Total Complaints
40 filings
MERCURY MARQUIS · model year
1998 MERCURY MARQUIS
40 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 1998MERCURYMARQUIS carries 40 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1998 MARQUIS is suspension with 4 filings, followed by power train:automatic transmission (3) and service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (2). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
NHTSA currently has 22 investigation files overlapping the 1998 MARQUIS. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
40
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
1 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | 4 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 2 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 2 |
| TIRES | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS | 1 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES | 1 |
| STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | 1 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH | 1 |
| STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) | 1 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR | 1 |
Recent Complaints
20150508STEERING
THE FRONT END IS VERY SQUEAKY LOUD AND WHEN YOU MAKE HARD TURNS TO LEFT OR RIGHT IT MAKES A LOUD SPRING POPPING SOUND. THE STEERING IS FEEL LOSE AND CAUSE THE CAR TO SEEM AS THOUGH IT IS WOBBLING SIDE TO SIDE AND HOLDING IT IN THE ROAD IS A LITTLE TOUGH.
Mileage: 97,083
20150508SUSPENSION
THE FRONT END IS VERY SQUEAKY LOUD AND WHEN YOU MAKE HARD TURNS TO LEFT OR RIGHT IT MAKES A LOUD SPRING POPPING SOUND. THE STEERING IS FEEL LOSE AND CAUSE THE CAR TO SEEM AS THOUGH IT IS WOBBLING SIDE TO SIDE AND HOLDING IT IN THE ROAD IS A LITTLE TOUGH.
Mileage: 97,083
20150508WHEELS
THE FRONT END IS VERY SQUEAKY LOUD AND WHEN YOU MAKE HARD TURNS TO LEFT OR RIGHT IT MAKES A LOUD SPRING POPPING SOUND. THE STEERING IS FEEL LOSE AND CAUSE THE CAR TO SEEM AS THOUGH IT IS WOBBLING SIDE TO SIDE AND HOLDING IT IN THE ROAD IS A LITTLE TOUGH.
Mileage: 97,083
20150129ENGINE
TL*THE 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*CN 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*JB
Mileage: 130,000
20150129ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE 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*CN 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*JB
Mileage: 130,000
20141010VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Mileage: 76,000
20141010VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Mileage: 76,000
20080313STEERING:LINKAGES:ARM:IDLER AND ATTACHMENT
98 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS 50,000 MILES DRIVING 10 MPH THE PS TIEROD END FELL OFF LOSING ALL CONTROL. CAR TOWED TO FORD DEALER ALL TIE ROD ENDS REPLACE WITH GREASABLE ENDS COST $400.00 THIS IS A SEALED TIE ROD END REQUIRING NO GREASE (MANUFACTURES DEFECT REQUIRING RECALL,I STILL HAVE OLD PARTS. THE CAR HAD JUST BEEN INSPECTED NYS. *TR
Mileage: 50,000
20060427ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH STEAM WAS NOTICED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED TO HAVE A CRACK IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD.
Mileage: 56,000
20050927ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE INTAKE MANIFOLD ON MY GRAND MARQUIS CRACKED AN CAUSED MY CAR TO RUN HOT AN I HAD TO REPLACE IT. I HAVE 1998 MERQURY GRAND MARQUIS I REPLACED IT ON THE 9-14-05. *JB
20050627TIRES:TREAD/BELT
DT: HAD A BLOWOUT ON THE FRONT LEFT TIRE, THE WHOLE TIRE CAME COMPLETELY APART AND THE TREAD HAD SHREDDED. *AK
Mileage: 84,111
20040128SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
REAR BRAKES DID NOT MATCH. WHILE TRAVELING AT 35-50 MPH DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD. DRIVER HEARD A GRINDING NOISE IN THE REAR. TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, AND MECHANIC REPLACED 2 REAR ROTORS AND 2 REAR BRAKE PADS. ALSO MECHANIC DETERMINED THE RIGHT REAR BRAKES HAD A DIFFERENT BRAKING SYSTEM THAN THE LEFT. *AK
Mileage: 58,000
20040128SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
REAR BRAKES DID NOT MATCH. WHILE TRAVELING AT 35-50 MPH DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD. DRIVER HEARD A GRINDING NOISE IN THE REAR. TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, AND MECHANIC REPLACED 2 REAR ROTORS AND 2 REAR BRAKE PADS. ALSO MECHANIC DETERMINED THE RIGHT REAR BRAKES HAD A DIFFERENT BRAKING SYSTEM THAN THE LEFT. *AK
Mileage: 58,000
20040128SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
REAR BRAKES DID NOT MATCH. WHILE TRAVELING AT 35-50 MPH DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD. DRIVER HEARD A GRINDING NOISE IN THE REAR. TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, AND MECHANIC REPLACED 2 REAR ROTORS AND 2 REAR BRAKE PADS. ALSO MECHANIC DETERMINED THE RIGHT REAR BRAKES HAD A DIFFERENT BRAKING SYSTEM THAN THE LEFT. *AK
Mileage: 58,000
20031017EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
HEADLIGHT LENSES MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO FROST ON THE OUTSIDE LENS. THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN A COLLISION DUE TO LACK OF VISIBILITY. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SEE FAR DOWN THE ROAD WHICH WOULD NORMALLY BE FINE AND NARROWLY AVOIDED HITTING A PARKED VEHICLE AND HAD TO USE THE HIGH BEAMS. WHEN THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS WERE USED, ONCOMING VEHICLES DID NOT SIGNAL THE CONSUMER TO SWITCH BACK TO THE LOW BEAMS. *SCC *JB
Mileage: 30,000
20031010EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT
JACK WARNING LABEL DOES NOT MEET FVMSS SAFETY STANDARDS. *AK REFER TO RECALL NO.# 00V200000. *SCC *JB
20030926POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
OWNER CAN NOT TELL WHAT GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN WHEN DRIVING. CONSUMER NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP. *AK
20030416STRUCTURE
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
Mileage: 75,000
20030416ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
Mileage: 75,000
20030416ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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
Mileage: 75,000
Compare 1998MERCURYMARQUIS to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 1998 MERCURY MARQUIS have?▼
The 1998 MERCURY MARQUIS has 40 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 MERCURY MARQUIS?▼
The most-complained component for the 1998 MERCURY MARQUIS is SUSPENSION with 4 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP.
Is the 1998 MERCURY MARQUIS safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.