One problem related to steering pinion shaft has been reported for the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis based on all problems reported for the 2003 Grand Marquis.
Ford panther vehicles had recirculating ball steering until 2002, redesigned to rack and pinion steering in 2003. Ford issued recall 13s08 for severe corrosion that can seize the lower intermediate steering shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate, covering 2005-2012 vehicles but not 2003 and 2004 vehicles having same parts and symptoms. Steering has become extremely stiff, steering wheel not returning to straight ahead on its own, and difficult to steer at all speeds. Ford dealer lubricated lower steering shaft 2 months ago, but symptoms returned in 2,000 miles. These symptoms are concern for real danger of complete loss of steering.