2MEBM74F6HX6420781987 MERCURY Grand MarquisGS
1987 MERCURY Grand Marquis was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 5 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediat...
Executive Summary
1987 MERCURY Grand Marquis
1987 MERCURY Grand Marquis was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 5 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 67 owner complaints include 2 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 5 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Steering system recall; Fuel system recall)
- 2 injuries reported across 67 owner complaints
- Safety Systems is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- MERCURY
- Model
- Grand Marquis
- Year
- 1987
- Trim / Series
- GS
- Body Style
- Sedan/Saloon
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 8-cyl 5.0L 150 hp
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- FORD MOTOR COMPANY OF CANADA, LTD.
- Assembly
- TALBOTVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: TALBOTVILLE, ONTARIO
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Steering system recall
- ▸Fuel system recall
- ▸18 complaint(s) involved a fire
- ⚠3 recalls on same component: Fuel System
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Deferred Failure Risk
Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
5 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 5 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 5 recalls is ~67%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
Recall completion rate data not available for MERCURY. Industry average is ~85%. Verify any open recalls with a dealer before purchase.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~20 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
SummaryCERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
SummarySTEERING CENTERLINKS MAY BREAK AT A BEND LOCATION.Read full details...
~32% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
SummaryAUTOMATIC RETRACTOR FOR SEAT BELTS FOR DUAL FACING REAR SEATS MAY BE INSTALLED IN AN IMPROPER LOCATION.Read full details...
~42% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
SummarySPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
SummaryFUEL RAILS MAY BE BENT SO THAT NO. 5 INJECTOR CUPS ARE OUT OF DESIGN POSITION.Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Recall Remedy Effectiveness — Complaints Continue After Fix
RECALL DIDN'T FIX ITOwner complaints filed AFTER recall remedies were issued for the same components
100% of complaints about "FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS" were filed AFTER recall campaign 87V139000 (1987-04-09) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.
Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.
Complaint Intelligence
67 complaints analyzed across 9 system categories
51% of complaints filed in Mar & Apr — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME67 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1987 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND APPROACHING A TURN, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THEY CHANGED THE FUEL FILTER AND MODULAR. THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY FOR A WHILE, BUT NOW IT IS HESITATES AND JERKS. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSES HARD ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE DRIVES NORMALLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 144,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000. UPDATED 09/06/07 *TR
DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT BUCKEL. A SPRING ON THE RELEASE BUTTON BREAKS AND NO LONGER LATCHES CORRECTLY. THE BUCKEL WILL HOLD IF IT IS SHAKEN BUT RELEASES EASILY. THIS IS THE SECOND 1987 GRAND MARQUIS THAT I HAVE OWENED THAT THIS HAPPENED TO. I REPLACED THEM WITH PARTS FROM A SALVAGE YARD. FORD WANTED $250.00 FOR THE BUCKEL.
THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS DEFECTIVE AND DID NOT WORK PROPERLY.*AK *JB
WIRING CABLE HARNESS FUSE LINKS. *AK
FUSE LINKS FAILED TO OPEN CAUSING WIRES TO BURN I AM A E.T..
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT SUDDEN ACCELERATION DUE TO FAILED THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. *MJS
CABLE THAT RUNS FROM TRANSMISSION TO THROTTLE CAME LOOSE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE UNEXPECTEDLY, EVEN WITH BRAKES APPLIED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. *AK
ENGINE OIL PAN HAS RUSTED OUT WITHIN 100,000 MILES, CAUSING OIL TO LEAK. *AK
VEHICLE PARKED FOR SOMETIME. STARTED VEHICLE & WAS DRIVING WHEN ODOR OF BURNING RUBBER WAS INSIDE VEHICLE. HAD NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD. STOPPED & LIFTED HOOD. FLAMES SHUT OUT. CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT WHO PUT FLAMES OUT. INDCATION OF ELECTRICAL WIRES. *AK
VEHICLE EXPERIENCES INTERMITTENT SUDDEN ACCELERATION DURING DAMP OR RAINY WEATHER. MJS
WIRING LINK AT STARTER SOLONOID BURNT UP.
ALTERNATOR FAILED.
BRAKE SWITCH FAILED.
IGNITION COIL REPLACED.
RADIATOR HOSE AND SERPENTINE BELT FAILED.
EXHAUST SYSTEM LEAK DUE TO HOLE.
O RINGS ON THE A/C SYSTEM FAILED CAUSING LEAKAGE.
VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.
BOLTS TO THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BROKE OFF CAUSING WHEEL TO FALL OFF. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT).
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COLLIDE INTO TWO TREES. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FROM PARK TO DRIVE. VEHICLE NOT IN REVERSE WHEN IT TOOK OFF. GEAR STILL IN NEUTRAL. HAD TO RELEASE BRAKES. CALLED DEALER & WILL HAVE VEHICLE TOTALED. WAS TOLD THROTTLE CABLE GONE. *AK
CONSUMER COMPLAINS THAT ONLY THE TRUNK LIDS OF 1987 MODEL GRAND MARQUIS ARE RUSTING.
THE FEMALE PART OF THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IS BROKEN. PART HAS BEEN ORDERED TO REPLACE BUCKLE. DEALER STATED THAT PART COULD TAKE UP TO (6) MONTHS. *AK
WAS DRIVING AND SAW SMOKE, PULLED OVER AND OPENED HOOD, THERE WAS A FIRE, TOOK TO MECHANIC WHO SAID THAT THE FIRE CAME FROM THE ALTERNATOR . *AK
REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR 4 TIMES AND THERE HAS BEEN 3 FIRES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
THE VEHICLE HAS HAD 3 ALTENATOR FIRES SINCE 1991. THE LAST FIRE WAS ON CHRISTMAS EVE THIS YEAR. *AK
ENGINE FIRE. OWNER NOT NOTIFIED OF RECALL.
FRONT LEFT TIE ROD BROKE, RESULTING IN HARD STEERING AND CONTROLING. *AK
IGNITION SWITCH FIRE. *SD
DROVE VEHICLE FOR SHOPPING, PARKED VEHICLE, 11:10 PLACED PACKAGES IN BACK SEAT & LEFT, LATER RETURNED & SAW VEHICLE HAD CAUGHT FIRE, FIRE DEPT PUT OUT FIRE. *AK
IGNITION SWITCH OVERHEATED. *SD
THE VEHICLE HAD A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IS CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO STAY ON AFTER THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
THE VEHICLE HAD A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IS CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO STAY ON AFTER THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
VEHICLE PARKED, TURNED ON IGNITION SWITCH, SMOKE CAME OUT OF IGNITION SWITCH, TURNED OFF SWITCH, SMOKING STOPPED; SWITCH REPLACED; NO FIRE. *AK
THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING FROM STEERING COLUMN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
VEHICLE PARKED, TURNED ON IGNITION SWITCH, SMOKE CAME OUT OF IGNITION SWITCH, TURNED OFF SWITCH, SMOKING STOPPED; SWITCH REPLACED; NO FIRE. *AK
THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING FROM STEERING COLUMN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
COLONY PARK STATION WAGEN; STEERING COLUMN STARTED SMOKING. OWNER RAISED HOOD AND SAW NOTHING. STEERING COLUMN IGNITED W/OWNER USING FIRE EXTINGUISHER. *AK
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN. OWNER WAS TOLD POSSIBLE IGNITION FAILURE. WEEKS LATER VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER OFF SITTING STILL AN HOUR. VEHICLE COMPLETELY MELTED DOWN. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN, THEN FLAMES. *AK
15 MINUTES AFTER PARKING THE CAR, NOTICED A FIRE WHILE PARKED INSIDE THE GARAGE, POSSIBLE DUE TO IGNITION SWITCH SHORT. *AK
15 MINUTES AFTER PARKING THE CAR, NOTICED A FIRE WHILE PARKED INSIDE THE GARAGE, POSSIBLE DUE TO IGNITION SWITCH SHORT. *AK
ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE INGNITON SWITCH, CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE INGNITON SWITCH, CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. *AK
FUTURA TIRE BLEW OUT. *SD
THE WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT FIRE. TT
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WHEN BUCKLE THE SEAT BELT COMES LOOSE . TT
WHEN PUTTING ON THE CRUISE CONTROL RESUME CAR ACCELERATE . TT
THE DRIVERS SEATBELT DOES NOT BUCKLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURY. *SD
REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTORS SPLIT, CAUSING SEAT BELTS TO FAIL. *SKD
HOLE IN ALUMINUM WHEEL CAST, CAUSING LOSS OF AIR IN TIRES. *AK
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO UNBUCKLE. *AK
INCREASED ACCELERATION/ENGINE SURGES. *AW
CAUSING ENGINE TO RACE UNCONTROLLABLY - DRIVER HAD TO PRESS FIRMLY ON THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. *AW
THERMOSTAT FAILED.
SHOCK ABSORBERS FAILED.
ENGINE GASKET LEAKS. *TW
HEATER CONTROL VALVE FAILED.
BATTERY FAILED.
EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED.
TAILGATE WINDOW DOES NOT GO UP OR DOWN.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES NOISY/VIBRATE.
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 67 total NHTSA complaints filed over 10 years, with the worst year being 1996 (24 complaints).
The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 100/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.
Notably, despite 67 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Red dots on the amber line flag 2 years (1995, 1998) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $56,114 (~$935/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 1987 MERCURY Grand Marquis — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
- ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for 2MEBM74F6HX642078. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 2MEBM74F6HX642078 |
| Model Year | 1987 |
| Make | MERCURY |
| Model | Grand Marquis |
| Trim | GS |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Displacement (L) | 5.0 |
| Horsepower | 150 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | FORD MOTOR COMPANY OF CANADA, LTD. |
| Assembly City | TALBOTVILLE |
| Assembly Country | CANADA |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 2ME |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 6 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | H |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | X |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 642078 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 5 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 67 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 6/16/2026, 2:43:00 PM.