING FREELY IN MY HANDS. WHATEVER BROKE WAS BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE FIREWALL,BECAUSE NOTHING MOVES UNDER THE HOOD. I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 15…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 24, 2010

“1.REAR SEATBELTS OFTEN JAM AND HAVE TO BE UNLOCKED BY A PROFESSIONAL. 2. BLEND DOOR SWITCH THAT CONTROLS HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONING GETS STUCK ON HEAT AND BLOWS EXTREMELY HOT AIR YEAR ROUND EVEN IF THE UNIT IS TURNED OFF. VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAYS AND CITY STREETS. 3. VEHICLE SQUEAKS WHILE IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 1, 2020

“THE ENGINE REVVED IN FULL THROTTLE WHEN THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE FROM PARK; RESULTING IN A REAR END COLLISION. THIS OCCURRED WHILE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC IN THE CAR WASH LINE. THE REPAIR SHOP FAILED TO DETERMINED WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE, BUT THE CONSUMER FEELS DUE THROUGH THEIR OWN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 2, 2005 · crash

2003 Mercury Grand Marquis — common questions

Is the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 449 complaints put the 2003 model at #2 of 35 Grand Marquis years. It is one of the Grand Marquis years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 Grand Marquis problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (210 complaints), electrical system (52 complaints), steering (28 complaints).

Does the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 6 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mercury Grand Marquis years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand Marquis years to avoid are 2005, 2003, 2004, 1997, 1992, 1996, 1995, 2000, 2001, 1999, 1994, 2006, 1993, 1998. The cleanest record among Grand Marquis years belongs to 1980.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.