Mercury Grand Marquis 2003 — Reported problems

While driving my vehicle headlights turn off and back on, sometimes off for minutes sometimes flickering.

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact that the headlights were intermittently inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that the instrument panel lights, the brake lights, and the turn signal lights were inoperable. The contact who is a mechanic, had inspected the fuses, the fuse box, and other unknown parts, but found no failures. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

The Lighting Control Module has failed and my brake lights and dash board lights turn off after couple minutes while driving with the lights on. I took my vehicle in to dealer already once for problem to be fixed a year ago. They did repair but now same problem is occurring again. I went back to dealer Sunrise Ford in Fontana and they said recall work is only warranty for 1 year or 12k miles. The work was done in December 2023. They want to charge me $230.00 for diagnostic. But issue is same problem as before. Recall number is 15S39. Driving without brake lights is dangerous and has limited my driving. I cannot go out at night. I do not have another vehicle. This affects my life. I've called other dealers and they refuse to do the work.

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis The contact stated that both the headlamps and the taillights intermittently failed to operate as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed. The dealer placed a processor on the vehicle and rewired the lights however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.

The headlights shut off without warning

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front headlights shutoff independently while turned on. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact who is an independent mechanic determined that the lighting control module (LCM) needed to be replaced. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 285,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while attempting to pull out of the parking lot, the headlights and the taillights became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Head lights suddenly went out while driving at night causing near accident, happening frequently. Also, the gas tank leaks when I put gas in car, making it smell badly and making it dangerous if someone drops a cigarette near it.

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the headlights were inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lighting control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lighting control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 181,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that the headlights and taillights were inoperable, and the trunk failed to open. Additionally, all the doors failed to manually lock, and while utilizing the key fob, the door locks were inoperable. The door-ajar message was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The approximate failure mileage was 179,000. The VIN was not available.

Its the LCM L(IGHT CONTROL MODULE)...HEAD LIGHTS went out on me one night coming down [XXX] causing me to wreck in a ditch and hitting a light pole INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that upon turning on the headlights, the taillights intermittently failed to illuminate. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called two local dealers and was informed that there were no open recalls associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH at night, the brake lights, headlights, and taillights failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that the lighting control module was the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle had shifted to LIMP Mode and was almost side swiped by a tractor trailer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle had been towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but became a recurring failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under Technical Service Bulletin: 14N01 (Lighting Control Module); however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlamps flashed and then completely failed to remain illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,236.

O.I.N. 11523223 05/22/2023 1. Lighting Control Module: Failure 2nd time. 2.Couldn't see where I was traveling. 3. No. 4. Yes. Inspected by myself, a Mechanic and Trouble Shooter. 5. Yes. Prior to the failure, the headlamps began flashing on and off. Previously the taillights failed. No warning. Lighting Control Module Defective. Replaced Module per Recall 14N01C. Ford Dealership, Pearson Ford, INC.10650 N. Michigan RD., Zionsville, In., 317.873.3333, Service Advisor: William Haygood

I started Mercury with foot on break like normal. Shifted into reverse. Car accelerated backwards at full speed. Brakes did not stop car. Attempted to shift into neutral but went into drive instead. Car accelerated forward at full speed with my foot still on break. Car hit metal post and tree knocking them down and dragging the tree 50 to 60 feet before stopping with my foot still on the break. Car had stopped accelerating. I turned off the ignition. This unintended acceleration had happened before. Two different dealers attempted to fix the problem. Both of them thought they had been successful but it happened again. Previously, applying the brakes stopped the car, but not this time. Someone could have been injured severely or killed.

I received a recall on my car in 2019 to change the lighting control module as my headlights could go out without warning. Although I had not experienced this, I brought my vehicle to the local Ford dealer who changed the part. Over the pandemic and now since my wife and I are in declining health we have driven very little after dark. However, I recently had to go to the pharmacy at Walmart and returned home after dark but my headlights went out completely. Now I am having this problem and the local Ford dealer said there was no second recall so he wants to charge me between $500 and $600 to correct the problem. I think this is Ford's responsibility to correct. Please assist in making the manufacturer aware of this.

Hard to steer car, power assist not working, doors do not lock

Almost had accidents because lights failed, headlights and taillights failed at night, including dash lights today, creating safety hazard. Seat tilt failed, and body mount frame bushing failed. Mirror tilt switch failed. Fuel filler neck leaks when filled. Very scary especially at night. Please recall and fix before we get hurt.

The LCM has failed during nightly driving causing a complete loss of headlights.

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver’s and passenger’s side headlights failed. As a result, the contact engaged the high beam headlights to continue driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

The lighting control module failed. Even after recall 2 years later and only 9 thousand miles Oem part replacement under recall and recall part has failed no tail lamps work no turn signal lights. Only brake lights It’s a common problem even after recall replacement It’s worked fine for 8 thousand miles now lights don’t work all the time

I am the owner of a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. Several weeks ago the power steering on the vehicle quit. This was not the result of the power steering pump. The linkage in the steering system had ceased, causing the vehicle to be dangerously unsteerable. I have had this repaired at a cost of $575 dollars. I believe this is a safety issue that need immediate investigation and a safety recall. I contacted Ford Motor Company and was sent to Chat contact Shakura who gave me the Corporate runaround. We were lucky as this happened on a side road at low speed. If it had happened on an Interstate with speeds of 65 to 80 MPH I feel this could have resulted in a major accident. I should also point out this steering item is in Ford Crown Victorias and more than likely in Lincoln Continentals. Please advise and contact me with questions. Thank you in advance as this need to be resolved.

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that upon purchase of the vehicle, he received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). Over time, the contact stated that the headlights and taillights would intermittently fail to operate without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was performed. Despite the recall repair, the contact stated that the taillights failed to operate. The dealer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed that he had to pay out of pocket for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

First issue: The headlights and door chime stay on after key is removed and lights are off causing battery to drain while vehicle is not being operated. Second issue: 50 amp ignition fuse blows randomly while car is in motion which causes a complete loss of power to the car including: braking power and power steering assist. The tilt steering being raised or lowered fixes the problem temporairly on occasion. A clicking sound from the lighting control module is heard when adjusting the tilt steering also

The headlights are still not working properly, as before the recall. It is hit or miss if they decide to come on, or stay on. Also, the rear running lights may or may not come on when I turn the headlights on.

Headlights began not working intermittently, and now do not go on, but high beams still work without issue. Seems very similar to recall 15s39, which was repaired on my vehicle in 2015, but became an issue again about a month ago. The car has only accrued about 10,000 since it was last repaired.

WILL NOT START...MANY TIMES OVER LAST 6MONTHS..SECURITY ISSUE..WAS TOLD NO SOUND WHEN TURN ON KEY--ALL LIGHTS ON DASH ON AS ENGINE-AIR BAG-CHECK GAS CAP LIGHTS...BUT NO SOUND...IGNITION COIL REPALCED .BATTERY FRPLACED SPARK PLUGS REPLACED TIRED REPROGRAM KEYS....STILL DOES THIS..IT MAY OR MAY NOT START AFTER TURNING STEERING HARD ...I NEED MY CAR HANDI CAP SENIOR 70YR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GRIECO FORD OF FORT LAUDERDALE (1333 N FEDERAL HWY, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33304, (844) 648-2686) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,900. *BF CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT HAPPENED AGAIN AFTER 3 YEARS.*JB

THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY HAD NO BRAKE LIGHTS OR TAIL LIGHTS, THEN, IT HAD BRAKE LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS, THEN, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, DESPITE HAVING A NEW BATTERY. AFTER MUCH INVESTIGATION AND WORK, OUR CERTIFIED MECHANIC FEELS THAT THE LIGHTING MODULE IS SHORTING OUT, THUS, DRAINING THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET AND ON A HIGHWAY, TURNING, ESSENTIALLY ALL ASPECTS OF USAGE, WHEN THESE ISSUES OCCURRED.

1.REAR SEATBELTS OFTEN JAM AND HAVE TO BE UNLOCKED BY A PROFESSIONAL. 2. BLEND DOOR SWITCH THAT CONTROLS HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONING GETS STUCK ON HEAT AND BLOWS EXTREMELY HOT AIR YEAR ROUND EVEN IF THE UNIT IS TURNED OFF. VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAYS AND CITY STREETS. 3. VEHICLE SQUEAKS WHILE IN MOTION DUE TO FAULTY BALL BEARINGS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE HEAD LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO THE BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER PUNDMANN FORD (2727 W. CLAY ST. ST. CHARLES, MO.) WERE NOTIFIED BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE WITH THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING SWITCH IN AUTO MODE, BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR EXTERIOR LIGHTING WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. WHILE IN MANUAL MODE, THE TAIL LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOM HOLZER FORD (39300 W. 10 MILE RD, FARMINGTON HILLS, MI) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,212.

FORD PANTHER VEHICLES HAD RECIRCULATING BALL STEERING UNTIL 2002, REDESIGNED TO RACK AND PINION STEERING IN 2003. FORD ISSUED RECALL 13S08 FOR SEVERE CORROSION THAT CAN SEIZE THE LOWER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WHICH MAY CAUSE THE UPPER INTERMEDIATE SHAFT TO COLLAPSE AND THE STEERING COLUMN LOWER BEARING TO SEPARATE, COVERING 2005-2012 VEHICLES BUT NOT 2003 AND 2004 VEHICLES HAVING SAME PARTS AND SYMPTOMS. STEERING HAS BECOME EXTREMELY STIFF, STEERING WHEEL NOT RETURNING TO STRAIGHT AHEAD ON ITS OWN, AND DIFFICULT TO STEER AT ALL SPEEDS. FORD DEALER LUBRICATED LOWER STEERING SHAFT 2 MONTHS AGO, BUT SYMPTOMS RETURNED IN 2,000 MILES. THESE SYMPTOMS ARE CONCERN FOR REAL DANGER OF COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING.

LOSS OF POWER STEERING. DIFFICULT TO STEER. CORROSION RELATED DEFECT IN THE LOWER INTERMEDIATE SHAFT.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO PROVIDE THE PART WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME CONCERNING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). WILMES CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (2215 E BROADWAY ST, ALTUS, OK 73521, 580-301-7169) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, FUEL SPILLED ALL OVER THE ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS NO SMOKE PRESENT. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO PLACED O-RINGS IN THE FUEL INJECTORS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HILBISH FORD (704-938-3121, LOCATED AT 2600 S CANNON BLVD, KANNAPOLIS, NC 28083) WHERE THE O-RINGS AND THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,500.

WHEN DRIVING THE CAR AND MAKING A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION, AT THE POINT THE STEERING WHEEL HAS TURNED 180 DEGREES AND IS NOW UPSIDE DOWN FROM "NORMAL POSITION", IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE STEERING WHEEL IS GOING TO COME OFF!!! IT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH IN THE UPSIDE DOWN POSITION. ALSO.... AT TIMES IT FEELS HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION. THIS PROBLEM APPARENTLY COMES FROM THE UPPER AND LOWER STEERING SHAFTS WHERE THE U-JOINT CONNECTS THE TWO STEERING SHAFTS. IF I SLATHER GREASE ON THE SHAFTS AND WORK THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH ABOUT 30 TIMES, THE "TOUGH STEERING" OR THE FEELING OF NO POWER STEERING SUBSIDES, BUT COMES BACK IN ANYWHERE FROM 1 WEEK TO A MONTH! I CAN BE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND ALL AT ONCE I CAN NOT CHANGE LANES, WHICH IS VERY SCARY AT TIMES!!! WHEN THIS HAPPENS AT 65 MPH IT IS ALMOST TIMPOSSIBLE TO STEER THE CAR!!! IT IS ALSO VERY DANGEROUS MAKING A TURN AT 10-20 MPH AS ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, THE POWER STEERING QUITS WORKING AND I ALMOST RAM THE CAR SITTING AT THE STOP LIGHT BECAUSE THE CAR WON'T MAKE THE COMPLETE TURN!!! MANY TIMES, I HAVE HAD TO STOP DEAD TO KEEP FROM HITTING THE CAR AS I AM TRYING TO TURN RIGHT, AND THEN WITH ALL MY STRENGTH, CRANK AND MUSCLE THE STEERING WHEEL TO COMPLETE MY RIGHT TURN! ( AND I AM A 6', 245 LB. MAN IN PRETTY GOOD SHAPE!!!) I HAD HEARD FROM OTHER GRAND MARQUIS OWNERS THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON EARLIER MODELS OF THE GRAND MARQUIS (2000-2002 MODELS) FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT FOR SOME REASON, THE 2003 GRAND MARQUIS LS MODEL WAS EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL!!!. BOTH PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE LISTED APPARENTLY ORIGINATE FROM THE UPPER AND LOWER STEERING SHAFTS AND ARE COMPLETELY UNSAFE!!! THERE IS NO WARNING AS TO WHEN THE STEERING PROBLEM PRESENTS ITSELF. IN THE WINTER, HERE IN ILLINOIS, THE PROBLEM COMPOUNDS IMMENSELY!!!! THIS PROBLEM NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED!!! THANK YOU!