2002 Mercury Grand Marquis

▲ Better than typical
2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:32:02.976Z

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

Complaints per year, Mercury Grand Marquis Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2002 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 15 complaints 1984 1985: 21 complaints 1986: 21 complaints 1987: 43 complaints 1988: 73 complaints 1988 1989: 58 complaints 1990: 56 complaints 1991: 82 complaints 1992: 255 complaints 1992 1993: 144 complaints 1994: 156 complaints 1995: 179 complaints 1996: 239 complaints 1996 1997: 316 complaints 1998: 143 complaints 1999: 164 complaints 2000: 162 complaints 2000 2001: 157 complaints 2002: 78 complaints 2002 2003: 362 complaints 2004: 347 complaints 2004 2005: 487 complaints 2006: 142 complaints 2007: 96 complaints 2008: 78 complaints 2008 2009: 26 complaints 2010: 24 complaints 2011: 9 complaints 2011
2002: 78 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19812
19823
19837
198415
198521
198621
198743
198873
198958
199056
199182
1992255
1993144
1994156
1995179
1996239
1997316
1998143
1999164
2000162
2001157
200278
2003362
2004347
2005487
2006142
200796
200878
200926
201024
20119

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 21%

21% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 16 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A WATER HEATER IN THE CONTACT'S GARAGE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120503

WHEN THE CAR WAS PUT IN REVERSE THE CAR STARTED BACK AT A RAPID SPEED BEFORE THE GAS PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. LATER FOUND THAT THE PEDAL WAS BROKEN AND THE SPRING MISSING, MAKING THE PEDAL ALMOST TOUCH THE BOTTOM OF THE DASH.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020701

WHILE PUTTING VEHICLE IN GEAR VEHICLE SPED UP WITHOUT CONSUMER APPLYING PRESSURE TO ACCELERATOR. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20020624

STEERING 12%

12% of complaints: steering — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOWER THAN NORMAL WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END WHEN PARKING. THE DEALERSHIP PROVIDED A TEMPORARY FIX BY PUTTING SHIMS UNDER THE FRONT END.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040123

THE CAR HAS 87934 MILES ON IT. WHEN DRIVING OVER 50 MILES A HOUR IT JERKS AND SHAKES THE CHECK EMGINE LIGHT WILL START FLASHING THE COOLANT LOGHT COMES ON THEN DIES BUT WILL START RIGHT BACK UP. THEN COOLANT LEVELS ARE FINE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180104

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY
SEAT BELTS 8%

8% of complaints: seat belts — 6 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that after securely latching the seat belt, the driver's side front and passenger's side front seat belt buckles unintendedly unlatched. There were no warning lights illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 20241120

SUSPENSION 6%

6% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE WE WENT BACK TO DEALER TO COMPLAIN ABOUT BOUNCY SUSPENSION THAT MADE THE CAR GO SIDEWAYS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS WHILE IN MILD TURNS (JUST HIGHWAY DIRECTION CHANGES NOT GETTING OFF/ON, ETC.).

NHTSA ODI report, 20120619

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20050922 — DP (closed 20060104)

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD

R 20060804 — fuel system, gasoline

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN

Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

Campaign 06E056000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20151028 — steering

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

2002 Mercury Grand Marquis — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (16 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 06E056000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 15E082000 (steering) 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 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis?

The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis have?

2 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.