8.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$530
Average Mileage:
83,700 miles
Total Complaints:
20 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace lighting control module (9 reports)
  2. not sure (7 reports)
  3. replace lighting control module (lights out module) (2 reports)
  4. replace LCM (1 reports)
  5. take vehicle to Ford dealership (1 reports)
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problem #20

Nov 022014

Grand Marquis GS 4.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 148,000 miles

The headlights on my mother-in-law's 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis kept going on & off the other night while they were driving it. We took it to our Ford dealership the next day & the service dept advised us that Ford has issued an official recall concerning this issue, & has extended the warranty on the LCM. Just bring the vehicle in & they will repair the problem at no cost to the customer. Only drawback is availability of the LCM, especially on 2003-04 models. From what I understand some LCM's have been back ordered like five months, not sure why. Hope this info helps in some way. Thank you carcomplaints.com & everyone who posted on this page, it sure helped me

- stagg64, Bascom, FL, US

problem #19

Jan 152014

Grand Marquis LS V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

The lighting module in the Grand Marquis is faulty. The headlights will go out with no warning. Because my car is going in for the steering pin replacement (currently under recall) I decided to ask if there was a recall on the HL Module. Service advised there was no recall, however Ford did extend the warranty on this part to 15yrs/250,000. So the fix is free, however you must take it to the Ford Dealer.

- fezzysdad, Kansas City, MO, US

problem #18

Nov 232013

Grand Marquis GS 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,257 miles

I am a Ford fanatic having owned everything from a focus to a 1965 Shelby.I have a 05 grand marquis with this very common headlights out problem.This is a joke Ford Motor Company!!!!! Someone is going to die because of this!!!!! I can fix this myself as can others.However the average person will have to pay a lot to take care of this.Ford needs to step up to the plate and do the right thing.Ford will not lose me over this but from what I am reading,a lot of you have had enough and will leave this brand forever.

- Mark R., Binghamton, NY, US

problem #17

Oct 012012

Grand Marquis GS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,255 miles

I have a 2005 Grand Marquis. It needs a lighting control module (LCM) because the lights go off when you are driving! The only light that will work is the high beam, pulling it toward you and holding it as you drive!

I went to get the LCM fixed. Well, there aren't any available. How the heck does that make sense?

The dealership has checked all over and they don't have any available and don' t know when they will be available. I want to yell at someone! Someone high up! This part (LCM) is not cheap. Cost between $525 and $600. That is not counting labor. I'm suppose to go on a 10 to 12 hour trip. How does one drive with no headlights? Who at Lincoln Mercury can I reach to complain?

- beth2005, Kernersville, NC, US

problem #16

Aug 102013

Grand Marquis LX 4.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200,000 miles

My headlights have been cutting off without warning while I am driving at night. This is VERY DANGEROUS and inconvenient, to say the least. Ford should take care of this frequently documented problem before someone gets hurt.

- driver99, Athens, GA, US

problem #15

Jul 232013

Grand Marquis

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

Purchased car last year from mercury dealership.

have been having issues with the headlights and brake lights suddenly stop working while driving at night. This is a serious safety issue, especially when driving on the highway and even around town , This has occurred several times since we purchased the car.

and it is costly to fix!! my local auto parts store wants $300 for a re-furbished part and comes with only a one year warranty or $500 for a brand new part with a life-time warranty.

This is a huge financial issue since both my and husband and I are currently receiving unemployment benefits and simply cannot afford to purchase this part. so we are restricted to not driving at night......

Needs to be recalled asap!!!!!!!!

- Geni C., Walled Lake, MI, US

problem #14

May 222013

Grand Marquis LS 4.6L Sohc V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,118 miles

My problem is pretty much as already reported for the 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis with headlights going out while driving at night. However, as I was trying to control my panick and slowing down to pull on the side of the road, I kept playing with turn signal/ high beam/low beam lever and found out the the flashing high-beam position worked, so I resumed my driving holding the lever in the flashing high beam position until I reached my destination. Some drivers coming in the opposite direction flashed me for having my high beam on, but, versus being in the dark, that was the least of my concerns.

I hope this flashing high beam position works for other 2005 Grand Marquis with headlights shutting off and will save other drivers a panick attack and possible accident.

- raymondberrouet, Myrtle Beach, SC, US

problem #13

Nov 012012

Grand Marquis GS V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Starting in November the headlights started to go off on their own, fiddle with switch they'd pop back on and stay on. Now they will last when they haven't been on all day, sometimes for the entire drive home or to a store.

But mostly they turn off and I have to hold the brights on to have lights. Seeing complaints here and elsewhere this is clearly a mistake of the manufacturer. Which is why my last car was a Toyota and my next car will be a Toyota. Ford -- by not having a recall on this part you demonstrate how BOGUS your executives promises are to provide quality customer service, bottom line you really don't care about people buying American cars.

- Tj H., Northboro, MA, US

problem #12

Feb 042013

Grand Marquis LS 4.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,563 miles

I purchased a 2005 Grand Marquis on 02/04/13, now this will be the 5th one I have owned- I've had an 87,92,92,93 now an 05. Also had a 98 Crown Victoria and never had a problem until my 05, the day I purchased my 2005 mercury I was so happy to own what I feel in my opinion is one of the greatest cars ever built ( as I do love a big car ) But that night on my way home, can you guess? that's right folks THE FREAKING HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT..... Ok Ford Motor Co, time to step up to the plate and take responsibility for the cheap CRAP you used for mine and many other customers cars. Now that I have that off of my chest and trust me it gets better, I cannot drive my car because I am a 2nd shift employee and drive after dark. However I cannot get the car repaired either due to the fact the part needed to alleviate the problem is on back order due to the overriding demand for this part because EVERYONE'S HEADLIGHTS ARE GOING OUT............... Some people say it takes a village but in this case I feel it may take a lawyer, not for financial reasons but to force Ford to put out a recall on this EXTREMELY DANGEROUS and possibly LIFE THREATENING problem.

- lights out, Toledo, OH, US

problem #11

Jan 082013

Grand Marquis GS 4.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,279 miles

My headlights come on when they want to and go off when they want. I was told it is the lighting control module and that it would be between $500 and $800 to fix. Why should I have to pay to fix this when this module was faulty when it was manufactured. Ford should recall this module. No one is getting a dime of my money for this. I'd rather trade it in.

- Ashley T., Memphis, TN, US

problem #10

Dec 102012

Grand Marquis

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

not fun having headlights go off whenever they feel like it.

- cmccabe, West Seneca, NY, US

problem #9

Dec 122007

Grand Marquis

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

2005 Grand Marquis started to have headlight problems around 30,000 miles. Headlights would suddenly go out without any warning. Several times, my headlights went out when I was driving on the highway at night. It is really dangerous. I went to the dealer and was told it was the faulty light control module and it would cost me $709 to fix it. I checked Ford's website and found that Ford does not have any recalls for this potentially fatal problem. That tells me how much Ford cares about my safety. I have had 5 Fords before but after this I will not buy another Ford in the future. Goodbye, Ford.

- goodbyeford, Atlanta, GA, US

problem #8

Sep 052012

Grand Marquis Ultimate Edition V8 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

The headlights suddenly went out at 5:50 am as I was driving to work in the dark. I was doing 55mph on a 4 lane highway, I had to travel some distance before I could find a safe spot to pull off the road. I tried the switch in all positions automatic and manual but nothing. I turned the car on and off several times but no luck. 10-15 minutes later I finally got them to come on. It was starting to get light outside but was still later for work. That evening the lights were working fine. The next morning I started the car with headlights on auto. No Headlights again. I had to call in to work to be late again until the sun came up so I can drive to work in day light. I found out it is a faulty Lighting Control Module or (Lights Out Module) which cost $$$Hunderds to replace. This is so dangerous. Ford should be forced to recall this part before someone is killed in an accident.

- jay657, Angola, NY, US

problem #7

Aug 272012

Grand Marquis GS 4.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles

First automobile I've ever owned that had a real headlight problem other than burning out.This completely unacceptable and so dangerous!!! To have my headlights go out at on Interstate 78 while driving at night, wth! This should be fixed for nothing !!!!!

Update from Dec 5, 2013: Replaced multi function switch, lighting control module, and headlight bulbs. Working for a year now....

- George D., Easton, PA, US

problem #6

Jul 112012

Grand Marquis

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

To think that car owners should have to pay to replace Ford's poorly designed lighting control module on a Grand Marquis is just dumb. I understand that Ford has figured out what they did wrong on the original LCM and now have a corrected module to replace it.

Be reasonable Ford...GIVE IT TO US!

I find it hard to believe that when you have something as serious as headlight failure, that Ford has not recalled our defective LCM's and taken care of this problem. Is Ford waiting to see how many people will die first?

If you expect us to continue to buy your products..."make us whole."

The first couple of times the lights stop working for a short time I thought I had done something wrong. The "Merc" is my wife's "Pride & Joy" and I usually only drive it on Sundays or vacations. Now it is more common and I know it is Ford's fault.

- Gerald A., Winter Haven, FL, US

problem #5

Feb 082012

Grand Marquis Ultamit

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

LIGHTS WENT OFF AT NIGHT WHEN MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON CITY STREET AND AGAIN ON THE HIGHWAY ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT ,FORD SHOULD HAE A RECALL BEFORE SOMETHING WORSE HAPPENS .

- Hector Q., Douglas, AZ, US

problem #4

Jan 052012

Grand Marquis LX V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 114,000 miles

This problem occurs within a mile of starting to drive after dark and the headlights are in either the automatic or manual settings. The headlights shut off while driving or if the vehicle is stopped or in park. They usually stay off for a few minutes and then come back on for a few minutes. This usually happens 3-4 times until the headlights finally stay on, unless I use the turn signals, and then it starts again. This affects only the headlights; the parking lights and taillights remain on throughout the headlight ordeals.

- ahles, Chesapeake, VA, US

problem #3

Aug 252010

Grand Marquis GS V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

Hi All Mercury owners beware when driving at night your lights can go off at any time and speed. And will stay off for about 10 min.

What I do is curse the car, put on flashers and pull the turn signal lever to me. you will have great lights to pull over till something cools off, and you can start on your way again. going to dealer today ,If I have to pay for this ( and I will ) this will be my last ford product, sorry to say as I liked the car.

This happened awhile back ( about a year ago ) I thought it was the headlight switch i played with it and lights came on again. New Years eve again then the 7th of January. I checked internet found ford has problems with the lighting control module. cost about $700.00 to replace.

Good luck ford and mercury owners.

- be_bop, Warminster, PA, US

problem #2

Jul 132011

Grand Marquis LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,780 miles

I don't know how many days I drove with no headlights. All of the other lights were working properly inside and out. Every now and then someone would blink their lights but I thought they were checking their lights. I knew it wasn't my headlights. On 7/13/2011 at 11 PM I got home and checked headlights because more than one car flashed their lights so I knrw something was wrong. There are so many gadjets on this car I thought I had done something wrong. The next day I went to the dealer and they told me to bring the car back the next morning to find out what is wrong with the car, lt may be a switch.

On 7/15/2011 at 9 AM I arrived at the dealers. At approx. 2 PM I was told it would be $600 to replace the light module. I was in shock. I am a disabled retired senior citizen on limited income. I had to go and borrow the money to get my car fixed. Not only is this problem a safety hazard but it is illegal. There should be a recall on these defective light modules and I should get my money back. I did nothing wrong.

- pburch, Cleveland, OH, US

problem #1

Nov 062009

Grand Marquis GS 4.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

It would appear to me that after reviewing many complaints about this problem that Mercury would have done a recall on this part.

- jwa4909, Fostoria, OH, US