1998 Mercury Grand Marquis Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 12%of 143 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,400miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis, 12% of the 143 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,400 miles. 2 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.
“Autozone- valucraft brand- ball joints part number vfa2101 I recently had my ball joints replaced and I had a premature failure of the ball joint fastening hardware while driving down the city road in a straight line at 45 MPH. It caused thousands of dollars of damage and it also almost cause me great injury. I suspect autozone is using low grade nuts cause the nut that was on the ball joint sheared off causing me to bend a control arm, crack my frame, blow a tire, all while barely missing a telephone pole. …”
NHTSA complaint #10861946, filed 2016-04, 213,760 miles“My 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis at slow speed had the passenger side tie rod end fail and fall off causing complete loss of steering. This happened at a slow speed luckily no accident. Car towed to ford dealer. Replaced all four tie rod ends. Cost $400.00. Car had 50,000 miles , this was a factory defect. This is a sealed unit requiring no grease or maintenance. I replaced with greased tie rodends.I believe this should be a recalled part.”
NHTSA complaint #10200018, filed 2007-08, 50,000 miles“During normal driving noticed a squeaking and groaning noise coming from front end of car. Steering has become loose and was told by a mechanic that the ball joints,shocks,bushings are dry and that the vehicle cannot be lubricated because it is sealed. Seen other complaints on website regarding these same issues. I have been warned that the tires could fall off at high speeds causing serious injury or death.”
NHTSA complaint #10447085, filed 2012-02, 83,400 miles“During normal driving, heard extremely alarming loud creaking, squeaking noises from front end. Steering became sloppy and erratic. Took it to r&r automotive in lex. Pk. Md and had complete front end replaced, due to worn out ball joints, idler arms, pitman arms, tie rods, sway bar ends which could not be lubricated. Replaced with those equipped with grease fittings. $1750.00”
NHTSA complaint #10205557, filed 2007-10, 105,000 miles“While driving 18 MPH the front passenger side tie rod broke. As a result, the steering failed. No impact reported. Dealer replaced passenger and driver's side outer tie rod end, and passenger side inner tie rod and sleeve.”
NHTSA complaint #10111468, filed 2005-03, 51,047 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 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
26 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsTires
7 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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