2003 Mercury 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 2003 Mercury 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
- Exterior lighting819.5%
- Driver assistance512.2%
- Steering49.8%
- Suspension49.8%
- Brakes49.8%
- Electrical37.3%
- Body & structure37.3%
- Visibility24.9%
- Engine24.9%
- Fuel system24.9%
- Airbags24.9%
- Interior & seats12.4%
- Other / unspecified12.4%
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
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
JAN 2016 GOT A RECALL NOTICE ON THE CAR JUNE CALLED LOCALL DEALER. THERE RESPONSE IS THEY DIDN'T. KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE RECALL WHICH WAS THAT THE HEADLIGHTS COULD GO WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT.
I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS. MY HEADLIGHTS GO OFF ABOUT 3 BLOCKS FROM HOME AND THEN I HAVE TO PULL THE LEVER BACK AND HOLD IT TO PUT ON BRIGHT LIGHTS. I HAVE BEEN LUCKY AND NOT BEEN FAR FROM HOME AND HAVE TO HOLD BRIGHTS ON, STEER AND OPERATE BLINKERS ALL AT ONE TIME. I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS HAS NOT CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I AM IN PROCESS OF HAVING AN EXPENSIVE LIGHTING MODULE PUT IN MY CAR. I TOTALLY RESENT THEM NOT DOING A RECALL ON THIS. WHAT ARE THEY WAITING FOR? IT IS AN EXPENSIVE PROCEDURE AND I WILL BE WAITING TO GET A REFUND WHEN THEY FINALLY ADMIT THERE IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. HATE FOR THEM TO WAIT UNTIL THERE ARE X NUMBER OF DEATHS OR SERIOUS INJURIES. SHAME ON THEM. *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. MADE DIFFUCULT U TURN TO AVOID DRV INTO STREET TRAFFIC, CRASHED OTHER VEH, CONT'D ON JUMPING 2 INSIDE PK CURBS STOPPING AS FRAME STOPPED RES ON CURB
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED HOWEVER NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR WERE DESIGNED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. UPDATED 04/06/06. *JB
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
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. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. *BF CONSUMER HAS REPAIRED THE VEHICLE.*JB
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. LESS THAN ONE MONTH AFTER REPLACEMENT, STEERING NOW HAS A "JUMP" AND A "CLUNK" AT THE SAME POSITION IN THE STEERING WHEEL ROTATION. THESE ISSUES WHERE NOTICED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. IF STATIONARY, IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO GET THE STEERING TO TURN AT ALL BEYOND 30-45 DEGREES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR AXLE AND BEARINGS FAIL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY REPLACE THE AXLE AND BEARINGS. THE MERCURY MANUFACTURE WAS CALLED AND STATED THERE IS NO RECALL OR WARRANTY FOR HIS VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,255. UPDATED 3/12/10 *CN UPDATED 06/25/10.*JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARQUIS. THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL DAYS. WHILE HE WAS CHANGING THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE, HE DISCOVERED A GREASE LEAK. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BEARING LEAKED INTO THE BRAKE DISC, WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY ONLY REPAIRED POLICE VEHICLES WITH THIS FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 112,000.
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
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED HOWEVER NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR WERE DESIGNED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. UPDATED 04/06/06. *JB
ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND BRAKE PEDAL ARE LOCATED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. THIS WOULD CAUSE A MISAPPLICATION TO THE WRONG PEDAL WHEN BRAKING OR ACCELERATING, AT THE SAME TIME. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
JAN 2016 GOT A RECALL NOTICE ON THE CAR JUNE CALLED LOCALL DEALER. THERE RESPONSE IS THEY DIDN'T. KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE RECALL WHICH WAS THAT THE HEADLIGHTS COULD GO WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT.
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. *TR
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
MY CAR FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO AN EROSION IN THE FRAME. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE RESULT OF THE AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSATION DRIPPING ON IT. AS THERE WAS NO ISSUE IN 2014 AND I DROVE THE CAR FEWER THAT 8000 MILES IN THE YEAR, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THE CAR IS GARAGED AT ALL TIMES AND WAS DRIVEN VERY INFREQUENTLY IN THE WINTER MONTHS. I HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED AND IT HAS NOW PASSED INSPECTION.
UPON GETTING IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE CONSUMER ALMOST LOST AN EYE. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DOOR EDGES WERE VERY SHARP. *AK
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
GRAN MARQUIS LS DRIVER'S SIDE WIPER WILL NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE CLEARING OF RAIN OR SNOW UNDER NORMAL HIGHWAY ROAD SPEEDS. THE WIPER ARM ON THE DRIVER SIDE WILL NOT CLEAR THE DRIVERS SIDE ADEQUATELY TO PROVIDE GOOD VISIBILITY. THE PASSENGER SIDE ARM PROVIDES PROPER CLEARING UNDER ALL ROAD CONDITIONS AND SPEEDS. IT HAS BEEN FOUND THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE WILL NOT CLEAR PROPERLY ABOVE SPEEDS OF 40 MPH; LESS IF THE WIND CONDITIONS ARE HIGH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVERS WIPER ARM ASSEMBLY WITH A 2002 ASSEMBLY WHICH HE INDICATED PROVIDES A HIGHER PRESSURE ON THE WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AS THE TENSION WAS REDUCED IN 2003 MODELS. THE REPLACEMENT COST WAS AT MY EXPENSE AND HAS NOT RESOLVED THE PROBLEM. IT STILL PERSISTS. THERE APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE WIPER BLADE SYSTEM OR A DEFECT IN THE CURVATURE OF THE WINDSHIELD ALTHOUGH IT'S NOT APPARENT THAT THE WINDSHIELD IS THE PROBLEM.
THE CONSUMER HAD TO COVER UP THE EMBLEM IN THE MIDDLE OF STEERING WHEEL DUE TO THE SUN REFLECTING FROM IT DIRECTLY INTO HIS EYES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE REPLACED, THE DEFROSTER DID NOT WORK PROPERLY, AND THERE WAS A VIBRATION UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND THE REAR END HOWLED, ALSO THE VEHICLE HAD NO HEADLIGHTS,TAIL LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS OR DASH LIGHTS. *AK *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
2003 FORD MERCURY MARQUIS LOST ALL POWER AND HAD TO BE TOWED. *TS *JB
CONSUMER STATES "DUE TO FUMES THAT WERE IN VEHICLE CONSUMER FAINTED. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK
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
DT: THE CALLER STATES THAT WHILE HE DRIVING AT 65 MPH HIT SOMETHING IN THE ROAD. THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND THIS CAUSED A HOLE IN THE GAS TANK. THE CALLER SAID A LOCAL MECHANIC DID A QUICK FIX WITH A SCREW AND SOME GLUE SO HE COULD GET HOME. DEALER SAID IT WOULD COST A LOT MORE TO REPLACE THE TANK WITH THEM AND HE WENT TO SOMEONE ELSE TO HAVE IT REPLACED FOR A CHEAPER PRICE. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. *AK
WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER COULD SMELL GAS FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. *NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE TRAFFIC WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AND A COLLISION OCCURRED, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND, AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE HEAD RESTS WERE TO FAR FROM THE HEAD TO BE EFFECTIVE. THE CONSUMER SUFFERED INJURIES. *TC
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT CRASHED INTO A UTILITY POLE. UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES, AND WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. *AK
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
WE BOUGHT A USED 2003 MERCURY GR. MARQUIS,LS, IN SEP'T. 2003. TWO DAYS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALER, MACE LINCOLN MERCURY, 629 OHIO ST. TERRE HAUTE, IN. 47807, WORKED ON THE CAR 8 TIMES WITHOUT SUCCESS. I CONTACTED THE MERCURY COMPLAINT LINE TWICE. SCOTT SHEPARD, THE SERVICE MANAGER REQUESTED A FIELD ENGINEER FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THEY REFUSED TO SEND ONE, BUT TOLD HIM TO INSTALL A NEW COMPUTER, WHICH HE DID ON MARCH 26, 2004. THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN APRIL 23. I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AT 16800 EXECUTIVE PLAZA DR. POB 6248, DEARBORN, MI. 48126 APRIL 27, 2004, WITHOUT RECEIVING A RESPONSE. BUT THE MACE SERVICE MANAGER SCOTT SHEPARD, SAID THEY CONTACTED HIM TO PERFORM ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC. MACE HAS HAD THE CAR FOR FURTHER WORK FROM MAY 4, UNTIL TODAY MAY 10, WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO REPAIR IT. NOW, THE MR. SHEPARD CALLS ME AND SAYS, HE JUST LEARNED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE THAT ALL 2003 GR. MARQUIS WERE HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THIS SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT. THEY HAVE PROMISED TO SEND A FIELD ENGINEER. THE WARRANTY FOR THE CAR IS FOR 3 YEARS OR 36,000 MILES. WE HAVE 27,000 MILES ON IT. IN THE 8 MONTHS WE HAVE HAD THE CAR, IT HAS BEEN WORKED ON 10 TIMES WITHOUT SUCCESS. I CANNOT GET THE GENERAL MANAGER, TERRY MACE TO HELP ME, NOR WILL THE MANUFACTURER ADDRESS ME DIRECTLY. I WANT ANOTHER [COMPARABLE] CAR OR MY MONEY BACK. I PAID $17,700 CASH FOR THE CAR. *LA
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE ACCELERATOR AND THE BRAKE PEDALS ARE TO CLOSE TOGETHER. THE CONSUMER THINKS THAT ONE SHOULD BE UP HIGHER THAN THE OTHER. WHEN YOU WEAR WORK BOOTS, THAT IS MORE DANGEROUS. WHEN THE CONSUMER HITS THE BRAKE, IF YOU'RE NOT SITTING UP STRAIGHT, THE CONSUMER'S FOOT IS HITTING THE ACCELERATOR ALSO. THE CONSUMER IS TRYING TO REMEMBER TO KEEP HIS FOOT FAR ENOUGH OVER. *TT *SB *NM
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 .