Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
The contact owns a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH at night, the headlights became inoperable. While driving for approximately 30 more miles and exiting the off ramp, the headlights started to flicker. The headlights momentarily worked but then became inoperable again. The instrument panel warning lights illuminated and were flashing. The contact also detected an abnormal clicking noise from the steering column. The contact stated that the windshield wipers became stuck in the on position. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.
I own a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis. The steering in the vehicle began locking up at a certain spot when turning. This would cause me to push the steering wheel into the turn a little harder which unlocked the steering causing me to veer left or right. I took the car several times to different shops. They would lift the car and check the suspension and give it a clean bill of health. The problem persisted and got much worse. I took the car to yet another shop and insisted they take it out and drive it a long distance. The mechanic didn't get out of the parking lot, came back and made me leave the car. He insisted it was a problem with the steering box and this was replaced. I picked up the car on a Friday and on Saturday drove over the mountains. It was a hairy ride, the problem was not fixed and the curvy roads made driving downright dangerous. …
I believe that there is a serious problem with the steering gear box in the Mercury Grand Marquis 1996 and any other vehicles which use this same component in their vehicle. The problem is that there is excessive play inside the steering gear box. I am sure that this problem is the gear box not some other component of the system. The seriousness of the problem is that the play inside within the gear box is translated to the road in the form of poor handling,swaying etc. I changed my upper, lower ball joints,tie rods, pitman arm ,tires,sway bars,idle arm,and aligned and also replaced the gearbox with a rebuilt gearbox this completely different gearbox rebuilt mind you has the same problem as the previous gear box. This type of vehicle is driven by a lot of seniors, cab companies ,etc. …
Tl contact owns a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle veered to the left and right. The dealer suggested that the contact May want to have the tie rods repaired, although they were not covered under warranty. A local mechanic stated that the tie rods were fine and no repairs were made. The failure mileage was 85,000 and current mileage was 86,000. Updated 03/26/08.
The steering wheel has become very loose, and it squeaks alot. I am unable to adjust the steering wheel height any more. I believe this could be a potential hazard, and result in loss of control of steering for this vehicle.
Pulling out into a street while travelling 10mph front end started to make crunching noise. Steering wheel would not turn smoothly and had to be forced. Contacted dealer , they replaced tie rods. A month later, the same problem. Replaced with a standard lower ball joint instead heavy duty lower ball joint. Mechanic said it was a design flaw.
Steering wheel fell off while driving..total loss of directional control. Managed to get to side of road with last bit of steering. I noticed that car was not responding to turning wheel. The wheel actually feel off of the column and rolled into the passenger seat when I took my hands off of the wheel. Dealership diagnosis: "steering wheel fell off. Dt
While driving vehicle wanders,; also, steering is very hard to control. Worse when windy or rain ing. In addition, hoode latch needed adjustment and check engine light stays on after starting vehicle. Vehicle has been taken to dealers and they are unable to locate a problem. Notes vehicle is operating according to manufacturer's specifications.
While backing out of driveway left ball joint fell out of vehicle. Dealer contacted. Consumer also stated left tir rod end and ball joint failed, and also the right side is in poor condition, dealer replaced the outer and inner tie rod ends.
Owner states that while driving at 50mph his steering floats, he notes that he sometimes has problems with his steering, owner is uncertain as to what the problem is.
Steering complaints in other Grand Marquis years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis, 9% of the model year's 239 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 134,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 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.