Mercury / Grand Marquis / 1991
1991 Mercury Grand Marquis problems
Owners have filed 106 complaints about the 1991 Mercury Grand Marquis with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 21.7% of them — the clear leader, ahead of service brakes, hydraulic at 12.3%.
Complaints106
Crashes13
Fires15
Injuries14
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 21.7% · 23
Service brakes, hydraulic 12.3% · 13
Air bags 11.3% · 12
Vehicle speed control 11.3% · 12
Engine and engine cooling 10.4% · 11
Power train 7.5% · 8
Structure 3.8% · 4
Fuel system, gasoline 3.8% · 4
Severity
Of those complaints, 13 describe a crash, 15 describe a fire and 14 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 18 model years of the Mercury Grand Marquis in this data, 1991 draws comparatively few complaints; 2005 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 8 in the last three years against 13 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 74,000 miles.
In owners' own words
After parking vehicle in driveway consumer was emptying the trunk and noticed smoke coming from under the hood. A fire soon erupted from the passenger's side under the hood, and was quickly extinguished. After careful examination of the results, it was determined by a certified mechanic that the alternator and the cable harness caused the fire. Electrical system · reported at 74,000 miles
Smoke was noticed coming from hood area. When trying to pull to side vehicle did not respond due to wires that were burnig under the hood. These were the altenator wires that shorted out. Dealer has been contacted.*Ak the fire from the terminals damaged all the insulation and the wiring of the alternator terminals under the hood. Electrical system
Was at red light. Noticed smoke from under hood. Pulled to side of road & lifted hood. Noticed flames around the alternator. Another motorist smothered flames with back pack. Vehicle towed to service station. Was informed by mechanic alternator & wiring harness had to be changed to alternator caught on fire & melted wires. Electrical system
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Mercury Grand Marquis years
1992 330 complaints · 16.1% service brakes, hydraulic 1993 178 complaints · 19.1% power train 1994 197 complaints · 16.8% vehicle speed control 1995 222 complaints · 14.9% service brakes, hydraulic 1996 282 complaints · 30.9% engine and engine cooling 1997 370 complaints · 34.6% engine and engine cooling