Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The vehicle was maneuvered off the road and restarted. The vehicle was driven to the dealer who replaced the two coil assemblies and one valve assembly.
Within 3 months of expiring warranty, 3 coils failed one after the other resulting in very expensive repair cost. Within year 4th coil fails. Tried to get warranty to cover after 1st failure; felt like manufacturer defect. Still think some sort of defect. Am just praying that I won't be on the road on a long distance trip when #5 fails.
While traveling on the highway and without prior warning the vehicle stalled when the vehicle was driven at speeds of 35 to 55 MPH, it hesitated and surged 4 to 6 times in a row. It felt like consumer turned the vehicle off then on. The consumer was told the computer was bad, and the wiring needed to be replaced.
At 1000 miles can hear the lifters when first starting the car, took to dealer, and they put a filter in car to keep oil in lifters,. But, this was not fixing the problem, just covering it up. Please provide any further information.
Dt*: the contact stated the fitting that connects the heater line to the intake manifold fractured and detached. As a result of the failure, the vehicle over heated. The contact saw steam coming from underneath the hood and pulled the vehicle over for inspection. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop for repairs. The manufacturer was contacted and determined the time had expired for the 7 year replacement for a free remedy.
July 15,2005, I took my grand Marquis l999, to glades Ford because it was stalling as if it was going to cut off. I was told, spark plug #8 and the coil was bad. It was repaired at a cost of $337.94 . August 2005 had same problem and was told it was the manifold. Had this repaired ll.22.05,cost $960.63. Advised by richard t. Doorman esq. Of cunningham< bounds< yance, crowder & brown llc, p. O. Box 66705, mibil, al 36660 to take my receipts to glades Ford of belle, glade, fl before March 16, 2006, I took the receipts to glades Ford, January 23, 2006. Mr. Antonio bellorin, service advisor took the information and said I would be contacted. After not being contacted in approximately three months, I returned to the dealership and inquired about my refund. Mr bellorin went into the business office and returned in about 45 minutes. …
Tl contact owns a 1998 Mercury Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, there was smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the manifold and the thermostat holder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. Updated 3/24/15 the consumer stated he pulled the vehicle to the curb, inspected the engine and noticed smoke coming from a broken part, releasing anti-freeze. The thermostat gasket housing and intake manifold were replaced. Updated 07/07/15
My trunk on my 1998 Mercury mystique leaks water when it rains, passenger window switch does not work,my car has jumped timing twice in a month and was stuck on the interstate the second time and had to call a tow truck, had to replace the water pump and buy the timing kit twice. Not counting on all the recalls on this car when I bought it in 1998 new. The car is in my husbands name... Which is marvin minor. I really do like my car, but it has been a disappointment to me. 8nlm
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercury Marquis years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (21) and 1996 (11) model years. Engine complaints make up 40% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Mercury Marquis engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Mercury 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 Marquis engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles; 21% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (15 mentions), followed by the engine (6).
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.