1998 Mercury MARQUIS problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 40 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.2 times the median MARQUIS year — the 1998 model ranks #4 of 28 MARQUIS years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (7), engine (5), and suspension (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
40
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other MARQUIS years?
What are the most common 1998 Mercury MARQUIS problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 7 | 18% | — flat |
| Engine | 5 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 4 | 10% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 4 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 4 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 3 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 3 | 8% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“REAR BRAKES DID NOT MATCH. WHILE TRAVELING AT 35-50 MPH DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD. DRIVER HEARD A GRINDING NOISE IN THE REAR. TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, AND MECHANIC REPLACED 2 REAR ROTORS AND 2 REAR BRAKE PADS. ALSO MECHANIC DETERMINED THE RIGHT REAR BRAKES HAD A…”
“MY TRUNK ON MY 1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE LEAKS WATER WHEN IT RAINS, PASSENGER WINDOW SWITCH DOES NOT WORK,MY CAR HAS JUMPED TIMING TWICE IN A MONTH AND WAS STUCK ON THE INTERSTATE THE SECOND TIME AND HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK, HAD TO REPLACE THE WATER PUMP AND BUY THE TIMING KIT TWICE. NOT COUNTING ON…”
“WHILE DRIVING APPROX. 40MPH SUDDENLY FRONT WHEELS KEPT SWERVING FROM SIDE TO SIDE. HAD NO STEERING CONTROL. WENT OVER AN EMBANKMENT & FLIPPED UPSIDE DOWN. HAD 2 INJURIES. EMERGENCY RM TREATMENT. THE PAVEMENT WAS DRY. *AK ”
“THE FIRST TIRE FAILED AS THE TREAD PARTIALLY SEPARATED AND WENT FLAT ON A FREEWAY TH IS WAS ON 12/02/2000 AT APPROXIMATELY 32,000 MILES. THE SECOND TIRE DID NOT GO FLAT BUT THE TREAD STARTED TO SEPARATE ON 2/20/2001 AT APPROXIMATELY 35,500 MILES. *AK (TIRESIZE: P225 60R16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE:…”
“98 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS 50,000 MILES DRIVING 10 MPH THE PS TIEROD END FELL OFF LOSING ALL CONTROL. CAR TOWED TO FORD DEALER ALL TIE ROD ENDS REPLACE WITH GREASABLE ENDS COST $400.00 THIS IS A SEALED TIE ROD END REQUIRING NO GREASE (MANUFACTURES DEFECT REQUIRING RECALL,I STILL HAVE OLD PARTS. THE…”
1998 Mercury MARQUIS — common questions
Is the 1998 Mercury MARQUIS reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 40 complaints put the 1998 model at #4 of 28 MARQUIS years. It is one of the MARQUIS years to avoid.
What are the most common 1998 MARQUIS problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (7 complaints), engine (5 complaints), suspension (4 complaints).
Does the 1998 Mercury MARQUIS have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Mercury MARQUIS.
Is the 1998 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.