Research · Large Cars

2009 Mercury Grand MarquisRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 26 owner complaints for the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis. Most complaints involve steering (5) and service brakes (4). The EPA rates it 19 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
19mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Nov 2014
Owner complaints
26
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$3,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Steering: pinion shaft

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall 13V-385. The prior repairs may not have been correctly performed.

SteeringReported Nov 5, 2014NHTSA 14V704000

Steering

Free remedy

Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.

SteeringReported Aug 29, 2013NHTSA 13V385000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

26 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2009 – Aug 2024
  1. Steering5
  2. Service brakes4
  3. Electrical system4
  4. Vehicle speed control4
  5. Suspension2
  6. Fuel/propulsion system2
  7. Tires2
  8. Engine2
  9. Power train2

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
3
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
1
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

Steering

5 reports
“About a month ago I contacted Beechmont Ford (600 Ohio Pike Cincinnati, Ohio 45245) in reference to Manufacturer Recall Number # 13S08 NHTSA Recall Number # 13V385000. I've wrote them three time and they have not responded. A week ago I chatted with Fords Hotline and they said they would do what they could. I've heard nothing back. Where do I go from here?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 19, 2024SteeringODI 11609513

Service brakes

4 reports1 crash
“An SUV crashed into an apple store in Hingham Mass. The driver told police his foot became stuck to the gas pedal. More likely his foot became hooked under the brake pedal as he tried to quickly shift his foot from the gas pedal up and to the left onto the brake pedal. This has happened to me several times after accelerating and then having to make a 'panic' stop. I had to quickly wiggle-foot from under to the top of the brake pedal. Brake pedals should be changed from a T shaped to a 7 shaped configuration. This would eliminate the hook. T configuration-the 'stem' is attached under the center of the brake pedal 7 configuration-the 'stem' is attached under the right edge of the brake pedal”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 24, 2023Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11503443

Electrical system

4 reports1 fire
“ON OCTOBER 21, 2016, WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON I-30 IN DALLAS COUNTY, A FIRE OCCURRED IN THE DAIMAY-SUPPLIED DRIVER-SIDE VISOR LAMP ASSEMBLY OF MY 2009 FORD MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE FORD FUSE SYSTEM FAILED, ALLOWING THE FIRE TO BURN, MELTING PORTIONS OF THE VISOR AND ROOF MATERIAL. THE MELTED MATERIAL FELL ON MY LEFT LEG AND THE DRIVER SEAT AND FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING 2ND AND 3RD DEGREE BURNS TO MY LEG. CHRYSLER NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SIMILAR DEFECT IN THE DAIMAY ASSEMBLY ON JULY 1, 2014, WHICH RESULTED IN THE FIRST OF TWO CHRYSLER RECALLS ON JULY 10, 2014. FORD, HOWEVER, CHOSE TO NOT RECALL ITS VEHICLES WITH THE DAIMAY VISOR ASSEMBLY SYSTEM, DESPITE RECEIVING NOTICE OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, CLAIMS AND INCIDENTS BEFORE THE SUBJECT INCIDENT. THEREFORE, I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT THIS DEFECT BE PROMPTLY INVESTIGATED AND THAT THE UNSAFE SYSTEM BE RECALLED SO THAT OTHER CONSUMERS ARE NOT INJURED.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 2, 2017Electrical systemFire reportedODI 11042676
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 FFV
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
162419$3,300468
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 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 5150
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

2009 Grand Marquis questions

How many recalls does the 2009 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 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis problems?

Owners filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (5), service brakes (4), electrical system (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis get?

The EPA rates the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026