1989 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
- 58
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 1989
Opened by NHTSA
29% of complaints
Complaints per year
1989: 58 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
29% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing switch and ignition.
Vehicle speed control
26% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
Dt: the consumer owns a 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis. The engine revved up which caused the vehicle to move forward while he had his foot on the brake.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-05-19
The vehicle experienced unwanted acceleration, and crashed into a tree.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-18
When shifting from reverse to drive vehicle accelerated with great speed tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-15
Power train
10% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle axle broke causing wheel to come off.*mr while driving the left rear axle broke and caused the wheel to come off the vehicle . The vehicle spun off the road and came to rest in a ditch.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-11-12
Engine and engine cooling
10% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Service brakes
10% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1991-09-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-01-15 Brake line punctures
-
R
1996-06-07Electrical system96V071000 The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
-
R
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
1989 Mercury Grand Marquis — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 17 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
- Recall 07E064000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis have?
- 2 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.