1988 Mercury Grand Marquis Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe electrical problems centered on the ignition switch and column wiring, including smoke, burning insulation and stalling. A second recurring theme is unexpected or stuck acceleration, sometimes with the cruise control off, and several complaints involve fuel or rust-related leaks. Many reports come from vehicles well past 90,000 miles, and several describe the problem returning after an earlier ignition switch campaign was performed.

1. 1
   Electrical system

   Ignition switch overheating, smoke and fire

   • 23 complaints (32%)
   • typically at 8.8 yrs old
   • 14 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1995–2002

   Complaints describe the ignition switch or steering column getting hot, smoke coming from the switch or column, and in some cases the wiring harness or connector burning or melting. Some owners report the switch refusing to turn off or failing to return to the run position after starting, leaving lights and accessories dead. Several say the problem appeared or returned after the switch was replaced under a recall campaign, and dealers are described as unwilling to replace it again. Reported across a wide mileage range, often on older vehicles that had already had the switch serviced once.

   Recall 96V071000

   What to check: Ask whether the ignition switch campaign was completed and whether the switch or connector has been replaced since; after a drive, feel the switch and column for unusual warmth and look for melted or discolored wiring.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “In 98 we took this car in for an ignition switch recall when we returned home the switch refused to allow us to turn it off we called the ford dealer that had done the replacement we had never had this problem untill this time then once I got it turned off and we went to restart the car it would not return to the run position or allow any of the lights or accessories to work I called the dealer again and was told to bring it in leave it running and they would fix it as soon as they could this was at 5:00 p.m.on a friday evening and they …”

   NHTSA complaint #707412, filed 1999-06

   “Ford says the starter switch has been replaced once under the starter switch recall. They say they will not replace the switch again. The switch has burned contacts and is deformed probably from heat. The harness connector, that goes to the switch, is melted , split and deformed. My turn signals and A/C fan motor does not work. I also get erroneous engine warning and low oil warning lighting at various times. The switch does get very warm and it was just that or hot upon failure. The recall (96v071000) did not actually repair the problem. …”

   NHTSA complaint #763800, filed 2002-07
2. 2
   Vehicle speed control

   Unexpected or stuck acceleration

   • 11 complaints (15%)
   • median 90,000 mi at 18.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
   • 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1995–2005

   Owners describe the car speeding up on its own at highway speed with the cruise control off, or the accelerator sticking, with braking giving limited response. Some reports involve sudden acceleration when shifting into reverse, and in a few cases smoke or flames from underneath followed the event. Several owners say the dealer inspected the car and could not find a cause. Mostly reported at highway speeds or when shifting from park, with several complaints on vehicles around 90,000 miles or more.

   What to check: Check that the throttle linkage and cruise control cable move freely and return fully, and ask whether the throttle body or linkage has been serviced; a test drive should include a firm brake check at low speed.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “While driving on interstate 94 in chicago, I accelerated to pass a car. The acceleration device within the engine, not only stuck, but it increased speed. I tried to brake the car with little response. I got on the exit ramp and with 2 feet on the brakes, could not stop the car. We rear ended a woman stopped at a red light. We put the bumper of her jeep into her back seat, then veered off her car and smashed into a cement retaining wall. My daughter was in the front seat of my car. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10142395, filed 2005-11, 90,000 miles

   “I was driving at a steady speed of approx. 45 -50mph on rt.219 in orchard park, n y, when my 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis wagon started to accelerate on its own. The cruise control was not engaged. The car continued to accelerate on level groung to approx. 60 MPH. Continuous braking only slowed the car temporarily. I managed to brake the car enough to get off the exit ramp and only was able to stop it by riding the brake pedal and putting the car into n. Smoke and flames were coming from under the car. …”

   NHTSA complaint #725753, filed 2000-07

Buying note. These are old cars, so condition and service history matter more than the model's record; on inspection, look closely at the ignition switch and column wiring, the fuel tank straps and throttle linkage. Ask for paperwork on any ignition switch campaign work and treat intermittent stalling or a hot switch as a reason to have the car checked before buying.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 25 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.