Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe — runs 3.0× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
316Complaints
5Recalls
11Crashes
6Fires
11Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe (17.4% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe complaints here are 3.0× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
55 · 17.4%
not available
—
Fuel System, Gasoline:carburetor System
28 · 8.9%
not available
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System
21 · 6.6%
not available
—
Engine And Engine Cooling
21 · 6.6%
not available
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
21 · 6.6%
not available
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
19 · 6%
not available
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 316 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
If the shafts separate during vehicle operation, a loss of steering control would result, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED, WHICH CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK ONTO THE ENGINE.”NHTSA complaint 10009143 — filed 02/24/2003 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 25-30MPH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD BROKE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. PH”NHTSA complaint 8024044 — filed 12/09/2002 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 40PMH THE ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD DEVELOPED A CRACKED AND LOSE ALL ANTIFREEZE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION…”NHTSA complaint 8023151 — filed 11/21/2002 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis?
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe issues are the most-reported category, cited in 55 of 316 NHTSA complaints (17.4%), followed by fuel system, gasoline:carburetor system (28), engine and engine cooling:cooling system (21), engine and engine cooling (21). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis have?
316 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 11 involved a crash, 6 involved a fire, and 11 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis have any recalls?
Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 15E082000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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