1990 Mercury Grand Marquis
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Grand Marquis › 1990
These records cover every 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis. Newest first.
Threaded inflator components may have been damaged during assembly which may allow components to separate when inflator receives a signal to deploy the air bag.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Inflator component separation allows hot combustion gases to escape into the passenger compartment which could result in injuries to vehicle occupants.
Remedy
Replace air bag modules containing potentially defective inflators.
Owner complaints
56 complaints6 involved a crash5 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
Engine occasionally surges when placed into reverse. The engine immediately races and the car even convulses. The only thing that stops it IS to turn off the engine. This IS my mom's car and she rarely drives it.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
I embarked on a routine trip to dinner in my mother's 1990 mercury marquis. I started the engine which idled normally, as usual. with my foot on the brake, I engaged the shift lever into the r position which resulted in immediate accelleration in a reverse direction. I swerved the car to the…
I embarked on a routine trip to dinner in my mother's 1990 mercury marquis. I started the engine which idled normally, as usual. with my foot on the brake, I engaged the shift lever into the r position which resulted in immediate accelleration in a reverse direction. I swerved the car to the left to avoid children across the street and rammed a vehicle parked on the street. the vehicle stopped on impact with the other vehicle and returned to normal idle speed. I place the car in d and returned it to the driveway where it remained until we could deliver it to our family mechanic. he placed the engine on his analyzer - did other inspections of brakes, cruise control and other throttle related systems and found nothing.
- Tires › Sidewall
Goodyear integrity p215/75r15. sidewall blowout at highway speed (45-55 mph.) tires were installed on 08/27/2001, and had 36,000 miles at time of failure. tires were well maintained, had no prior damage, and tire showed no signs of problems prior to failure. failure was spontaneous and catastrophic. t IS ironic that a tire with the brand name of "integrity" should spontaneously disintegrate.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
The 'air bag' light on my dash IS lighting up. it doesn't stay on constantly, but it does flash, which concerns me. it doesn't go on every time my car IS on, but it does flash about 95% of the time. I saw the recall and want to know if my vehicle was involved and if it was fixed.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
I have a concern about the air bag in my car, which IS a 1990 mercury grand marquis. the "air bag" light comes on. it doesn't stay on constantly, but it does 'flicker' or it will stay on for a few seconds. there are times where it doesn't come on at all, but I am still concerned. I was wondering, since there was a recall on the part of the airbag, if I should have it looked at. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Problems with transmission malfunctioning.*mr when the vehicles accelerator pedal was pressed it became stuck to the floor of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a dealer who indicated that the insulator cap fell off. the technician said this was a common problem with these vehicle. *nlm
- Parking brake · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Brake lines rusted through, loss of rear brakes. also emergency brake frozen and inoperable. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving automatic transmission doesn't shift properly from the first gear, wont shift. Dealer notified. vehicle was taken to independent shop and overhauled. Transmission at cost over $1000.00 *ak *cb
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
While driving at normal speed accelerator pedal went to the floor, and vehicle lost all power to go forward. Dealer notified. Consumer stated this vehicle was no longer under warranty. Transmission cost over $1000.00. *Ak *cb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
The vehicle leaked brake fluid. The vehicle was taken to a service technician who stated the brake line rusted. *jb
- Air bags
I was given this car, instead of purchasing it. When I received this car with the air bag light flashing. It continues to blink 10 times, then repeats itself. Like a code. The r. Front bumber was dented in but, the airbag did not deploy. dt
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
The consumer was seeking recall on the tfi module which was defective. The tfi module failure could result in accident and death. Consumer stated that the class action settlement does not force a recall but only covers replacement cost after failure. *yh
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
Consumer states during highway driving vehicle completely shut down and would not restart. Thick film ignition moudle had to be replaced. *tt
- Electrical system › Ignition
I was proceeding home in evening rush hour traffic when the car engine quit instantaneously. I was forced to stop in the right lane of traffic. although in the right lane I could not pull off of the road because there was a barrier with no shoulder for me to pull onto. Fortunately I was not hit…
I was proceeding home in evening rush hour traffic when the car engine quit instantaneously. I was forced to stop in the right lane of traffic. although in the right lane I could not pull off of the road because there was a barrier with no shoulder for me to pull onto. Fortunately I was not hit by another car although I was sitting where traffic had to stop abruptly and swerve to avoid hitting me. the car was sitting in traffic until a tow truck arrived approximately one hour later. the vehicle traffic where I was stalled routinely moves at over 50 miles per hour which luckily for me did not result in a major accident. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Car was purchased new by father-in-law robert speeg in 1989 or 1990 with the 5 year extended warranty. ownership transferred to us in 1995 and we transferred extended warranty. car has been a lemon with 3 major transmission problems in less than 60,000 miles. last transmission service cost us…
Car was purchased new by father-in-law robert speeg in 1989 or 1990 with the 5 year extended warranty. ownership transferred to us in 1995 and we transferred extended warranty. car has been a lemon with 3 major transmission problems in less than 60,000 miles. last transmission service cost us $1,434. previous two were covered by extended warranty but were of similiar magnitude. car IS low mileage and in great phsical condition but IS a mechanical/electrical lemon. current problem which prompted reporting IS the engine stalling at highway speed about 6 times in the last 3 months. there IS no warning and no missing and you are forced to maneuvar the car out of traffic wihout power steering or power brakes. car will not restart by cranking engine and doesn't even try. acts like ignition or fuel supply has been disabled. however, if you open the air cleaner and lift the air filter, car starts right away. have replaced air filter even though it was not dirty - did not help. after an internet inquiry, was referred to "thick film injection (tfi) class action suit" at www.autosafety.org/actionalerts/tfi-into.htm. this reference engine stalling at highway speeds and sounds very similar to our problem. according to this report our vehicle has the distributor mounted tfi module as indicated by "1984-94 ltd/marquis (5.0L)". contacted service department at northpoint ford in alpharetta on 2/16/01. scott said problem would be very difficult to diagnose unless it happened while the diagnostic equipment was connected which IS highly unprobable. reported the engine stalling problem to charlene at ford customer assistance center on 2/16/01 who says there are no outstanding recalls on this problem and stated that the tfi problem/claim IS being appealed in california. reported to nhtsa on 2/16/01 who referred me to this web site.*ak
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Vehicle was driven approximately one mile and parked. upon exiting the vehicle, the operator noticed smoke coming from under the hood. after opening the hood, the operator identified the source of the smoke as the alternator. operator continued to observe the vehicle and noted that the volume of…
Vehicle was driven approximately one mile and parked. upon exiting the vehicle, the operator noticed smoke coming from under the hood. after opening the hood, the operator identified the source of the smoke as the alternator. operator continued to observe the vehicle and noted that the volume of smoke was increasing. after approximately two minutes, the alternator burst into flames. arcing was seen and heard within the alternator. the alternator had been previously replaced by fette ford in wayne, nj in sept 1999 and, upon subsequent failure, again in approximately jan 2000. fette ford stated that rebuilt ford alternators were used in both cases. *Ak
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
Air bag light flashes continually, the dealer advised that the problem IS the center crash sensor and that the airbag would not deploy in an accident. *slc
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
Had 2 emergancy stops and car did not stop , front brakes locked and car skided and would not stop dealer said he had same car and said "thats how the brakes are in this car , they just don't stop. This car IS a hazard and correction should be made by the manufacturer
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
While traveling ABS indicator light flashed intermittently. dealer has been contacted. Please provide further information. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
While traveling ABS indicator light flashed intermittently. dealer has been contacted, and repair problem returned. Problem can be repaired at owner's cost, but owner can't afford.*ak *ML
- Vehicle speed control › Linkages
Owner had started vehicle & put foot on brakes before shifting into drive. vehicle suddenly took off & hit a tree & then a building. A policeman had witnessed. The brake lights were on. No skid marks. Took to dealer & mechanic could not locate cause of sudden acceleration. *ak
- Air bags · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
Air bag light flashes constantly on dash, turn on heat , and the air conditioner comes on which IS very annoying in cold weather
- Air bags
Airbag warning light keeps flashing, indictating its IS inoperative, and causing safety hazard. *ak
- Vehicle speed control
Speed control can on full force while backing which caused a crash, totalling the auto. twice before speed control came on when braking. IS this a known problem ? Understand there was a tv show talking about similar failures. Can you furnish any information as wife had no control over vehicle. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood · Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
Wiring harness shorted out, causing all lights inside vehicle, as well as tail lights and park lights to stay on. in addition, fuse burned and melted. repairs made at owner's expense. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Brake line punctures
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 3030413Unknown
- 636080Transfer service tips for the front wiper motor mount bracket and depressed park output arm.
- 627747This aritlce IS to provide information on replacement of old style hood lamp switch to the rvised mechanical hood lamp switch.
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 622660This information IS a supplement to the wiper system service information provided in the workshop manuals. This service information IS intended as an aid to assist in diagnosis and repair of erratic wiper system conditions.
- 618546Subject regarding climate control - eatc - blower motor control service tips.
- 616522Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system.
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 606460Experiencing a whine / buzz type noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio on vehicles with an in-tank electric fuel pump.
- 606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year.
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 601343A new silicone gasket and sealant.
- 601341Experiencing a whining / buzzing noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio.
- 601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system.
- 601290Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance.
- 601269Announcing the ford oem air conditioning retrofit kit availability.
- 601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart.
- 601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable.
- 51987Fuel economy- customer expectations versus vehicle usage.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 50997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip.
- 50940Windshield and interior glass - fog/film.
- 50908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip.
- 50905Wiring - electrical diode identification and service replacements.
- 46478The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable because it may be incompatible with the rubber material used in the disc brake system. If petroleum-based grease IS used to lubricate any part of the disc brake system, it could cause rubber parts to swell if lubricant contacts the rubber material.
- 41025A revised service windshield wiper motor IS now available.
- 39904Revised oil pan gasket.
- 39900Roughness concern during brake application.
- 39717Wiper motor replacement - upgraded service kits.
- 39237Revised wiper motor.
- 39222New torque-to-yield cylinder head bolt kit.
- 39119Erratic distance-to-empty and fuel gauge readings.
Every Mercury Grand Marquis model year
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