Most common 2004 Mercury Marquis problems
Share of the 12 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercury Marquis complaints by model year
Best Marquis years: 2004, 2002, 1995. Years to avoid: 1997. Compare all years →
What 2004 Mercury Marquis owners say
Lights
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mercury grand Marquis. While driving 30 MPH and attempting to turn the headlights on, both headlights failed. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V861000 (exterior lighting) and stated that the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 10/13/16 updated 08/15/2017
Headlights go off without warning at various times including after dark and at various speeds. They come on again without warning and without control from the operator. No manipulation of the light controls appears to help or impact this random action.
Steering
There were 355,000 recalls #14V704000, 13V385000 for 205-2011 Mercury grand marquise but does not include 2004 marquise, however, my marquise according to my mechanic says the issue with my car is the same. There are over 50 complaints pertaining to 2004 grand marquise. Ford says my car does not appear to be on recall list however it should be because my 2004 Mercury grand marquise has the same exact issue as the 2005-2011s. This is a safety issue and it should immediately be addressed, Ford has not identified my vehicle even though 2004's was the year these cars were built.
Lower intermediate steering shaft became corroded at center joint causing steering to bind and stick when steering wheel was released as the vehicle was exiting a turn. This required the driver to make a concerted effort to overcome the binding to return the wheels to a straight position. Part was replaced at local dealer. This is the same problem now on a recall for 2005 to 2011 Mercury grand Marquis' and my 2004 Marquis shaft has the same part number as the recalled part on the 2005 to 2011 Marquis'. Called Ford customer service and Ford will not replace and refund the repair money on my vehicle. As this is the same part and safety issue for the 2005 to 2011 and also affects other Mercury's prior to 2004, Ford should be required to extend this recall for all affected vehicles. NHTSA campaign number 13V385000.
Electrical system
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mercury Marquis. In 2014, the vehicle was repaired per an unknown recall regarding the lighting control module. The repair was performed by golder circle Ford (1432 us-45 byp, jackson, tn 38305). The contact stated that the failure recurred and all the interior and exterior lighting shut off completely while driving 65 MPH on the highway. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the lighting control module was damaged beyond repair. The contact spoke with the same dealer and was informed that the two warranties had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The recall information was not provided. The failure mileage was 245,000.
There were 355,000 recalls #14V704000, 13V385000 for 205-2011 Mercury grand marquise but does not include 2004 marquise, however, my marquise according to my mechanic says the issue with my car is the same. There are over 50 complaints pertaining to 2004 grand marquise. Ford says my car does not appear to be on recall list however it should be because my 2004 Mercury grand marquise has the same exact issue as the 2005-2011s. This is a safety issue and it should immediately be addressed, Ford has not identified my vehicle even though 2004's was the year these cars were built.
2004 Mercury Marquis engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Mercury Marquis a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Marquis rates better than average: 85% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Marquis at the same age. It is one of the best Marquis years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Mercury Marquis?
The lights — 7 complaints, 58% of all complaints for this model year, most often about headlights. Next are the steering (4) and electrical system (3).
How many recalls does the 2004 Mercury Marquis have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 Mercury Marquis. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercury Marquis?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 2002 and 1995. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997. See the full Mercury Marquis years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Mercury Marquis problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 88,000 miles; 9% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.