1988 Mercury Grand Marquis

▲ Better than typical

1988 Mercury Grand Marquis
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:23:54.524Z

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.

How is this computed?

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	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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 27%

27% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 14%

14% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

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, 20051110

CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DIENGAGE, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950619

SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING ACCIDENT AND INJURIES. *TW

NHTSA ODI report, 19950518

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 7%

7% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 5 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 5%

5% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

TIRES 4%

4% of complaints: tires — 3 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19880330 — seat belts

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

I 19910911 — PE (closed 19920115)

BRAKE LINE PUNCTURES

R 19960607 — electrical system

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Campaign 96V071000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20071015 — fuel system, gasoline

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

1988 Mercury Grand Marquis — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for electrical system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (10 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 88V028000 (seat belts) has been completed.
Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Verify recall 07E064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1987 ▲ 1990 ▲ 1989

WORST YEARS

■ 2005 ■ 2003 ■ 2004

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:ignition:switch, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.