MYRModel Year Report

2003 Mercury Grand Marquis

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
BUILT 2026-10-10

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
362
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
6

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Exterior lighting

58% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 15 complaints 1985: 21 complaints 1985 1986: 21 complaints 1987: 47 complaints 1988: 73 complaints 1989: 58 complaints 1989 1990: 58 complaints 1991: 82 complaints 1992: 260 complaints 1993: 147 complaints 1993 1994: 161 complaints 1995: 179 complaints 1996: 239 complaints 1997: 316 complaints 1997 1998: 143 complaints 1999: 164 complaints 2000: 162 complaints 2001: 157 complaints 2002: 78 complaints 2003: 362 complaints 2003 362 2004: 347 complaints 2005: 487 complaints 2006: 143 complaints 2007: 96 complaints 2008: 79 complaints 2009: 26 complaints 2009 2010: 24 complaints 2011: 9 complaints
1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1983 1984: 15 complaints 1985: 21 complaints 1985 1986: 21 complaints 1987: 47 complaints 1987 1988: 73 complaints 1989: 58 complaints 1989 1990: 58 complaints 1991: 82 complaints 1991 1992: 260 complaints 1993: 147 complaints 1993 1994: 161 complaints 1995: 179 complaints 1995 1996: 239 complaints 1997: 316 complaints 1997 1998: 143 complaints 1999: 164 complaints 1999 2000: 162 complaints 2001: 157 complaints 2001 2002: 78 complaints 2003: 362 complaints 2003 362 2004: 347 complaints 2005: 487 complaints 2005 2006: 143 complaints 2007: 96 complaints 2007 2008: 79 complaints 2009: 26 complaints 2009 2010: 24 complaints 2011: 9 complaints 2011
1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1983 1984: 15 complaints 1985: 21 complaints 1985 1986: 21 complaints 1987: 47 complaints 1987 1988: 73 complaints 1989: 58 complaints 1989 1990: 58 complaints 1991: 82 complaints 1991 1992: 260 complaints 1993: 147 complaints 1993 1994: 161 complaints 1995: 179 complaints 1995 1996: 239 complaints 1997: 316 complaints 1997 1998: 143 complaints 1999: 164 complaints 1999 2000: 162 complaints 2001: 157 complaints 2001 2002: 78 complaints 2003: 362 complaints 2003 362 2004: 347 complaints 2005: 487 complaints 2005 2006: 143 complaints 2007: 96 complaints 2007 2008: 79 complaints 2009: 26 complaints 2009 2010: 24 complaints 2011: 9 complaints 2011

2003: 362 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19812
19823
19837
198415
198521
198621
198747
198873
198958
199058
199182
1992260
1993147
1994161
1995179
1996239
1997316
1998143
1999164
2000162
2001157
200278
2003362
2004347
2005487
2006143
200796
200879
200926
201024
20119

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Exterior lighting

58% · 209 reports

Most commonly citing headlights and switch.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2024-01-14

Also filed under Electrical system and service brakes

Electrical system

14% · 52 reports

Most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.

CRASHFIREINJURY
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, 2023-01-20

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, 2015-05-18

Steering

8% · 28 reports

Most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.

Suspension

8% · 28 reports

Most commonly citing rear and non-powered axle assembly.

Vehicle speed control

7% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2013-10-28

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, 2012-10-19

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-07

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2003Complaint volume 362 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2003-02-25Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-08-08 Fracture of the steel wheel rim
  3. I
    2004-01-22Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-07-08 Rear axle fracture
  4. I
    2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
  5. R
    2006-08-04Fuel system, gasoline06E056000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    2008-11-26Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-03-24 Loss of headlight function
  7. I
    2015-04-01Defect petitionClosed 2015-08-11 Loss of headlamp/exterior lighting
  8. I
    2015-08-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 2016-01-08 Loss of headlights
  9. R
    2017-04-14Exterior lighting15V861000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Mercury Grand Marquis — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Exterior lighting: 209 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 52 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 28 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06E056000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 15V861000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.