One problem related to tire tread/belt has been reported for the 1996 Mercury Marquis. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Driving approximately 65 mph right rear tire blewout for belt had snapped, tread seperated from the tire. Firestone, fr480, p215/70, r15 dot#vm31lt. Tire was purchased with vehicle. Previously rear left tire also blewout which was reported, and was one of original tires purchased with vehicle. Mercury, grand Marquis, 1996.