Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | 8% | 70,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 8% | 20,000 miles |
| 2008 | 3 | 4% | 128,000 miles |
| 2007 | 5 | 5% | 29,000 miles |
| 2006 | 4 | 3% | 40,000 miles |
| 2005 | 5 | 1% | 75,000 miles |
| 2004 | 9 | 3% | 17,000 miles |
| 2003 | 12 | 3% | 50,000 miles |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2001 | 13 | 8% | 53,000 miles |
| 2000 | 6 | 4% | 40,000 miles |
| 1999 | 12 | 7% | 120,000 miles |
| 1998 | 8 | 6% | 66,000 miles |
| 1997 | 12 | 4% | 97,000 miles |
| 1996 | 15 | 6% | 70,000 miles |
| 1995 | 11 | 6% | 64,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving 25 MPH and entering a drive-thru lane at a bank, the contact attempted to shift the vehicle into park; however, the gear failed to shift. The contact engaged the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the gear shifter failure was also experienced in approximately 2016. The vehicle was towed to malloy Ford (1911 valley avenue, winchester, va 22601, [phone]) and repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was then towed to a repair shop where it was diagnosed that the gear shifter cable failed. The gear shifter cable was replaced and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 128,000. * consumer stated the shift cable failure prevents the driver from shutting off the car and keeps it in gear and moving of the car unless the brake is depressed! …
The car will suddenly and without warning accelerate to 5000 RPM's. Had throttle body and mas replaced which seemed to help. However, it still happens once in a while (once every 3 weeks average). Usually happens after shifting from park to drive and driving forward at low speeds (around 5-10 MPH). Hasn't happened at higher speeds. Was told by one mechanic that the computer is defective???.
I was driving the vehicle. As I started up a hill the speed limit changed. I gave the gas pedal a little push. It went to the floor where it stuck wide open. The car leaped forward and I immediately applied the brake. I really had to push the brake as hard as I could to get the vehicle to stop. When I got the vehicle to stop I knocked the gear shift out of drive into neutral. The engine was idling really rough but then it smoothed out. I did not crash the car and continued driving with no further problems. The vehicle has 64,875 miles on it and this is the first this has happened.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle surged forward until heavy pressure was applied to the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken directly to an authorized dealer and the transmission linkage was repaired. Approximately three years later, the contact was informed that the master cylinder was leaking during a routine inspection. The inspection was being performed by an authorized dealer. The dealer replaced the master cylinder. Approximately two years after the master cylinder failure, the contact experienced a complete braking loss. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, he applied the brake pedal and the pedal depressed to the floor. The contact was able to successfully coast to a stop. The contact added brake fluid to the vehicle and towed it to an independent repair shop. …
The contact owns a 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that there was a loud clanking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
I have had 37 instances of engine acceleration when I brake with my 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis. The first instance was in May, 2007. I depress the brake pedal, and the engine first slows to approx 850 - 900 RPM then begins running up to over 2500 RPM. The dealer says I'm hitting the brake and the gas at the same time. I've tried doing that and it is extremely difficult. I suspect a computer malfunction where the braking is triggering a computer-initiated engine acceleration.
my vehicle was running fine, than all of a sudden the transmission would not shift, i was like omg, what is going on, i had my son with me, my son was driving, he was so scared, i was like take a side street, stay level ground, we coasted down pro tech, [redacted] , that is where the car is now, bill told us,my son and i that the transmission fluid is burnt, when i looked at it the fluid was red,and did not smell burnt, this happened [redacted], i do not understand this at all, i am trying to get help through my insurance company, my claim #[redacted], SAFETY INSURANCE, there was transmission fluid on the dipstick red,
Sudden acceleration. The car did this after starting it in the driveway. Upon placing the car in drive the car accelerated burning rubber in the driveway. Had to stand on brakes and turn ignition off to stop car. The second incidence happened while braking for a red light, I had to shift car into neutral to stop car. Unsure of mileage in this instance. Most recently while in south carolina I was sitting at a red light with my foot on the brake the car suddenly accelerated and I had to shift to neutral to avoid rear ending car in front of me. (mileage 60,000).
NHTSA investigations
Rear axle fracture
This pe was opened after odi became aware of two allegations concerning rear axle fracture and partial wheel separation involving my 2003 Ford crown victoria police interceptors (cvpi).initially, the pe's scope involved all my 2003 grand marquis, crown victoria, and Lincoln town cars (I.e., panther platform) produced through January 2003.while gathering information about this issue, it became evident that the…
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercury Grand Marquis years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (15), 2001 (13), 1997 (12), 1999 (12) and 2003 (12) model years. Transmission complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Mercury Grand Marquis transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Mercury Grand Marquis model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mercury Grand Marquis transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles; 48% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (51 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (12).
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.