1988 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
- 73
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
52% of complaints
Complaints per year
1988: 73 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 3 |
| 1983 | 7 |
| 1984 | 15 |
| 1985 | 21 |
| 1986 | 21 |
| 1987 | 47 |
| 1988 | 73 |
| 1989 | 58 |
| 1990 | 58 |
| 1991 | 82 |
| 1992 | 260 |
| 1993 | 147 |
| 1994 | 161 |
| 1995 | 179 |
| 1996 | 239 |
| 1997 | 316 |
| 1998 | 143 |
| 1999 | 164 |
| 2000 | 162 |
| 2001 | 157 |
| 2002 | 78 |
| 2003 | 362 |
| 2004 | 347 |
| 2005 | 487 |
| 2006 | 143 |
| 2007 | 96 |
| 2008 | 80 |
| 2009 | 26 |
| 2010 | 25 |
| 2011 | 9 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
52% · 38 reportsMost commonly citing switch and ignition.
Vehicle speed control
16% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving on interstate 94 in chicago, I accelerated to pass a car. The acceleration device within the engine, not only stuck, but it increased speed. I tried to brake the car with little response.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-11-10
Cruise control failed to diengage, resulting in an accident. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-19
Sudden acceleration, causing accident and injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-18
Engine and engine cooling
10% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and catalytic convertor.
Fuel system, gasoline
7% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly.
Tires
5% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1988-03-30Seat belts88V028000 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.
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I
1991-09-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-01-15 Brake line punctures
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1996-06-07Electrical system96V071000 The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
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2007-10-15Fuel system, gasoline07E064000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1988 Mercury Grand Marquis — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 38 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 88V028000 · Seat belts
- Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
- Recall 07E064000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.