Research · Large Cars

2002 Mercury Grand MarquisRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 106 owner complaints for the 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis. Most complaints involve vehicle speed control (18) and suspension (15). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
18mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Oct 2015
Owner complaints
106
Top: vehicle speed control
Fuel cost / yr
$3,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Steering

Free remedy

Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain model Dorman Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 7-0359, and OE Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, manufactured April 17, 2014, to September 28, 2015. These aftermarket replacement steering shafts are sold for use in 1995-2002 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. These steering shafts may separate during operation if the integral fastener is loose or missing and if the interfacing vehicle shaft is compressed in length.

SteeringReported Oct 6, 2015NHTSA 15E082000

Fuel system, gasoline

Free remedy

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Jun 13, 2006NHTSA 06E056000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

106 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2001 – Jul 2025
  1. Vehicle speed control18
  2. Suspension15
  3. Engine and engine cooling14
  4. Electrical system12
  5. Tires10
  6. Steering9
  7. Service brakes, hydraulic9
  8. Seat belts8
  9. Exterior lighting6

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Grand Marquis model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996275
1997372
1998177
1999197
2000187
2001183
2002106
2003395
2004360
2005488
2006143
200796
200880
200926
201025
20119
Crashes reported
11
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
8
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Vehicle speed control

18 reports4 crashes
“The contact owns a 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH at night, the cruise control mode malfunctioned, and the speed of the vehicle increased independently. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed several times to the floor, but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact turned off the vehicle, and the vehicle came to a stop. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact stated that he was afraid of driving the vehicle again. The contact unregistered the vehicle and turned the license plates of the vehicle to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. Additionally, the contact stated that the check engine and the low oil pressure warning lights had illuminated two days prior to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 17, 2025Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, EngineODI 11674238

Suspension

15 reports2 crashes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE FRONT BALL JOINTS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS PENDING A DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 16, 2016SuspensionODI 10896335

Engine and engine cooling

14 reports1 crash1 fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PREMATURE FAILURE IN WHICH THERE WAS AN INTERNAL CRACK ON THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, WHICH CAUSED WATER INTRUSION THAT AFFECTED OTHER COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 19, 2017Engine and engine cooling, EngineODI 10946464
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Large Cars
Engines
4.6L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Grand Marquis
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152318$3,450494
  • Grand Marquis
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L
    15 city · 23 hwy · $3,450/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 4431
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2002 Grand Marquis questions

How many recalls does the 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis problems?

Owners filed 106 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are vehicle speed control (18), suspension (15), engine and engine cooling (14). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis get?

The EPA rates the 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026