1997 Mercury Grand Marquis

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/30/2008· SUSPENSION

  1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. MILEAGE 86,000. REFER TO IDO INVESTIGATION #RQ 03-002 AND RECALL #98V-322. ON 12/27/08, THE FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE BALL JOINT SUDDENLY SEPARATED WHILE BEING DRIVEN, DROPPING ENTIRE RIGHT FRONT END OF VEHICLE TO THE GROUND AND THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE ONTO FRONT TIRE. VEHICLE CAME TO AN IMMEDIATE STOP. THANKFULLY, FAILURE OCCURRED AT A LOW SPEED, IN NO TRAFFIC - AT HIGH SPEED OR IN TRAFFIC THIS COULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, IF NOT FATAL. I HAVE LEARNED THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT - YOUR OFFICE INVESTIGATED THIS EXACT PROBLEM IN THE PAST AS CITED ABOVE. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR GRAND MARQUIS POLICE AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES DUE TO SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. I NOW KNOW THIS VEHICLE IS SUSPECT. I REQUEST THAT THE NHTSA CONSIDER REOPENING THIS INVESTIGATION BECAUSE OF THE POTENTIAL SERIOUSNESS/DANGER INVOLVED, AND THE MAJOR EXPENSE REQUIRED TO REPAIR THIS SEEMINGLY DEFECTIVE ASSEMBLY. I BELIEVE OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THIS FAILURE SINCE THE TIME THE INVESTIGATION WAS CLOSED. YOUR PREVIOUS INVESTIGATION DID NOT RULE OUT A DEFECT EXISTS, AND THAT FURTHER ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN IF WARRANTED. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER ACTION. THIS VEHICLE PASSED NYS INSPECTION ON 12/8/08. WHILE THE BALL JOINT INSPECTION IS NOT REQUIRED BY NYS TO PASS, MY MECHANIC WOULD HAVE LOOKED AT IT REGARDLESS AS A GENERAL SAFETY ISSUE. ADDITIONALLY, IN THE SUMMARY REPORT, FORD CLAIMED THERE WAS AMPLE WARNING OF AN IMMINENT FAILURE OF THIS ASSEMBLY (PLEASE READ THE SUMMARY REPORT). FOLLOWING THE MECHANIC'S INSPECTION TEST DRIVE, HE REPORTED NONE OF THE SYMPTOMS (LOOSE STEERING, FRONT END NOISE) WHICH FORD CLAIMS WILL WARN OF A POTENTIAL IMMINENT FAILURE. I ALSO NOTICED NONE OF THESE SYMPTOMS. TO CORRECT THIS I HAVE TO GO TO A SIGNIFICANT EXPENSE. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND THEY OFFER NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIR. BUYER AND DRIVER IT SEEMS, ACCORDING TO FORD, BEWARE. PART WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *TR

• 12/29/2009· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE COVERED WITH SOME TYPE OF FILM. HE HAD TO USE THE HIGHBEAMS TO SEE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 149672.

• 12/28/2004· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  DURING TRAVEL ON FM 1604 (OUTER LOOP ROAD AROUND SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS), I NOTICED ENGINE OVERHEATING. I PULLED OVER AND TOOK STEPS TO DELAY MAJOR SEIZING OF ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS SPEWING STEAM - LOOKING LIKE HOSE CRACKED OR LOOSENED. TAKEN TO FIRESTONE FACILITY. FIRESTONE UNABLE TO REPAIR DUE TO DAMAGE BEING CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD! VEHICLE REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE (APPROXIMATELY $1,000.00). IN MY OPINION, VEHICLE HAD INSUFFICIENT MILEAGE TO JUSTIFY SUCH DAMAGE. UNABLE TO OBTAIN REPAIR FREQUENCY INFORMATION FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY (FMC) OR ANY OTHER DATA, INCLUDING INFORMATION CONCERNING POSSIBLE RECALL EFFORTS AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS. UNABLE TO RECEIVE ANY RESPONSE FROM FMC. IN 2004, FOUND OUT THAT FIRESTONE HAD ISSUED REPAIR KIT TO THEIR FACILITIES FOR CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD REPAIRS FOR VARIOUS VEHICLES, INCLUDING 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. FMC CONTINUES TO COMMENT OR RESPOND TO MY QUERIES. *JB

• 12/28/1999· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD SPLIT OPEN AT FRONT SEAM, SPEWED HOT ANTIFREEZE ALL OVER ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. FORD REFUSED TO REPLACE PART AT NO CHARGE EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE DOING NO CHARGE REPLACEMENTS ON FORD CROWN VICTORIAS AND SOME MUSTANGS(POLICE PACKAGES). THE REPLACEMENT PART BEING INSTALLED ON MY VEHICLE IS DIFFERENT PART NUMBER FROM THE ONE THAT SPLIT. I CONSIDER THE PROBLEM TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AS WHEN THE VEHICLE LEAVES ME STRANDED ON THE ROAD, MY SAFETY IS BEING THREATENED. *AK

• 12/27/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  DROVE APPROX. SIX MILES FROM HOME TO CHRISTMAS EVE. CHURCH SERVICE WITH FAMILY. WHEN ARRIVED, STEAM AND SMOKE WERE COMING FROM FRONT GRILLE, AND AROUND ENGINE HOOD. THOUGHT THE CAR WAS GOING TO START ON FIRE. ALSO MAKING A HISSING AND GURGLING NOISE. WAS QUITE AN "EVENT" IN THE PARKING LOT! HAD INSPECTED TWO DAYS LATER (AFTER CHRISTMAS) AND FOUND FRONT INTAKE MANIFOLD (PLASTIC?) PASSAGE CRACKED AND LEAKING ENGINE COOLANT ONTO TOP OF ENGINE BLOCK. ALSO COOLING FAN WAS BLOWING LEAKING COOLANT OVER THE PASSENGER SIDE, ENTIRE TOP OF ENGINE. NO COOLANT LEFT IN COOLANT RESERVOIR AND NO COOLANT FLOW THROUGH ENGINE; DUE TO AIR BUBBLE / LOSS OF VACUUM? I NOW HEAR MERCURY HAS A "SECRET RECALL" ADMITTING THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE AND REPAIRING VEHICLES LESS THAN SEVER YEARS OLD FOR FREE, ALSO HAVE READ THAT "FLEET" VEHICLES ARE BEING REPAIRED FOR FREE, BUT DENYING OWNER ASSISTANCE TO SAME VEHICLE, ENGINE AND INTAKE MANIFOLD TYPE TO "OLDER" MODELS. *NM

• 12/26/2007· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000) IN AUGUST OF 2007. AS OF DECEMBER 26, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT DISCONNECTED THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL OR REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE RECALL PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 153,000. UPDATED 01-29-08. *KB

• 12/26/2006· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  THIS INCIDENT INVOLVES A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS GS AND THE FAILURE (CRACKING) OF THE MANIFOLD INTAKE WHICH IS IN THE PROCESS OF LEADING TO A HIGH REPAIR BILL. I'D LIKE TO REFERENCE THE FORD MANIFOLD INTAKE SETTLEMENT. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 9 MONTHS AFTER THE MARCH DEADLINE. WE WERE NOT NOTIFIED THAT THERE WAS AN ON-GOING SETTLEMENT OR AN IDENTIFIED PROBLEM WITH THE MANIFOLD INTAKE. WE REQUEST YOUR ASSISTANCE IN PROVIDING ANY RECOURSE IN THIS MATTER AND SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FROM FORD. BEING A SENIOR CITIZEN AND ON A FIXED INCOME, IT IS EXTREMELY HARD WHEN GETTING HIT WITH A HUGE REPAIR BILL ESPECIALLY WHEN IT INVOLVES A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. IT IS A SHAME THAT INDIVIDUALS LIKE MYSELF CAN BE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF BY BIG BUSINESS AND THE SEEMINGLY HUSH HUSH ATTITUDE OF THIS DEFECT BY NOT MAKING THIS CASE WELL KNOWN. IT SEEMS INDIVIDUALS LIKE MYSELF HAVE FALLEN THROUGH THE CRACKS AND REQUEST YOUR ASSISTANCE AND GUIDANCE IN THIS MATTER. I AWAIT YOUR REPLY TO MY CONCERNS. THANK YOU. *NM

• 12/23/2004· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

  WHILE DRIVING MIL CODE P0420 SET. FORD TSB 03-24-5 INDICATES PCM REPROGRAMMING RATHER THAN REPLACEMENT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS REQUIRED. DESPITE BEING WITHIN EMISSIONS WARRANTY COVERAGE PERIOD DEALER CHARGED $119 FOR THIS WORK, CLAIMING EMISSIONS WARRANTY DID NOT COVER THIS WORK. DEFECTIVE PROGRAMMING OF PCM TO CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, REQUIRING A VISIT TO DEALER. CAN'T PASS EMISSIONS TEST WITH LIGHT ON, SHOULD BE AGAINST THE LAW. IN ANY CASE THE REPROGRAMMING OF THE PCM SHOULD HAVE RESULTED IN NO CHARGE. THIS FAILURE RESULTED IN A MANDATED, DUE TO STATE EMISSIONS TESTING, VISIT TO DEALER AND A CHARGE FOR SERVICE TO FIX A MANUFACTURING DEFECT.*AK THE PCM WAS REPROGRAMMED, ACCORDING TO DEALER, AND CURRENTLY LIGHT IS OFF. IT IS VERY EASY TO PROGRAM THE PCM TO SEND ERRONEOUS CODES AT ANY TIME, ESPECIALLY WHEN OUT OF WARRANTY, ALLOWING THE CAR DEALERS TO CREATE A CASH FLOW THEY MIGHT NOT OTHERWISE HAVE. THIS SHOULD BE ILLEGAL!

• 12/23/1998· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  ABOUT EVERY 3 MONTHS THE ROTORS MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK

• 12/21/2007· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) IN AUGUST OF 2007. THE DEALER DISABLED THE CRUISE CONTROL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN NOVEMBER. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. AS OF DECEMBER 21, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE WAIT TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS EXCESSIVE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000.

• 12/18/2001· WHEELS

  WHILE DRIVING RIGHT PASSENGER WHEEL CAME OFF AT 30 MPH. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

• 12/15/2003· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER, OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED. *AK

• 12/15/2000· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  CAR WAS BROUGHT TO DEALER UNDER WARRANTY NUMEROUS TIMES WITH COMPLAINT OF LOW ANTIFREEZE IN RADIATOR AND THE FAINT SMELL OF ANTIFREEZE TOWARDS THE FRONT OF CAR, AFTER DRIVING THE CAR. DEALER CLAIMS HE COULD NOT FIND LEAK UNDER WARRANTY, BUT FOUND IT SOON AFTER WARRANTY PERIOD. DEALER SAID PART OF NEW RADIATOR COST WOULD BE COVERED BUT STILL CHARGED $100.00 FOR REPAIR. I RELUCTANTLY HAD TO PAY IT TO GET MY CAR. I HAVE PURCHASED 2 CARS AT THE DEALER AND SO HAS FRIENDS AND RELATIVES. DEALER DID NOT STAND BEHIND WARRANTY TOTALLY SINCE THE PROBLEM WAS PRESENTED AT LEAST TWICE DURING WARRANTY. DEALER DID NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH 3 YEAR FORD WARRANTY IN MY OPINION. DEALER DID NOT REACT TO MY COMPLAINT AFTER THE REPAIR. I WILL NOT BUY OR RECOMMEND PURCHASE OF ANOTHER NEW VEHICLE THERE AGAIN. *AK

• 12/14/2007· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE DEALER DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH IN EARLY SEPTEMBER OF 2007 UNDER RECALL NUMBER 05S28. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN DANGER OF CATCHING FIRE BECAUSE THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. THE BRAKE FLUID IS CURRENTLY LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,479.

• 12/14/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED TWICE. THE FIRST FAILURE WAS IN 2001, AND THE SECOND FAILURE WAS IN 2005. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP ON BOTH OCCASIONS WHERE THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY. *AK THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED IN 2001, AND IN 2005 HAD TO REPLACE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND PAY TO HAVE IT INSTALLED AT LINCOLN MERCURY IN CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE. WHEN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED, ANTIFREEZE LEAKED ALL OVER THE ENGINE. AFTER IT WAS FIXED, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED AGAIN. THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY FOR REPAIRS, AND THERE WAS NO RECALL. *AK

• 12/13/2004· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  THE AIR INTAKE MANIFOLD; THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE. THE ANTI-FREEZE COMPLETELY DRAINED FROM THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST DEALER. FOUND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED. CONTACTED FORD MANUFACTURER. *AK

• 12/13/2001· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  THIS PART IS MADE OF PLASTIC. PLASTIC IS AN UNSUITABLE MATERIAL FOR A MAJOR COMPONENT THAT IS SUBJECT TO FREQUENT HEATING AND COOLING, VIBRATION, AND AGING. THE FAILURE OF THIS PART OCCURS SUDDENLY AND CATASTROPHICALLY. THE DRIVER RISKS TOTAL LOSS OF POWER FROM THE ENGINE AND CONTROL OF THE CAR IF THEY CONTINUE TO DRIVE. THE DRIVER AND OCCUPANTS ARE AT RISK TO DEATH AND INJURY IF THIS PART FAILS IN UNSAFE AREAS, IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, OR AT NIGHT. THIS DEFECT IS A "NO BRAINER" WHEN YOU CONSIDER THE LONG HISTORY OF SUCCESSFUL OPERATION OF AUTOMOBILES WITH INTAKE MANIFOLDS MADE WITH CAST IRON OR CAST ALUMINUM.*AK

• 12/11/2002· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FOR 4.6L ENGINES ARE PLASTIC AND HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE 1996 WHEN THEY WERE RECALLED AND FORD STILL USED THE PLASTIC MANIFOLD ANYWAY. MY MANIFOLD CRACKED RIGHT BEHIND THE ALTERNATOR SPEWING ANTIFREEZE ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM AND FORD WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIR OR CHANGE THE MANIFOLDS. DT

• 12/10/2002· VISIBILITY

  WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. DEALER DETERMINED THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD CRACKED, CAUSING ALL COOLANT TO LEAK FROM VEHICLE. TS

• 12/09/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 25-30MPH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD BROKE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. PH

• 12/09/1999· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  ELECTRICAL LIGHT CONTINUES TO ILLUMINATE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, AND THE LIGHT CONTINUES TO ILLUMINATE. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

• 12/08/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  WHILE ON VACATION THE MANIFOLD IN OUR 1997 MERCURY MARQUIS HAD TO BE REPLACED. *NM

• 12/08/2004· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LEAK WATER AND THE WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE PROBLEM TURNED OUT TO BE A CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD. *BF *SC

• 12/06/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  CONSUMER COMPLAINT REGARDING GRAND MARQUIS POSSIBLE COOLANT SEEPAGE AT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CROSS-OVER. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** THE CONSUMER SERVICE BULLETIN HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER HE NEVER NOTIFICATION. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION WAS NOT INCLUDED IN BULLETIN *JB

• 12/05/2007· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 07V336000). AS OF DECEMBER 5, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE RECALL HAS NOT BEEN PERFORMED IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 179,880 AND THERE HAD BEEN FAILURE TO DATE. THE VEHICLE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 01-10-08. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED 8 MONTHS TO REPAIR A RECALL IS UNACCEPTABLE. UPDATED 12/31/07 *TR

• 12/04/2009· STEERINGCrash

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE DRIVER LOSS STEERING CONTROL. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO AN UTILITY POLE, BOULDER AND FENCE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURY. THE POLICE WAS NOT CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE STEERING GEAR BOX. IN ADDITION, THERE WERE DAMAGES TO THE STRUCTURE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 63,000. THE DEFECTIVE STEERING GEAR BOX IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

• 12/04/2004· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED SPILLING COOLANT AND DISABLING CAR. THIS WAS A PLASTIC PART THAT HAS BEEN REPLACED BY METAL. DEALER SAYS LARGE NUMBERS OF THESE FAILURES. COST OVER $1,000 TO REPAIR. POSSIBLE RECALL FOR OTHER MODEL LINES USING EXACT SAME ENGINE IE CROWN VICTORIA.*AK

• 12/01/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  DT: THE CONTACT STATED FLUID WAS LEAKING AROUND HIS HEATER HOSE. AFTER REPLACING THE HOSE SEVERAL TIMES IT WAS STILL LEAKING. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED. THE CONTACT MADE A TEMPORARY PATCH FOR THE CRACK. NO OTHER REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. *AK UPDATED 1/4/2006 - *NM

• 12/01/1998· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  CONSUMER SAYS THAT SOMETHING UNDER THE VEHICLE HAS RUBBED THROUGH THE BRAKE LINE THAT GOES TO THE ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK REFERENCED IN RQ03-004

• 11/30/2009· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  MY 1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS JUST EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE OF ITS INTAKE MANIFOLD MADE OF PLASTIC. *TR

• 11/30/1999· STEERING

  EXCESSIVE ROAD SHOCK FELT IN STEERING SINCE CAR WAS NEW. 2 DEALERS SAID NOT A PROBLEM BUT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE WITH AGE OF CAR. ALSO WHEEL SKIP ON MODERATELY BUMPY ROADS IE ASPHALT STRIPS IN PAVEMENT. *AK

• 11/29/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  FAILURE OF INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS SUDDEN/CATESTROPHIC AND HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEED. ENGINE COOLANT CAUSED A CLOUD OF STEAM SO THICK, FORWARD VISION WAS COMPLETELY BLOCKED. BLOCKED FORWARD VISION COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. DT

• 11/27/2001· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  THE VEHICLES INTAKE MANIFOLD DEVELOPED A 4 1/2 INCH CRACK AT THE FRONT EDGE. THIS CRACK CAUSED A TOTAL LOSS OF ALL COOLANT. *JG

• 11/25/2006· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  COMPOSITE HEADLIGHT LENSES TURNED MILKY TO THE POINT THAT VEHICLE BECAME UNUSABLE FOR NIGHT DRIVING. AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER UNWILLING TO REPLACE OR ASSIST WITH REPLACEMENT COSTS. DEALERSHIP WANTS $583.84 TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES. *JB SAFETY DEFECTS CAUSING LIFE THREATENING SITUATION.

• 11/24/2003· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  97 MERCURY MARQUIS GS, IT HAS 91K MI ON IT. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED UNEXPECTEDLY WITH A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC COOLANT CROSSOVER. THE COOLANT SPRAYED ALL OVER INSIDE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IT WAS THE WEEKEND I WAS ON A RURAL HIGHWAY IN THE STICKS WITH MY TWO KIDS AGES 4 & 6 IN THE CAR SOMEWHERE BETWEEN BOSTON & THE UNIVERSITY OF NH. NOT WANTING TO BECOME STRANDED IN SUB ZERO DEGREE WEATHER IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE, I MANAGED TO CRAWL IT INTO THE DRIVEWAY OF A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE IT DIED & WOULD NOT START, THE MOTOR WAS SUPER HOT! THE MECHANIC ADDED COOLANT MANAGED TO GET THE ENGINE TURN OVER AFTER SITTING FOR THE WEEKEND & CALLED TO TELL ME THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED & THAT IS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL BY FORD. IT COST ME OVER $1200 FOR THE EXPENSES INCURRED AS A RESULT(PARTS & LABOR, HOTEL & RENTAL CAR EXPENSES). THE ENGINE MIRACULOUSLY HAS BEEN RUNNING FINE FOR CLOSE TO A YEAR NOW WITH A NEWLY FACTORY REDESIGNED (ALUMINUM COOLANT CROSSOVER) FORD INTAKE MANIFOLD. *LA

• 11/21/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 40PMH THE ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD DEVELOPED A CRACKED AND LOSE ALL ANTIFREEZE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

• 11/20/2002· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  CONSUMER STATES THAT DUE TO FORD MANUFACTUERS USING A MANIFOLD MADE OF PLASTIC AND NOT METAL, HE HAD TO PAY A LARGE SUM OF MONEY TO REPLACE IT. PH

• 11/18/2003· SUSPENSION

  WHILE REVERSING IN THE DRIVEWAY THE LOWER BALL JOINT FELL OFF. THE DEALER REPLACED THE LOWER BALL JOINT. *AK

• 11/14/1997· POWER TRAIN

  VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION DECELERATES, VERY ERRATIC OPERATION.

• 11/13/1998· SEAT BELTS

  THE SHOULDER RESTRAINT BELT IN THIS VEHICLE APPLIES TOO MUCH PRESSURE TO CONSUMER'S SHOULDER, CAUSING PAINS IN THE UPPER LEFT SHOULDER. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

• 11/12/1996· TIRES

  SPARE TIRE IN INADEQUATE IN SIZE AND COMPATIBILITY FOR VEHICLE.

• 11/09/2006· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  THE INTAKE MANIFOLD ON MY 1997 GRAND MARQUIS HAS CRACKED LEAKING COOLANT. I AM TOLD MERCURY HAD AN "EXTENDED WARRANTY" FOR SUCH FAILURES, BUT MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED. THIS IS A VERY COSTLY ITEM AND THE RESULT OF FORD USING INFERIOR PLASTIC FOR THEIR MANIFOLDS IS THERE ANY WAY TO RECOVER THESE COSTS? *NM

• 11/09/2005· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS CLOUDING IN THE HEADLIGHT LENSES. THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT APPEAR TO BE BRIGHT AS THEY SHOULD BE. *AK

• 11/09/2004· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  WHILE DRIVING, THE HEADLIGHT LENS OVER THE YEARS HAS BECOME CLOUDY. WHICH CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING. *JB CONSUMER WAS CHARGED FOR REPAIRS AND THINKS THEY SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE. *TC

• 11/09/2004· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  1997 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS INTAKE MANIFOLD. *BF THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE HAD A PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD. AFTER SO MANY MILES THE PRESSURE MADE THE FRONT END OF THE MANIFOLD CRACK AND LEAK. THE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT MANY OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODELS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. *TC *JB *TC

• 11/09/1998· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  MY PROBLEMS BEGAN ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE. THE ABS AND THE POWER LOSS, I CONSIDER TO BE LIFE THREATENING. THE POWER LOSSES OCCURRED DURING RUSH HOUR, AFTER DARK AND WHILE DRIVING ALONE. CONSIDERING THE FACT THAT I AM FEMALE, I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A TWO-FOLD DANGER. FORD HAS OFFERED TO PAY ME $2000 TOWARD THE TRADE-IN OF MY CAR (CLOVERLEAF TO PAY 17,500 FOR MINE). THIS STILL HAS ME PAYING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF 5500 FOR A 99 MODEL. I DID NOT PURCHASE MY CAR TO BE TRADING IN AFTER A YEAR AND NONE OF THIS IS MY DOING NOR MY CHOICE. THE CAR I WAS DRIVING BEFORE THE PURCHASE OF MY NEW ONE (IT WASN'T A FORD PRODUCT) HAD 150,000 MILES. I NO LONGER FELT SAFE IN IT. IT APPEARS THAT I WAS WRONG. I PROBABLY WAS SAFER IN IT THAN IN THE NEW ONE. I REALIZE THAT NONE OF MY PROBLEMS WILL QUALIFY MY CAR FOR THE LEMON LAW, HOWEVER, CONSIDERING THE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD, I MOST DEFINEATELY CONSIDER IT TO BE A LEMON.

• 11/07/2007· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  JUST LEFT HIGHWAY REST STOP IN KENTUCKY, NO SIGNS OF COOLANT LEAKAGE OR ANY PROBLEMS. WITHIN 5-7 MILES AT 65MPH, A BEEP, BEEP SOUND, THEN TEMPERATURE GAUGE ROSE IMMEDIATELY TO HIGH , BEGAN TO SLOW VEHICLE & TURNED HEATER ON. STEAM WAS SCENE FROM UNDER THE HOOD AS WE APPROACHED A CONSTRUCTION AREA. WE BARELY MADE IT TO A CLOSED WEIGH STATION. FAILURE WAS SUDDEN & CATASTROPHIC. HAD WE REMAINED ON THE HIGHWAY, AN ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE SURELY OCCURRED, NO SHOULDER WAS AVAILABLE. TWO HOURS WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCK, WHICH FINALLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALER. BEING A SUNDAY, WE HAD TO OBTAIN OVERNIGHT STAY IN A HOTEL. MONDAY THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD. DEALER REPLACED THE PART, INCLUDING THERMOSTAT & COOLANT. DEALER KEPT THE OLD PARTS. DEALER SAID NO RECALL WAS MADE FOR THIS PART. I BELIEVE THIS WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT WHICH HAS VERY SERIOUS OR DEADLY CONSEQUENCE & SHOULD BE REIMBURSED/CORRECTED BY RECALL OF ALL OF THESE PLASTIC MANIFOLDS. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU *TR

• 11/05/2004· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED. VEHICLE OVERHEATED. CONSUMER STATED THAT THEY WERE SOME PLASTIC PIECES IN THE ENGINE.*AK

• 11/05/2003· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  VEHICLE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING DUE TO A CRACK IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN SHE SMELLED ANTI-FREEZE, SHE PULLED OVER AND THEN THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED. *SCC *JB

• 11/04/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  IN NOVEMBER OF 2001 I LEFT FOR A TRIP IN MY MERCURY, ABOUT HALFWAY TO MY DESTINATION, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD OF MY CAR FAILED, THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF MY COOLANT SYSTEM EVACUATED IN LESS THAN ONE MINUTE. I THOUGHT I HAD RUPTURED A HOSE, UPON CLOSER INSPECTION; IT APPEARED TO ME THAT A HOSE HAD BLOWN CLOSE TO THE ENGINE BLOCK IN A PLACE THAT I COULD NOT SEE WELL. A MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THE NEXT DAY THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS PLASTIC AND THAT IT HAD CRACKED. BUT LUCKILY FOR ME HE WOULD HELP ME OUT, HE HAPPENED TO HAVE A SPARE MANIFOLD THAT HE HAD TAKEN OFF OF ANOTHER CAR LIKE MINE. APPARENTLY, SOMEONE HAD BLOWN A HEAD GASKET IN THEIR 97 GRAND MARQUIS AND THE OWNERS WERE CONVINCED THAT IT WAS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. SO THE MECHANIC REPLACED THEIR MANIFOLD AND KEPT THEIR OLD ONE THAT WAS STILL GOOD. THE MECHANIC WAS WILLING TO SELL ME THE MANIFOLD AND REPLACE THE BROKEN ONE ON MY CAR FOR ABOUT HALF THE PRICE IT WAS GOING TO COST ME TO HAVE THE DEALERSHIP REPLACE IT. THE DEALER WOULD HAVE BILLED ME NEARLY $600.00, SO I TOLD HIM TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS. HE TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH THE PLASTIC INTAKES AND HAD REDESIGNED THEM. THE ONE HE PLACED ON MY CAR WAS SUPPOSEDLY OF THE NEW DESIGN. LATER IN A MOMENTARY LAPSE OF JUDGMENT I TOLD HIM TO DISPOSE OF THE ORIGINAL, WHICH I BELIEVE WAS CRACKED IN THE SAME PLACE AS THE ONE IN THE PICTURES FOUND AT THIS WEBSITE HTTP://PUBLIC.FOTKI.COM/TRSI/FORD_INTAKE_RECALL/ LAST NIGHT AS I WAS RUNNING SOME ERRANDS AROUND TOWN, MY CAR STARTED TO OVERHEAT. I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT I FIGURED I MIGHT HAVE A HOLE IN A HEATER HOSE. SINCE I RECENTLY STARTED USING THE HEATER IN THE CAR. THE CAR RAN HOT ALL THE WAY HOME NO MATTER WHAT I DID OR HOW MUCH AIR I TRIED TO PASS THROUGH THE RADIATOR. IN THE PATH TO OR FROM THE RADIATOR FROM THE HEATER CORE. THE HEATER HOSES GO THROUGH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE PLASTIC FITTING THAT ACCEPTS THE HEATER HOSE HAS A HAIRLINE CRACK RUNNING ITS ENTIRE LENGTH. DT