Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
Exterior Lighting
23
Tires
9
Electrical System
8
Unknown Or Other
6
Suspension
5
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
4
Steering
4
Air Bags
3
Component breakdown data
Category
Count
Exterior Lighting
23
Tires
9
Electrical System
8
Unknown Or Other
6
Suspension
5
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
4
Steering
4
Air Bags
3
Exterior Lighting: 23; Tires: 9; Electrical System: 8; Unknown Or Other: 6; Suspension: 5; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 4; Steering: 4; Air Bags: 3
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
Under 25,000
22
25,000 to 49,999
11
50,000 to 74,999
12
75,000 to 99,999
8
100,000 to 149,999
15
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
Category
Count
Under 25,000
22
25,000 to 49,999
11
50,000 to 74,999
12
75,000 to 99,999
8
100,000 to 149,999
15
150,000 and above
1
Under 25,000: 22; 25,000 to 49,999: 11; 50,000 to 74,999: 12; 75,000 to 99,999: 8; 100,000 to 149,999: 15; 150,000 and above: 1
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (22). 18 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
Exterior Lighting leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 11 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 5 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
PROBLEMS WITH MERCURY 2003 MARAUDER PURCHASED -2/08/03 WOULD LIKE TO FAX CURRENT WARRANTY REPAIR ORDER. LEAKS AROUND LENS COVER, WIPER BLADES REPLACED, REAR LEFT SPEAKER VIBRATES, BRAKE & BRAKE PEDAL SQUEAKING, SPOT ON REAR WINDOW, NEW WINDOW ORDERED, OVERDRIVE LIGHT ON, CAR STALLED HAD TO BE RETURNED, VALVE BODY AND WIRING REPLACED IN TRANSMISSION, SPOT ON DRIVER'S LEATHER SEAT COVER, NEW COVER HAS BEEN ORDERED. *NLM *CB
ENGINE CUTS OUT AROUND TURNS; MISALIGNMENT, VEHICLE PULLS DRASTICALLY TO THE RIGHT; LOW HANGING PANEL ON DRIVER'S SIDE INTERFERES WITH THROTTLE AND BREAK OPERATIONS; BURNING ODOR EMITTING FORM ENGINE COMPARTMENT; FLUID LEAKING FROM REAR AXLE; SMOKE EMITTING FORM ENGINE COMPARTMENT; LACK OF ACCELERATION BETWEEN 2000-4000 RPM; ENGINE STALLS WHILE IDLING; NOISY CLICKING, CLUNKING, AND GRINDING SOUNDS COMING FROM FRONT AXLE; POOR ACCELERATION BETWEEN 20-40 MPH; FRONT TIRES RAPIDLY WEARING UNEVENLY; SQUEAKING FROM FRONT END; LOOSE RIGHT FRONT EXTERI…
THIS VEHICLE PURCHASED IN JUNE 2003 HAS HAD 6 ALIGNMENTS (THE FIRST AT ABOUT 500 MILES) AND THE STEERING RACK REPLACED ALL BEFORE 3100 MILES BECAUSE OF A CONSTANT PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE DEALER HAS INFORMED ME THAT I AM NO LONGER ENTITLED TO A "COURTESY" ALIGNMENT. RF TOE IN HAS DRIFTED .8 DEGREES IN 1 WEEK'S TIME AND LF CAMBER 1.3 IN SAME TIME. WILL BE ENTERING LEMON LAW PROCEEDINGS. ADDITIONALLY THE FIT AND FINISH HAS LEFT MUCH TO BE DESIRED, HAVE HAD REAR "PACKAGE" CARRIER, FR HEAD LIGHT, WINDOW MOLDINGS, AIRBAG COVERS AND OTHER TRIM ITEM…
THE VEHICLE WAS WASHED AND FUELED AGAINST CUSTOMER?S REPEATED REQUESTS. SIGNIFICANT (ADDITIONAL) CLEAR COAT ABRASION DAMAGE TO PAINTED BODY SURFACES AND TRIM. VEHICLE?S ENGINE KNOCKED FOR THE DURATION OF THE TANK, SUGGESTING THAT IT WAS FUELED WITH REGULAR, NOT PREMIUM FUEL THE VEHICLES FUEL GAUGE CLEARLY READS, PREMIUM FUEL ONLY. IMMEDIATE MECHANICAL FAILURES: WITHIN THE FIRST 24 HOURS OF OWNERSHIP, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THREE SYSTEM FAILURES. POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. OVERDRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT CONSTANTLY FLASHING. PO…
WHILE SHIFTING GEARS VEHICLE DOWN SHIFTED ON ITS OWN. TRANSMISSION WENT INTO OVER DRIVE, AND VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT REPLACED UNKNOWN WIRING UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER SEAT, BUT THE LIGHT STILL REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
CONSUMER FELT THE FUEL TANK WAS DESIGNED POORLY AND THE SHARP EDGES THAT WENT AROUND FUEL THE TANK WAS VERY DANGEROUS. *NLM. THE CONSUMER PURCHASED A KIT AT HIS OWN EXPENSE TO COVER UP THE SHARP EDGES OF THE GAS TANK. *JB
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
87 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
79.3%Usable mileage69 / 87 records
100.0%Valid incident date87 / 87 records
100.0%Valid filing date87 / 87 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates87 / 87 records
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
Component complaint heatmap
Component
2003
2004
Exterior Lighting
1423.3%ODI 10069063 · 4,900 mi
EVERY TIME I'VE STARTED IT SINCE I OWNED IT, ITS SMOKED EVERY TIME.I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE SMOKE IS FROM BUT GOES AWAY ABOUT 10-15 SECONDS OF RUNNING.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MARAUDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY SHUT OFF WITHOUT. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 110,000.
I AM AN OWNER OF A 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER. THE VEHICLE OEM REAR TIRES MANUFACTURED BY BF GOODRICH ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE. BFG IS THE ONLY COMPANY THAT MANUFACTURES THIS SIZE TIRE(245/15/18) THIS TIRE IS THE ONLY ONE THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY RECOMMENDS FOR THIS CAR AND THE USE OF ANOTHER SIZE COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO A HANDLING PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. THESE TIRES HAVE BEEN ON BACK-ORDER FOR A YEAR AND WITH OVER 11,000 MARAUDERS ON THE ROAD, THERE COULD POSSIBLY BE A SAFETY ISSUE . *TR
BF GOODRICH IS THE ONLY MANUFACTURER OF TIRES IN THE SIZE MY CAR REQUIRES (2004 MERCURY MARAUDER). THEY ARE ON A NATIONAL BACKORDER UNTIL MAY/JUNE 2009. THIS LEADS TO TWO DANGEROUS OPTIONS: RUNNING ON TIRES THAT ARE BALD OR REPLACING WITH INCORRECT SIZE. BOTH CAN LEAD TO ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES. PLEASE REQUIRE THEM TO START PRODUCTION IMMEDIATELY. MANY OTHER DRIVES OF THIS CAR HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
2003 MERCURY MARAUDER. ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAIL AS YOU DRIVE DOWN THE STREET. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN 5 DIFFERENT TIMES IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS AND NO ONE CAN FIX THE PROBLEM. *NM
HEADLIGHTS IN 2004 MERCURY MARAUDER BEGAN GOING OUT INTERMITTENTLY AT ABOUT 60K MILES, ALSO INTERMITTENTLY NOT COMING ON WHEN TURNED ON BY SWITCH. THEY NOW RARELY STAY ON FOR MORE THAN 5 MINUTES AT A TIME. THIS IS UNDOUBTEDLY RELATED TO THE WIDELY REPORTED FAILURE OF MOTOROLA-MANUFACTURED FORD LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE (LCM, FORD P/N 4W7Z13C788BB) UNITS IN MANY FORD 'PANTHER' PLATFORM MODELS (CROWN VIC, GRAND MARQUIS, MARAUDER) THROUGH MODEL YEAR 2004. NHTSA ACTION PE08066 ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE. THE FORD/MERCURY DEALER I SOUGHT SERVICE FOR THIS …
ENGINE CUTS OUT AROUND TURNS; MISALIGNMENT, VEHICLE PULLS DRASTICALLY TO THE RIGHT; LOW HANGING PANEL ON DRIVER'S SIDE INTERFERES WITH THROTTLE AND BREAK OPERATIONS; BURNING ODOR EMITTING FORM ENGINE COMPARTMENT; FLUID LEAKING FROM REAR AXLE; SMOKE EMITTING FORM ENGINE COMPARTMENT; LACK OF ACCELERATION BETWEEN 2000-4000 RPM; ENGINE STALLS WHILE IDLING; NOISY CLICKING, CLUNKING, AND GRINDING SOUNDS COMING FROM FRONT AXLE; POOR ACCELERATION BETWEEN 20-40 MPH; FRONT TIRES RAPIDLY WEARING UNEVENLY; SQUEAKING FROM FRONT END; LOOSE RIGHT FRONT EXTERI…
PROBLEMS WITH MERCURY 2003 MARAUDER PURCHASED -2/08/03 WOULD LIKE TO FAX CURRENT WARRANTY REPAIR ORDER. LEAKS AROUND LENS COVER, WIPER BLADES REPLACED, REAR LEFT SPEAKER VIBRATES, BRAKE & BRAKE PEDAL SQUEAKING, SPOT ON REAR WINDOW, NEW WINDOW ORDERED, OVERDRIVE LIGHT ON, CAR STALLED HAD TO BE RETURNED, VALVE BODY AND WIRING REPLACED IN TRANSMISSION, SPOT ON DRIVER'S LEATHER SEAT COVER, NEW COVER HAS BEEN ORDERED. *NLM *CB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MARAUDER. WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT DID NOT REALIZE THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO PROCEED DOWNHILL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 73,137.
THE CAR BUMP STEERS. HAVE TAKEN IT TO DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THEY CHECKED EVERYTHING BUT FOUND NOTHING WRONG BUT ALSO STATED THAT IF THEY DID FIND ANYTHING WRONG IT WOULDN'T BE COVERED BY WARRENTY.
THE STEERING HAD BECOME STIFF AND "NOTCHY" WHILE TURNING, AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT RETURN TO STRAIGHT AHEAD ON ITS OWN. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT HAD 1 OF THE 3 BEARING FROZEN AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THIS IS THE SAME EXACT PARTS AND SYMPTOMS AS LISTED LISTED IN FORD RECALL 13S08
THIS VEHICLE PURCHASED IN JUNE 2003 HAS HAD 6 ALIGNMENTS (THE FIRST AT ABOUT 500 MILES) AND THE STEERING RACK REPLACED ALL BEFORE 3100 MILES BECAUSE OF A CONSTANT PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE DEALER HAS INFORMED ME THAT I AM NO LONGER ENTITLED TO A "COURTESY" ALIGNMENT. RF TOE IN HAS DRIFTED .8 DEGREES IN 1 WEEK'S TIME AND LF CAMBER 1.3 IN SAME TIME. WILL BE ENTERING LEMON LAW PROCEEDINGS. ADDITIONALLY THE FIT AND FINISH HAS LEFT MUCH TO BE DESIRED, HAVE HAD REAR "PACKAGE" CARRIER, FR HEAD LIGHT, WINDOW MOLDINGS, AIRBAG COVERS AND OTHER TRIM ITEM…
DT: WHILE GOING 10-20 MPH VEHICLE SUDDEN LY ACCELERATED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND HIT A PARKED CAR. VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE, AND THEN EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THERE WERE BLACK TIRE MARKS FROM THE REAR WHEELS FROM WHERE THE CAR ACCELERATED. THEN. THE VEHICLE HIT THE OTHER PARKED FAMILY VEHICLE. THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS KNOCKED ABOUT 30 FEET. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. UPON IMPACT, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUME RHAS PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT., BUT NO POLICE REPORT. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN CONTACTED…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND WAS CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS TO FAIL ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER FOR THE FAILURE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,000.
WHILE TRAVELING ON 20/59 NORTH PAST THE COALING EXIT, I HIT A POT HOLE. THE POT HOLE WAS SO BIG THAT IT BURST MY TIRE AND BENT MY RIM. SINCE IT WAS AROUND 7:45 PM, I COULDN'T SEE IT. THANK GOD IT ONLY BURST ONE OF MY TIRES ON THE REAR OF MY CAR. THINGS COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE. IT ALSO TOOK AN HOUR AT LEAST FOR A TROOPER TO COME. THIS IS GOING TO COST ME AT LEAST $450. I EXPECT TO GET SOME ASSISTANCE FROM THE STATE WITH FIXING MY CAR. THE POT HOLE NEEDS TO BE FILLED ASAP! *TR
OEM TIRES FOR REAR P245/55-18 NOT AVAILABLE FROM MANUFACTURER FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. PART # SHOWS TIRE IS NOT DISCONTINUED YET NO TIRES ARE AVAILABLE BY B.F. GOODRICH. NO SOLUTION IS OFFERED AND BF GOODRICH DOES NOT RETURN PHONE CALLS RELATED TO THIS ISSUE. REPEATED PHONE CALLS TO BF GOODRICH OVER EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME SHOWS PROBLEM IS RECOGNIZED-NO PRODUCTION DATE OF THIS TIRE KNOWN. *TR
2003 MERCURY MARAUDER. ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAIL AS YOU DRIVE DOWN THE STREET. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN 5 DIFFERENT TIMES IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS AND NO ONE CAN FIX THE PROBLEM. *NM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT OPERATE UNLESS THEY WERE ON FULL SPEED. THE WIPERS WOULD ALSO COME ON AUTOMATICALLY AND SPRAY THE FLUID WHEN THEY WERE NOT MANUALLY OPERATED. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER ON AND OFF WHEN THEY WERE IN THE OFF POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 33,500.
HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, SIDE MARKERS, FOG LAMPS ALL DIED UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD TWICE ON FRIDAY NIGHT. FAULTY 'LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE' (PART NUMBER 3W7Z-13C788-AA ON MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE) TO BLAME. PREVIOUS INVESTIGATION BY NHTSA CLOSED (PE08066), BUT PROBLEMS REMAIN - *ALL* 2001-2004 PANTHER PLATFORM VEHICLES WILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM EVENTUALLY IF THEY HAVEN'T ALREADY DUE TO THE RELAY BEING SIZED TO SMALL AND EVENTUALLY BURNING OUT. MASSIVE SAFETY ISSUE WITH LOSING YOUR LIGHTING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON DARK BACKR…
I HAVE HAD 17 WARRANTY REPAIR ITEMS. OVERDRIVE PROBLEM ON MARCH 24. VALVE BODY AND TEMP SENSOR REPLACE. CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR 24 DAYS. PURCHASED NEW ON FEB. 8, CAR IS CURRENTLY IN ARBRITATION. I HAVE ASKED FOR A BUY BACK. DEALER REFUSES TO FIX LOOSE CARPET IN REAR FLOOR.
PAINT FLAKING AND THE BUFFING MARKS APPEAR ON HOOD AND FENDERS THE HOODS SHAKES SIDE TO SIDE AND THE TRIM IS COMING APART AROUND THE SIDE WINDOWS THE FRONTEND MAKES NOIES AT SLOW SPEEDS LIKE SOMTHING IS NOT PUT TOGEATHER OR THEY FORGOT TO TIGHEN THE NUTS
PAINT FLAKING AND THE BUFFING MARKS APPEAR ON HOOD AND FENDERS THE HOODS SHAKES SIDE TO SIDE AND THE TRIM IS COMING APART AROUND THE SIDE WINDOWS THE FRONTEND MAKES NOIES AT SLOW SPEEDS LIKE SOMTHING IS NOT PUT TOGEATHER OR THEY FORGOT TO TIGHEN THE NUTS
THE VEHICLE WAS WASHED AND FUELED AGAINST CUSTOMER?S REPEATED REQUESTS. SIGNIFICANT (ADDITIONAL) CLEAR COAT ABRASION DAMAGE TO PAINTED BODY SURFACES AND TRIM. VEHICLE?S ENGINE KNOCKED FOR THE DURATION OF THE TANK, SUGGESTING THAT IT WAS FUELED WITH REGULAR, NOT PREMIUM FUEL THE VEHICLES FUEL GAUGE CLEARLY READS, PREMIUM FUEL ONLY. IMMEDIATE MECHANICAL FAILURES: WITHIN THE FIRST 24 HOURS OF OWNERSHIP, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THREE SYSTEM FAILURES. POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. OVERDRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT CONSTANTLY FLASHING. PO…
BOTH REAR AXLES AND BEARINGS WERE DAMAGED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. FORD HAS ISSUED A BULLETIN ON THIS: ARTICLE NO. 03-5-5 AXLE-REARAXLE SHAFT AND/OR AXLE BEARING PREMATURE WEAR-VEHICLES PRODUCED BEFORE 1/1/2003. MY '03 MERCURY MARAUDER WAS BUILT IN AUG. '02. BOTH AXLES, BEARINGS AND SEALS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $647.55. *TR
PROBLEMS WITH MERCURY 2003 MARAUDER PURCHASED -2/08/03 WOULD LIKE TO FAX CURRENT WARRANTY REPAIR ORDER. LEAKS AROUND LENS COVER, WIPER BLADES REPLACED, REAR LEFT SPEAKER VIBRATES, BRAKE & BRAKE PEDAL SQUEAKING, SPOT ON REAR WINDOW, NEW WINDOW ORDERED, OVERDRIVE LIGHT ON, CAR STALLED HAD TO BE RETURNED, VALVE BODY AND WIRING REPLACED IN TRANSMISSION, SPOT ON DRIVER'S LEATHER SEAT COVER, NEW COVER HAS BEEN ORDERED. *NLM *CB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY MARAUDER. WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT DID NOT REALIZE THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO PROCEED DOWNHILL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 73,137.
THE CAR BUMP STEERS. HAVE TAKEN IT TO DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THEY CHECKED EVERYTHING BUT FOUND NOTHING WRONG BUT ALSO STATED THAT IF THEY DID FIND ANYTHING WRONG IT WOULDN'T BE COVERED BY WARRENTY.
THE VEHICLE WAS WASHED AND FUELED AGAINST CUSTOMER?S REPEATED REQUESTS. SIGNIFICANT (ADDITIONAL) CLEAR COAT ABRASION DAMAGE TO PAINTED BODY SURFACES AND TRIM. VEHICLE?S ENGINE KNOCKED FOR THE DURATION OF THE TANK, SUGGESTING THAT IT WAS FUELED WITH REGULAR, NOT PREMIUM FUEL THE VEHICLES FUEL GAUGE CLEARLY READS, PREMIUM FUEL ONLY. IMMEDIATE MECHANICAL FAILURES: WITHIN THE FIRST 24 HOURS OF OWNERSHIP, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THREE SYSTEM FAILURES. POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. OVERDRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT CONSTANTLY FLASHING. PO…
THE STEERING BECAME JERKY AND HAD TO OVERCORRECT TO KEEP IN TRAFFIC LANE. MAKING TURNS THERE WAS A LOUD CRACKING SOUND. THE DEALER SAID RUST HAD SEIZED THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT AND IT WAS REPLACED. *TR
THIS VEHICLE PURCHASED IN JUNE 2003 HAS HAD 6 ALIGNMENTS (THE FIRST AT ABOUT 500 MILES) AND THE STEERING RACK REPLACED ALL BEFORE 3100 MILES BECAUSE OF A CONSTANT PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE DEALER HAS INFORMED ME THAT I AM NO LONGER ENTITLED TO A "COURTESY" ALIGNMENT. RF TOE IN HAS DRIFTED .8 DEGREES IN 1 WEEK'S TIME AND LF CAMBER 1.3 IN SAME TIME. WILL BE ENTERING LEMON LAW PROCEEDINGS. ADDITIONALLY THE FIT AND FINISH HAS LEFT MUCH TO BE DESIRED, HAVE HAD REAR "PACKAGE" CARRIER, FR HEAD LIGHT, WINDOW MOLDINGS, AIRBAG COVERS AND OTHER TRIM ITEM…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT REPLACED UNKNOWN WIRING UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER SEAT, BUT THE LIGHT STILL REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
DT: WHILE GOING 10-20 MPH VEHICLE SUDDEN LY ACCELERATED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND HIT A PARKED CAR. VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE, AND THEN EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THERE WERE BLACK TIRE MARKS FROM THE REAR WHEELS FROM WHERE THE CAR ACCELERATED. THEN. THE VEHICLE HIT THE OTHER PARKED FAMILY VEHICLE. THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS KNOCKED ABOUT 30 FEET. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. UPON IMPACT, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUME RHAS PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT., BUT NO POLICE REPORT. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN CONTACTED…
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month
Complaints
Campaigns announced
Examples
2024-11
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2024-12
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-01
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-02
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-03
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-04
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-05
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-06
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-07
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-08
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-09
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-10
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-11
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-12
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-01
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-02
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-03
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-04
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-05
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-06
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-07
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-08
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-09
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2003: 28 complaints · 2004: 6 complaints
Equal observation windows
Model year
Through age 0
Through age 1
Through age 2
2003
16
23
28
2004
2
4
6
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year
Incident dates used
Filing date fallbacks
Excluded dates
2003
59
0
1
2004
27
0
0
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
Component co-occurrence matrix
Component
Exterior Lighting
Tires
Electrical System
Unknown Or Other
Suspension
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Steering
Air Bags
Exterior Lighting
—
0
5ODI 10432505 · 74,500 mi
HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, SIDE MARKERS, FOG LAMPS ALL DIED UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD TWICE ON FRIDAY NIGHT. FAULTY 'LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE' (PART NUMBER 3W7Z-13C788-AA ON MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE) TO BLAME. PREVIOUS INVESTIGATION BY NHTSA CLOSED (PE08066), BUT PROBLEMS REMAIN - *ALL* 2001-2004 PANTHER PLATFORM VEHICLES WILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM EVENTUALLY IF THEY HAVEN'T ALREADY DUE TO THE RELAY BEING SIZED TO SMALL AND EVENTUALLY BURNING OUT. MASSIVE SAFETY ISSUE WITH LOSING YOUR LIGHTING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON DARK BACKR…
I WAS ENTERING ONTO A PARKWAY AT 05:30 HOURS, DAY-BREAK, WHEN MY HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF. I TURNED THE ON/OFF SWITCH, FLICKED THE HI-BEAMS, NO LIGHTS. I PULLED THE DRIVING LAMPS SWITCH, THEY CAME ON. I DROVE FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS AND THE HEADLIGHTS CAME ON. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THIS VEHICLE AT NIGHT SINCE THIS EVENT. I TOOK MY CAR TO A LOCAL SERVICE CENTER AND WE EXPERIMENTED WITH THE HEAD LIGHTS. CAR RUNNING, DRIVERS WINDOW DOWN...TURNED HEAD LIGHTS ON, PARKING LIGHTS CAME ON BUT HEAD LIGHTS DID NOT COME ON. TURNED ON LEFT TURN SIGNAL AND HEAD LIGHTS…
HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, SIDE MARKERS, FOG LAMPS ALL DIED UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD TWICE ON FRIDAY NIGHT. FAULTY 'LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE' (PART NUMBER 3W7Z-13C788-AA ON MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE) TO BLAME. PREVIOUS INVESTIGATION BY NHTSA CLOSED (PE08066), BUT PROBLEMS REMAIN - *ALL* 2001-2004 PANTHER PLATFORM VEHICLES WILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM EVENTUALLY IF THEY HAVEN'T ALREADY DUE TO THE RELAY BEING SIZED TO SMALL AND EVENTUALLY BURNING OUT. MASSIVE SAFETY ISSUE WITH LOSING YOUR LIGHTING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON DARK BACKR…
I WAS ENTERING ONTO A PARKWAY AT 05:30 HOURS, DAY-BREAK, WHEN MY HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF. I TURNED THE ON/OFF SWITCH, FLICKED THE HI-BEAMS, NO LIGHTS. I PULLED THE DRIVING LAMPS SWITCH, THEY CAME ON. I DROVE FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS AND THE HEADLIGHTS CAME ON. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THIS VEHICLE AT NIGHT SINCE THIS EVENT. I TOOK MY CAR TO A LOCAL SERVICE CENTER AND WE EXPERIMENTED WITH THE HEAD LIGHTS. CAR RUNNING, DRIVERS WINDOW DOWN...TURNED HEAD LIGHTS ON, PARKING LIGHTS CAME ON BUT HEAD LIGHTS DID NOT COME ON. TURNED ON LEFT TURN SIGNAL AND HEAD LIGHTS…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT REPLACED UNKNOWN WIRING UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER SEAT, BUT THE LIGHT STILL REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
PAINT FLAKING AND THE BUFFING MARKS APPEAR ON HOOD AND FENDERS THE HOODS SHAKES SIDE TO SIDE AND THE TRIM IS COMING APART AROUND THE SIDE WINDOWS THE FRONTEND MAKES NOIES AT SLOW SPEEDS LIKE SOMTHING IS NOT PUT TOGEATHER OR THEY FORGOT TO TIGHEN THE NUTS
THE VEHICLE WAS WASHED AND FUELED AGAINST CUSTOMER?S REPEATED REQUESTS. SIGNIFICANT (ADDITIONAL) CLEAR COAT ABRASION DAMAGE TO PAINTED BODY SURFACES AND TRIM. VEHICLE?S ENGINE KNOCKED FOR THE DURATION OF THE TANK, SUGGESTING THAT IT WAS FUELED WITH REGULAR, NOT PREMIUM FUEL THE VEHICLES FUEL GAUGE CLEARLY READS, PREMIUM FUEL ONLY. IMMEDIATE MECHANICAL FAILURES: WITHIN THE FIRST 24 HOURS OF OWNERSHIP, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THREE SYSTEM FAILURES. POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. OVERDRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT CONSTANTLY FLASHING. PO…
THE VEHICLE WAS WASHED AND FUELED AGAINST CUSTOMER?S REPEATED REQUESTS. SIGNIFICANT (ADDITIONAL) CLEAR COAT ABRASION DAMAGE TO PAINTED BODY SURFACES AND TRIM. VEHICLE?S ENGINE KNOCKED FOR THE DURATION OF THE TANK, SUGGESTING THAT IT WAS FUELED WITH REGULAR, NOT PREMIUM FUEL THE VEHICLES FUEL GAUGE CLEARLY READS, PREMIUM FUEL ONLY. IMMEDIATE MECHANICAL FAILURES: WITHIN THE FIRST 24 HOURS OF OWNERSHIP, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THREE SYSTEM FAILURES. POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. OVERDRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT CONSTANTLY FLASHING. PO…
PAINT FLAKING AND THE BUFFING MARKS APPEAR ON HOOD AND FENDERS THE HOODS SHAKES SIDE TO SIDE AND THE TRIM IS COMING APART AROUND THE SIDE WINDOWS THE FRONTEND MAKES NOIES AT SLOW SPEEDS LIKE SOMTHING IS NOT PUT TOGEATHER OR THEY FORGOT TO TIGHEN THE NUTS
THE VEHICLE WAS WASHED AND FUELED AGAINST CUSTOMER?S REPEATED REQUESTS. SIGNIFICANT (ADDITIONAL) CLEAR COAT ABRASION DAMAGE TO PAINTED BODY SURFACES AND TRIM. VEHICLE?S ENGINE KNOCKED FOR THE DURATION OF THE TANK, SUGGESTING THAT IT WAS FUELED WITH REGULAR, NOT PREMIUM FUEL THE VEHICLES FUEL GAUGE CLEARLY READS, PREMIUM FUEL ONLY. IMMEDIATE MECHANICAL FAILURES: WITHIN THE FIRST 24 HOURS OF OWNERSHIP, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THREE SYSTEM FAILURES. POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. OVERDRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT CONSTANTLY FLASHING. PO…
ENGINE CUTS OUT AROUND TURNS; MISALIGNMENT, VEHICLE PULLS DRASTICALLY TO THE RIGHT; LOW HANGING PANEL ON DRIVER'S SIDE INTERFERES WITH THROTTLE AND BREAK OPERATIONS; BURNING ODOR EMITTING FORM ENGINE COMPARTMENT; FLUID LEAKING FROM REAR AXLE; SMOKE EMITTING FORM ENGINE COMPARTMENT; LACK OF ACCELERATION BETWEEN 2000-4000 RPM; ENGINE STALLS WHILE IDLING; NOISY CLICKING, CLUNKING, AND GRINDING SOUNDS COMING FROM FRONT AXLE; POOR ACCELERATION BETWEEN 20-40 MPH; FRONT TIRES RAPIDLY WEARING UNEVENLY; SQUEAKING FROM FRONT END; LOOSE RIGHT FRONT EXTERI…
THE VEHICLE WAS WASHED AND FUELED AGAINST CUSTOMER?S REPEATED REQUESTS. SIGNIFICANT (ADDITIONAL) CLEAR COAT ABRASION DAMAGE TO PAINTED BODY SURFACES AND TRIM. VEHICLE?S ENGINE KNOCKED FOR THE DURATION OF THE TANK, SUGGESTING THAT IT WAS FUELED WITH REGULAR, NOT PREMIUM FUEL THE VEHICLES FUEL GAUGE CLEARLY READS, PREMIUM FUEL ONLY. IMMEDIATE MECHANICAL FAILURES: WITHIN THE FIRST 24 HOURS OF OWNERSHIP, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THREE SYSTEM FAILURES. POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. OVERDRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT CONSTANTLY FLASHING. PO…
ENGINE CUTS OUT AROUND TURNS; MISALIGNMENT, VEHICLE PULLS DRASTICALLY TO THE RIGHT; LOW HANGING PANEL ON DRIVER'S SIDE INTERFERES WITH THROTTLE AND BREAK OPERATIONS; BURNING ODOR EMITTING FORM ENGINE COMPARTMENT; FLUID LEAKING FROM REAR AXLE; SMOKE EMITTING FORM ENGINE COMPARTMENT; LACK OF ACCELERATION BETWEEN 2000-4000 RPM; ENGINE STALLS WHILE IDLING; NOISY CLICKING, CLUNKING, AND GRINDING SOUNDS COMING FROM FRONT AXLE; POOR ACCELERATION BETWEEN 20-40 MPH; FRONT TIRES RAPIDLY WEARING UNEVENLY; SQUEAKING FROM FRONT END; LOOSE RIGHT FRONT EXTERI…
THE VEHICLE WAS WASHED AND FUELED AGAINST CUSTOMER?S REPEATED REQUESTS. SIGNIFICANT (ADDITIONAL) CLEAR COAT ABRASION DAMAGE TO PAINTED BODY SURFACES AND TRIM. VEHICLE?S ENGINE KNOCKED FOR THE DURATION OF THE TANK, SUGGESTING THAT IT WAS FUELED WITH REGULAR, NOT PREMIUM FUEL THE VEHICLES FUEL GAUGE CLEARLY READS, PREMIUM FUEL ONLY. IMMEDIATE MECHANICAL FAILURES: WITHIN THE FIRST 24 HOURS OF OWNERSHIP, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THREE SYSTEM FAILURES. POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. OVERDRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT CONSTANTLY FLASHING. PO…
THE VEHICLE WAS WASHED AND FUELED AGAINST CUSTOMER?S REPEATED REQUESTS. SIGNIFICANT (ADDITIONAL) CLEAR COAT ABRASION DAMAGE TO PAINTED BODY SURFACES AND TRIM. VEHICLE?S ENGINE KNOCKED FOR THE DURATION OF THE TANK, SUGGESTING THAT IT WAS FUELED WITH REGULAR, NOT PREMIUM FUEL THE VEHICLES FUEL GAUGE CLEARLY READS, PREMIUM FUEL ONLY. IMMEDIATE MECHANICAL FAILURES: WITHIN THE FIRST 24 HOURS OF OWNERSHIP, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THREE SYSTEM FAILURES. POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. OVERDRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT CONSTANTLY FLASHING. PO…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT REPLACED UNKNOWN WIRING UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER SEAT, BUT THE LIGHT STILL REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
4 patterns with matching reports.
Stalling or loss of power
6 mentions · 6.9% of complaints
Median mileage: 73,137 mi (3 usable records).
ODI 10013546 · 2,000 mi
PROBLEMS WITH MERCURY 2003 MARAUDER PURCHASED -2/08/03 WOULD LIKE TO FAX CURRENT WARRANTY REPAIR ORDER. LEAKS AROUND LENS COVER, WIPER BLADES REPLACED, REAR LEFT SPEAKER VIBRATES, BRAKE & BRAKE PEDAL SQUEAKING, SPOT ON REAR WINDOW, NEW WINDOW ORDERED, OVERDRIVE LIGHT ON, CAR STALLED HAD TO BE RETURNED, VALVE BODY AND WIRING REPLACED IN TRANSMISSION, SPOT ON DRIVER'S LEATHER SEAT COVER, NEW COVER HAS BEEN ORDERED. *NLM *CB
ENGINE CUTS OUT AROUND TURNS; MISALIGNMENT, VEHICLE PULLS DRASTICALLY TO THE RIGHT; LOW HANGING PANEL ON DRIVER'S SIDE INTERFERES WITH THROTTLE AND BREAK OPERATIONS; BURNING ODOR EMITTING FORM ENGINE COMPARTMENT; FLUID LEAKING FROM REAR AXLE; SMOKE EMITTING FORM ENGINE COMPARTMENT; LACK OF ACCELERATION BETWEEN 2000-4000 RPM; ENGINE STALLS WHILE IDLING; NOISY CLICKING, CLUNKING, AND GRINDING SOUNDS COMING FROM FRONT AXLE; POOR ACCELERATION BETWEEN 20-40 MPH; FRONT TIRES RAPIDLY WEARING UNEVENLY; SQUEAKING FROM FRONT END; LOOSE RIGHT FRONT EXTERI…
Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b
Brake response concerns
4 mentions · 4.6% of complaints
Median mileage: 4,500 mi (2 usable records).
ODI 10013546 · 2,000 mi
PROBLEMS WITH MERCURY 2003 MARAUDER PURCHASED -2/08/03 WOULD LIKE TO FAX CURRENT WARRANTY REPAIR ORDER. LEAKS AROUND LENS COVER, WIPER BLADES REPLACED, REAR LEFT SPEAKER VIBRATES, BRAKE & BRAKE PEDAL SQUEAKING, SPOT ON REAR WINDOW, NEW WINDOW ORDERED, OVERDRIVE LIGHT ON, CAR STALLED HAD TO BE RETURNED, VALVE BODY AND WIRING REPLACED IN TRANSMISSION, SPOT ON DRIVER'S LEATHER SEAT COVER, NEW COVER HAS BEEN ORDERED. *NLM *CB
WHILE TEST-DRIVING A 2003 MERCURY MARAUDER, MY FOOT BECAME ENTANGLE WITH A DRIVER-SIDE COCKPIT LOWER PANEL THAT TRAPPED MY FOOT ONTO THE THROTTLE AND PREVENTED ME FROM ACCESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASH. *JB
ALMOST ALL DOMESTIC MANUFACTURERS OF PASSENGER CARS MAKE THEM SO THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSES FARTHER THAN THE ACCELERATOR. THIS IS VERY LIKELY THE REASON FOR MOST "UNINTENDED" ACCELERATION INCIDENTS. IN MY OWN CASE IT INVOLVES A 2003 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. IF YOU ACCIDENTLY DEPRESS BOTH AT THE SAME TIME, WHICH WITH A LARGE FOOT IS EASY TO DO, THE BRAKES WILL NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE. WHEN I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER I WAS TOLD THAT ALL VEHICLES OF THE SAME PLATFORM DO THE SAME THING. I CAN EASILY SEE WHERE THIS WOULD LEAD TO SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES …
THE STEERING BECAME JERKY AND HAD TO OVERCORRECT TO KEEP IN TRAFFIC LANE. MAKING TURNS THERE WAS A LOUD CRACKING SOUND. THE DEALER SAID RUST HAD SEIZED THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT AND IT WAS REPLACED. *TR
THE VEHICLE WAS WASHED AND FUELED AGAINST CUSTOMER?S REPEATED REQUESTS. SIGNIFICANT (ADDITIONAL) CLEAR COAT ABRASION DAMAGE TO PAINTED BODY SURFACES AND TRIM. VEHICLE?S ENGINE KNOCKED FOR THE DURATION OF THE TANK, SUGGESTING THAT IT WAS FUELED WITH REGULAR, NOT PREMIUM FUEL THE VEHICLES FUEL GAUGE CLEARLY READS, PREMIUM FUEL ONLY. IMMEDIATE MECHANICAL FAILURES: WITHIN THE FIRST 24 HOURS OF OWNERSHIP, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THREE SYSTEM FAILURES. POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. OVERDRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT CONSTANTLY FLASHING. PO…