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2003 Mercury Marauder Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 60 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Mercury Marauder, most often about the lights (27% of complaints, typically around 78,500 miles). It is the most complained-about Marauder model year since 2000.

Complaints60
Recalls0
Crashes reported4
Fires reported0
Injuries reported4

Most common 2003 Mercury Marauder problems

  1. Lights

    16 complaints · 27%

    Half of these problems showed up before 78,500 miles. Parts named most often: headlights.

    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…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 82,000 miles
    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 - * 2001-2004 panther platform…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 74,500 miles

  2. Transmission

    11 complaints · 18%

    Half of these problems showed up before 33,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, axle assembly.

    When driving between 40-60 MPH consumer heard a thumping sound coming from the rear floor boards of the vehicle. Also there was vibration in the gas pedal. Dealer examined the vehicle, and found that the differential needed to be replaced.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 33,000 miles
    Ford motor issued a recall (NHTSA campaign 04v328000 & NHTSA pe 04010) for 2003 ford crown victoria & lincoln town car about rear bearing seals and axles. Ford l/m will not repair my 2003 Mercury Marauder based on this. It is the exact same vehicle, especially the rear end. Marauder is a limited addition with the…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 48,900 miles

  3. Suspension

    10 complaints · 17%

    Half of these problems showed up before 49,000 miles. Parts named most often: rear, front, multiple axle.

    Similar to odi 10142807........ford motor issued a recall (NHTSA campaign 04v328000 & NHTSA pe 04010) for 2003 ford crown victoria & lincoln town car about rear bearing seals and axles. Ford l/m will not repair my 2003 Mercury Marauder based on this. It is the exact same vehicle, especially the rear end. Marauder is a…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 48,900 miles
    My 2003 Mercury Marauder suffered premature wear on the inner edges of the front wheels. It was found to be within specification for the camber alignment while this wear is indicative of a camber issue. I replaced the front tires and had an alignment. 12,000 miles later the new set of tires is exhibiting excessive…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 38,352 miles

  4. Brakes

    6 complaints · 10%

    Half of these problems showed up before 7,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, pedals and linkages.

    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…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 7,000 miles
    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.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 4,348 miles

  5. Other or unspecified

    6 complaints · 10%

    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.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 4,900 miles
    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.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 4,348 miles

  6. Wheels and tires

    6 complaints · 10%

    Parts named most often: tread/belt.

    Insufficient front end alignment procedures to accommodate lack of appropriate alignment equipment necessary to handle the 2003 Mercury Marauder wheels. As such, I did not find out my alignment was out on my new Marauder until the tires had worn off the inside corner tread and was noticed by the Mercury technician. I…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 13,182 miles

  7. Electrical

    6 complaints · 10%

    Half of these problems showed up before 89,000 miles.

    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 - * 2001-2004 panther platform…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 74,500 miles
    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…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 103,000 miles

  8. Engine

    5 complaints · 8%

    Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.

    After repair of over drive problem, the next day while car was idling, noticed strong exhaust fumes coming in vehicle. Had to roll down windows. Have experienced this two other occasions. Called dealer and was told not to worry since it has a ceramic honey comb filter. Dealer stated would be a concern if it was doing…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 3,700 miles
    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.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 4,900 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2003 Mercury Marauder recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

Questions about the 2003 Mercury Marauder

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercury Marauder?
By NHTSA owner complaints: lights (16 complaints, typically around 78,500 miles); transmission (11 complaints, typically around 33,000 miles); suspension (10 complaints, typically around 49,000 miles).
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercury Marauder have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Mercury Marauder. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
Is the 2003 a bad year for the Mercury Marauder?
It is the most complained-about Marauder model year since 2000, with 60 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Mercury Marauder years

Mercury Marauder problems by year