Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 12 | −85% | — | Headlight | Good |
| 2003 | 33 | 1.2× | — | Headlight | Average |
| 2002 | 11 | −54% | — | Brake | Good |
| 2001 | 26 | typical | — | Brake | Average |
| 2000 | 23 | typical | — | Body | Average |
| 1999 | 24 | typical | — | Brake | Average |
| 1998 | 29 | typical | — | Suspension | Average |
| 1997 | 53 | 2.0× | 1 | Engine | Avoid |
| 1996 | 31 | 1.3× | — | Engine | Average |
| 1995 | 20 | −19% | — | Brake | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Marquis year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mercury Marquis problems
Latest Mercury Marquis recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On certain passenger vehicles built with electronic traction control, the rear brake line May chafe due to contact between it and a floor pan stiffening rib, and a brake fluid leak May occur.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the subject vehicles for contact between the brake tube and floor pan stiffening rib. If contact is evident, but no abrasion or leaks exist, the brake tube will be repositioned to preclude further…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mercury Marquis should you avoid?
1997 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Marquis years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 1997.
What is the best year for the Mercury Marquis?
2004 has the fewest complaints compared with other Marquis years at the same age, followed by 2002 and 1995. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mercury Marquis problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (50), brakes (36) and speed control & acceleration (26). Engine complaints peak in the 1997 model year.
How many recalls has the Mercury Marquis had?
1 recall across 1995–2004. The model year with the most is 1997.
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.