1997 Mercury Grand Marquis Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 4%of 316 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 144,362miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis, 4% of the 316 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 144,362 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Twice this happened I was driving and the car just turned off I couldn't control the wheel I had to hurry and put it on natural and start the car again, and put it in drive. Can you tell me if there was a recall on this vehicle it really scared me I was on the main highway or can you tell me what the problem is.”
NHTSA complaint #10594740, filed 2014-05, 178,724 miles“1997 ford Grand Marquis - occasional interruptions in electrical power were occurring with the radio going off, the low fuel level light going on, and the battery meter dropping. After replacing the battery the interruptions continued until finally the battery cables caught on fire. I turned off the ignition and by this time the insulation on both the positive and ground cables had completely burned off and the battery continued to supply current. I knocked off the ground terminal and dosed the fire with water.”
NHTSA complaint #10339645, filed 2010-06, 110,000 miles“The position of the horn for 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis is problematic. The horn is just in front of the left front wheel and prone to get water sprayed by wheel in raining season. This will cause the rust and failure of the horn.”
NHTSA complaint #10284082, filed 2009-09, 180,000 miles“This regards a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis, and a safety related issue that cannot be repaired by the car dealership. The driver side automatic/passive door lock, will not allow the driver side door to open at all. In the case of an emergency, there would no way to escape the vehicle. The ford/Mercury dealership could not fix/repair the vehicle, and sent it back unrepaired. The driver's door is locked - and cannot be opened with the key, switch or remote control. …”
NHTSA complaint #10073073, filed 2004-05, 47,520 miles“My problems began almost immediately after purchase. The ABS and the power loss, I consider to be life threatening. The power losses occurred during rush hour, after dark and while driving alone. Considering the fact that I am female, I consider this to be a two-fold danger. Ford has offered to pay me $2000 toward the trade-in of my car (cloverleaf to pay 17,500 for mine). This still has me paying in the neighborhood of 5500 for a 99 model. I did not purchase my car to be trading in after a year and none of this is my doing nor my choice. …”
NHTSA complaint #700436, filed 1998-11Electrical 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 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
124 complaintsBrakes
35 complaintsFuel system
32 complaintsSuspension
26 complaintsVehicle speed control
24 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsExterior lighting
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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