Engine
4.6L 8-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 145 of 162 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 87 of 162 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
25 complaint records2 fire reports
"THE VEHICLES HEAD GASKET FAILED AND CAUSED AN OIL LEAK . THIS COULD RESULT IN WATER AND OIL MIXING AND TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. *NLM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Steering
24 complaint records1 fire report3 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THE STEERING BELT CAME OFF THE VEHICLE. *NLM PH *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Lighting
24 complaint records
"HEADLIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE BATTERY SYSTEM WILL WEAR DOWN. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse lighting parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP05005 opened Sep 2005 | closed Jan 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE... |
| DP02007 opened Aug 2002 | closed Dec 2002 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL-FED FIRES THE FARS DATA SHOWS THAT THE RISK OF FIRE FROM IMPACT IN ALL DIRECTIONS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS THE SAME AS ALL OTHER SEDANS.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT OVER REPRESENTED WITH RESPECT TO THE RISK OF FIRE IN REAL-WORLD HIGH-ENERGY CRASHES.A FURTHER... |
| SQ01014 opened Nov 2001 | closed Oct 2002 | Fuel System, Gasoline | POST REAR END COLLISION FIRES - led to recall 02I003000 There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00V200000 | Equipment | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE JACKING INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF FOLLOWED, COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE OPERATOR TO PLACE THE JACK ON A FRAME WELD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RAISE A REAR WHEEL. | Normally free |
| 00V157002 | Seat Belts | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. | Normally free |
| 00V157001 | Seat Belts | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET DRIVER'S SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. | Normally free |
| 00V138000 | Visibility | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: A WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE MAY NOT BE CAPABLE OF CARRYING THE CURRENT REQUIRED DURING HIGH LOAD CONDITIONS ON THE WIPERS (I.E., ICE, SNOW, OR OTHER DEBRIS). | Normally free |
| 00V083000 | Seat Belts | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH THE LEFT REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ATTACHING BOLTS INCORRECTLY TIGHTENED. | Normally free |
| 00V050000 | Air Bags | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH LOWER THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF TORQUE ON THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CRASH SENSOR MODULE TO THE VEHICLE. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000158 2000-07-24 | Other | 25,115 | Certain vehicle have jacking instructions which, if followed, may cause the operator to place the jack on a frame weld when attempting to raise a rear wheel. |
| 2000121 2000-05-18 | Visual System | 859 | On certain vehicles, the windshield wipers may become inoperative under excess load conditions (such as snow, ice or debris) due to insufficient electrical carrying capacity in the wiper control module circuitry. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB 19-2026 Feb 2019 | Structure | Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. | |
| CSP 08B04 May 2008 | Fuel System | FORD/LINCOLN MERCURY: CERTAIN 1992-2001 MODEL YEAR CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS, AND TOWN CAR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF WISCONSIN AND CONNECTICUT UPGRADE MODIFICATIONS FOR HIGH SPEED REAR IMPACTS. *PE | |
| 07212 Oct 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE | |
| 05N04 Dec 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXTENDED COVERAGE PROGRAM 05N04 - EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS PROGRAM IS BEING PROVIDED AS A SETTLEMENT TO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. | |
| 041601 Nov 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 042421 Jun 2005 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT | |
| 04251 Dec 2004 | Structure | ALUMINUM CORROSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 04189 Dec 2004 | Visibility | REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT | |
| 042107 Dec 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 04217 Nov 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 04174 Sep 2004 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT | |
| 031404 Aug 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE MISFIRE OR RUNNING - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIPS. TO INCLUDE VARIOUS 2005 MODELS. * AR THIS ARTICLE 04161 SUPERSEDES TSB 03-14-04. | |
| 041514 Aug 2004 | Visibility | REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT | |
| 031501 Jul 2004 | Visibility | INOPERATIVE ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (HEATED BACKLITE) GRID LINES, INTEGRAL ANTENNA CONCERNS. *TT | |
| 17871 Jun 2004 | Electrical System | MULTIPLE DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS UNDER ACCELERATION CAUSED BY IGNITION COIL. *TT | |
| 17810 May 2004 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHERE THERE IS A LARGE AMOUNT OF METAL OR DEBRIS IN THE PAN. *TT | |
| 17757 Apr 2004 | Exterior Lighting | INTERMITTENT RAPID FLASHING OF THE TURN SIGNALS. *TT | |
| 03228 Nov 2003 | Equipment | LACK OF AIR CONDITIONER (A/C) COOLING AND RESTRICTED/REDUCED AIR FLOW THROUGH THE A/C VENTS TYPICALLY DURING EXTENDED IDLING CONDITIONS. *TT | |
| 03203 Oct 2003 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457 OR P1442 OR A CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DTC P0457 FOR THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 03193 Sep 2003 | Exterior Lighting | EXCESSIVE MOISTURE IN THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY. *TT | |
| 03181 Sep 2003 | Electrical System | REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 03157 Aug 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | GRINDING TYPE NOISE FROM THE TIMING CHAIN AREA. *TT | |
| 03144 Jul 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING CONDITION WITH COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS MAY BE MORE ACCURATELY DIAGNOSED USING THE OPTIONAL WORLDWIDE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (WDS) COIL ON PLUG (COP) KIT. 2003 SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 0398 May 2003 | Fuel System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT | |
| 0326 Feb 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | REVISED COOLING FAN MOTOR AVAILABLE. *TT | |
| 03261 Jan 2003 | Power Train | NEW SERVICE PART - NUMBER 5 NEEDLE BEARING AND RACE KIT - 4R70W TRANSMISSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 16380 Nov 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SERVICE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET FOR 4.6L APPLICATIONS. *TT | |
| 16401 Nov 2002 | Service Brakes | BRAKE BOOSTER PUSH ROD ADJUSTMENT. BRAKE PEDAL FEEL CONDITION. *MJ | |
| 02208 Oct 2002 | Equipment | CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH | |
| 02176 Sep 2002 | Exterior Lighting | LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ | |
| 02136 Jul 2002 | Power Train | ON SOME VEHICLES, THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK MAY BE INOPERATIVE, NOW ALLOWING THE OPERATOR TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER FROM THE PARK POSITION. STOP LAMP OPERATION MAY ALSO BE AFFECTED. *TT | |
| 16068 Jul 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE VIBRATION AT 1100-1500 RPM. *TT | |
| 0297 May 2002 | Exterior Lighting | SOME VEHICLES PRODUCED BEFORE 3/5/2002 MAY EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT RAPID FLASHING OF THE TURN SIGNALS. *TT | |
| 15893 May 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INOPERATIVE ENGINE COOLING FAN. *TT | |
| 0274 Apr 2002 | Structure | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHBIT A SQUEAK / CREAK NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT OR RIGHT FRONT DOOR HINGE AREA. *TT | |
| 15793 Apr 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SLIGHT OIL LEAK AT THE CYLINDER HEAD TO BLOCK JOINT. *TT | |
| 15808 Apr 2002 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A ONE-TOUCH DOWN MODULE OR A DRIVERS DOOR MOUDLE MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE THE DRIVERS WINDOW MOVES DOWN WHEN ONE OF THE OTHER WINDOWS IS OPERATED. *TT | |
| 15812 Apr 2002 | Equipment | OVERSPEED WARNING CHIME ACTIVATION WHEN TRAVELLING ABOVE 70 M PH / 110 KPH. *TT | |
| 0245 Mar 2002 | Electrical System | INFORMATION REGARDING DISCHARGED BATTERY CHARGING SERVICE TIPS AND GUIDELINES. *TT | |
| 0222 Feb 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTAKE MANIFOLD CROSSOVER (FIRST RUNNER) COOLANT SEEPAGE CONDITION. *TT | |
| 0214 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT | |
| 01246 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT | |
| 01213 Oct 2001 | Exterior Lighting | VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT RAPID FLASHING OF THE TURN SIGNALS. *TT | |
| 012110 Oct 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE ROMEO BUILT 4.6L 2V ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE OIL LEAK OR OIL WEEPAGE FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AT THE RIGHT HAND REAR OR THE LEFT HAND FRONT OF THE ENGINE. *TT | |
| 012113 Oct 2001 | Electrical System | SOME IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER ASSEMBLIES MAY EXHIBIT ROUGNESS AND / OR EXCESS EFFORT IN TURNING, KEY DOES NOT FULLY RETURN FROM START, A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP MAY ILLUMINATE WITH P0500, P1502 AND U1039 STORED IN POWERTRIAN CONTROL MODULE (PCM). *TT | |
| 012114 Oct 2001 | Fuel System | PARTS AND PROCEDURE TO REDUCE THE POTENTIAL OF FUEL TANK PUNCTURES DURING RARE AND EXTREMELY HIGH-SPEED REAR IMPACTS. *TT | |
| 01205 Oct 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VACUUM OR AIR LEAKS IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND / OR ENGINE SYSTEM CAUSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171 AND OR P0174. *TT | |
| 01181 Sep 2001 | Power Train | BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB | |
| 01156 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC | |
| 01157 Aug 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC | |
| 15158 Aug 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FEAD BELT JUMP-OFF TOSS. *YH | |
| 15130 Aug 2001 | Exterior Lighting | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A TURN SIGNAL FAST FLASH CONDITION WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL BLOWER SPEED AT THE FULL HOT OR FULL COLD SETTING. *SLC | |
| 01137 Jul 2001 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4R70W AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT A CLUNK NOISE DURING THE 2-1 DOWNSHIFT EVENT. *TT | |
| 15061 Jul 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES BUILT 04/15/2000 OR EARLIER EQUIPPED WITH A KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM MAY EXHIBIT AN INOPERATIVE DOOR-MOUNTED KEYPAD, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LAMPS THAT SELF-ACTIVATE AND A WEAK OR DISCHARGED VEHICLE BATTERY. *TT | |
| 15026 Jun 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A STALL AT IDLE AFTER START-UP CONDITION. *TT | |
| 14907 May 2001 | Unknown Or Other | CONCERNS WITH VEHICLES EXHIBITING THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE REGISTERING LOW OR NO OIL PRESSURE USUALLY ON INITIAL START-UP AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF COLD SOAK. *TT | |
| 0162 Apr 2001 | Electrical System | VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) MAY NOT START OR CRANK. *TT | |
| 14862 Apr 2001 | Fuel System | INFORMATION ON REPLACING FUEL TANK STRAP BOLTS. *TT | |
| 14807 Apr 2001 | Fuel System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A HOOT NOISE AT IDLE COMING FROM THE INDUCTION SYSTEM. POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1506 AND A HIGHER THAN NORMAL IDLE. *TT | |
| 14821 Apr 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.6L ROMEO ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN OIL LEAK FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT |
Showing 60 of 105 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Do a full walk-around with every light on.Condensation inside a lens, a dim side, or a flickering tail light match this vehicle's lighting cluster.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Mercury Grand Marquis →