1989 Mercury Grand Marquis Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 28%of 58 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the electrical system of the 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis, 28% of the 58 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,000 miles. 11 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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 2000-02Related recalls
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.Covers: Mercury Grand Marquis 1988–1989, Ford Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993 +12 more
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 3 | 33% |
| 2010 | 3 | 12% |
| 2009 | 4 | 15% |
| 2008 | 9 | 11% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 8 | 6% |
| 2005 | 75 | 15% |
| 2004 | 40 | 11% |
| 2003 | 51 | 14% |
| 2002 | 10 | 13% |
| 2001 | 13 | 8% |
| 2000 | 17 | 10% |
| 1999 | 15 | 9% |
| 1998 | 15 | 10% |
| 1997 | 12 | 4% |
| 1996 | 16 | 7% |
| 1995 | 20 | 11% |
| 1994 | 10 | 6% |
| 1993 | 20 | 14% |
| 1992 | 41 | 16% |
| 1991 | 21 | 26% |
| 1990 | 13 | 23% |
| 1989 | 16 | 28% |
| 1988 | 36 | 49% |
| 1987 | 19 | 44% |
| 1986 | 11 | 52% |
| 1985 | 11 | 52% |
| 1984 | 5 | 33% |
| 1983 | 2 | 29% |
Other parts of the 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis
14 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsTires
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology