The 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis has 4 recalls, the most serious being steering column defects that can cause loss of steering control, raising the risk of a crash.
Two steering recalls affect this vehicle. In one, a lower bearing in the steering column can separate and cause the driver to lose steering entirely. The other primarily affects vehicles registered or driven in regions with heavy road salt use, where the steering column's lower intermediate shaft can corrode severely enough that a joint becomes stiff or seizes, making the steering hard to turn or unresponsive. On the electrical side, the positive battery cable can rub against a crossmember bolt and wear through its insulation, causing a short circuit that can produce heat or fire under the hood or at other points along the vehicle's wiring. There is also a lighting concern: a failing lighting control module can cut out the headlights entirely, reducing visibility at night or in low-light conditions.
At a glance
What can fail
The lighting control module can fail, causing the headlights to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the lighting control module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft, causing the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, inspect and repair the upper shaft and bearing as needed, and install a retainer clip if the bearing separated.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Road salt in winter areas can severely corrode the steering column's lower intermediate shaft, causing the swing link joint to stiffen or seize. This can collapse the upper shaft and separate the steering column bearing, resulting in loss of steering control.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the steering lower intermediate shaft and inspect the upper shaft and bearing, repairing or replacing them if needed. If the bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The positive battery cable may rub against a bolt on the frame, wearing through its insulation. This can cause an electrical short, potentially creating heat or fire damage to the cable and nearby parts.
What the fix does
Dealers will move the positive battery cable to a new location away from the bolt.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
