1996 Mercury Grand Marquis Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 9%of 239 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 114,050miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis, 9% of the 239 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 114,050 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The steering wheel has become very loose, and it squeaks alot. I am unable to adjust the steering wheel height any more. I believe this could be a potential hazard, and result in loss of control of steering for this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10395908, filed 2011-04, 94,100 miles“I own a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis. The steering in the vehicle began locking up at a certain spot when turning. This would cause me to push the steering wheel into the turn a little harder which unlocked the steering causing me to veer left or right. I took the car several times to different shops. They would lift the car and check the suspension and give it a clean bill of health. The problem persisted and got much worse. I took the car to yet another shop and insisted they take it out and drive it a long distance. …”
NHTSA complaint #10221155, filed 2008-03, 134,000 miles“I believe that there is a serious problem with the steering gear box in the Mercury Grand Marquis 1996 and any other vehicles which use this same component in their vehicle. The problem is that there is excessive play inside the steering gear box. I am sure that this problem is the gear box not some other component of the system. The seriousness of the problem is that the play inside within the gear box is translated to the road in the form of poor handling,swaying etc. …”
NHTSA complaint #10131838, filed 2005-08, 1 miles“Steering wheel fell off while driving..total loss of directional control. Managed to get to side of road with last bit of steering. I noticed that car was not responding to turning wheel. The wheel actually feel off of the column and rolled into the passenger seat when I took my hands off of the wheel. Dealership diagnosis: steering wheel fell off. Dt”
NHTSA complaint #769264, filed 2002-11“The contact owns a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH at night, the headlights became inoperable. While driving for approximately 30 more miles and exiting the off ramp, the headlights started to flicker. The headlights momentarily worked but then became inoperable again. The instrument panel warning lights illuminated and were flashing. The contact also detected an abnormal clicking noise from the steering column. The contact stated that the windshield wipers became stuck in the on position. The local dealer was not contacted. …”
NHTSA complaint #11508567, filed 2023-02, 210,000 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 2 | 22% |
| 2010 | 6 | 24% |
| 2009 | 5 | 19% |
| 2008 | 23 | 29% |
| 2007 | 9 | 9% |
| 2006 | 13 | 9% |
| 2005 | 20 | 4% |
| 2004 | 65 | 19% |
| 2003 | 28 | 8% |
| 2002 | 9 | 12% |
| 2001 | 11 | 7% |
| 2000 | 18 | 11% |
| 1999 | 16 | 10% |
| 1998 | 17 | 12% |
| 1997 | 22 | 7% |
| 1996 | 21 | 9% |
| 1995 | 24 | 13% |
| 1994 | 10 | 6% |
| 1993 | 18 | 13% |
| 1992 | 9 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1988 | 3 | 4% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
85 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsFuel system
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsExterior lighting
18 complaintsElectrical system
16 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 Nov 1, 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