2006 Mercury Grand Marquis

On July 7, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation based on five complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents ofinterference between dislodged exhaust manifold heat shields and the lower steering shaft/knuckle, including one alleging the interference resulted in a crash on a highway entrance ramp. Since opening this investigation, ODI has received four additional owner complaints.One indicated that the shield was removed before binding could occur.The other three occurred at low speed and produced some momentary steering binding that was overcome by the driver when additional steering effort was applied.Once the shield was repaired or removed, the steering returned to normal.The single incident ODI identified as a possible crash (VOQ No. 10578715) related to this condition could not be verified and the description of the crash in the complaint was not supported by the police accident report.No additional crash allegations have been identified related to the alleged defect condition.Information provided by Ford in its September 10, 2014 response to ODI's information request letter identified 10 additional incidents resulting in a low rate of 1.6 incidents per 100,000 vehicles sold in vehicles ranging from 7 to 11 years in service.Six of these incidents were reported by a single source, a state police fleet that corrected the problems in March 2011 and has not reported any additional failures since.Ford also reported 5 warranty claims, but these incidents occurred at very low mileages and appeared to be caused by loose or missing heat shield attachment hardware rather than the corrosion condition that was the cause of the more recent incidents and the focus of this investigation.This investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.The following VOQs are associated with this investigation:10643753, 10615584, 10611362, 10610451, 10578715, 10479681, 10471833, 10317493.

The contact owns a 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side exhaust manifold shield fell into the steering linkage and caused the vehicle to run over a bush. There was no crash or injuries reported. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, but there was no diagnostic information provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

NHTSA ID

11752470

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

Mileage

136,000 mi

5/9/2021 The SRS dashboard light came on with a bell warning. Bell quits after a short time but the light stays on solid. When turning ignition on, light and bell comes on, blinks 3 times, does this 6 times and then stays on solid. When driving hear bell for 5 times, this repeats later for a total of 5 times. After turning the ignition switch on/off I hear a sound from under the driver or passenger seat. The passenger side air bag light does light. I bought this car new.

NHTSA ID

11679245

Incident

May 9, 2021

The contact owns a 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that there was a loud clanking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ID

11638054

Incident

Jan 21, 2025

Mileage

85,000 mi

The contact owns a 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle was pulling to the left. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated after coming to a complete stop at a traffic light, he noticed that the steering shaft was fractured and detaching. The contact stated that he put the steering shaft back into place; however, the failure recurred while pulling to the front of his brother's residence. The contact stated that the power steering pulley and shaft were fractured, and the engine was overheating. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure through an online chat. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11578878

Incident

Mar 22, 2022

Driver and Passenger side seat belt pretensioners failed and have resulted in airbags being inoperable.

NHTSA ID

11541736

Incident

May 22, 2023

Around 12 years ago, when my 2006 Marquis, which I purchased brand new, had only approximately 40,000 miles on it, the seatbelt-airbag system warning appeared on the instrument panel and a warning bell sound went off with a 3 beep then 2 beeps/ring tone that would sound whenever the vehicle was started for the next two minutes of driving. It would then stop but the yellow warning icon stays on. On a trip, while driving, it will do this every hour or so or 60 miles of driving, and has done this ever since. (I'm retired and drive very little, my vehicle as of today (5-13-2022) has only 54,462 actual miles on it.) I did some research when it first occurred and learned that the 3 - 2 beeps is a "code 32, seat belt pre-tensioner failure warning and will need immediate service and replacement." So I then called Ford and explained it as above. They told me that it is not their problem and are not acknowledging any responsibility and it will be up to me to see a dealer, which I did. I was told that it would require replacement of both my seat front seat belts, and possibly more including airbag components to the tune of several thousand dollars! I asked them, as I did Ford: As I've had many Ford vehicles, personal and company, several of which I've driven over 200K miles, without ever having a seat belt or airbag component failure, how is this MY problem and not Ford's, especially after only 40K miles? I had asked Ford these two most important questions: 1- "What did I do to CAUSE THIS FAILURE?" and 2- "What could I HAVE DONE TO PREVENT IT?" They refused to answer and only told me that I need to take it to a dealer to have it repaired. I have not pursued it as I didn't have the thousands of dollars the dealer wanted to charge me. This is wrong as it is part of Ford's refusal to acknowledge the faulty components in their seat belt/airbag systems, which has been putting my life at risk ever since their components' failure and Ford needs to be held responsible!

NHTSA ID

11464508

Incident

Jun 15, 2010

The contact owns a 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started and shifted into drive(D), the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that once the vehicle was driving the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack: Part Number: (A, 36-1056N) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure recurred. The contact researched the failure online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V385000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11462731

Incident

Jan 29, 2022

Mileage

140,000 mi

SAME PROBLEM AS REPORTED ON NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11405633

NHTSA ID

11408166

Incident

Apr 14, 2021

Mileage

143,411 mi

This SKU is a Radiator Fan. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the electrical connections. An electrical connection issue may lead to the fan not working potentially throwing a check engine light for overheating.

Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition

Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition

The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.

Inpected or repaired under 13R01 - Requests for recall service action under 13S08

For 2005-2012 Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Grand Marquis and Town Car vehicles, Regional Program 13R01 applies to vehicles not registered in corrosion states and not included in Safety Recall 13S08, where operation in high corrosion areas for an extended period may lead to corrosion in the lower intermediate steering shaft swing link. This may result in a compressed upper intermediate steering shaft and separation from the steering column, which can result in a loss of steering control. Vehicles covered under 13R01 that were inspected or repaired without replacement of the lower intermediate shaft, and have relocated to high corrosion areas, may experience subsequent corrosion of the lower intermediate steering shaft swing link.