THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
The 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 7,921,200 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 98 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
AUTOMATIC RETRACTOR FOR SEAT BELTS FOR DUAL FACING REAR SEATS MAY BE INSTALLED IN AN IMPROPER LOCATION.
SEAT BELT COULD BIND BETWEEN SEAT CUSHION AND SEAT BACKCAUSING THE RETRACTOR TO BE SLUGGISH OR UNABLE TO TAKE UP EXCESS BELT SLACK.
REMOVE AND PROPERLY INSTALL THE RIGHT AUXILIARY SEAT BELTS.
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.
“While driving on interstate 94 in chicago, I accelerated to pass a car. The acceleration device within the engine, not only stuck, but it increased speed. I tried to brake the car with little response. I got on the exit ramp and with 2 feet on the brakes, could not stop the car. We rear ended a…”
“The passenger side power window rolled down without warning. The cause has yet to be determined. Please provide any additional information. *nlm”
“Ford says the starter switch has been replaced once under the starter switch recall. They say they will not replace the switch again. The switch has burned contacts and is deformed probably from heat. The harness connector, that goes to the switch, is melted , split and deformed. My turn signals…”
“Ford says the starter switch has been replaced once under the starter switch recall. They say they will not replace the switch again. The switch has burned contacts and is deformed probably from heat. The harness connector, that goes to the switch, is melted , split and deformed. My turn signals…”
“Ford says the starter switch has been replaced once under the starter switch recall. They say they will not replace the switch again. The switch has burned contacts and is deformed probably from heat. The harness connector, that goes to the switch, is melted , split and deformed. My turn signals…”
“Ford says the starter switch has been replaced once under the starter switch recall. They say they will not replace the switch again. The switch has burned contacts and is deformed probably from heat. The harness connector, that goes to the switch, is melted , split and deformed. My turn signals…”
“This tire was on an mercury grand marquis 1988. While driving at 70 mph vehicle began to shake and wobble. When consumer pulled to the side a tread seperation was noticed. Firestone has been contacted. *ak”
“While on the way to work vehicle stalled. Consumer was experiencing same problem as recall 96vo71000. Another car almost rear ended consumer's vehicle, it was raining and could hardly see anything. *ak the cause for stalling of the vehicle was a faulty ignition module. The driver seat belt does…”
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Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.