1993 Mercury Grand Marquis Problems
- Complaints
- 144filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles, 15 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 4.6L 8-cyl RWD · 16 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe transmission vibration and shudder that dealers traced to the torque converter, along with engine-compartment fires traced by fire investigators to the speed control deactivation switch. Brake complaints center on corroded brake lines and a pedal that goes to the floor, and a number of owners report driver-seat frames or tracks breaking loose. Most reports come at higher mileage, though some fire reports involve cars parked with the engine off.
- Vehicle speed control
Engine-compartment fire while parked (speed control switch)
- 29 complaints (20%)
- median 112,500 mi at 14.2 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 18 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–2022
Complaints describe cars catching fire while parked, sometimes hours after the engine was shut off, with flames coming from the driver's side of the engine compartment. Several owners say a fire department or insurance investigator attributed the fire to the speed control deactivation switch or cruise control module, and some note they never received or could not get recall work performed. Other reports describe the cruise control dropping out or surging before the fire. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 30,000 to 175,000 miles, often with the vehicle parked and unattended.
Recall 99V124000Recall 07V336000Recall 08V051000
What to check: Ask whether recall 99V124000 and the later speed control recalls were completed, and whether the switch or a fused harness was installed. Have a shop inspect the speed control switch and its wiring before parking the car in a garage or attached structure.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Cruise control fire. No warning. No recall notice. I purchased this 1993 Grand Marquis in 1997 from an authorized lincoln Mercury dealership in longwood fl. I financed it through ford credit. I lived in the same house from 1991 to 2005. I was never notified of a problem. Car was destroyed. Extensive home damage. Injury from smoke inhalation. Lost family pet. Extensive business loss. Life permanently altered. Still suffering from effects of loss.”
NHTSA complaint #10219764, filed 2008-02, 175,000 miles“I sent you (NHTSA) information on my 1993 Mercury grand marque on 17 january 2007 that in 2001 the ford motor co. Did not repair the defected recall #99v124 action #rq01002 when I requested it, and in september 2006 my vehicle caught fire.the ford motor co. And the attorney generals response was negative and I have not received any response from you (NHTSA). Can you help me?”
NHTSA complaint #10185461, filed 2007-03 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shudder and torque converter failure
- 18 complaints (13%)
- typically at 4.3 yrs old
- filed 1995–2000
Owners describe a vibration or shaking felt through the car at highway speeds, sometimes compared to driving over a rippled road, and a feeling of lost speed. Dealers commonly identified the torque converter as the source and replaced it; in some reports the converter failed a second time and the transmission was replaced as well. A few complaints describe harsh or delayed gear changes and one a broken shift tube that left the shifter loose in hand. Reported from about 20,000 miles upward, with many reports in the 50,000 to 140,000 mile range.
What to check: Road-test at highway speed and feel for a shudder or vibration under light acceleration; ask whether the torque converter or transmission has been replaced and check the fluid condition.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Power driver seat feels like its making clunking noise when accelerating or braking. Would rock back & forth. When transmission goes into overdrive it would experience a rambling in the vehicle. Took to dealer & the mechanic indicated that the problem was the torque converter. Installing the torque convertor has solved the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #869275, filed 2000-08“Failed torque converter caused vehicle to vibrate. After torque converter was repaired all vehicle lighting ceased, interior and exterior, and the speedometer was erratic. Speedometer read 75-80 MPH when vehicle was actually going 20-25 MPH.”
NHTSA complaint #529529, filed 1998-01 - Seats
Driver seat frame or track breaks loose
- 9 complaints (6%)
- typically at 6.2 yrs old
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–2008
Owners report the driver's seat rocking or lifting off its tracks, in some cases detaching from the frame while driving. Repairs described include welding the frame back on and replacing the seat frame, with the problem returning afterward; dealers in some reports declined to cover the work. Some owners also mention power seat controls failing and the seat belt not latching or locking properly with the seat out of alignment. Reported on vehicles of various ages and mileages, including low-mileage cars, often after repeated repairs.
What to check: Grab the seat back and rock it firmly to check for movement at the frame and tracks, and test the power adjustments and seat belt latch on both front seats.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The driver's side seat has been loose for a while. The power controls to adjust seat position failed over a year ago. The day before yesterday on the way home from work my husband experienced the feeling of the seat disconnecting. It has detached from the track. The welding became unwelded. The drivers side seat belt has not been latching for about 6 months. I have researched the incident and found that many people have experienced these same problems and yet ford motor company says that there is no defect. …”
NHTSA complaint #10222607, filed 2008-03“When we 1st bought the car the drivers seat had a lot of movement. Brought it to dealer and the replaced the frame. That was in 1994. In 1997 I was driving and the entire seat came off the frame. I was told the it needed to be welded back on and I paid over $300. Two years later the seat has broken from the track again. I don't trust that the seat is safe. I called ford and the said they wouldn't pay for the repair. I feel this is something that should never break no less 3 times and I shouldn't be responsible for the repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #703641, filed 1999-02 - Exterior lighting
Headlights flicker or go out; melted headlight switch wiring
- 11 complaints (8%)
- median 135,269 mi at 14.3 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2020
Complaints describe headlights cutting out while driving, sometimes restored briefly by tapping the light control module, and headlight switches that shorted out and were replaced more than once. Several owners report a burned or melted wiring harness at the headlight switch, and one describes water collecting in the lens and fogging it. In one report smoke came from under the dash near the wiring harness. Mostly reported above 60,000 miles, with several reports past 130,000 miles.
What to check: Check the headlight switch and its connector for discoloration or melted insulation, and test the lights on a dark road for flickering; ask whether the switch or harness has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Extremely dangerous situation exists whereas the headlights can randomly flicker off during driving, only stopped by kicking the light control module above the accelerator pedal repeatedly with limited and temporary results. First occurrence was on the interstate during the night with moderate traffic. Multiple other terrifying occurrences as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11316976, filed 2020-03, 90,000 miles“I have a 92 crown victoria and a 93 Grand Marquis on the headlamp switch the harness is melted and burned on both of them in the same spot involving the same wire.”
NHTSA complaint #10225916, filed 2008-04, 130,000 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal to the floor from corroded brake lines
- 12 complaints (8%)
- median 43,624 mi at 13.8 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 1995–2009
Complaints describe the brake pedal sinking to the floor with little or no resistance, sometimes at highway speed, and stopping by using the parking brake. Shops in these reports found heavy corrosion on the brake lines, and in one case also on the fuel lines, with repairs quoted as expensive because of how the lines are routed. Other reports describe a brake booster that failed repeatedly and rear calipers that seized, wearing pads unevenly. Reported between roughly 60,000 and 90,000 miles, with corrosion noted as unusually heavy for the vehicle's age.
What to check: Have the brake lines inspected along their full length underneath the car for rust, and check for a spongy or long pedal; ask whether the lines, booster or calipers have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Brakes failed, brakes light went on pulled over checked the fluid it was empty I called a tow truck and took it to my service station . Brake lines were rotted , in order to fix the brake lines they would had to take the body of the car off the chassie to fix them two expensive that way . Had them cut the lines that were bad and reroute the lines on the outside of the frame . A yr later same thing happen again the first time the car had 63,000 miles on it . …”
NHTSA complaint #10267553, filed 2009-05, 63 miles“While driving at highway speeds brakes failed due to a corroded brake line. Driver was able to stop the vehicle using the emergency brake. The brake pedal offered no resistance, it traveling to the floor. Mechanic noticed heavy corrosion on the brake lines and fuel lines leading from the master cylinder all the way back. Estimate for complete replacement was $1140. Dollars. Upon examining the under body of the vehicle the mechanic stated the corrosion was unusually high. …”
NHTSA complaint #10043955, filed 2003-11, 87,186 miles
Buying note. For this model year, the practical questions are whether the speed control recall work was actually completed and how the brake lines underneath look, since both come up repeatedly in owner reports. A highway test drive for transmission shudder and a firm check of the driver's seat mounting round out the inspection list.
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 144 consumer complaints for the 1993 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 90,000 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 18 a fire, 6 an injury, 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.
- Brakes22 15%
- Electrical system20 14%
- Vehicle speed control19 13%
- Steering18 13%
- Exterior lighting11 7.6%
- Seats10 6.9%
- Engine cooling7 4.9%
- Air bags6 4.2%
Also reported: Fuel system (6), Tires (4), Body and structure (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “The vehicle was parked and without warning the vehicle caught on fire and burned down the house. The fire department was called to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed and was declared totaled by the insurance company. The fire originated on the driver's side of the engine compartment. The consumer mentioned that the he experienced problems with the ignition system, ABS system and shifter. There was grinding when the vehicle was stopped and the gear shift would not shift into drive once the vehicle was started. …”
NHTSA complaint #10109366, filed 2005-03, 140,539 milesBrakes: “Abs, brake failure, rear calipers corrosion which caused the wear of dis pads and rotors. Consumer states it appears that rear calipers became seized shortly after delivery to the original owner because voth outside rear brake pads show virtually no wear while both inside rear brake pads are completely won down to the metal backing plates ABS light was also coming on.”
NHTSA complaint #985397, filed 1996-06Electrical system: “-the contact stated that after parking the 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis the vehicle caught on fire under the drivers side portion of the hood. The fire department was called and the fire was extinguished. A fire department report will be available.”
NHTSA complaint #10179313, filed 2007-01, 78,000 milesVehicle speed control: “My car caught fire a 1993 ford Mercury Grand Marquis in my garage at home my son's bedroom burned also the car and my son's belongings bed,clothes and furniture were lost. The car was a total lost the front end actual melted completely.”
NHTSA complaint #10199646, filed 2007-08Mileage 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 70,000 and 130,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1993 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 1993 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 | 16 | 24 | 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 1993 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 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis?
Owners of this model year most often describe transmission vibration and shudder that dealers traced to the torque converter, along with engine-compartment fires traced by fire investigators to the speed control deactivation switch. The issues reported most often: Engine-compartment fire while parked (speed control switch); Transmission shudder and torque converter failure; Driver seat frame or track breaks loose.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis have?
NHTSA recorded 144 consumer complaints for the 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 29 complaints (20% of the total), followed by brakes with 22.
Has the 1993 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 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis get?
The EPA rates the 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis (Grand Marquis, 4.6L 8-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis reported?
Among the 15 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 90,000 miles and the middle half falls between 70,000 and 130,000 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.