1987 Mercury Grand Marquis
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
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
19% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE INGNITON SWITCH, CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960221
ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE INGNITON SWITCH, CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960221
14% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY12% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT BUCKEL. A SPRING ON THE RELEASE BUTTON BREAKS AND NO LONGER LATCHES CORRECTLY. THE BUCKEL WILL HOLD IF IT IS SHAKEN BUT RELEASES EASILY. THIS IS THE SECOND 1987 GRAND MARQUIS THAT I HAVE OWENED THAT THIS HAPPENED TO.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050521
THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS DEFECTIVE AND DID NOT WORK PROPERLY.*AK *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030312
9% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT FIRE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19951211
9% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
STEERING CENTERLINKS MAY BREAK AT A BEND LOCATION.
Remedy: REPLACE STEERING CENTERLINK.
Campaign 87V012000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL RAILS MAY BE BENT SO THAT NO. 5 INJECTOR CUPS ARE OUT OF DESIGN POSITION.
Remedy: REPLACE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES AS NECESSARY.
Campaign 87V131000 — check if this car was fixed
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
AUTOMATIC RETRACTOR FOR SEAT BELTS FOR DUAL FACING REAR SEATS MAY BE INSTALLED IN AN IMPROPER LOCATION.
Remedy: REMOVE AND PROPERLY INSTALL THE RIGHT AUXILIARY SEAT BELTS.
Campaign 88V028000 — 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
1987 Mercury Grand Marquis — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V012000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V131000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V139000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 88V028000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis?
The most-reported component is electrical system:ignition:switch, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis have?
5 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.