One problem related to axle shaft has been reported for the 2003 Mercury Marauder. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Both rear axles and bearings were damaged and had to be replaced. Ford has issued a bulletin on this: article no. 03-5-5 axle-rearaxle shaft and/or axle bearing premature wear-vehicles produced before 1/1/2003. My '03 Mercury Marauder was built in Aug. '02. Both axles, bearings and seals had to be replaced at the cost of $647. 55.