2003 Mercury Marquis
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
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
- 33
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Exterior lighting
None on file
None on file
24% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 33 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 10 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1986 | 4 |
| 1987 | 4 |
| 1988 | 9 |
| 1989 | 10 |
| 1990 | 6 |
| 1991 | 9 |
| 1992 | 24 |
| 1993 | 23 |
| 1994 | 30 |
| 1995 | 20 |
| 1996 | 31 |
| 1997 | 53 |
| 1998 | 29 |
| 1999 | 24 |
| 2000 | 23 |
| 2001 | 26 |
| 2002 | 11 |
| 2003 | 33 |
| 2004 | 12 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Exterior lighting
24% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing headlights.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mercury Marquis. The contact stated while driving various speeds at night, the headlights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was driven with caution and then the headlights began to function. The failure recurred twice.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-01
Headlights would not turn on when I got into car to go to store at night. Also battery has been running down while vehicle is just sittng in driveway.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-12
Also filed under Electrical system
Vehicle speed control
15% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
In firestone store parking area perpendicular to service for attendant to fill the rt frt tire. Pulled up to attendant , applied brakes and veh surged ahead, struggled to control to no avail.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-08
Electrical system
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing interior/under dash.
Suspension
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing rear.
Steering
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing column and steering wheel/handle bar.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mercury Marquis. The contact stated that the power steering would seize. When the contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, the power steering operated normally.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-02
Steering required significant effort to turn steering past approximately 30-45 degrees at the steering wheel. This required replacement of the upper and lower steering columns.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-30
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Mercury Marquis — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Exterior lighting: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2003 Mercury Marquis reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercury Marquis?
- The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Mercury Marquis have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.