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 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I am an automotive technician and I service many vehicles daily. I currently own a 97 Mercury Grand Marquis ls and have noticed that practically most steering components on my vehicle are in need of replacing. Specifically the tie rod ends, control arms, ball joins all have blown bushings and a pitman arm.... The steering sways so hard on this vehicle. I have noticed that customer's vehicles that I have worked on that are similar to the crown vic, and the Marquis are showing signs of steering component concern as well. I see more fords with steering issues than any other vehicle that I service. The vehicles also seem to have issues with anyone sitting in the back that the body will scrape the tires and there are multiple electrical issues. …
Dt: the consumer owns a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving and using the steering wheel there was a squeaking noise. The consumer had taken the vehicle to the mechanic who suggested that there was no lubrication on the ball joints nor was there any way to lubricated them due to the design. The mechanic said that the ball joints should be alright for a while. No repairs or corrections were made at that time. On another occasion while driving 29 MPH uphill, the left front ball joint cracked and dropped to the ground damaging the tie rod and ball joint assembly and the left front tire. The vehicle continued to travel for approximately 20 to 30 feet after the vehicle dropped to the ground and the driver lost directional control of the vehicle. This happened without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The dealer said that the other side was affected as well. …
When approaching a turning intersection, attempting to turn left, I ended up crashing into a concrete lightpole. The vehicle was totalled. I suffered multiple fractures (I.e. Cervical/7 ribs/pelvis/right femur/right tibia/right fibular/right ankle. Left ankle was virtually destroyed ("in a million pieces" per surgeon). I was in traumatized for 3 weeks, in critical condition for a portion of that time. I was then in acute care for a week or two, prematurely discharged to a nursing home for 3 days, and readmitted to acute care throught the delray hospital emergency room. I was, again discharged on jan. 6th. For about two weeks and readmitted to a rehab center for an additional 3 weeks. I've been home for 3 weeks, now. I am receiving therapy at home, and will graduate to therapy as an out-patient when able. I face hip and ankle replacements in the near future.
Dt: contact states the tie rod on the drivers side of 1997 Grand Marquis fell off just before memorial day. It happened because there were no grease fittings on the tie rods . The car only had 63,000 miles on it. He had not been having any problems with the car prior to this problem. Had them both replaced. He went to a Mercury dealer and they told him there was nothing they could do about it. He has not talked to the manufacturer.
While driving down main street traveling 10mph, traffic was slowing down up ahead. Went over a hump in road, and all of a sudden steering wheel would just spin. Lost control, and went off to the side of road. Towed to the dealer. Dealer located the problem, and replaced steering column coupling bolt.
Consumer dismayed to notice the smell of fuel as she drove and parked the vehicle. The smell would be present when the vehicle was parked as well. The fuel was leaking into the brake line. The idler and pitman arms were replaced.
Vehicle handles with difficulty, not maintaining steering control, and changing directions upon wind gust. Owner has taken vehicle to a dealership, which was not able to detect cause of erratical steering. Please describe details.
Excessive road shock felt in steering since car was new. 2 dealers said not a problem but seems to be getting worse with age of car. Also wheel skip on moderately bumpy roads ie asphalt strips in pavement.
I have to put it on neutral most of the time with emg brake on. Because the gearshift is hard to put in park. My car only has 92,000 miles.
Recall while driving the steering wheel seems very loose as if its about to come off
Steering complaints in other Grand Marquis years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis, 7% of the model year's 316 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 3 injuries to steering 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.