Which Grand Marquis Years To Avoid and Why? (Explained)
The Mercury Grand Marquis was a car manufactured by Ford Motor Company’s Mercury subsidiary from 1975 until 2011. The giant Mercury represented old-school automobile architecture with its body-on-frame structure, sturdy rear axle, and delicately adjusted suspension.
The vehicle’s big interior, body-on-frame construction, and sturdiness made it a popular option. As a whole, the automobile had certain shortcomings, including a lack of luxury and low fuel economy.
Several additional significant problems rendered the early and few later 2000s variants of this car avoidable.
So, buckle on, because I’m about to take you on a tour through the best and worst years of total marquis years.
Grand Marquis Years to Avoid (With Reasons)
Prior to 2011, its manufacturer, Ford, has produced a number of variants of the vehicle. Models of the Mercury Grand Marquis have received a variety of conflicting assessments.
The following is a list of model years you should avoid since the majority of automobile owners have expressed displeasure with them.
- 1994 Grand Marquis
- 1996 Grand Marquis
- 1997 Grand Marquis
- 2001 Grand Marquis
- 2003 Grand Marquis
- 2005 Grand Marquis
- 2007 Grand Marquis
Now, let’s examine the specific issues that these model years have experienced in order to comprehend why it’s important to avoid them.
1994 Grand Marquis Problems:
The Mercury Grand Marquis 1994 have many issues. One of the most common causes of transmission failure is front pump failure. It’s not uncommon for transmission issues to arise with this model.
Hydraulic pressure, which an automatic gearbox relies on, is lost when the pump fails. A whining noise may be an indication of a failing front pump.
TPS (throttle position sensor) failure is possible. If the TPS is malfunctioning, it can cause rough idle, difficulty starting the vehicle, sluggish acceleration and poor fuel efficiency.
This vehicle’s EGR valve position (EVP) sensor is prone to failure. Other hazards include the possibility that the engine may overheat when the AC is on.
1996 Grand Marquis Problems:
This model year is known for its electrical troubles. A few of the electrical problems include won’t shift out of park. engine won’t start when outside is cold, brake lights, blinkers and flashers not working, cruise control has stopped working.
Colling system problems include overheating, leaking intake manifolds, and steam coming from under the hood.
1997 Grand Marquis Problems:
The cooling system and the engine are the most common causes of problems in 1997.
This year’s light-related difficulties should be brought up.
You may need to replace the headlights and turn signals as well as the danger lights, dashboard lights, and interior dome light.
2001 Grand Marquis Problems:
There are issues with the air conditioner and the heater in the 2001 Mercury Marquis. Many customers have reported problems with their air conditioning unit, including the compressor blowing up and the fan motor failing.
Another problem with the 2001 Marquis is that it frequently leaks water.
2003 Grand Marquis Problems:
There are the most complaints about the 2003 model year on carcomplaints.com (42). These are just a handful of the issues that plagued the United States in 2003.
problems with the lights and the ac/heat, engine problems, problems with the windows / windshield, problems with electricity, mechanics’ issues, problems with the fuel delivery system, problems with the direction of the vehicle, paint or body issues.
A transmission failure caused by the inability of the Front Pump and a misfire caused by the ignition coil and spark plugs.
2005 Grand Marquis Problems:
This 2005 model received the second-most complaints on carcompliants, with 41 at the time this article was written.
The 2005 Mercury Marquis is notorious for having lighting issues. The headlights do not function properly, there is a defect in the light control module, and the module has repeatedly malfunctioned.
In addition, faults with the vehicle’s body and paint are a concern. Paint is flaking off the trunk and roof, and water is flowing into the vehicle.
2007 Grand Marquis Problems:
The number of issues in these years is lower than in the previous model year.
Noises at start up, paint flaking off, a valve falling through the engine. There have apparently been reports of alternator failures, as well.
A recurring complaint with Mercury grand Marquis models is poor lighting, and this is no exception. The brake lights, headlights, taillights, license plate lights, fog lights, and signal lights all failed.
What Is The Worst Years of Grand Marquis?
Even among Mercury Grand Marquis models, one particular model year stands out as worst.
- 1997 Grand Marquis
Mercury Grand Marquis 2003 had the most total complaints; however, the 1997 model year is worse due of other probable causes, including greater repair costs or more problems at lower mileage.
The most common issue with the 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis is faulty headlights.
Most Common Problems of Grand Marquis:
So far, you’ve learned about Mercury Grand Marquis model years. Let’s take a look at some of the issues this automobile has, so you can see why you should steer clear of certain model years.
According to carcomplaints the top three issue of grand marquis are:
- Intake manifold failure
- Headlights that do not work
- Dropping valve through the engine.
So, let’s start with these issues then I will add other issues this particular model has.
1. Intake Manifold Failure
Even with typical use, the engine of the 1996–2001 Mercury Grand Marquis, which had an intake manifold made entirely of plastic, was notorious for overheating and leaking coolant from the front of the manifold.
This problem occurred even when the vehicle was driven normally. This will often cause the warning light for the check engine as well as the low engine coolant to turn on.
As a result of the Grand Marquis’ intake manifold leak, the vehicle’s engine will likely suffer from fatigue cracks and coolant leaks.
The Ford intake manifold recall affects not just the 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis, but also the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis.
2. Headlights Issues
The headlights of this car suddenly go out while it is in motion. The lighting control module, sometimes known as the LCM, is notoriously troublesome.
The weak relays that are incorporated into the LCM are the source of the problem, since they are prone to intermittent failure over time. In either the auto or the manual setting, the low beams will not turn on.
2002 to 2005 models are particularly vulnerable to this issue.
3. Dropping Valve Through The Engine
The valves are in the cylinder head, which sits above the engine block. As the automobile runs, the valves admit air in and expel exhaust gases. But the valve of this vehicle is known to be faulty.
If engine valves don’t seal correctly, compression will be low. This reduces the car’s engine power. You may hesitate and run roughly. When valves or heads are faulty, the engine may tap or tick.
Cracked cylinder heads allow engine coolant to reach the combustion chamber and burn. This reduces vehicle coolant.
2007 model is most plagued with this issue.
4. AC/Heater Issue
This issue is very common in Grand Marquis. Especially the model years; 2007, 2008, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002 etc.
The most common causes of a non-functioning Mercury Grand Marquis heater are a faulty heater blower motor, a faulty thermostat, or a faulty heater blower motor resistor.
Mercury Grand Marquis’ blower motor blows hot or cold air via AC vents. If the blower motor in your Grand Marquis fails, the AC won’t operate.
Blown fuse, poor relay, resistor or control module malfunction, and malfunctioning blower motor cause Mercury Grand Marquis AC fan not to work.
A defective electrical connector, damaged wire, or climate control issue might potentially halt the blower motor.
5. Transmission Issue
It is normal for transmission fluid to leak from the transmission cooler tube on the driver’s side.
Numerous 2005-2006 Ford cars equipped with a 4R75E gearbox may exhibit excessive slippage in all forward ratios. There may also be metal shavings in the transmission fluid.
Failure of the planetary gear assembly may cause a grinding/whining noise, strange vibrations, sliding, and perhaps a loss of reverse gear in some 2008-2011 model years of Grand Marquis.
6. Faulty Throttle Position Sensors
This sensor is much needed in order to keep your vehicle’s fuel management system running at its peak efficiency and keep your fuel costs down.
It is most frequent in the 1992-1996 Grand Marquis vehicles, although it has also been seen in other models. Failure to fix the throttle position sensor in a timely manner might be disastrous.
Which Grand Marquis Years are Safe to Buy?
The following list contain safest Grand Marquis, they are added to this list because all these models have a very small number of issues and complaints.
- 1999 Grand Marquis
- 2000 Grand Marquis
- 2002 Grand Marquis
- 2004 Grand Marquis
- 2008 Grand Marquis
- 2011 Grand Marquis
The best Grand Marquis was the 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. A major overhaul in 2003 resulted in a firmer suspension, bigger wheels, bucket seats, and a 302-hp V8 with four cams.
The Grand Marquis has various high-tech features, like as anti-lock brakes and traction control, despite the virtually extinct design of 1999 and 2000. In addition, it comes equipped with airbags, rear child safety locks, and active side impact protection.
2008 Marquis is an excellent value. Low pricing, large cabin with seating for six, comfortable ride, torque-rich V8, excellent crash test ratings.
You might also consider the 2011 model year Marquis, which has large, comfortable seats, simple controls, seating for six people, and a large trunk.
Conclusion
Following the greatest and worst years for the Mercury Grand Marquis, the car is a robust, reliable sedan that can be used by urban drivers and ordinary family members for a wide range of practical applications.
To put it another way, it’s an extremely low-maintenance sedan compared to other models on the market.
Many factors have contributed to its loss in popularity in the 2000s, including the stagnation in its architectural design, which is viewed as one of the many causes for its demise.
However, if you’re searching for a reliable and comfortable vehicle, this is a good option.
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