RoadVitals

2003 Mercury Grand Marquis Exterior lighting Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the exterior lighting system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Exterior lighting reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
207
Latest May 14, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
57%
of 362 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
5
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1

What this page shows

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 207 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming exterior lighting

The 25 most recent of 207, in the owner's own words

Exterior lighting
Filed May 14, 2026

While driving my vehicle headlights turn off and back on, sometimes off for minutes sometimes flickering.

NHTSA ID
11737780
Incident
Apr 8, 2026
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed May 13, 2025

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact that the headlights were intermittently inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that the instrument panel lights, the brake lights, and the turn signal lights were inoperable. The contact who is a mechanic, had inspected the fuses, the fuse box, and other unknown parts, but found no failures. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID
11660627
Incident
Apr 22, 2025
Mileage
160,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed May 6, 2025

The Lighting Control Module has failed and my brake lights and dash board lights turn off after couple minutes while driving with the lights on. I took my vehicle in to dealer already once for problem to be fixed a year ago. They did repair but now same problem is occurring again. I went back to dealer Sunrise Ford in Fontana and they said recall work is only warranty for 1 year or 12k miles. The work was done in December 2023. They want to charge me $230.00 for diagnostic. But issue is same problem as before. Recall number is 15S39. Driving without brake lights is dangerous and has limited my driving. I cannot go out at night. I do not have another vehicle. This affects my life. I've called other dealers and they refuse to do the work.

NHTSA ID
11659286
Incident
May 6, 2025
Exterior lighting
Filed Jan 27, 2025

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis The contact stated that both the headlamps and the taillights intermittently failed to operate as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed. The dealer placed a processor on the vehicle and rewired the lights however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.

NHTSA ID
11638746
Incident
Dec 27, 2024
Mileage
127,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Dec 22, 2024

The headlights shut off without warning

NHTSA ID
11632025
Incident
Nov 30, 2024
Exterior lighting
Filed Dec 10, 2024

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front headlights shutoff independently while turned on. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact who is an independent mechanic determined that the lighting control module (LCM) needed to be replaced. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 285,000.

NHTSA ID
11629900
Incident
Nov 15, 2024
Mileage
285,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Sep 24, 2024

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while attempting to pull out of the parking lot, the headlights and the taillights became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ID
11616251
Incident
Sep 16, 2024
Mileage
100,000 mi
Fuel systemExterior lighting
Filed Sep 3, 2024

Head lights suddenly went out while driving at night causing near accident, happening frequently. Also, the gas tank leaks when I put gas in car, making it smell badly and making it dangerous if someone drops a cigarette near it.

NHTSA ID
11612352
Incident
Sep 2, 2024
Exterior lighting
Filed Aug 29, 2024

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the headlights were inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lighting control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

NHTSA ID
11611699
Incident
Aug 29, 2024
Mileage
106,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Jul 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lighting control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 181,000.

NHTSA ID
11603129
Incident
Jul 15, 2024
Mileage
181,000 mi
ElectricalInterior & seatsExterior lighting
Filed Mar 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that the headlights and taillights were inoperable, and the trunk failed to open. Additionally, all the doors failed to manually lock, and while utilizing the key fob, the door locks were inoperable. The door-ajar message was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The approximate failure mileage was 179,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID
11576191
Incident
Jan 1, 2024
Mileage
179,000 mi
BrakesElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jan 14, 2024
Crash reported1 injury reported

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 ID
11565456
Incident
Jan 14, 2024
Exterior lighting
Filed Aug 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that upon turning on the headlights, the taillights intermittently failed to illuminate. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called two local dealers and was informed that there were no open recalls associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

NHTSA ID
11536117
Incident
Feb 1, 2021
Mileage
148,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed May 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH at night, the brake lights, headlights, and taillights failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that the lighting control module was the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

NHTSA ID
11524591
Incident
May 30, 2023
Mileage
101,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lightingVisibility
Filed May 22, 2023

O.I.N. 11523223 05/22/2023 1. Lighting Control Module: Failure 2nd time. 2.Couldn't see where I was traveling. 3. No. 4. Yes. Inspected by myself, a Mechanic and Trouble Shooter. 5. Yes. Prior to the failure, the headlamps began flashing on and off. Previously the taillights failed. No warning. Lighting Control Module Defective. Replaced Module per Recall 14N01C. Ford Dealership, Pearson Ford, INC.10650 N. Michigan RD., Zionsville, In., 317.873.3333, Service Advisor: William Haygood

NHTSA ID
11523269
Incident
May 10, 2023
Exterior lighting
Filed May 22, 2023

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under Technical Service Bulletin: 14N01 (Lighting Control Module); however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlamps flashed and then completely failed to remain illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,236.

NHTSA ID
11523223
Incident
May 15, 2023
Mileage
121,236 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Jan 17, 2023

I received a recall on my car in 2019 to change the lighting control module as my headlights could go out without warning. Although I had not experienced this, I brought my vehicle to the local Ford dealer who changed the part. Over the pandemic and now since my wife and I are in declining health we have driven very little after dark. However, I recently had to go to the pharmacy at Walmart and returned home after dark but my headlights went out completely. Now I am having this problem and the local Ford dealer said there was no second recall so he wants to charge me between $500 and $600 to correct the problem. I think this is Ford's responsibility to correct. Please assist in making the manufacturer aware of this.

NHTSA ID
11502262
Incident
Dec 27, 2022
ElectricalExterior lightingSteering
Filed Dec 21, 2022

Hard to steer car, power assist not working, doors do not lock

NHTSA ID
11498454
Incident
Dec 21, 2022
Exterior lightingSuspension
Filed Nov 23, 2022

Almost had accidents because lights failed, headlights and taillights failed at night, including dash lights today, creating safety hazard. Seat tilt failed, and body mount frame bushing failed. Mirror tilt switch failed. Fuel filler neck leaks when filled. Very scary especially at night. Please recall and fix before we get hurt.

NHTSA ID
11494762
Incident
Nov 23, 2022
Exterior lighting
Filed Oct 29, 2022

The LCM has failed during nightly driving causing a complete loss of headlights.

NHTSA ID
11491424
Incident
Oct 10, 2022
Exterior lighting
Filed Sep 14, 2022

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver’s and passenger’s side headlights failed. As a result, the contact engaged the high beam headlights to continue driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

NHTSA ID
11484397
Incident
Mar 1, 2022
Mileage
71,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Sep 2, 2022

The lighting control module failed. Even after recall 2 years later and only 9 thousand miles Oem part replacement under recall and recall part has failed no tail lamps work no turn signal lights. Only brake lights It’s a common problem even after recall replacement It’s worked fine for 8 thousand miles now lights don’t work all the time

NHTSA ID
11482640
Incident
Sep 1, 2022
Exterior lighting
Filed Jan 27, 2022

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that upon purchase of the vehicle, he received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). Over time, the contact stated that the headlights and taillights would intermittently fail to operate without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was performed. Despite the recall repair, the contact stated that the taillights failed to operate. The dealer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed that he had to pay out of pocket for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

NHTSA ID
11449104
Incident
Jan 23, 2022
Mileage
190,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Aug 29, 2021

The headlights are still not working properly, as before the recall. It is hit or miss if they decide to come on, or stay on. Also, the rear running lights may or may not come on when I turn the headlights on.

NHTSA ID
11430894
Incident
Jun 15, 2020
Exterior lighting
Filed Dec 16, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GRIECO FORD OF FORT LAUDERDALE (1333 N FEDERAL HWY, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33304, (844) 648-2686) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,900. *BF CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT HAPPENED AGAIN AFTER 3 YEARS.*JB

NHTSA ID
11383671
Incident
Jun 1, 2020
Mileage
124,900 mi

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.

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