Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving, the headlights and tail lights failed to illuminate. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and waited a few minutes until the lights illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the lighting control module failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The following day, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was included in an unknown recall. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis. While stationary, the vehicle would not start when prompted. Upon starting the vehicle, a clicking noise occurred and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the headlamp module was faulty and drained the battery. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that there was no recall and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000. Updated 11/07/17 updated 11/13/2017
Tl* the contact's father owns a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving various speeds, the interior lighting and headlights turned off and on without warning and a clicking sound could be heard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred several years ago and the vehicle was repaired; however the diagnosis and repairs were unknown. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. Updated 06/13/17
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving 70 MPH, the headlights shut off without warning. The contact stated that the failure occurred twice since April of 2017. In addition, the lighting control module failed. A dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that no assistance could be provided because there was no recall on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Headlights keep cutting in and out. Turning on and off while driving. Going 65 down an expressway and having your headlights just shut off is not the safest of conditions. I have been told the headlight module has a noted issue on other Ford vehicles and its very dangerous. I had my 5 year old niece in the car with me when this happened.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving 10 MPH, both front headlights intermittently illuminated and suddenly failed. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 237,000.
I was driving home on a dark country road with my granddaughter in the back who is 3 1/2. Had the high beams on. Lost headlights, dash lights, tail and brake lights. If it wasn't for knowing the road and no other vehicle was around would have caused a bad wreck. There are a lot of lakes and hills around where I drive. Hit the breaks an came to a stop flipped the headlight switch a couple of times and changed to dim lights and everything came back on. This has happened before and it is only when the high beams are on. If this would of happened on a highway or with other vehicles around hate to think of what would happen. Ford says there is no recall on this problem. It has happened a few times but with the part being over 600.00 and then paying someone to put it in. I can't afford to do anything.
I was driving on a two lane road after dark when suddenly the headlights went out and a very loud buzzing noise occurred simultaneously in the dash. I was able to slow down safely because two cars were meeting us and their lights afforded enough vision to keep my car in my lane. I pulled off the road and tried various positions with the light switch and high and low beam switch. All the lighting seemed to work except the headlights. Finally, I turned off the ignition. When I restarted the car the lights came back on and we drove on home very carefully. They have worked since but I am very wary of driving after dark. The buzzing noise quit, also, and has not returned.
Vehicle was being driven on a maryland secondary road and the entire lighting system failed. The car continued to operate but with no headlights, running lights or interior lights. Basically it forced us to find a quick safe pull off using a flashlight for vision. Tomorrow the car is receiving a complete diagnostic check to determine the fault. It seems the lighting controls seem to be a problem as the battery and alternator checked out fine. This is a major life safety finding and needs to be addressed by Ford now with the number of these vehicles on the road.
I own a 2000 Grand Marquis that I bought n 05 as of the last past year I cant drive at night cause of the headlights going off while driving I have been ticketed 4 this and have taken it to a dealer only to get no help. After driving 10-15mins they will click and turn off after 1-5mins pop back on. I hope 2 get answer so I want do away with the Ford motor company products.
Headlight complaints in other Grand Marquis years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the lights of the 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis, 13% of the model year's 162 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis, though it has 6 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 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 124,000 miles, and 13% 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.