The contact owns a 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis. The composite intake manifold which is where the thermostat mounts into the head of the motor has failed. The vehicle was repaired by a local mechanic. The contact stated that the dealers fee would exceed the local mechanic's fee. The contac has been unsuccessful at notifying the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 102,000. Update 12/14/09 updated 12/1/6/09

- Gadsden, TN, USA

My sister and I'm writing this report on her behalf. Her car is a 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis. Last month, (Feb '07) while driving, the car's engine shut down several times. Each time she heard a "beep" and warning lights came on- check engine, traction control and another she can't recall. After a minute or so, the engine would start normally. She took it to the Ford dealer, sawgrass Ford in sunrise, fl. The problem recurred and she again took the car to the dealer. The last time they found a transmission problem and repaired it. (the transmission had been giving problem, but she took the car to repair the shut-down problem). Yesterday (Mar 1, 2007) the engine shut down 4 times ! each time she heard the "beep" and warning lights illuminated including traction control and check engine lights. She was on her way home and it nearly caused an accident as another car almost ran into her. The car is to go back to sawgrass Ford (for the third time) on Monday, Mar 5 '07. The car will be towed, not driven, as this is a very dangerous condition, especially as power steering and power brakes are lost on shut-down. Interestingly, I had the same problem with my 2000 Grand Marquis im may and June 2005. I reported this to you (NHTSA) and you wrote me back, assigning ref.# 10141074. My problem was found to have been caused by a single defective spark plug ! the plug was replaced and the car has functioned normally since. The real problem was with the programming of the power control module which was confused and overwhelmed by one bad spark plug. In 2005 I wrote numerous letters to Ford and they were completely unresponsive. Engine shut-downs on Mercury Grand Marquis are a serious safety issue and should be corrected. Sincerely,

- Plantation, FL, USA

While making a right turn into a parking space the engine lost power which resulted in the steering wheel and gear shift locking up. The dealer stated they could not duplicate the problem. Consumer got out of car and rocked it back and forth for a few minute. Het got back into the car and tried to move both the wheel and the gear shift. After about 5 minutes of this they both unlocked and the car was ok for 5-6 months.

- Freehold, NJ, USA

When stopping or braking the vehicle shut off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer indicated that the vehicle's warranty was expired. The consumer felt that the dealer should repair the vehicle free of charge since the original defect occurred while the vehicle was still under warranty.

- Acworth, GA, USA

Consumer states she has an idle air control valve problem. She states that sometimes when she attempts to start her vehicle, it acts as if it wants to cut off. Then there are times when she is driving and has to stop, then the vehicle cuts off. The consumer talked to another consumer with the same problem and had come to the conclusion that a recall should be issued.

- Raeford, NC, USA

While driving at 40 mph, the vehicle shimmied in the front. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, where the mechanic re-balanced and aligned the tires. The problem still existed after being taken to an independent mechanic. This was an on going problem since the beginning of purchase. The consumer had an adjudication to take the vehicle back to the dealership. The vehicle had been back to the dealer on many occasions for the shimmy in the front. The dealership replaced all four tires and the driveshaft assembly. The vehicle developed an oil leak that was also ongoing, so the dealer replaced the oil pan/oil pan gasket and the rear main crank shaft seal. The ignition coil assembly had to be replaced as well. When the weather was cold, the hood would not pop open and the right front door did not close properly.

- Lynn, MA, USA

Consumer stated there was a rattling noise coming from the engine when cold, dealer informed consumer the timing gear needed to be replaced, also the dashboard vibrated, however dealer stated nothing was wrong, the trim panel was loose on the door, the left front door closed too hard, the vehicle would lean to the left and there was a noise coming from the front of the vehicle when turning a corner, dealer replaced the front frame supports, the instrument cluster was scratched, the steering column trim was replaced, the radio had a poor reception, there was a pulsation coming from the brakes, however the dealer could not duplicate the problem.

- Waverly, NY, USA