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2000 Mercury Grand Marquis: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 162 owner complaints on file for the 2000 Grand Marquis[1]. The engine, exterior lighting, steering and brakes lead the list, and every recall in our data lists a remedy[2][3][4][5][6][7].
Most reported problems
Owners filed 162 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Of those, 14 mention a crash[1], 5 a fire[1] and 10 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.
The component groups with the most complaints:
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine[10] | 25 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting[11] | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering[12] | 18 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Brakes[13] | 18 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Electrical system[14] | 17 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Visibility[15] | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension[16] | 15 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Speed control[17] | 13 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
Engine. Median mileage at failure was 82,500[10]. In the 12 engine complaint texts we read, 4 describe a cracked or defective intake manifold, and 2 of those mention coolant leaking and misfiring[10]. Two describe the engine shutting down while driving, with power brakes and steering lost[10].
Exterior lighting. Median mileage at failure was 122,000[11]. In the 12 lighting texts we read, 10 describe headlights or the whole lighting system flickering, cutting out or failing while driving[11]. Three of those say it happened with the high beams on[11].
Steering. Median mileage at failure was 90,000[12]. Among 7 different steering complaints we read, 2 describe the wheel locking in a turn and 2 describe a loss of control that ended in a crash[12].
Brakes. Median mileage at failure was 59,000[13]. Among 10 different brake complaints we read, 4 describe weak braking, long stops or a failure to stop[13]. Three describe squeaking, clicking or squealing[13].
A small sample of texts does not tell you how often a problem happens. It only shows what owners describe.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 6 recall entries for this model year[8]. Two of them are the same recall, 00V157, filed once for passenger side and once for driver side belts. Each recall lists a remedy.
- Jack instructions (00V200). July 18, 2000[2]. About 875,000 vehicles were potentially affected[2]. The jacking instructions could lead an owner to place the jack on a frame weld. If the car is free to roll, the jack could give way and the car could drop, which could injure someone under it. Owners get a revised jack instruction and stowage card, a warning label and an owner guide supplement[2].
- Replacement seat belts, driver side (00V157). June 12, 2000[4]. 1,167 vehicles were potentially affected[4]. Aftermarket belts that Ford parts departments sold in the first half of 2000 did not meet a federal belt standard[4]. They may have been installed as replacements. In a collision they may not restrain the occupant. Dealers inspect the car and replace those belts[4].
- Replacement seat belts, passenger side (00V157). Same date and problem. 1,129 vehicles were potentially affected[3]. Dealers inspect and replace the belts[3].
- Wiper control module (00V138). May 17, 2000[5]. 23,000 vehicles were potentially affected[5]. The module may not handle the electrical load when the wipers work hard through ice, snow or debris. The wipers could stop with no warning. Dealers inspect the module and replace it if necessary[5].
- Rear seat belt retractor (00V083). March 20, 2000[6]. 83 vehicles were potentially affected[6]. The bolts holding the left rear retractor may have been tightened wrongly, so the belt may not restrain a rider properly in a crash. Dealers tighten the bolts to specification[6].
- Air bag crash sensor (00V050). February 17, 2000[7]. 39 vehicles were potentially affected[7]. Bolts holding the crash sensor module may have too little torque. A loose module could delay the air bag in a crash. Dealers tighten the bolts[7].
Fuel economy
The EPA rates the Grand Marquis with the 4.6L 8-cylinder engine, Automatic 4-spd and rear-wheel drive at 16 city, 23 highway and 18 combined MPG[9]. It runs on regular fuel[9]. The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $3,700[9]. That estimate uses the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.
Safety ratings
The NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings list this car as not rated[18]. There are no star ratings to compare.
How 2000 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 179 | 5 |
| 1996 | 239 | 5 |
| 1997 | 316 | 4 |
| 1998 | 143 | 5 |
| 1999 | 164 | 3 |
| 2000 | 162 | 6 |
| 2001 | 157 | 3 |
| 2002 | 78 | 0 |
| 2003 | 362 | 1 |
| 2004 | 348 | 1 |
| 2005 | 488 | 4 |
| 2006 | 143 | 2 |
| 2007 | 96 | 3 |
| 2008 | 80 | 3 |
| 2009 | 26 | 2 |
| 2010 | 25 | 2 |
| 2011 | 9 | 2 |
NHTSA's year-by-year counts for the Grand Marquis put 2000 at 162 complaints[8]. Seven listed years have more: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2004 and 2005. Nine have fewer[8]. The most complaints are on 2005 with 488, the fewest on 2011 with 9[8].
The 2000 model year has 6 recalls, the most of any listed year[8]. The next most is 5, in 1995, 1996 and 1998[8].
These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so use them as a rough guide only.
Should you buy a used 2000 Grand Marquis?
The complaint file is mid-sized for this model, and the recalls all have a stated remedy[2][3][4][5][6][7]. The reports that deserve a closer look are lighting that cuts out while driving[11], a cracked intake manifold[10] and steering or brake behavior[12][13]. Ask for repair records on those systems and have a mechanic check them. Ask whether the recall work was done, especially the wiper module and the belts. Our data does not cover reliability rankings, so this page cannot say how the car compares with other models.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems on a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis?
- Owners filed the most complaints about the engine (25), exterior lighting (21), steering (18) and brakes (18)[10][11][12][13].
- Does the 2000 Grand Marquis have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recall entries[8], covering jack instructions, replacement seat belts, the wiper control module, a rear belt retractor and an air bag crash sensor. Each lists a remedy[2][3][4][5][6][7].
- What gas mileage does a 2000 Grand Marquis get?
- The EPA rates it at 16 city, 23 highway and 18 combined MPG[9].
- What is the safety rating of the 2000 Grand Marquis?
- NHTSA lists it as not rated[18].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 162 owner complaints on file for the 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis (14 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 10 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 00V200, filed July 18, 2000: Equipment › Mechanical › Integrated Jack / Leveler / Stabilizer. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V157, filed June 12, 2000: Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V157, filed June 12, 2000: Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V138, filed May 17, 2000: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V083, filed March 20, 2000: Seat Belts › Front › Retractor. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V050, filed February 17, 2000: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Mercury Grand Marquis model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Grand Marquis, 4.6L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 25 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 82,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 21 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 122,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 18 complaints name the steering component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 18 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 17 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 15 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,912). NHTSA vehicle records
- 15 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 13 complaints name the speed control component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 98,900). NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records