Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Exterior Lighting (53.4% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Exterior Lighting complaints here are 10.1× the median for that category across the 719 model-years tracked on this site.
3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting | 260 · 53.4% | Recalled | Recall 15V861000 |
| Electrical System | 70 · 14.4% | Recalled | Recall 05V518000 |
| Air Bags | 63 · 12.9% | No official action | — |
| Exterior Lighting:headlights | 39 · 8% | Recalled | Recall 15V861000 |
| Seat Belts | 35 · 7.2% | No official action | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 34 · 7% | No official action | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 487 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 15V861000 · 2015 · reported 12/22/2015
A loss of headlights can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 14V704000 · 2014 · reported 11/05/2014
Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 13V385000 · 2013 · reported 08/29/2013
If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 06E056000 · 2006 · reported 06/13/2006
FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 05V518000 · 2005 · reported 11/09/2005
THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN HEAT DAMAGE AND COULD LEAD TO A FIRE. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED UNEXPECTEDLY AND FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. THE…”NHTSA complaint 10442499 — filed 01/05/2012 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
“THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT TURN ON AUTOMATICALLY OR MANUALLY, DAY OR DARK AT NIGHT, UNLESS YOU USE THE BRIGHT LIGHTS. HE LIGHTS WILL NOT TURN…”NHTSA complaint 10430653 — filed 10/18/2011 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS AND HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WENT TO…”NHTSA complaint 10430232 — filed 10/14/2011 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Exterior lighting issues are the most-reported category, cited in 260 of 487 NHTSA complaints (53.4%), followed by electrical system (70), air bags (63), exterior lighting:headlights (39). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
487 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 24 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 21 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 15V861000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
