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 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
This is a serious safety hazard that could result in death or injury. If I hadn't escaped in time, I would have been killed. I am urging the NHTSA to investigate this defect and take immediate action to remove these vehicles from the road. Others may not be as lucky. This issue is life-threatening, especially because the fire started while the vehicle was in motion. These vehicles must be recalled and removed from use before more people are injured or killed.
I was traveling on northfield road in bedford heights ohio and turned right on to the drive way that leads to walmart. The steering wheel snapped completely loose spinning around. I lost control of the steering and the car crashed into a curb before I could apply the brakes. This occurred approximately an hour after I picked up my car from liberty Ford dealership for repairs done in response to recall number 13s08 - steering column shaft and customer satisfaction program number - 14n01. (lighting control module).
Driving home on highway at approximately 65 MPH. Heard a click sound but did not relate it to lights immediately. It was just approaching twilight. I guess we did not immediately notice the lights as there was still some daylight. Next night driving in town after dark and the lights went out, just sudden darkness. We were on business hwy 23 going over the overpass in town and were able to get off on a side street and limp home hoping that we would not get stopped and cited. This is my vehicle that I use for my work. I now have to schedule my work around daylight hours as we can not find the light module to replace mine. This is a horrible danger to myself, my family and other drivers as well. We have called multiple places to find the module and they all say they can not get them. The most frightening of all, we have never been sent a recall notice on this. …
I purchased a 2005 Grand marques from this company. I was driving one day (11/5/07) when the vehicle caught on fire, I was lucky enough to be in front of Firestone service station. As soon as I exit the vehicle the engine burst into flames. Firestone along with the assistant of the charlotte fire dept came to my rescue siding that it was an electrical fire. The car was towed back to the dealer for repair. After admitting that it was a malfunction of the sensor in the heating element, insurance company was off the hook. But I'm left to fight of not wanting to repair a burnt engine and repainting the car. What I'masking for is a car of equal value. My argument is that if list on car facts, the vehicle is no longer worst what I owe. Plus six weeks prior to the fire I had just paid 1500.00 for my 30,000 service. …
Similar to events as published in NHTSA action number pe08066, I was driving on the interstate at night and the headlights suddenly went dark. No warning, just went out. Pulled off onto shoulder and could not avoid sliding off the road - very dangerous. Finally figured out if you pull the turn signal lever all the way towards you it will turn the bright headlights on, but you have to hold it on position .. If you let go the headlights go back out. The problem is intermittent and appears without warning. 1000's of complaints about this same issue all over the internet - so I can't believe the agency closed the original investigation?? What could be more dangerous than losing your headlights at night?? There should be an immediate recall from Ford motor co. On this issue! My local Ford dealer and communications to Ford motor co. Have produced no help. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the exterior lighting, dome light, and all other lighting turned off without warning. The vehicle was taken to inver grove Ford Lincoln [phone], located at 4725 s robert trail, inver grove heights, mn 55077) to be diagnosed, but the technician was unable to schedule an appointment right away. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who changed all the fuses, but the failure recurred. The contact called hastings automotive at [phone] (located at 3625 vermillion st, hastings, mn 55033) and scheduled an appointment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. After the vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 15V861000 (exterior lighting), the tail lights failed to operate when the headlights were turned from "automatic" to "on". The headlights worked, but the tail lights did not unless the brakes were being applied. Leon riley Ford in benton, ky (99 main st.) was notified and contacted the manufacturer about payment for the repairs. The manufacturer stated that nothing could be done. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Started vehicle to move it in my driveway. Put it in drive and throttle stuck open and vehicle slammed my garage corner. Tried putting it in park and it went into reverse (brake override did not work) instead and crossed street, went across neighbors landscaping stones and slammed into the house next door's front porch at which time the ignition shut down and the car came to a stop. Many thousands of dollars in damages to all three homes.
I purchased the vehicle as a used vehicle with 42900 miles. The vehicle has no history of an accident on the carfax report. The airbag light came on and the repair ended up costing over $1000 because new sensors had to be installed for the seat belt assemblies. The automobile mechanic said this is common for 2005 Ford automobiles. Why hasn't Ford issued a recall to correct the problem?
Jan 19, 2016, letter said I would be notified as soon as corrective part became available. This has been over 6 1/2 months. As I'm planning on taking an extended trip, much of it at night, in the near future, I'm concerned my headlights will suddenly go out. Please goad them to get on the ball and provide a repair.
Related recalls
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables
On certain passenger vehicles, the battery cable includes a fusible link that May contact and subsequently chafe on a #2 cross member attaching bolt.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fusible link and position it away from the cross member bolt. If the fusible link has already chafed and copper wires have been exposed, the fusible link will be replaced.
Electrical complaints in other Grand Marquis years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis?
NHTSA has 75 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis, 15% of the model year's 488 complaints. The component named most often is horn (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 05V-518 (cables, Nov 9, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 4 fires and 3 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.