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 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Almost had accidents because lights failed, headlights and taillights failed at night, including dash lights today, creating safety hazard. Seat tilt failed, and body mount frame bushing failed. Mirror tilt switch failed. Fuel filler neck leaks when filled. Very scary especially at night. Please recall and fix before we get hurt.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving 25 MPH, the contact heard a sound from the rear driver side tire. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic who advised that the rear of the vehicle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 04V328000(suspension). The VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Rear end noise with axle bearing and shaft assy. With cars of that year used as fleet vehicles (note,NHTSA campaign id number 04V328000. Ford also had a safety recall number 04516 in July 15th 2004 to acknowledged that vehicles built for fleet service were prone to axle failures and issued a recall for Ford suspension- rear defect on fleet vehicles for chassis overloading to wheel bearings an axles. Mine happened on trip of 3oo miles. Roaring noise
1.rear seatbelts often jam and have to be unlocked by a professional. 2. Blend door switch that controls heat and air conditioning gets stuck on heat and blows extremely hot air year round even if the unit is turned off. Vehicle is in motion on highways and city streets. 3. Vehicle squeaks while in motion due to faulty ball bearings.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving 40 MPH, the rear axle cracked resulting in an oil leak and squeaking noises. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000.
I purchased new tires today for this vehicle. Dealer advised having front end alignment checked due to wear patterns on tires. Brought the vehicle to my front end alignment shop and told then that there is "a flat spot when turning the wheel' the technician drove the vehicle and brought it into the shop to inspect the front end prior to doing any alignment work. The technician called the parts dealer and gave the VIN number and was told the availability of the OEM and after market parts. After hanging up the technician stated that Ford had previously recalled the 2003 Grand Marquis for the same issue, (lower steering shaft binding), but they couldn't find any open recall for this vehicle. I was quoted $270.00 for the part not including labor, alignment and tax. I believe this issue should be re-visited if it was originally a recall issue. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact heard a loud grinding noise coming from the rear axle. The dealer informed the contact that there were no related recalls and repaired the rear axle. The contact did not inform the manufacturer of the failure. The current mileage was 55,500 and the failure mileage was 40,000. Updated 04/25/11 several months ago, the consumer started hearing a noise when driving. It sounded like the right front wheel bearing. The vehicle was taken to the repair shop and the mechanic stated the vehicle would be fine to drive. Soon, the noise became worse. Upon inspection, it wa discovered the problem was the rear axles. The mechanic pulled the axles off and found both had groove cuts in them. The consumer believed his vehicle should have been included in the recall and he believed it was inadvertently missed. Updated 08/31/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH the contact noticed a grinding noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the front driver and passenger side wheel bearings needed to be replaced. The wheel bearings were replaced. After the repair the contact noticed the same grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The mechanic inspected the vehicle again and stated the rear driver and passenger side wheel bearings would have to be replaced. There was a manufacturer recall for the rear bearings. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Rear axle and bearing noises. Marquis bought new. Owner's son-in-law noted minor bearing noise in rear when visiting in 2004. Son-in-law received car after death of mother-in-law in 2012, car had 24K miles at that time. Noticed pronounced rear end noise at that time (a whaa-whaa-whaa matching speed changes). Left rear axle and outboard bearing found to be pitted and were replaced by independent repair shop. Research by owner indicates that axles for this, and other similar Mercury and fords had factory axles installed that had not been properly heat treated. Now, nov. 2014, at 43.4K miles the right axle is starting to exhibit noise similar, so repair is up-coming. Will examine NHTSA recall 04V328000 as noted here in other comments posted. Also reference Ford/Mercury service bulletin 0355.
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis, the built date is 10/2002.grinding noise at right rear axle and fluid leaking at right rear axle seal coating the rear brakes. Right rear axle bearing and shaft assy failure per NHTSA campaign id number 04V328000. The vehicle belonged to my 75 year old father whom passed away last year. I now own the car. I'll assume the problem has existed for quite some time. According to Ford motor company there is no such problem with this vehicle. However, Ford does sell a half shaft rear axle bearing repair kit part number 4a109 $618.91 to fix the problem. Can't seem to get Ford Lincoln Mercury to cover cost of repair.
Suspension complaints in other Grand Marquis years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis, 8% of the model year's 362 complaints. The component named most often is rear (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis, though it has 1 recall 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 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 18% 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.