1988 Mercury Grand Marquis Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical3440.0%
- Driver assistance1214.1%
- Engine78.2%
- Fuel system55.9%
- Tires & wheels44.7%
- Seat belts44.7%
- Steering33.5%
- Visibility33.5%
- Transmission33.5%
- Interior & seats22.4%
- Brakes22.4%
- Heating & air conditioning22.4%
- Exterior lighting22.4%
- Powertrain (other)11.2%
- Body & structure11.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
FORD SAYS THE STARTER SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE UNDER THE STARTER SWITCH RECALL. THEY SAY THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE SWITCH AGAIN. THE SWITCH HAS BURNED CONTACTS AND IS DEFORMED PROBABLY FROM HEAT. THE HARNESS CONNECTOR, THAT GOES TO THE SWITCH, IS MELTED , SPLIT AND DEFORMED. MY TURN SIGNALS AND A/C FAN MOTOR DOES NOT WORK. I ALSO GET ERRONEOUS ENGINE WARNING AND LOW OIL WARNING LIGHTING AT VARIOUS TIMES. THE SWITCH DOES GET VERY WARM AND IT WAS JUST THAT OR HOT UPON FAILURE. THE RECALL (96V071000) DID NOT ACTUALLY REPAIR THE PROBLEM. A SAFETY HAZARD REMAINS IN EXISTANCE WITH THESE VEHICLES. I WOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY IF THE SWITCH WAS BROKEN OR WORN OUT BUT THE SWITCH IS HEATING OR BURNING UP. THE RECALL SHOULD REMAIN EFFECTIVE FOR CHRONIC REPLACEMENT OF THE SWITCH UNLESS A ENGINEERING CORRECTION IS MADE ON THE VEHICLES IN QUESTION.*AK
IGNITION SWITCH / STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN HEAT UP. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. *AK CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP ON 2 OCCASSION AND THEY REFUSED TO REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH UNDER RECALL.*SLC
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 94 IN CHICAGO, I ACCELERATED TO PASS A CAR. THE ACCELERATION DEVICE WITHIN THE ENGINE, NOT ONLY STUCK, BUT IT INCREASED SPEED. I TRIED TO BRAKE THE CAR WITH LITTLE RESPONSE. I GOT ON THE EXIT RAMP AND WITH 2 FEET ON THE BRAKES, COULD NOT STOP THE CAR. WE REAR ENDED A WOMAN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. WE PUT THE BUMPER OF HER JEEP INTO HER BACK SEAT, THEN VEERED OFF HER CAR AND SMASHED INTO A CEMENT RETAINING WALL. MY DAUGHTER WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT OF MY CAR. ALTHOUGH NONE OF US WERE ABLE TO STAND AND WALK AWAY FROM THE ACCIDENT, OUR INJURIES INCLUDE SOFT TISSUE AND MUSCLE DAMAGE. WE ALL SPENT THE NIGHT AT THE HOSPITAL AND RECEIVED MORPHINE FOR THE EXTREME PAIN WE WERE IN. I WANT TO FILE SUIT AGAINST FORD, BUT HAVE NOT FOUND A LAWYER WHO WILL TAKE THE CASE. I WILL FILE ON MY OWN BEHALF. PAIN, SUFFERING AND OVER $50,000 HOSPITAL AND VEHICLE DAMAGE IS NOW ON MY RECORD BECAUSE OF THIS MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION. *NM
AS CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED TO ACCELERATE . SHE APPLIED BRAKES TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. FRONT TWO TIRE WERE ON FIRE AT THAT TIME. FIRE WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP.*AK
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
FORD SAYS THE STARTER SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE UNDER THE STARTER SWITCH RECALL. THEY SAY THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE SWITCH AGAIN. THE SWITCH HAS BURNED CONTACTS AND IS DEFORMED PROBABLY FROM HEAT. THE HARNESS CONNECTOR, THAT GOES TO THE SWITCH, IS MELTED , SPLIT AND DEFORMED. MY TURN SIGNALS AND A/C FAN MOTOR DOES NOT WORK. I ALSO GET ERRONEOUS ENGINE WARNING AND LOW OIL WARNING LIGHTING AT VARIOUS TIMES. THE SWITCH DOES GET VERY WARM AND IT WAS JUST THAT OR HOT UPON FAILURE. THE RECALL (96V071000) DID NOT ACTUALLY REPAIR THE PROBLEM. A SAFETY HAZARD REMAINS IN EXISTANCE WITH THESE VEHICLES. I WOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY IF THE SWITCH WAS BROKEN OR WORN OUT BUT THE SWITCH IS HEATING OR BURNING UP. THE RECALL SHOULD REMAIN EFFECTIVE FOR CHRONIC REPLACEMENT OF THE SWITCH UNLESS A ENGINEERING CORRECTION IS MADE ON THE VEHICLES IN QUESTION.*AK
POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE IS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL INTERMITTENTLY, IGNITION MODULE REPLACED BUT VEHICLE CONTINUES TO STALL. NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
FUEL TANK, WHICH IS LOCATED NEXT TO EXHAUST PIPE, LEAKED DUE TO RUST WHICH CAUSED A CRACK. THIS MAY RESULT IN A FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#. *AK
FUEL TANK FAILED RESULTING IN LEAKAGE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE IS NO TREAD WEAR/ TRACTION, OR TEMPERATURE CODE ON THE TIRES.*AK
THIS TIRE WAS ON AN MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS 1988. WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND WOBBLE. WHEN CONSUMER PULLED TO THE SIDE A TREAD SEPERATION WAS NOTICED. FIRESTONE HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE ON THE WAY TO WORK VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEM AS RECALL 96VO71000. ANOTHER CAR ALMOST REAR ENDED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE, IT WAS RAINING AND COULD HARDLY SEE ANYTHING. *AK THE CAUSE FOR STALLING OF THE VEHICLE WAS A FAULTY IGNITION MODULE. THE DRIVER SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT PROPERLY. *YH
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT LOCK . *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
IGNITION SWITCH / STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN HEAT UP. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. *AK CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP ON 2 OCCASSION AND THEY REFUSED TO REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH UNDER RECALL.*SLC
STEERING COLUMN SWITCH FAILED RESULTING IN FIRE PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW ROLLED DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM
IGNITION SWITCH FAILED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING, NYLON TRANSMISSION SHIFT FAILED, CAUSING MASSIVE CLUTCH FAILURE; COULD NOT SHIFT GEARS, NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENT;DIFFICULTY PASSING OTHER CARS. *AK
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 47,000 MILES MANUFACTURER OFFERS NO ASSISTANCE. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEADLIGHT SWITCH OVERHEATS DUE TO ELECTRICAL SHORT BEHIND DASH. *DSH
WHEN CAR WAS PARKED THE INTERIOR CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE DASHBOARD. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE EMERGENCY BRAKE RELEASE SWITCH BROKE.
VEHICLE VEERED LEFT WHEN BRAKES APPLIED, CAUSING ACCIDENT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
FORD SAYS THE STARTER SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE UNDER THE STARTER SWITCH RECALL. THEY SAY THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE SWITCH AGAIN. THE SWITCH HAS BURNED CONTACTS AND IS DEFORMED PROBABLY FROM HEAT. THE HARNESS CONNECTOR, THAT GOES TO THE SWITCH, IS MELTED , SPLIT AND DEFORMED. MY TURN SIGNALS AND A/C FAN MOTOR DOES NOT WORK. I ALSO GET ERRONEOUS ENGINE WARNING AND LOW OIL WARNING LIGHTING AT VARIOUS TIMES. THE SWITCH DOES GET VERY WARM AND IT WAS JUST THAT OR HOT UPON FAILURE. THE RECALL (96V071000) DID NOT ACTUALLY REPAIR THE PROBLEM. A SAFETY HAZARD REMAINS IN EXISTANCE WITH THESE VEHICLES. I WOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY IF THE SWITCH WAS BROKEN OR WORN OUT BUT THE SWITCH IS HEATING OR BURNING UP. THE RECALL SHOULD REMAIN EFFECTIVE FOR CHRONIC REPLACEMENT OF THE SWITCH UNLESS A ENGINEERING CORRECTION IS MADE ON THE VEHICLES IN QUESTION.*AK
IN 98 WE TOOK THIS CAR IN FOR AN IGNITION SWITCH RECALL WHEN WE RETURNED HOME THE SWITCH REFUSED TO ALLOW US TO TURN IT OFF WE CALLED THE FORD DEALER THAT HAD DONE THE REPLACEMENT WE HAD NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM UNTILL THIS TIME THEN ONCE I GOT IT TURNED OFF AND WE WENT TO RESTART THE CAR IT WOULD NOT RETURN TO THE RUN POSITION OR ALLOW ANY OF THE LIGHTS OR ACCESSORIES TO WORK I CALLED THE DEALER AGAIN AND WAS TOLD TO BRING IT IN LEAVE IT RUNNING AND THEY WOULD FIX IT AS SOON AS THEY COULD THIS WAS AT 5:00 P.M.ON A FRIDAY EVENING AND THEY WOULDNT BE RETURNING TO WORK UNTILL MONDAY MORNING I THEN CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING THERE WAS NO WAY I WAS GOING TO LEAVE THIS CAR RUNNING FOR 2 1/2 DAYS UNTILL THEY RETURNED TO WORK ON THE FOLLOWING ,MONDAY /////AIR CONDITIONER - THE AIR CONDITIONER ON THIS CAR SINCE WE BOUGHT IT REFUSES TO WORK UNTILL IT HAS BEEN RUN FOR ABOUT 1 HR THEN IT WILL WORK FINE IT HAS BEEN RECHARGED AND CHECKED TO SEE IF THAT IS THE TROUBLE 3 TIMES WE HAVE REPLACED THE CLIMATE CONTROL TEMP. SENSOR IT WILL THEN WORK FOR A WHILE AND THEN AGAIN BECOME AS IT WAS I KNOW THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THESE FULL SIZE FORDS AND IT SEEMS NO ONE CAN SAY WHAT IT IS FOR SURE I HAVE TRIED ALSO REPLACING THE TEMPERATURE CONTROLS ON THE HEAT AND AIR SELECTOR SWITCH WITH NO LUCK AS WELL
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
IGNITION SWITCH FAILED.
HEADLIGHT SWITCH OVERHEATED CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS TO GO OUT COMPLETELY. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
CROSSMEMBER TUBING THAT SUPPORTS TRANSMISSION RUSTED OUT RESULTING IN SYSTEM FALLING TO GROUND. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
IGNITION SWITCH FAILED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .