1996 Mercury Grand Marquis Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 7%of 239 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 106,243miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis, 7% of the 239 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,243 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The car all of a sudden felt different while driving one day, kind of sluggish and then the engine light went on. The temp rose and smoke started coming out from under the hood. When I pulled over to let cool down I couldn't start it up again. Had it towed to a mechanic who said that the engine was shot. Not worth repairing. Had it towed back home and its been parked in my driveway ever since.”
NHTSA complaint #10483974, filed 2012-11, 106,243 miles“Horn & cruise control stoped working , repair shop said wiring harness is breaking down at the tight bends .also said this is a common complaint with this model and its sister model. I have not corrected this as of yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10143961, filed 2005-11, 15,900 miles“Vehicle would not shift out of park. Inspected fuses and found blown 15 amp fuse. Replaced and vehicle worked properly. Parked in driveway. 30 minutes later, car is on fire. Vehicle is totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #10164295, filed 2006-08, 128,000 miles“The car started normal at work and drove 20 minutes to home. Placed car in park, and attempted to turn ignition to off, but the key switch rotated freely with no resistance. The key switch was tried again to turn off ignition by turning in either direction fully with no affect. Key was removed, switch rotated freely. Steering could not be locked. Then attempted to stop engine by another method. Lifted hood and disconnected battery - alternator keep it running. Owner manual showed ignition fuse which was pulled to stop motor. Switch was still in on position when battery was reconnected. …”
NHTSA complaint #10288684, filed 2009-10, 235,000 miles“Dt: while driving the brake lines failed and had to be replaced. The owner came outside and saw the brake fluid on the ground and realized that the brake lines failed. The owner drove the vehicle with no brakes to the dealership and they repaired it. Then the owner realized that the brake lines were rusted. The left rear seat belt was replaced twice. The wiper motor, wiper switch, drivers side mirror switch and rotors were all replaced. The turn signal switch, driver window switch , tail light , catalytic converter were replaced. The consumer was told the ball joints and shocks were bad. …”
NHTSA complaint #10133902, filed 2005-10, 90,473 milesElectrical 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 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
85 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsFuel system
21 complaintsSteering
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsExterior lighting
18 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 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