VehicleVerdict

2009 Mercury Grand Marquis problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis sits mid-pack among Grand Marquis years: 35 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 100, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (6), steering (5), and electrical system (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

35

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Grand Marquis years?

Grand Marquis NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 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, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand Marquis years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes617%
Steering514%
Speed Control411%
Electrical System411%
Fuel System39%
Engine26%
Transmission26%
Tires & Wheels26%
Suspension26%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Lighting13%
Seat Belts13%
Body & Structure13%
Airbags13%

Does the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis have recalls?

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“An SUV crashed into an apple store in Hingham Mass. The driver told police his foot became stuck to the gas pedal. More likely his foot became hooked under the brake pedal as he tried to quickly shift his foot from the gas pedal up and to the left onto the brake pedal. This has happened to me…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 24, 2023 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 13V385000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED UNDER THE RECALL DUE TO THE REQUIRED PART NOT BEING AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 9, 2013

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. HE APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, BUT IT LURCHED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE CRASHED THROUGH THE GARAGE WALLS INTO THE ADJACENT ROOM. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURY. THERE WERE DAMAGES TO THE WALLS AND FURNITURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 21, 2009 · crash

“ON OCTOBER 21, 2016, WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON I-30 IN DALLAS COUNTY, A FIRE OCCURRED IN THE DAIMAY-SUPPLIED DRIVER-SIDE VISOR LAMP ASSEMBLY OF MY 2009 FORD MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE FORD FUSE SYSTEM FAILED, ALLOWING THE FIRE TO BURN, MELTING PORTIONS OF THE VISOR AND ROOF MATERIAL. THE MELTED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 21, 2016 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, GASOLINE FUEL FUMES EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THE FUEL WOULD DISSIPATE TO HALF OF A TANK WITHIN TWENTY MINUTES OF DRIVING. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LINE, THE FUEL PUMP, AND THE FUEL SEAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 1, 2011

2009 Mercury Grand Marquis — common questions

Is the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 35 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Grand Marquis year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2009 Grand Marquis problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (6 complaints), steering (5 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).

Does the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.