VehicleVerdict

2004 Mercury Grand Marquis problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 422 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.2 times the median Grand Marquis year — the 2004 model ranks #3 of 35 Grand Marquis years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 16 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: lighting issues account for 51% of all reports (216 of 422), far ahead of steering at 67.

422

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

5

Investigations

22

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

16

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Grand Marquis years?

Grand Marquis NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 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, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand Marquis years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting21651%
Steering6716%
Electrical System409%
Speed Control235%
Engine143%
Visibility & Wipers113%
Transmission92%
Body & Structure82%
Brakes72%
Airbags61%
Fuel System61%
Tires & Wheels61%
Suspension31%
Other31%
Latches & Locks20%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2004 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.

“ON DECEMBER 23, 2015 I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS THROUGH AN INTERSECTION IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS. I HAD JUST RECEIVED A GREEN LIGHT AND WAS PROCEEDING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WHEN MY VEHICLE WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT. THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE WAS SEVERE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 23, 2015 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE SWIRLED TO THE LEFT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BURN INJURIES TO THE ARM DUE TO THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 29, 2016 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE. HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND OPENED THE HOOD. THE HORN BEGAN TO SOUND, SO HE DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 21, 2009 · fire

“DT: THE VEHICEL ACCELERATED SUDDENLY AND THE BRAKES COULD NOT STOP IT. WHILE IN A PARKING LOT TO PUT AIR IN THE TIRES THE VEHICLE JUST TOOK OFF AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THIS HAPPENED JULY 30, 2005 THE CONSUMER IS GETTING READY TO CONTACT FORD. *AK *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · July 30, 2005 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS NO COOLANT IN THE VEHICLE. THE COOLANT WAS REPLENISHED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 28, 2016 · fire

2004 Mercury Grand Marquis — common questions

Is the 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 422 complaints put the 2004 model at #3 of 35 Grand Marquis years. It is one of the Grand Marquis years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Grand Marquis problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (216 complaints), steering (67 complaints), electrical system (40 complaints).

Does the 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 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 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 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.