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 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis. While idling at a red light, the vehicle began to lunge forward. The contact's vehicle tapped the preceding vehicle's bumper. While he and the owner of the other vehicle were arguing, the contact's vehicle lunged forward a second time. As a result, his passenger side door struck the other vehicle's driver's side rear panel. The contact's vehicle was pushed onto a side street where it will be towed. The vehicle is able to be driven, but there is no braking ability. The contact stated that the rear brake line failed. He referenced a customer satisfaction program (ea03012 service brakes hydraulic). The dealer informed him that the program expired in 2007. The failure mileage was 163,000.
A rear brake line on our 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis totally failed. When I stepped on the brake pedal, it went to the floor resulting in a puddle of brake fluid under the car just behind the driver's seat. Fortunately this happened when the car was in our driveway and not while driving to work on the highway. We purchased this car new in November 1996 and had only 47,441 miles on it at the time of the failure. An inspection of the rear brake lines showed they were both extremely corroded along their entire length. The Mercury dealer had to replace the entire brake and fuel line assembly ($1223) on the left side of the car. The final cost to repair the leaking brake line was $1901. The service department at this relatively small Mercury dealership estimated they do this repair about once a month on Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln town cars. …
Tl contact owns a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis. While stuck on ice at 1 MPH. The contact slid into a curb and brake fluid leaked from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the brake line was corroded and caused the failure. Prior to the failure, the vehicle's maintenance was up-to-date. The electrical instrument panel parking brake light illuminated; however, the parking brake was operating normally. The contact stated that there should be a warning indicator light directly related to the actual brake failure. Ford was notified of the failure and stated that they appreciated her suggestion. They further stated that it could possibly help in the design of future vehicles. The contact did not know if the vehicle had antilock brakes. The fuel system was unavailable. The failure mileage was 39,900 and current mileage was 39,965. Updated 03-18-08
1. Car was being driven at normal speed, approximately 30 MPH, and brakes were applied. Brake pedal traveled further than normal and brake warning light illuminated. When I arrived home I opened the hood and saw the brake fluid level in the master cylinder had dropped significantly. On further inspection I saw brake fluid on the frame rail on the driver side of the car at a location under the driver side front door (approximately). 2. It appears that the rear brake line was rubbing on the car body/frame structure and wore through allowing the brake fluid to leak out. 3. No repairs have been done yet. I am still investigating my options: repair at my expense, file a claim with Ford, etc.
Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle the brakes failed. The brake pedal was spongy and had to be depressed to the floor to stop the vehicle without incident. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for inspection. Upon inspection it was determined the brake lines fractured causing the brake fluid leaked out onto the ground. There is a NHTSA recall, # 05V086000, regarding the service brakes, hoses, lines and fittings. The VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was alerted. The brake lines had rusted. Updated 07/05/06.
Brake line failure...rubbing/extreme corrosion failure occurred after 6 years and is caused by routing/retainers/rubber insulators/extremely poor corrosion protection on the european metric bubble flare lines. Same problem occurred on our previous Grand Marquis-1993 after 6 years. In this case vehicle resided in syracuse only 2 years and spent 4 more in s.e. Massachusetts. Based on my experience and the number of similar complaints on this type vehicle(1990-1997 Ford crown victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis) a safety recall should be investigated/issued.
I have a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis [redacted]the brakes failed exactly as described in their recall 04b26 for 97 merc Marquis. The dealer and Ford motor co. Rep curline #2139 said that even though the failure is exactly as described in the recall, and that my model and year matches the recall, they are not responsible for the repair. I suggest that the problem is wider than they will admit and think my repair falls under this recall. Updated 07/17/2012
Dt: the brake line rusted and broke. The consumer was driving and could tell that he was losing brake fluid. He was able to get the vehicle safely home. The problem occurred on June 15, 2005. The consumer found that the entire brake line was extremely corroded. The consumer replaced the entire brake line.
Brakes did not operate when driver applied pressure on the pedal. Took vehicle dealer for check up, and results indicated that the rear brake lines rusted. While pulling from a parking lot the brakes failed. Brakes repaired by nearby tire and brake specialist.
While driving 55 MPH, the consumer applied the brake pedal and the brakes failed. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined that the rear brakes needed to be replaced.
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 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis, 11% of the model year's 316 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis, though it has 4 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 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 88,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries 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.