2003 Mercury Grand Marquis

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2003: 362 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	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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 58%

58% of complaints: exterior lighting — 209 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and switch.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Its the LCM L(IGHT CONTROL MODULE)...HEAD LIGHTS went out on me one night coming down [XXX] causing me to wreck in a ditch and hitting a light pole INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI report, 20240114

Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and SERVICE BRAKES

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 52 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I started Mercury with foot on break like normal. Shifted into reverse. Car accelerated backwards at full speed. Brakes did not stop car. Attempted to shift into neutral but went into drive instead.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230120

Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL and ENGINE

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEAD LIGHTS SUDDENLY WENT OUT. THE ONLY WAY THE LIGHTS WOULD WORK AFTER THAT IS IF YOU HOLD THE HIGH BEAM LEVER BACK.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150518

STEERING 8%

8% of complaints: steering — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.

SUSPENSION 8%

8% of complaints: suspension — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and non-powered axle assembly.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 7%

7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY AS THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20131028

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED AND SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE UNINTENDEDLY ACCELERATED WHEN THE GEAR LEVER WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20121019

AFTER STARTING AND SHIFTING INTO DRIVE THE ENGINE RACED AND THERE WAS UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP EVEN WHILE APPLYING BRAKE. TURNED VEHICLE OFF AFTER CRASH AND THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO SOUND LIKE IT WAS RUNNING. *PH

NHTSA ODI report, 20030807

Also filed under ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2003 — complaint volume: 362

I 20030225 — PE (closed 20030808)

FRACTURE OF THE STEEL WHEEL RIM

I 20040122 — PE (closed 20040708)

REAR AXLE FRACTURE

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

I 20081126 — PE (closed 20090324)

LOSS OF HEADLIGHT FUNCTION

I 20150401 — DP (closed 20150811)

Loss of headlamp/exterior lighting

I 20150810 — PE (closed 20160108)

Loss of headlights

R 20170414 — exterior lighting

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured October 3, 2001, to August 2, 2005.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the LCM, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S39.

Campaign 15V861000 — check if this car was fixed