One problem related to engine head gasket leaking has been reported for the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I own a 1997 Grand Marquis with 36,000 miles. When exiting my car I would smell plastic burning. This happened more frequently when I drove longer. I brought the car to the dealership and was told the head gasket was leaking and needed to be replaced. I have an extended warranty which covered most of the cost, but I still needed to pay for parts that weren't covered. When asked how this could have happened with a car having such low mileage, they had no answer, just that it happens. I had my car serviced at the dealership in November of 2002 for an oil change and fluid check and also, upon their recommendation, had my transmission fluid changed. I would like to know if there have been any other complaints of head gaskets leaking in this model and if someone can please tell my why this would happen.