1989 Mercury Grand Marquis Problems
- Complaints
- 58filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 75,250miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 5.0L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe unexpected acceleration, including a cruise control that did not disengage and vehicles that moved forward unexpectedly when starting or pulling out. Electrical shorts, sparking or stalling, and oil or fuel leaks linked to rust or damaged parts are also reported. Most sampled complaints do not state mileage, so the sample says little about when these problems occur.
- Vehicle speed control
Unexpected acceleration or cruise control failure
- 10 complaints (17%)
- typically at 9.4 yrs old
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2005
Owners describe a vehicle that accelerated without the driver asking, including a cruise control that did not disengage and sped the car well past the set speed on a highway. Others say the engine revved and the car moved forward while the brake was applied, or that the throttle stuck open or the car lurched forward when starting. According to complaints, some of these events led to collisions, and dealers sometimes could not find the problem or declined responsibility. None of these complaints states mileage; they describe events on the highway, when starting the car, and when pulling into traffic.
What to check: On a test drive, check that the cruise control cancels when the brake is tapped, and ask whether any throttle or cruise control repair has been made.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Dt: the consumer owns a 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis. The engine revved up which caused the vehicle to move forward while he had his foot on the brake. The first time this incident happened it did not cause an accident, but the second occurrence, he rear ended another vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10121626, filed 2005-07“Consumer experiencing problem with vehicle acceleration. While pulling into an inter section, waiting on traffic light to change, vehicle started to accelerate. Consumer pressed down on brakes to prevent vehicle from hitting another vehicle. Consumer was able to change gear into neutral, and tapping on accelerator pedal was able to disengage the acceleration. Also cruise control was not engaged at the time. Dealer/mfr. Notified and refused to accept responsibility. Can NHTSA help in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #835232, filed 1999-03 - Electrical system
Electrical shorts, sparking or stalling
- 9 complaints (16%)
- median 29,000 mi at 16.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–2004
Owners describe an ignition switch that shorted, leading to a fire in the steering column, and a battery that sparked during installation and damaged the alternator. Other complaints describe headlights that repeatedly turned on and off at high beam, and repeated stalling that a mechanic could not trace. A complaint notes that the vehicle was listed among those with a distributor-mounted module concern. Where mileage is given, the battery complaint reports about 29,000 miles, and the other complaints do not state mileage.
What to check: Ask whether the ignition switch has been checked or replaced under any recall, and during a test drive confirm that the headlights stay on at high beam.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving at night with the headlights on high-beam the lights start to go on and off repeatedly. I have to put the head-lights on low-beam and then they stay on. If I put them back on high-beam they start to go on and off again. It seems as if there is a short in the electrical system.”
NHTSA complaint #718860, filed 2000-02“When attempting to install a brand new craft silver 651 battery it started sparking. The retail store was contacted, and they indicated that the battery will stop sparking once installed. Consumer installed the battery and it blew up the alternator. Retail store district manager was contacted. He inspected the alternator, and acknowledged the damage, but did not admit that the battery destroyed it.”
NHTSA complaint #10094498, filed 2004-09, 29,000 miles - Fuel system
Oil or fuel leaks
- 5 complaints (9%)
- median 120,514 mi at 14.1 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 1996–2003
Owners describe oil or gasoline leaking onto the ground, in some cases from a fuel line that rusted through, an oil pan that rusted, or a fuel tank with holes where support straps rubbed. A complaint describes an oil leak that a mechanic could not trace to its source. A further complaint describes a repair held up because the manufacturer had a fuel line part on back order. Mileage is stated only for the frame and oil pan rust complaint, at 120,514 miles.
What to check: Check the fuel tank straps, fuel lines and undercarriage for rust and wet spots, and ask the seller for any records of leak repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Fuel line rusted out and leaked gasoline onto pavement, under driver's seat. This event was not caused by an accident, and did not cause an accident. This event did create a fire hazard, but it was caught in time. My car is in the dealer's repair shop 13+ days now and still awaiting repair, because the manufacturer (ford) has the new fuel line part on national back order and refuses to fulfill my dealer's order for a new part. Please help me get my car fixed. …”
NHTSA complaint #726949, filed 2000-08“The vehicle frame had approximately three feet of rust and corrosion. The rust was also noticed by the bracket that holds the transmission support cross member. The engine oil pan rusted out which caused an oil leak. Also two of the tires had acquired bulges.”
NHTSA complaint #10006294, filed 2003-02, 120,514 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission or axle failure
- 6 complaints (10%)
- median 103,507 mi at 15.0 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2004
Owners describe gears that became hard to shift and transmissions that needed rebuilding, sometimes after a small part dropped out and led to the engine surging. Some owners paid for the rebuild themselves and asked for a refund. A complaint describes a deteriorated plastic bushing and wiring on the transmission that damaged it, and a separate complaint describes a left rear axle that broke while driving so the wheel came off. Mileage is stated only for the transmission bushing complaint, at 86,500 miles.
What to check: Ask for transmission service records, check that gears shift smoothly through the range during a test drive, and ask whether the transmission has been rebuilt or the axle replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On the 6th of july while driving home from ocala to belleview transmission which is plastic) and has been replaced with a metal one, but by this defect in the original manufacturer it caused the tranmission to have to be rebuilt at a cost to me of $748.24. I believe because of this defect I should have a refund of the cost caused the tranmission to have to be rebuilt, at a cost to me of $ 748.24.”
NHTSA complaint #748282, filed 2001-07“The plastic bushing kickback wiring located on top of transmiss has deterioated and caused the transmission to become damaged, and wasnot operational.”
NHTSA complaint #10089609, filed 2004-08, 86,500 miles
Buying note. Buyers considering this model year should test whether the cruise control disengages when the brake is applied, and check the electrical system and headlights. They should also look for rust, fluid leaks, and signs of hard or delayed shifting 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.
NHTSA recorded 58 consumer complaints for the 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis. 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 25% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 75,250 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 17 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system16 28%
- Vehicle speed control14 24%
- Brakes6 10%
- Engine cooling6 10%
- Fuel system5 8.6%
- Tires3 5.2%
- Body and structure2 3.5%
- Seat belts1 1.7%
Also reported: Steering (1).
Example complaints
Vehicle speed control: “In only 3 occurrences when starting vehicle, it would leap forward unexpectedly which may cause an accident. Dealer cannot determine problem. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #834750, filed 1999-02Brakes: “Hydraulic brakes; while driving, the vehicle brakes failed. Consumer states the brake line went out and this is the third time it has been replaced, consumer was told that it will go out again as the air condition drips on the brake line causing it to disenagrate.”
NHTSA complaint #987335, filed 1996-07Engine cooling: “Oil leak. Cannot find where it is coming from. Car smokes and smells from oil. Mechanic is absolutely mystified. He cannot locate where motor oil leak is coming from. Undercarriage is wet with oil.”
NHTSA complaint #717377, filed 2000-01Mileage when problems were reported
25% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 64,000 and 86,500 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Marquis RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Grand Marquis Wagon RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Mercury Grand Marquis 1988–1989, Ford Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993 +12 more
The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Recall details for the 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Other model years of the Mercury Grand Marquis
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 9 | 83,750 | 2 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 2010 | 25 | 36,000 | 2 | — | 19 | 42 · Typical | Rising |
| 2009 | 26 | 33,000 | 2 | — | 19 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2008 | 80 | 46,330 | 3 | — | 18 | 84 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 96 | 29,430 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 143 | 63,706 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 488 | 72,800 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2004 | 348 | 82,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 362 | 85,194 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 78 | 51,000 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 157 | 71,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 162 | 73,825 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 164 | 103,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 143 | 84,700 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 316 | 80,436 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 239 | 84,263 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1995 | 179 | 89,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 156 | 99,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 144 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 255 | 114,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 82 | 79,994 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 56 | 89,000 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 58 | 75,250 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 73 | 94,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 43 | 131,200 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 21 | — | 1 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 21 | 87,000 | 0 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 15 | — | 1 | — | 16 | — | Stable |
| 1983 | 7 | 74,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Mercury Grand Marquis model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis?
Owners of this model year most often describe unexpected acceleration, including a cruise control that did not disengage and vehicles that moved forward unexpectedly when starting or pulling out. The issues reported most often: Unexpected acceleration or cruise control failure; Electrical shorts, sparking or stalling; Oil or fuel leaks.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis have?
NHTSA recorded 58 consumer complaints for the 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 16 complaints (28% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control with 14.
Has the 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis get?
The EPA rates the 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis (Grand Marquis, 5.0L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 75,250 miles and the middle half falls between 64,000 and 86,500 miles; 25% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.