Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began making a knocking noise and the contact noticed smoke rising from underneath the hood. She pulled the vehicle over and had it towed to the repair shop. The mechanic stated that the plastic intake valve melted. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 89,021. The dealer stated 1 set of disc pads, 2 new rotors, and clutch fan. Updated 09/25/07
I purchased a pre-owned,low mileage 1996 Grand Marquis Mercury ls[redacted] from a local car dealer in January 2000. The car was in immaculate condition with only 57800 miles on the odometer. November,2003,while driving the car,I lost all braking.my local repair shop fixed the problem[brake line failure].while at my state inspection in March,04,the brake line "blew" out again while the technician was testing the brakes. I feel this is a very serious safety factor. I value my life and I feel there should be a re-call on this problem. So far,repair bills total over $500. This is a great automobile except for the brake problem I am experiencing. Updated 07/26/2012
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 MPH on normal driving conditions, the vehicle would not stop. The emergency brake was applied to stop the vehicle. The brake line blew and brake fluid was leaking due to a hole on the brake line. The design of the braking system was anti-lock. There were no warning signals prior to the incident. The vehicle was taken to an independent shop, who determined that the rear and front brakes were defective resulting in the whole brake lines being replaced. The manufacturer was notified and offered reimbursement but the contact had not heard from the manufacturer since then. Updated 01/10/07.
Dt: while driving the brake lines failed and had to be replaced. The owner came outside and saw the brake fluid on the ground and realized that the brake lines failed. The owner drove the vehicle with no brakes to the dealership and they repaired it. Then the owner realized that the brake lines were rusted. The left rear seat belt was replaced twice. The wiper motor, wiper switch, drivers side mirror switch and rotors were all replaced. The turn signal switch, driver window switch , tail light , catalytic converter were replaced. The consumer was told the ball joints and shocks were bad. The battery was replaced.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact was driving 30 MPH when a vehicle abruptly pulled in front of him. The contact applied the brakes and the brake pedal fell into the floorboard and did not engage. The contact was able to avoid crashing into the second vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local repair facility where the contact was advised that the entire brake line would need replacing. The vehicle was repaired by an authorized dealer. The failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 81,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and lowered to the floor. The contact used the parking brake to stop the vehicle and drove it to the residence. The contact inspected under the vehicle and noticed the brake line had ruptured. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the brake lines were replaced. Updated 9/13/2006 - the brake lines were badly rusted. The rear end housing was also badly rusted.
Dt*: the contact stated while applying brake pressure at 25 MPH on a suburban street, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle without warning. Although firm, constant brake pressure was applied, the vehicle continued forward until the emergency parking brake was engaged. The vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop, who determined the brake lines fractured and brake fluid was leaking. The manufacturer was notified. Updated 11/21/06.
Brake failure, replacement of line. Brake line had corroded. The brake warning light had come on. The brake was almost on the floor in order to stop the vehicle. There was leaking where the corrosion was.
When the brake was applied the brakes would momentarily work, then the pedal would go to the floor. The only to keep the automobile stopped was to shift into neutral and apply the parking brake. I had to shift into neutral because of the automatic parking brake release mechanism. Although the car has only 21K miles on the odometer the 36 month warrantly expired technically on 23 May 1999. I bought the car from the original owner on 28 May 1999 after he had the transmission replaced under warranty. The car was disabled for most of the month of May. I asked the Ford motor company assistance number (800) personnel to cover this brake failure because the brakes would have failed in the 36 month warrantly period had the car not been in the repair facility so long. They refused. …
2 brake line failures metal brake 1996 Grand Marquis within a year..this is a midwest car but spent half of its winter in az..brake lines seem to rust much faster than other vehicles we have owned..failure found driving at slow speed. Took vehicle for repair parts from second repair could be available.
NHTSA investigations
Rear brake line failure
Odi has received 40 complaints alleging rear brake line failure in the subject vehicles, including 8 that have been received this year.an additional 192 reports and 478 warranty claims have been received from Ford.a leak in the rear brake line can cause extended stopping distance.a search of odi's complaint database for peer vehicle complaints, using the same brake line failure criteria as for the subject vehicles…
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…
Brake complaints in other Grand Marquis years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis, 10% of the model year's 239 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.