Most common 1996 Ford Grand Marquis problems
Share of the 10 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Grand Marquis complaints by model year
Best Grand Marquis years: 1999, 2001. Years to avoid: 1997. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1996 Ford Grand Marquis:
Rear brake line failure
In a letter dated February 25, 2005, Ford motor company (Ford) notified odi that it would be conducting a customer satisfaction program (Ford no. 04b26) to correct a rear brake line chafing concern in approximately 44,000 model year (my) 1997 Ford crown victoria and grand marquis non-fleet vehicles equipped with electronic traction control that werebuilt after March 19, 1997.these vehicles have an additional rear…
What 1996 Ford Grand Marquis owners say
Engine & cooling
While driving the engine light illuminated and the driver began to smell smoke. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealer where they replaced the plastic intake manifold. The consumer found a service program which was issued for the defect and believes the vehicle should have been repaired free under the program.
Engine light illuminated on the dashboard. Vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, and mechanic determined that intake manifold cracked and spilled coolant inside the engine. Dealer notified.
Fuel & propulsion system
While traveling noticed smoke coming from under hood consumer pulled velicle over and noticed coolent and water sprying over engine . Vehicle was towed to dealer. Intake manifold was cracked. Please provide further information.
Fw; 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis fuel tank problem. The consumer wanted to know about the possiblility of the fuel tank rupturing following a high energy rear end collision resulting in severe fires. The consumer wanted to know if police and civilian versions of the crown victoria share the same fuel system and rear suspension geometry. Consumer would like some help trying to decide how safe her 1996 Grand Marquis.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Ford Grand Marquis a good car?
Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Grand Marquis rates average: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the Grand Marquis at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Ford Grand Marquis?
The engine & cooling — 5 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (3) and air bags (2).
How many recalls does the 1996 Ford Grand Marquis have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1996 Ford Grand Marquis. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Grand Marquis?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1999 and 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997. See the full Ford Grand Marquis years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Ford Grand Marquis problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 90,000 miles; 25% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.