Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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. …
This happened while driving my 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis. The lower control arm ball joint broke while driving, resulting in suspension collapse. This breakage resulted in a irrefutable total loss of vehicle control. There was not a crash because luckily I was driving at very low speed in a street while there were not other vehicles around. If this had happened a few minutes before when I was in the expressway I am totally sure it had resulted in a catastrophic multi car accident. Car is in a repair shop.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving in reverse, the contact heard a loud abnormal noise and the suspension collapsed on the front driver side. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the lower ball joint separated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
Air suspension system failed while driving at 40/50 MPH due to a crack in the bag, per dealership. When this occurred the compressor malfunctioned, and vehicle was uncontrollable, because it swerved from left to right.
1997 Mercury Grand Marquis. Mileage 86,000. Refer to ido investigation #rq 03-002 and recall #98v-322. On 12/27/08, the front passenger-side ball joint suddenly separated while being driven, dropping entire right front end of vehicle to the ground and the body of the vehicle onto front tire. Vehicle came to an immediate stop. Thankfully, failure occurred at a low speed, in no traffic - at high speed or in traffic this could have been extremely dangerous, if not fatal. I have learned this is not an isolated incident - your office investigated this exact problem in the past as cited above. A recall was issued for Grand Marquis police and commercial vehicles due to similar complaints. I now know this vehicle is suspect. …
Driving right front wheel feel off car. Right front ball joint came apart and whole wheel assembly came off. Lower ball joint broke and pulled out of the socket. The technician replaced both lower ball joints. The manufacturer was contacted but refused to provide any assistance because the vehicle's warranty was expired.
Popping noise in lower front right area of car. Problem w/ original and replacement parts - control arm and assembly replaced twice, still pops. Riding in brother's 97 crown vic. He had same popping noise and said his vehicle had a recall b/c of it. Please let me know what you find.
When driving 30 MPH or above front end vibrates or shakes, becomes very difficult to keep control of the steering wheel. The car also makes a popping sound when making sharp turns. Dealer cannot identify the cause of the problem.
Dealer (bob sight Ford) told me this is a common problem with Ford and Mercury and that Ford has re-designed the front-end components. This repair cost me $966. Ford has still not offered a recall despite many failures of these parts.
NHTSA investigations
Ball joint separation
See attached report.
Suspension complaints in other Grand Marquis years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis, 8% of the model year's 316 complaints. The component named most often is front (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 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.