8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$800
Average Mileage:
69,650 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. repair defective pretensioners (4 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
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problem #5

Jul 152019

Grand Marquis GS V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,600 miles

Dash airbag code flashing 3-4 (passenger seat belt pre-tensioner open circuit). Ford service recommends replacing passenger side seat belt assembly AND over lay passenger side seat belt pre-tensioner wires to RCM module for a whopping 2 grand. From what I have heard, there is no guarantee that the fix would be permanent or that it won't happen on the driver's side, as well.

Didn't really want to give up the car that was inherited from my Mom, but ...

- Cyndy N., Falls Church, US

problem #4

May 022019

Grand Marquis LS Ultimate 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,500 miles

Air bag light flashes code 34. Suspect air bags are inoperable, so significant issue. Dealer quoted $1,500 to fix.

- Steve A., Columbia, CT, US

problem #3

Aug 132018

Grand Marquis GS 4.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,000 miles

Bought car from private party. Had it three days the air bag light came on. Took it to the shop it cost $710.00 dollars to replace the passenger side retractor. Suppose to be factory oem, however the lock clip was larger than the lock. My mechanic called Ford. They said there was an adapter to fit the new belt. We were told we would have it next day, still waiting. Ford said the item was in the wrong box. Still waiting for the part.

Update from Aug 25, 2018: Correct part received 22 August 2018 . Repair completed

- Terry S., Hiinesville, GA, US

problem #2

Jun 162016

Grand Marquis LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

One year ago, my airbag light began to blink and then illuminate continuesly. Of course had a diagnostic done and it was the seat belt pretentioners. Began the pricing process from the dealership (quoted: 1,200.00 as an approximate) then found a very reputable garage that tried for a week to find used prentioners from junk yards as far as two states away. No luck. SO, the diagnostic showed that the driver side was what needed to be repaired. The mechanic went to the dealership and purchased a driver side only BUT the airbag light was still bright as ever. Took the part back to the dealership and it was at that point that we were informed that you have to replace BOTH and they are in a kit. I now have 2 new seat belts, not the same color as my others or my car, which has grey interior and the new seat belts are tan, (YEP, LOOKS AWEFUL) and wound up paying $879.00 for a job that was quoted about $350.00. The dealership told us that this is a very big problem with the Grand Marquis for years and that is why they keep the pretentioner kits in stock at all times! WHY WAS THIS NOT A RECALL!!! Why would Ford make this so you HAVE to replace BOTH! AGAIN, WHY IS THIS NOT A RECALL! IT IS OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE!! I HAVE to have my car for work, I HAD to get it inspected and would not pass inspecton without replacing them both!! My repair guy felt so bad he didnt charge me for labor. THIS IS CRIMINAL THAT FORD DID NOT RECALL AND REPLACE/FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE IT COST $1,000 WHICH I DONT HAVE!! I

- kharrell, Virginia Beach, VA, US

problem #1

Oct 122015

Grand Marquis LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,065 miles

air bag light came on and stays on when engine is on The light appeared one morning as I started the car. It blinked on and off as I backed up, then turned to steady as I drove, only turning off when the car was turned off. I was told by a mechanic that it should go back to the dealer for repair as the air bag had been compromised.It was safe to drive as long as I didn't have a crash. I left it with the Ford dealer on Nov 4, 2015 and was told they would have to order the part. I needed the car while I waited for that and returned it for a completed repair done while I waited. It was a cost of over $600. plus my time taking it back and forth. They also wanted to charge me to recycle the used seat belt and I lost my seat belt adjuster in the process but did not pay that charge!!! On Jan 2, 2016, the light was back. I am doing as much research as possible before I take it back since I do NOT plan to pay for this repair. This is a safety issue of great importance and a formal recall needs to be made immediately. Meanwhile, I will drive as little as possible until I get it done. I intend to be very tenacious as necessary to get this resolved. No one who has this problem should continue to drive without making a report to Ford.

Update from Jan 19, 2016: I had the car back for a diagnosis on Jan. 19th, and was told the passenger side seat belt now has the same problem at a cost for repair of $664. Must be more due to a rate increase as of Jan 1st??? No one sits in, or uses the passenger seat belt, so how can this have gone wrong just sitting there? The It was explained as age of the car or a wiring problem> I will not fix something that is not being used. There was a diagnostic charge of %97.00 and I objected but got nowhere because someone should have explained that to me. My fault!

- rhea980sc, Woodfuff, SC, US