Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
I purchased this vehicle which had 86,715 miles on it. Shortly after the purchase I noticed the engine would spark knock anytime the car was put under a load when the transmission was in high gear and in overdrive. Due to my schedule I did not take the car in for this problem until the drivers side window fell down while attempting to roll it down. After spending 741 dollars to repair those problems I drove the car approximately 50 miles and steam came from under the hood. The car was towed back to the dealer. The dealer evaluated the problem and advised me that the intake manifold was broken. I was advised the repair cost was $893.75 including towing. Iwas advised by both the dealer and the Ford customer service line [phone] that there was no recall or warrenty for this problem. By finding this web site I have found 16 other simular conplaints.
Consumer notice coolant smell inside vehicle while traveling soon after notice temperature gauge rising with indication light flashing. Consumer pull vehicle over look under hood and notice coolant under hood and ground vehicle was service intake manifold need to be replace. Mr the consumer states that Ford acknowledges this problem to fleet owners and has a recall, but aren't addressing the problem. The consumer states that he has made the repairs with parts purchased from the Ford dealer. (cracked along the seam, dumped coolant all over the upper engine and onto the ground)
Plastic intake manifold split open at front seam, spewed hot antifreeze all over engine compartment. I had to have vehicle towed to the dealer. Ford refused to replace part at no charge even though they are doing no charge replacements on Ford crown victorias and some mustangs(police packages). The replacement part being installed on my vehicle is different part number from the one that split. I consider the problem to be a safety issue as when the vehicle leaves me stranded on the road, my safety is being threatened.
While driving 35 MPH, the consumer noticed steam coming from underneath the hood. The consumer then contacted the dealer, who determined that the plastic intake manifold had overheated, which created an antifreeze leak. The consumer states that the plastic manifold had cracked and was replaced with a metal one. The bill and the letter sent to rda group and Mercury is attached, regarding the faulty part and the request for reimbursement.
Intake manifold required replacing. It had split across the front seam causing antifreeze to spill all over the engine. Our VIN number is not on the recall list even though others of the same make are. The split was across the front seam of the plastic manifold. New ones have aluminum liners in them, which makes me believe that the company knows that it`s a current problem.
Plastic intake manifold ruptured causing coolant to further enter cylinders and May have caused crack in engine block-this vehicle has been exceptionally well cared for including oil changes each 2000 miles-Ford & co have essentially said I'm on my own-this integral part should certainly have been manufactured to a greater and not a minimal standard.
The intake manifold for 4.6l engines are plastic and has been a problem since 1996 when they were recalled and Ford still used the plastic manifold anyway. My manifold cracked right behind the alternator spewing antifreeze all over the engine compartment. This has been a problem and Ford will not cover the repair or change the manifolds. Dt
When driving no more than a block consumer noticed temperature gauge go up. Also, steam was coming from engine compartment, all coolant was lost. Consumer contacted dealer. Dealer noticed intake manifold needed replacing. The consumer states similar year and models had a recall and this vehicle should be included.
While accelerating onto freeway, noticed coolant odor; watched heat gauge carefully and drove to mechanic. Plastic intake manifold had cracked across the front and all collant was lost. Costly repairs followed. I have written to the Ford motor co. And requested reimbursement. Have not heard from them at this time.
While driving 40mph & was coming to a stop noticed steam coming from under hood. Intake manifold had cracked. Been in contact with dealership & manufacturer. Manufacturer did not offer any assistance regarding cracked manifold. Intake manifold was made of plastic.
NHTSA investigations
Post rear end collision fires
There is no summary currently available
Fuel System complaints in other Grand Marquis years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis, 10% of the model year's 316 complaints. The component named most often is carburetor system (28 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 199,000 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.