VehicleVerdict

2005 Mercury Grand Marquis problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 634 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.3 times the median Grand Marquis year — the 2005 model ranks #1 of 35 Grand Marquis years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 29 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: lighting issues account for 48% of all reports (306 of 634), far ahead of electrical system at 79.

634

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

4

Investigations

33

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

29

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Grand Marquis years?

See all Grand Marquis years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting30648%
Electrical System7912%
Airbags6711%
Speed Control396%
Seat Belts366%
Steering203%
Brakes183%
Engine142%
Visibility & Wipers122%
Body & Structure112%
Other102%
Tires & Wheels91%
Transmission51%
Fuel System20%
Seats20%
Suspension20%
Latches & Locks10%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis have recalls?

5 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.

14V704000SteeringNovember 5, 2014 · 36,888 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall 13V-385. The prior repairs may not have been correctly performed.

Consequence

Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if necessary free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S25.

13V385000SteeringAugust 29, 2013 · 355,000 units

Defect

Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.

Consequence

If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lower intermediate shaft corrosion, and repaired or replaced as necessary. If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed. The recall began on October 23, 2013. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S08.

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.

05V518000Electrical SystemNovember 9, 2005 · 98,836 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BATTERY CABLE INCLUDES A FUSIBLE LINK THAT MAY CONTACT AND SUBSEQUENTLY CHAFE ON A #2 CROSS MEMBER ATTACHING BOLT.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN HEAT DAMAGE AND COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUSIBLE LINK AND POSITION IT AWAY FROM THE CROSS MEMBER BOLT. IF THE FUSIBLE LINK HAS ALREADY CHAFED AND COPPER WIRES HAVE BEEN EXPOSED, THE FUSIBLE LINK WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673, OR LINCOLN/MERCURY AT 1-800-521-4140.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

I WAS TRAVELING ON NORTHFIELD ROAD IN BEDFORD HEIGHTS OHIO AND TURNED RIGHT ON TO THE DRIVE WAY THAT LEADS TO WALMART. THE STEERING WHEEL SNAPPED COMPLETELY LOOSE SPINNING AROUND. I LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND THE CAR CRASHED INTO A CURB BEFORE I COULD APPLY THE BRAKES. THIS OCCURRED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · November 19, 2015 · crash

2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS CAUGHT FIRE. CONSUMER STATES THE ENGINE IGNITED THE FIRE WHEN SHE TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT. SHE STATED THAT THERE WAS NO APPARENT REASON FOR THE FIRE. *KB THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE FIRE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL DEFECT. *JB

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 3, 2007 · fire

I WAS DRIVING ALONG WHEN MY TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CAR SPUN INTO TRAFFIC AND HIT A WALL AND GUARD RAIL BUT DID NOT HIT ANY CARS. MY WHOLE FRONT END WAS SMASHED IN AND LONG THE ONE SIDE OF THE CAR SCRAPPED UP. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 28, 2014 · crash

CAR WAS SLOWING FOR RED LIGHT, STEPPED ON BRAKE, ENGINE OVERSPED, VEHICLE WAS UNCONTROLLABLE, COLLIDED WITH PICK UP TRUCK AHEAD, PICK UP WAS PUSHED INTO A COMPACT CAR AHEAD. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CLOUDS OF SMOKE BEHIND MY CAR AND TIRE MARKS ON ROADWAY CONFIRMED BRAKE PEDAL, NOT ACCELERATOR, WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 1, 2008 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT TENSIONER HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · September 6, 2013

2005 Mercury Grand Marquis — common questions

Is the 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 634 complaints put the 2005 model at #1 of 35 Grand Marquis years. It is one of the Grand Marquis years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Grand Marquis problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (306 complaints), electrical system (79 complaints), airbags (67 complaints).

Does the 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 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 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 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.