One problem related to brake light on has been reported for the 1997 Mercury Marquis. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
When applying the brakes, the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. I was able to stop the car and pull into a parking lot. I started the vehicle but was unable to take out of park. I then refered to the vehicle manual and found out that if this happens then I should check the brake lights. They were out so I checked the fuse and it was blown. I replaced it and the brakes, lights and transmission worked. I drove home (16 miles) and parked the car. About 30 minutes later the car was on fire. The fire department was called and we put out the fire but not until the 1/2 the hood was melted. I called Ford/Mercury and they took the information. A week later I got a letter stating that my car did not qualify for a program and therefore there was nothing they could do. I just wanted to find out if there was a problem with other cars. All I got from Ford was that they could not help me.