Mercury

Grand Marquis (4th)

2000-2011 · Compact Sedan · 3 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.1)
2,081 NHTSA Complaints
17 Recalls
28 Fire Reports
164 Crash Reports
📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
5/5 (9.0% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

Mercury Grand Marquis Unidentified Engine

⚠️ Caution (2.1)
302 complaints 25.2 per year
6 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

exterior
109
other
43
electrical
40
brakes
20
body
19

Known Issues

Exterior Issues (109 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (40 complaints)
Brakes Issues (20 complaints)

4.6-V8-FlexFuel

4.6L 8-cyl / 224 hp
Avoid (1.8)
196 complaints 41.5 per year Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
4 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
31
body
29
safety systems
26
wheels tires
22
other
22

Known Issues

Steering Issues (31 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (29 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (26 complaints)
Show 5 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

3.0-V6-Gas

3.0L 6-cyl / 200 hp
Recommended (4.2)
3 complaints 3.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

suspension
2
wheels tires
1

Known Issues

Suspension Issues (2 complaints)
Wheels & Tires Issues (1 complaints)

Same engine used in

+92 more
BMW 5 Series (2024-2026)BMW X3 (2011-2017)MAZDA Mazda6 (2003-2008)FORD Ranger (2019-2025)AUDI A6 (2019-2025)AUDI Q7 (2017-2025)BMW X6 (2015-2019)FORD Focus (2000-2007)AUDI A5 (2008-2016)FORD Fusion (2006-2012)FORD Escape (2001-2007)MAZDA B-Series (2000-2009)LINCOLN Town Car (2000-2011)BMW X5 (2014-2018)BMW X7 (2019-2025)AUDI A8 (2019-2025)MITSUBISHI Montero Sport (2000-2004)FORD Five Hundred (2005-2007)BMW 3 Series (2012-2018)BMW 4 Series (2014-2020)BMW X3 (2025-2026)BMW 2 Series (2022-2025)JEEP Cherokee (2014-2023)AUDI A7 (2019-2025)AUDI A6 (2000-2004)FORD Windstar (2000-2003)BMW X6 (2020-2025)BMW 5 Series (2011-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)PORSCHE Macan (2015-2024)FORD Taurus (2008-2009)AUDI A6 (2012-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class (2006-2011)BMW X5 (2019-2025)MERCEDES-BENZ SL-Class (2013-2020)DODGE Ram (2000-2001)BMW X4 (2015-2018)DODGE Grand Caravan (2001-2007)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2017-2023)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Escape (2008-2012)AUDI A4 (2009-2016)FORD Flex (2009-2019)BMW 2 Series (2014-2021)BMW X4 (2019-2025)AUDI A7 (2012-2018)SUBARU Legacy (2000-2004)BMW 3 Series (2019-2025)JEEP Patriot (2007-2017)FORD E-Series (2000-2025)AUDI A4 (2006-2008)FORD Escape (2013-2019)BMW 4 Series (2021-2025)LINCOLN LS (2000-2006)BMW 5 Series (2017-2023)FORD Focus (2012-2018)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)MITSUBISHI Eclipse (2000-2005)BMW 3 Series (2006-2011)AUDI Q5 (2009-2017)LINCOLN Aviator (2003-2005)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2001-2007)BMW Z4 (2019-2025)AUDI A4 (2017-2025)FORD Freestyle (2005-2007)MAZDA Tribute (2001-2011)BMW 7 Series (2023-2025)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2008-2014)AUDI A8 (2011-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class (2013-2019)FORD Escort (2000-2003)PORSCHE 911 (2020-2025)FORD Ranger (2000-2011)AUDI Q8 (2019-2025)BMW 7 Series (2016-2022)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2010-2016)BMW 8 Series (2019-2025)FORD Fusion (2013-2020)FORD Super Duty (2000-2007)MITSUBISHI Lancer (2002-2007)MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class (2012-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)BMW 6 Series (2012-2018)PORSCHE 911 (2012-2019)FORD Mustang (2000-2004)PORSCHE Cayenne (2019-2025)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)AUDI A4 (2002-2005)AUDI Q5 (2018-2025)AUDI Q7 (2007-2015)

4.2-V6-Gas

4.2L 6-cyl / 200 hp
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

interior
1
safety systems
1

Known Issues

Interior Issues (1 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)

2.9-V6-Gas

2.9L 6-cyl / 144 hp
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mercury Grand Marquis regardless of engine variant.

Exterior Issues (767 complaints)
exterior critical
Electrical System Issues (252 complaints)
electrical critical
Steering Issues (195 complaints)
steering critical
Safety Systems Issues (170 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Engine Issues (118 complaints)
engine critical

Recalls (17)

15V861000Dec 21, 2015serious
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. The affected vehicles have a lighting control module (LCM) that may fail, resulting in a loss of headlights.

15E082000Jun 9, 2015serious
Steering

Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain model Dorman Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 7-0359, and OE Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, manufactured April 17, 2014, to September 28, 2015. These aftermarket replacement steering shafts are sold for use in 1995-2002 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. These steering shafts may separate during operation if the integral fastener is loose or missing and if the interfacing vehicle shaft is compressed in length.

14V704000May 10, 2014serious
Steering

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall 13V-385. The prior repairs may not have been correctly performed.

13V385000Aug 28, 2013serious
Steering

Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.

07V270000Jun 25, 2007serious
Suspension

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLY MAY FRACTURE DUE TO IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT.

06V440000Nov 14, 2006serious
Visibility

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, 'WINDSHIELD MOUNTING.' THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SECURED TO THE VEHICLE BODY.

06E056000Jun 12, 2006serious
Fuel System

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, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

05V518000Sep 10, 2005serious
Electrical System

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BATTERY CABLE INCLUDES A FUSIBLE LINK THAT MAY CONTACT AND SUBSEQUENTLY CHAFE ON A #2 CROSS MEMBER ATTACHING BOLT.

01V227001Jul 15, 2001serious
Seat Belts

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND MINIVANS. EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELTS SUPPLIED BY TRW. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE DRIVER'S AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER'S OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT FULLY LATCH. FORD CROWN VICTORIA BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. LINCOLN TOWN CARS BUILT AT WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. LINCOLN NAVIGATORS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. FORD WINDSTARS BUILT AT OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. FORD RANGERS BUILT AT TWIN CITIES PLANT FROM 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, AND ALSO AT THE EDISON PLANT FROM 3/13/00 - 5/25/01. FORD F-150 TRUCK BUILT AT NORFOLK PLANT FROM 4/18/00 - 5/25/00; AT ONTARIO PLANT FROM 5/10/00 - 5/28/01; AT KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 9/11/99 - 5/25/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/9/01. FORD SUPER DUTY F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/27/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/19/01. FORD EXCURSIONS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 10/2/00. FORD EXPEDITIONS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01.

00V083000Mar 19, 2000serious
Seat Belts

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH THE LEFT REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ATTACHING BOLTS INCORRECTLY TIGHTENED.

00V200000Jul 17, 2000serious
Equipment

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE JACKING INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF FOLLOWED, COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE OPERATOR TO PLACE THE JACK ON A FRAME WELD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RAISE A REAR WHEEL. IF THE VEHICLE IS JACKED UP WITH THE JACK PLACED ON THE FRAME WELD AND IF THE VEHICLE IS FREE TO ROLL (WHEELS NOT BLOCKED OR CHOCKED), THE JACK COULD YIELD AND THE VEHICLE MAY DROP SUDDENLY.

00V138000May 16, 2000cosmetic
Visibility

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: A WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE MAY NOT BE CAPABLE OF CARRYING THE CURRENT REQUIRED DURING HIGH LOAD CONDITIONS ON THE WIPERS (I.E., ICE, SNOW, OR OTHER DEBRIS).

00V050000Feb 16, 2000serious
Air Bags

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH LOWER THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF TORQUE ON THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CRASH SENSOR MODULE TO THE VEHICLE.

00V270000Sep 12, 2000serious
Air Bags

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIMOUSINES, AND MINI VANS WERE BUILT WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE (RCM). IN SOME CASES, THE RCM DOES NOT RECOGNIZE CERTAIN SYSTEM FAULTS THAT COULD RESULT IN AN AIR BAG OR SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER UNEXPECTEDLY ACTIVATING DURING THE SELF-TEST SEQUENCE AT VEHICLE START-UP.

00V157002Dec 5, 2000serious
Seat Belts

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 ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.

00V157001Dec 5, 2000serious
Seat Belts

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 FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.

00V412000Jun 11, 2000serious
Air Bags

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES. A RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE (RCM) OR A SIDE OR FRONT CRASH SENSOR MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH ONE OR MORE OF THE SCREWS THAT MOUNT THE CIRCUIT BOARD IN THE HOUSING MISSING. IF SOME OR ALL OF THE SCREWS ARE MISSING, THE PERFORMANCE OF THE OCCUPANT RESTRAINS COULD BE AFFECTED.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2000-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis problems?

The 2000-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis has accumulated 2,081 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Exterior, Electrical System, Steering. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mercury Grand Marquis engine is most reliable?

The 2000-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis was offered with 8 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4.6L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2000-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis a good used car?

The 2000-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 2,081 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis have?

The 2000-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis has 2,081 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2000-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis?

There are 17 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2000-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Mercury Grand Marquis?

Before buying a used Mercury Grand Marquis, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Exterior, Electrical System, Steering, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Grand Marquis?

The 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 5 stars (9.0% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: No. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,081 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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