1992 Mercury Grand Marquis Problems
- Complaints
- 255filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 114,000miles, 15 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns 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
- 20 mpgcombined, 4.6L 8-cyl RWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 1992 Grand Marquis report a mix of electrical and lighting trouble, cruise control faults, ABS brake problems, and transmission shifting complaints on a car that is now decades old and often well past 100,000 miles. Many complaints center on the speed control deactivation switch and on headlight and tail-light circuits that quit or overheat, while brake complaints range from pedal pulsation to fluid leaks.
- Vehicle speed control
Cruise control switch overheating and underhood fire
- 60 complaints (24%)
- median 102,500 mi at 13.5 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 32 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2010
Complaints describe smoke or flames from under the hood, sometimes while cruise control is in use and sometimes while the car is parked with the engine off. Several owners say the fire followed a recall repair on the speed control assembly, or that they never received notice of the recall. Others describe cruise control engaging on its own or surging and dropping speed intermittently. Reported across a wide mileage range, from roughly 46,000 to 200,000 miles, including while parked and unattended.
Recall 99V124000Recall 07V336000Recall 08V051000
What to check: Ask whether the speed control deactivation switch recall work was completed and with the correct harness, and check the switch and connector at the brake master cylinder area for heat damage or melted plastic.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have not expierenced a failure to my car (except that the drive train had to be replaced before 50,000 miles). I am sending this info. Because I discovered that there had been a recall(NHTSA campaign #99v124000). I want to find a dealer in or near my area to replace and install a new speed control deactivation switch and connector shell) my car was bought from a used car auto sales place.,not an actual Mercury dealer. Can you please advise me on how to proceed in having this defect to my car repaired? Your help and guidence is appreciated. …”
NHTSA complaint #760801, filed 2002-04“Smoke was coming out from under the hood while driving the car using cruise control. Pulled over and checked the fluids on the car. No problem. Started driving again and began to have problems. Pulled over again and saw smoke then flames coming out. Car was a total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #10310142, filed 2010-02, 80,000 miles - Exterior lighting
Headlights and tail lights quit or wiring overheats
- 21 complaints (8%)
- median 120,000 mi at 24.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2019
Owners describe headlights that switch off and on while driving, tail lights and instrument panel lights that fail to come on with the headlights, and bulbs that dim over time. In a few reports the headlight switch area, wire or connector was found burned or melted, and one owner noted the dashboard felt hot. Mostly reported between about 46,000 and 200,000 miles, often noticed during night driving.
What to check: With the lights on, check that tail, parking and dash lights all work, then inspect the headlight switch connector and wiring for discoloration or heat damage.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving at night, it was noticed that the instrument panel lights, tail lights, and parking lights were not lit even though the headlights brake lights and turn signals were working properly. The fuse for that circuit was checked and it was not blown. The dashboard was disassembled for removal of the headlight switch and it was revealed that the wire to the tail lamp/parking lamp/instrument panel had become hot enough to melt the wire itself. …”
NHTSA complaint #10167874, filed 2006-09, 129,000 miles“Head light goes on-off frequently. Auto delay off switch is operational even though head light getting on-off. I found that this vehicle has been recalled for this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11268287, filed 2019-10, 89,000 miles - Brakes
ABS engaging unexpectedly, pedal pulsation and fluid leaks
- 19 complaints (7%)
- median 68,052 mi at 18.4 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2016
Complaints describe the ABS energizing when there is no wheel slip, including with the car idling in park, and braking that feels sudden or extreme afterward. Others report a brake pedal that does not fully return, pulsation and vibration when stopping, rusted drums, and brake fluid leaks that let the pedal reach the floor. Owners say dealers were often unable to resolve the ABS concern. Reported from very low mileage (rotor replacement around 13,000 miles) up to roughly 135,000 miles, in both wet and dry conditions.
What to check: Check brake fluid level and look for leaks at the lines and ABS unit, and ask whether the ABS light has come on or the system has activated without wheel slip.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Dt: the brake lines were rotting. The consumer noticed this on april 21, 2004. Vehicle lost brake function while driving. This happened on dry pavement. There was no warning and no noise. Did not contact the dealer, but had it repaired at a local automotive shop.”
NHTSA complaint #10137840, filed 2005-10, 47,465 miles“The ABS system has been an ongoing problem for this vehicle since it was purchased. The problem is that the ABS system will energize at times when there is no slippage of the wheels. There are times when the ABS system energizes with the vehicle idling in park. When the vehicle is in motion, if the ABS system energizes, and the driver has to use the brakes, the braking action is sudden and extreme, creating a very dangerous condition. …”
NHTSA complaint #724691, filed 2000-06 - Electrical system
Air bag warning light and deployment concerns
- 14 complaints (5%)
- typically at 5.2 yrs old
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2002
Owners report the air bag warning light staying on or blinking, with diagnoses pointing to a connector or module and a wiring harness replacement. Some complaints describe late or no deployment in a collision, and one describes an unexpected inflation. Mileage is not stated in most reports; light and module concerns appear across the model's later complaint records.
What to check: Verify the air bag light behaves normally on key-on and ask whether the module, clockspring or harness has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Consumer was stopped in a line of traffic when consumer was hit in the rear at extreme speed. Was forced to hit the vehicle in front head-on at approx 40 MPH. Driver's air bag did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #813163, filed 1997-06“Horn and cruise control work intermittently, air bag light reads code 13 + 34. Short in air bag module, causes light to blink. Dealer stated wire harness needeed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #890997, filed 2001-06 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shifting and gear engagement problems
- 25 complaints (10%)
- typically at 4.3 yrs old
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2002
Owners describe the transmission rumbling on the 3-4/overdrive shift, hesitation and jumping at around 20 to 40 mph, and a gear selector that shows park while the car is still moving or in reverse. Some reports describe a loud bang and loss of drive without warning. Mileage is not stated in most of these reports; several describe the problem as ongoing or recurring over time.
What to check: Test the shift from reverse to drive and into park on a slope, watch for shudder or slipping on the overdrive shift, and ask about transmission service or replacement history.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Have had the transmission worked on 3 different times. The third time they put in a new transmission. Which I had to pay for. The paint is peeling off and leaving big bare spots. I have had my right back door worked on several times because the locks wouldn't open and the windows would not roll down right now my right rear window and my left front window will not roll down!!! My car hesitates and jumps when I am going about 20-40 miles per hour, and when I hit 50-60 MPH my steering wheel starts to vibrate. …”
NHTSA complaint #703916, filed 1999-03“When shifting into park, vehicle would still be moving, backwards. Would have to shift into neutral before starting. Even when shifting into park, it's in reverse. Happens every day & it's an intermittent problem. Gear lever would indicate it's in park. Will be taking vehicle to dealer to check transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #842473, filed 1999-07
Buying note. On a car this old, treat the speed control switch and headlight switch wiring as inspection items before driving it regularly, and budget for brake and transmission work given the age. Records of completed recall work are worth asking for.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 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 255 consumer complaints for the 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis. 15 of the complaints include a mileage, and 13% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 114,000 miles. Of all complaints, 22 involved a crash, 27 a fire, 114 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 2 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.
- Brakes48 19%
- Electrical system41 16%
- Vehicle speed control31 12%
- Exterior lighting23 9.0%
- Fuel system20 7.8%
- Engine cooling19 7.4%
- Air bags14 5.5%
- Body and structure12 4.7%
Also reported: Seats (10), Steering (9), Other or unknown (7), Latches, locks and linkages (6), Suspension (5), Equipment (4), Tires (3), Wheels (3), Electronic stability control (1), Interior lighting (1), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “The contact owns a 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle leaked brake fluid and failed. The brake warning indicator illuminated intermittently. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,639.”
NHTSA complaint #10819686, filed 2016-01, 88,639 milesElectrical system: “My 1992 Grand Marquis was taken in for what was a minor miss in the engine. The machanic said the computer showed a code 214. He replaced the coolant temperature sensor/switch (for computer) per the code in the car's computer. The car was returned to me and I drove it to work, about five minutes away from the repair shop. About 4 hours later I got in the car to drive home and it started missing real bad, like it was not getting enough gas and about to shut off. My car has been to a ford dealrship who wanted $1,700 in vehicale preparation cost before dealing with what may be the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10082724, filed 2004-07, 135,297 milesVehicle speed control: “Consumer drove home, parked the vehicle under the carport, went into the house,then heard an explosion. Consumer looked out of the door and discovered a fire coming from the left wheel well. The fire department responded, extinguished the fire, and the vehicle was totaled. This vehicle not included in the cruise NHTSA recall 99v124000. Consumer never received recall regarding cruise control. Cruise control failed just as stated in recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10111795, filed 2005-04, 164,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Digital speedometer; when driving in sunny weather or when the sun is beaming on the digital speedometer or dash area of the vehicle, consumer is unable to identify how fast the vehicle is traveling, resulting in unattended and unwanted speed. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #825748, filed 1998-07Mileage when problems were reported
13% of the 15 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 88,639 and 135,297 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Marquis · sedan | not rated | 3 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1992 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 | 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Grand Marquis RWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
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
- 08V051000Feb 4, 2008Vehicle speed control › Cruise controlCovers: Mercury Grand Marquis 1992–1998, Ford E-150 1992–2003, Econoline 1992–2003 +10 more
Ford is recalling 225,000 my 1992-2003 econoline, my 1993-1995 taurus sho, my 1992-1998 crown victoria, my 1993 bronco, f-series, my 1995-1997 f-series super duty stripped chassis, my 1992-1998 mercury grand marquis, and my 1992-1995 lincoln town car…
- 07V336000Aug 3, 2007Vehicle speed controlCovers: Mercury Grand Marquis 1992–1998, Ford E-150 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-350 1992–1993, 1997–2003 +18 more
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.
- 99V124000May 19, 1999Electrical systemCovers: Mercury Grand Marquis 1992–1993, Ford Crown Victoria 1992–1993, Lincoln Town CAR 1992–1993
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The speed control deactivation switch can develop a resistive short in the electrical circuit that could potentially result in an underhood fire. A fire is possible both when the vehicle is running and when the…
Recall details for the 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 2 on record; the latest 2 are shown.
- 10026401May 15, 2008Fuel system. Ford/lincoln mercury: certain 1992-2001 model year crown victoria, grand marquis, and town car vehicles registered in the states of wisconsin and connecticut upgrade modifications for high speed…
- 10013060Oct 14, 2002Equipment. Climate control a/c service tech tips.
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 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis?
Owners of the 1992 Grand Marquis report a mix of electrical and lighting trouble, cruise control faults, ABS brake problems, and transmission shifting complaints on a car that is now decades old and often well past 100,000 miles. The issues reported most often: Cruise control switch overheating and underhood fire; Headlights and tail lights quit or wiring overheats; ABS engaging unexpectedly, pedal pulsation and fluid leaks.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis have?
NHTSA recorded 255 consumer complaints for the 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 48 complaints (19% of the total), followed by electrical system with 41.
Has the 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis get?
The EPA rates the 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis (Grand Marquis, 4.6L 8-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis reported?
Among the 15 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 114,000 miles and the middle half falls between 88,639 and 135,297 miles; 13% 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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.