1997 Mercury Grand Marquis Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 7%of 316 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis, 7% of the 316 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I am an automotive technician and I service many vehicles daily. I currently own a 97 Mercury Grand Marquis ls and have noticed that practically most steering components on my vehicle are in need of replacing. Specifically the tie rod ends, control arms, ball joins all have blown bushings and a pitman arm.... The steering sways so hard on this vehicle. I have noticed that customer's vehicles that I have worked on that are similar to the crown vic, and the marquis are showing signs of steering component concern as well. …”
NHTSA complaint #11254228, filed 2019-09, 150,000 miles“Dt: contact states the tie rod on the drivers side of 1997 Grand Marquis fell off just before memorial day. It happened because there were no grease fittings on the tie rods . The car only had 63,000 miles on it. He had not been having any problems with the car prior to this problem. Had them both replaced. He went to a Mercury dealer and they told him there was nothing they could do about it. He has not talked to the manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #10128920, filed 2005-09, 60,000 miles“Dt: the consumer owns a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving and using the steering wheel there was a squeaking noise. The consumer had taken the vehicle to the mechanic who suggested that there was no lubrication on the ball joints nor was there any way to lubricated them due to the design. The mechanic said that the ball joints should be alright for a while. No repairs or corrections were made at that time. On another occasion while driving 29 MPH uphill, the left front ball joint cracked and dropped to the ground damaging the tie rod and ball joint assembly and the left front tire. …”
NHTSA complaint #10139329, filed 2006-01, 94,625 miles“When approaching a turning intersection, attempting to turn left, I ended up crashing into a concrete lightpole. The vehicle was totalled. I suffered multiple fractures (I.e. Cervical/7 ribs/pelvis/right femur/right tibia/right fibular/right ankle. Left ankle was virtually destroyed ( in a million pieces per surgeon). I was in traumatized for 3 weeks, in critical condition for a portion of that time. I was then in acute care for a week or two, prematurely discharged to a nursing home for 3 days, and readmitted to acute care throught the delray hospital emergency room. …”
NHTSA complaint #704972, filed 1999-03“While driving down main street traveling 10mph, traffic was slowing down up ahead. Went over a hump in road, and all of a sudden steering wheel would just spin. Lost control, and went off to the side of road. Towed to the dealer. Dealer located the problem, and replaced steering column coupling bolt.”
NHTSA complaint #858746, filed 2000-03Steering: 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 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
124 complaintsBrakes
35 complaintsFuel system
32 complaintsSuspension
26 complaintsVehicle speed control
24 complaintsExterior lighting
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsElectrical system
12 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 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