Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Mercury Marquis owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: the air bags deployed so badly that it slapped consumer's grandson''s face. He has a permanent scar from it. The air bags smoked up everything like the vehicle was on fire. Also, consumer's grand daughter was riding in the back seat on the passenger's side, and her teeth print was in the back of the seat. Both of the children were in their seat belts. Consumer felt the seat belts should have held up better. This happened on June 18, 2005. The intake manifold was replaced before the accident.
My 1997 Mercury grand Marquis overheated and blew steam and antifreeze throughout engine compartment and on to windshield. This was caused by the a crack in the water jacket portion of the intake manifold. I was told by the dealer that this is a common problem and manifold has been redesigned but is not covered by a recall and the repair expense ($989 plus tax) would be my responsibility. He also stated that this identical problem on police cars and some others is covered. A call to Ford motor company rendered same results. I bought this car new and it has only 60000 miles. I have the old manifold.
While driving on freeway at freeway speed, my 1997 grand Marquis, ls was running at normal temp. All of a sudden within a matter of a minute or two, the temp gauge maxed out, car started smoking, all coolant was lost. I pulled over immediately, and upon inspection I found that the plastic intake manifold had cracked approx a 3-4" crack. I was stranded, had to tow my car approx 134 miles to get home. This is a $269.99 part not to mention the gaskets, anti-freeze and labor involved to fix. I feel this is a manufacturer defect and I should be reimbursed for the cost of the part at the very least.
While driving at 80 MPH temperature gauge reach ed its peak , followed by smoke coming from the engine. Vehicle was towed to a garage, and they replaced the plastic intake manifold with a metal one because it had blown. When the vehicle was restarted after part was replaced coolant was coming out of the exhaust system. Vehicle was then flat bedded to another garage, and they reinstalled the cylinder head, repaired the timing chain, and replaced the exhaust.
The plastic intake manifold cracked. While driving on the highway at 65 MPH smoke came out from under the hood. The consumer pulled over, and had the vehicle towed home. This was a common failure with these manifolds. The manufacturer nor the dealer were providing any assistance. They claimed the part was not under warranty.
Vehicle was at an idle. Consumer heard a loud boom noise, then smoke or steam started coming from under the hood. The mechanic indicated that the cause was as a result of the intake manifold blowing up. The mechanic replace the plastic manifold with a metal one. Ts
While traveling about 40 MPH in traffic without any warning, my check engine light flashed on immediately followed by the heat gauge maxing out and a buzzing noise began sounding. What appeared to be smoke was pouring out between my hood and cowling. I managed to stop the car and lifted the hood. Antifreeze smell was strong, water was shooting into my alternator and the engine was excessively hot. I had the car towed to a reliable garage and they determined that the intake manifold had split open, but the "smoke" was actually steam and no fire had ensued. Later that day, the mechanic called and said a new manifold would cost about $400, and about another $400 in labor. The final bill was actually $820 and $60 for towing. Upon notification that a newly designed manifold was now being sold, I became suspicious about why Ford would do that. …
My 93 year old aunt paid $950.00 to have the manifold repaired 8/6/04 on her 1997 Mercury, and now Ford does not want to pay her, what a bunch of crap. My uncle came back from wwii bought a new Ford or Mercury every 2-3 years for 50 years, what gratitude. I see why Ford and GM is going down the tubes. It excluded cars that were more than 7 years old when they experienced manifold failure. Based upon that 7-year period, we believe that all 1996 and 1997 cars ( and many 1998's ) that failed in 2004 - 2005 (approx.) or haven't yet failed, were denied coverage. The concept adopted in the settlement appeared to be that "civilians" should not get warranty coverage longer than the 7 years that was given to those cars covered by the 1999 owner notification program. …
Car was brought to dealer under warranty numerous times with complaint of low antifreeze in radiator and the faint smell of antifreeze towards the front of car, after driving the car. Dealer claims he could not find leak under warranty, but found it soon after warranty period. Dealer said part of new radiator cost would be covered but still charged $100.00 for repair. I reluctantly had to pay it to get my car. I have purchased 2 cars at the dealer and so has friends and relatives. Dealer did not stand behind warranty totally since the problem was presented at least twice during warranty. Dealer did not fully comply with 3 year Ford warranty in my opinion. Dealer did not react to my complaint after the repair. I will not buy or recommend purchase of another new vehicle there again.
Failure of intake manifold on 1997 Mercury grand Marquis. The intake mainifold split open. The consumer was told that nothing could be done, due to the unavailability of parts. There was a service bulletin out for this vehicle but the consumer was told that his vehicle was not covered. The consumer requested reimbursement.
Engine complaints in other Marquis years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Mercury Marquis?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Mercury Marquis, 40% of the model year's 53 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Mercury Marquis engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 Mercury 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 1997 Mercury Marquis engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling 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.