1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
This year had more than double the complaints of 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 | 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 | 78 |
| 2009 | 26 |
| 2010 | 24 |
| 2011 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
41% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 128 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and engine.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. PLASTIC MANIFOLD WAS CAUSING THE BURNING, AND DAMAGING WIRE AND ALTERNATOR. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020906
DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65MPH AND SUDDENLY HEARD A LOUD NOSIE,LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALED . DRIVE BELT WAS ON SIDE OF HIGHWAY WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE IT WAS A DEFECTIVE DRIVE BELT. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970709
1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD IN VEHICLE. *SMD
NHTSA ODI report, 20130326
11% of complaints: service brakes — 35 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH10% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing carburetor system and fuel injection system.
10% of complaints: suspension — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and lower ball joint.
Show complaint excerpts
I AM AN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN AND I SERVICE MANY VEHICLES DAILY. I CURRENTLY OWN A 97 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS LS AND HAVE NOTICED THAT PRACTICALLY MOST STEERING COMPONENTS ON MY VEHICLE ARE IN NEED OF REPLACING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190909
Also filed under STEERING and VISIBILITY/WIPER
8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control and linkages.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
BRAKING LIGHTS BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION, THEN THE CRUISE CONTROL DID SO TOO. THERE WERE NO CONSEQUENES DUE TO THIS MALFUNCTIONS, UNTILL THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040601
Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT A
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.
Campaign 00V157002 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET DRIVER'S SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FA
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.
Campaign 00V157001 — check if this car was fixed
POST REAR END COLLISION FIRES
FUEL-FED FIRES
SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRES
BALL JOINT SEPARATION
REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE
REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, S
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION
Campaign 07V336000 — check if this car was fixed
FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCUR
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 08V051000 — check if this car was fixed
Dorman Products, Inc.
Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2015. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, option 5.
Campaign 15E082000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Mercury Grand Marquis — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (128 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (35 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V157002 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V157001 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V336000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V051000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15E082000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.