MotorDeets

1997 Mercury Grand Marquis: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis: 4 recalls, 316 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

4vehicle recalls
316owner complaints
11mention a crash
18best combined mpg
1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Seat belts Vehicle recall #00V157002 · 2000 · 1,129 vehicles

What's wrong: These seat belt assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 209, "seat belt assemblies." the equipment involved is service stock seat belt assemblies, model nos. H 9977, h 9979, t 9063, and t 9217, built by trw vehicle safety systems, Inc. (trw) manufactured from June 1, 1998 through May 21, 2000. Some of these seat belt assemblies May have been installed as service replacement equipment on the…

Why it matters: In the event of a collision, these seat belts May not restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury.

The fix: Dealers will inspect these vehicles and replace the service seat belt assemblies that were installed in these vehicles from January 1 through June 13, 2000.

Seat belts Vehicle recall #00V157001 · 2000 · 1,167 vehicles

What's wrong: These seat belt assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 209, "seat belt assemblies." the equipment involved is service stock seat belt assemblies, model nos. H 9977, h 9979, t 9063, and t 9217, built by trw vehicle safety systems, Inc. (trw) manufactured from June 1, 1998 through May 21, 2000. Some of these seat belt assemblies May have been installed as service replacement equipment on the…

Why it matters: In the event of a collision, these seat belts May not restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury.

The fix: Dealers will inspect these vehicles and replace the service seat belt assemblies that were installed in these vehicles from January 1 through June 13, 2000.

Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #07V336000 · 2007 · 3,600,000 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch May, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.

Why it matters: This could result in an underhood fire.

The fix: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness. Owners of the passenger cars included in this campaign will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected as an interim repair. As soon as repair parts are available (expected October…

Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #08V051000 · 2008 · 225,000 vehicles

What's wrong: The affected vehicles were previously repaired using a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity.

Why it matters: As a result, the fuse is located in the output circuit rather than in the intended input power feed circuit, and May not offer the intended protection in the event of an electrical short to ground.

The fix: Dealers will install a new wiring harness, or replace the mating electrical component. The recall began on February 18, 2008.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Steering Equipment recall #15E082000 · 2015 · 1,767 vehicles

What's wrong: Dorman products, Inc. (dorman) is recalling certain model dorman steering shafts, part number 425-359, solutions steering shafts, part number 7-0359, and oe solutions steering shafts, part number 425-359, manufactured April 17, 2014, to September 28, 2015. These aftermarket replacement steering shafts are sold for use in 1995-2002 Ford crown victoria, Mercury grand marquis, and Lincoln town car vehicles. These…

Why it matters: If the shafts separate during vehicle operation, a loss of steering control would result, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

The fix: Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2015.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 11 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine & cooling124
Brakes (hydraulic)32
Fuel system32
Suspension26
Speed control / throttle24
Steering22
Exterior lights19
Transmission & drivetrain12

What owners describe

The 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis has 316 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 22 Grand Marquis model years for complaints (1.9× the average Grand Marquis year). Complaints peaked in 2004 (49 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 80,436 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (239 complaints, 5 recalls), 1998 (143 complaints, 5 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.6 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive152318Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis manual

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FAQ

Does the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis problems?

Owners have filed 316 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (124), brakes (hydraulic) (32), fuel system (32).

What gas mileage does the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis get?

EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.6 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Grand Marquis years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011