1986 Mercury Grand Marquis
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 3 |
| 1983 | 7 |
| 1984 | 15 |
| 1985 | 21 |
| 1986 | 21 |
| 1987 | 43 |
| 1988 | 73 |
| 1989 | 58 |
| 1990 | 56 |
| 1991 | 82 |
| 1992 | 255 |
| 1993 | 144 |
| 1994 | 156 |
| 1995 | 179 |
| 1996 | 239 |
| 1997 | 316 |
| 1998 | 143 |
| 1999 | 164 |
| 2000 | 162 |
| 2001 | 157 |
| 2002 | 78 |
| 2003 | 362 |
| 2004 | 347 |
| 2005 | 487 |
| 2006 | 142 |
| 2007 | 96 |
| 2008 | 78 |
| 2009 | 26 |
| 2010 | 24 |
| 2011 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 21 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE CAUSED BY THE IGNITION SWITCH. PLEASE DECRIBE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960422
4 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
OHIO POLICE REPORT. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE PRESSURE,THEN BEGAN TO SMOKE. DRIVER PULLED OVER AND VEHICLE ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. CONSUMER STATED THAT MUFFLER HAD BEEN REPLACED AND A NEW ENGINE WAS INSTALLED WITH ONLY 20,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020828
2 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE PARKED VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, BURNING IN THE IGNITION AREA, VEHICLRE TOTALED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960422
1 of 21 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 21 total reports mentions: tires.
SAFETY TIMELINE
FIRES
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Campaign 87V139000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE LINE PUNCTURES
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHIC
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
Campaign 07E064000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Mercury Grand Marquis — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V139000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis?
The most-reported component is electrical system:ignition:switch, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.