1992 Mercury MARQUIS problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 30 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median MARQUIS year — the 1992 model ranks #7 of 28 MARQUIS years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (6), speed control (5), and engine (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
30
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1992 compare to other MARQUIS years?
What are the most common 1992 Mercury MARQUIS problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 6 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 5 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 4 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 4 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 4 | 13% | — flat |
| Brakes | 3 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“NOTICED ODOR OF BURNING WIRES BEFORE PARKING VEHICLE. LATER NOTICED FLAMES IN AREA OF VEHICLE. HAD INSERTED KEY IN IGNITION TO STOP VEHICLE, BUT IT WOULDN'T START. FIRE DEPT CALLED & PUT FLAMES OUT. EVERYTHING INSIDE FUSED TOGETHER. WAS INFORMED FIRE ORIGINATED AROUND IGNITION SWITCH AREA. *AK”
“DURING A FRONTAL COLLISION, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, CONSUMER SUFFERED KNEE INJURIES, AND HIT HIS HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL.*AK CONSUMER STATES THE GAS PEDAL STUCK WHICH CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. *YH”
“CONSUMER WAS SITTING IN VEHICLE WHILE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, AND SUDDENLY SMOKE CAME FROM HOOD, AND THEN FLAMES. SOON THE FLAMES BEGAN TO ENTER VEHICLE THROUGH THE DASH, CONSUMER THEN TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. FLAMES ENGULFED THE ENTIRE CAR. BEFORE THE INCIDENT OCCURRED, VEHICLE GAVE BURNING SMELLS, BLUE…”
“WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO GET ONTO THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE FAILED TO PICK UP SPEED. TRANSMISSION LINKAGE FELT HUNG UP IN 1ST GEAR. WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING. WAS NOT ENOUGH SPEED TO GET OUT OF GEAR. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER & WAS INFORMED SOME OF THE GEARS IN THE TRANSMISSION HAD BROKEN. ALSO THE…”
“VEHICLE BEEN EXPERIENCING ONGOING PROBLEM WITH INSTRUMENT PANEL AND TAIL LIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT; VEHICLE BEEN IN / OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. DEALER REFUSING TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE ANY LONGER, UNLESS CONSUMER IS WILLING TO PAY FOR TIME AND LABOR. *AK”
1992 Mercury MARQUIS — common questions
Is the 1992 Mercury MARQUIS reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 30 complaints put the 1992 model at #7 of 28 MARQUIS years. It is one of the MARQUIS years to avoid.
What are the most common 1992 MARQUIS problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (6 complaints), speed control (5 complaints), engine (4 complaints).
Does the 1992 Mercury MARQUIS have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1992 Mercury MARQUIS.
Is the 1992 Mercury MARQUIS under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Mercury MARQUIS years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MARQUIS years to avoid are 1997, 1994, 2003, 1998, 1996, 1999, 1992. The cleanest record among MARQUIS years belongs to 1981.
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.