Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 4% | 3,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 8% | 66,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% | 2,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% | 152,000 miles |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% | 64,000 miles |
| 2005 | 2 | 0% | 52,000 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% | 33,000 miles |
| 2003 | 28 | 8% | 61,000 miles |
| 2002 | 11 | 14% | 35,000 miles |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% | 22,000 miles |
| 2000 | 15 | 9% | 49,000 miles |
| 1999 | 18 | 11% | 200,000 miles |
| 1998 | 16 | 11% | 105,000 miles |
| 1997 | 26 | 8% | 76,000 miles |
| 1996 | 15 | 6% | 90,000 miles |
| 1995 | 17 | 9% | 98,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
"check air suspension" light came on. Vehicle bottomed out causing very poor handling and control. Repair showed failure of air compressor pump, part number 8w1z5319a, a part common to Ford motor vehicles with air suspension. The replacement pump has a mrp of $410.00 and $238.00 labor. The vehicle is only driven on paved roads and has never been damaged by poor road conditions.
2004 Mercury Marquis rear shocks went bad. Consumer would like reimbursement for repair work done. The consumer noticed a slight bounce coming from the rear of the vehicle. The consumer was informed the shocks were leaking oil.
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.
The consumer stated the front end of the vehicle was lower than normal which caused damage to the front end when parking. The dealership provided a temporary fix by putting shims under the front end. While driving at 15 MPH in the rain, the vehicle suddenly lost power steering. The consumer had to use excessive force to steer. This resulted in injuries to the consumers arm. This failure was due to the tensioner pulley falling off. The parts were replaced. The driver side seat belt plate failed to lock in the buckle. The dealership replaced the entire seat belt assembly. Also, front rims have excessive brake dust. Dealer inspected brakes, but weren't able to duplicate concern of consumer.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the front ball joints detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was pending a diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000. The VIN was not available.
While driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle shimmied in the front. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, where the mechanic re-balanced and aligned the tires. The problem still existed after being taken to an independent mechanic. This was an on going problem since the beginning of purchase. The consumer had an adjudication to take the vehicle back to the dealership. The vehicle had been back to the dealer on many occasions for the shimmy in the front. The dealership replaced all four tires and the driveshaft assembly. The vehicle developed an oil leak that was also ongoing, so the dealer replaced the oil pan/oil pan gasket and the rear main crank shaft seal. The ignition coil assembly had to be replaced as well. When the weather was cold, the hood would not pop open and the right front door did not close properly.
Consumer stated there was a rattling noise coming from the engine when cold, dealer informed consumer the timing gear needed to be replaced, also the dashboard vibrated, however dealer stated nothing was wrong, the trim panel was loose on the door, the left front door closed too hard, the vehicle would lean to the left and there was a noise coming from the front of the vehicle when turning a corner, dealer replaced the front frame supports, the instrument cluster was scratched, the steering column trim was replaced, the radio had a poor reception, there was a pulsation coming from the brakes, however the dealer could not duplicate the problem. Ph
Related recalls (1)
Suspension › Front › Hub
On certain passenger vehicles, a front wheel bearing and hub assembly May fracture due to improper heat treatment.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect both front wheel bearing and hub assemblies and replace them free of charge. The recall began on June 22, 2007. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
NHTSA investigations
Ball joint separation
See attached report.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercury Grand Marquis years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (28), 1997 (26), 1999 (18), 1995 (17) and 1998 (16) model years. Suspension complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Mercury Grand Marquis suspension problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 07V-270 (hub, Jun 26, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mercury Grand Marquis suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles; 34% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (45 mentions), followed by the rear (22).
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.