Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the key fob became inoperable. The contact was not able to start the vehicle with the security warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Catalytic converter FAIL, engine idles rough while in park. HIGH Loss of engine power while driving Differentials in back tires are imbalanced...timing FAIL. Steering not calibrated, drivetrain out of sync altogether. Back wheels, left and right; randomly spin & torque hard while car is already in motion on any private road, hidden road, domestic road and high capacity, high speed highway, causing vehicle to fishtail uncontrollably and dangerously, and wildly side to side potentially veering off the road which could result in death unless the driver regains proper control of vehicle. Out of sync car computer and the mechanical devices built into car do not have proper timing performed on those particular moving parts altogether. The car was not manufactured properly mechanically nor electrically altogether. Headlights & electric system etc have an incomplete recall on my vehicle. …
I have had more problems with my 2004 Grand Marquis, the lights don't work, headlights go off while driving at night, airbags don't work, electrical, seats, steering, brakes, all of the electrical, catalytic convertor keeps going out, also engine problems, among many other things. I was in an accident, where my steering didn't work properly and I was hit by someone, not my fault, but my car ended up spinning so bad that I hit my head off of the steering and received injuries,,party in other car was not injured. I was also driving at night on the highway and my lights went out, I was hit from behind.. But also, because of my headlights and steering this has been happening, air bags, never deploy... Received some serious injuries, banged my knew also very badly.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V861000 (exterior lighting). Hempstead Ford (301 n franklin st, hempstead, ny 11550, [phone]) indicated that they provided the recall remedy; however, the contact stated that the low beams, high beams, and daytime running lights failed to function. The failure progressed for years with no solution from the manufacturer. The dealer did not specify what part was replaced and indicated that the turn signals also failed to function. The contact informed the dealer and showed them that the turn signals functioned improperly, but they failed to provide a remedy. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was waiting for a solution. Updated 10/17/17
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving approximately 55 MPH at night, the low beam headlights, tail lights, and instrument cluster failed to illuminate. In addition, the high beam headlights were inoperative. The vehicle was driven cautiously with the hazard warning lights activated. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 15V861000 (exterior lighting); however, the remedy involved the replacement of the lighting control module and not the other components that failed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving 50 MPH, the contact smelled a burning odor and noticed smoke coming from the lighting control module. He pulled the vehicle over and opened the hood. The horn began to sound, so he disconnected the battery. The fire department arrived and a report was filed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to an electrical issue. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop and the lighting control module box was repaired. The dealer stated that they were unaware of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 79,000.
The headlights went out on my car while driving home in a snow storm. When I took my vechile to pepboys to find out whats wrong. They said it was the lighting control module that can only be repaired at Ford dealership. They also stated it was a recall on this. When I took it to Ford they said their was no recall on the module. I am unable to drive my vechile, I cant get to work. Which I am in jeopardy of losing my job. If this is on recall why wont Ford fix my car. It put me and my children in harms way of almost crashing trying to make it home.
Sometimes the headlights flick on and off while driving. Then when the car is turned off, there is a clicking noise in the driver side dashboard that continues until it drains the battery. Also, sometimes the door locks cycle open or closed whether the car is driving or off. This has happened multiple times and caused me to replace the battery, and still I have to jump the car from time to time. This has happened several times over the past few years, but only now have I found this site to report it to.
My headlights fail intermittently, don't know when it going to happen. It causes a safety hazard for me and any driver around me on the road. I am afraid to drive the vehicle in the evening. Ford sent me notice of recall twice in two years but, no parts available till they call. Do I have to crash before they get the parts or they waiting for my car to die before it is fixed. A big gamble on fords part. [redacted]
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V861000 (exterior lighting); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. Additionally, the contact stated that the headlights would intermittently become dim without warning. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 177,000. ..updated 05/02/16
Electrical complaints in other Grand Marquis years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis, 11% of the model year's 348 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2004 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 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 2 injuries to electrical system 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.