1997 Mercury Mystique

Routine

Owners filed 71 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 7 times.

Not among the Mercury Mystique years to avoid. Which Mercury Mystique years to avoid →

Most common 1997 Mercury Mystique problems

12 of the 71 complaints (17%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine5
001
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission3
000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch · headlights3
000
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood3
020
Visibility › Windshield2
000
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor2
010
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration2
200
Suspension2
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · brakes2
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components · brakes2
000

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension08E033000
Filed Apr 14, 20086,903 vehiclesFederal-Mogul Chassis Products

Defect. FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.

Risk. THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic06E022000
Filed Mar 13, 20067,440 vehiclesBrake Parts, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.

Risk. LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.

Electrical System01V230000
Filed Jul 9, 2001342,962 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN MY 1996-1998 PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY, CUAUTITLAN ASSEMBLY PLANTS OR ON MY 1999 PASSENGER VEHCLES BUILT AT THE AUTOMOTIVE ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY PLANTS, THE ROUGH SURFACE OF THE HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR'S STAINLESS STEEL BLADES CAN DAMAGE THE COPPER SURFACE OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR. THE DAMAGE COULD, OVER TIME, CAUSE INCREASED RESISTANCE IN THE CONNECTOR AND, DUE TO SUBSEQUENT TERMINAL RELAXATION, RESULT IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT CONDITION.

Risk. THE OPEN CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO ELECTRICAL ARCING THAT COULD MELT THE CONNECTOR HOUSING MATERIAL CREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR AND A NEW WIRE JUMPER HARNESS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Windshield › Electrical Heating Element01I009000
Filed Jul 9, 2001566,979 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995-1997 FORD CONTOUR AND MERCURY MYSTIQUE VEHICLES. THE HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR COULD OVERHEAT CAUSING THE ATTACHED ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TO MELT.

Risk. THIS COULD CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.

Remedy. FORD WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE HEATER BLOWER SWITCH FOR 10 YEARS FROM ORIGINAL DATE OF SALE OF THE VEHICLE OR 150,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR AND A NEW WIRE JUMPER HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components00V075000
Filed Mar 9, 2000436,200 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). A PRESSURE CONSCIOUS REDUCING VALVE (PCRV) IN THE REAR BRAKES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION AND RESULT IN MALFUNCTION, WHEN OPERATED IN AREAS THAT USE SALT COMPOUNDS ON THE ROADWAY FOR DE-ICING OR DUST CONTROL.

Risk. IF BOTH PCRV'S MALFUNCTION, VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED DURING BRAKING AS A RESULT OF THE REAR WHEELS LOCKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL IMPROVED PCRV'S IN THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS RECALL WAS EXPANDED IN SEPTEMBER 2000 TO INCLUDE 1999 AND 2000 FORD CONTOUR, MERCURY MYSTIQUE AND COUGAR VEHICLES.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch99V103000
Filed May 5, 1999605,581 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TERMINALS AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN EXPERIENCE HEAT DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING.

Risk. THE DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN DISTORTION OF THE TERMINAL CAUSING AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION, PARKING LAMP, AND TAIL LAMP CIRCUITS.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLAMP SWITCH WIRING CONNECTOR CONTAINING BRONZE TERMINALS AND AN INSPECTION, AND REPLACEMENT IF NECESSARY, OF THE HEADLAMP SWITCH.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift98V233000
Filed Sep 18, 1998175,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FLOOR SHIFT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL CAN BE DAMAGED IF SUBJECTED TO CERTAIN INTERIOR CLEANING PRODUCTS. THE GEAR POSITION INDICATOR CAN DETERIORATE AND NOT CORRECTLY INDICATE THE ACTUAL GEAR POSITION.

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INCORRECT GEAR SELECTION.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL.

All 7 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Jul 20, 201293,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED A LEAK UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PRESSURE CONSCIOUS REGULATING VALVE ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V075000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS) AND CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 93,000. UPDATED 8/23/12 *CN

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jun 28, 201293,000 milesAZ

MY 97 MERCURY MYSTIQUE HAS A BAD BRAKE FLUID LEAK FROM A PART ON THE BRAKE LINE (PRESSURE CONSCIOUS RELEASE VALVE) THAT WAS RECALLED #06E022000. FLUID MUST BE ADDED EVERY FEW DAYS WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON. FORD TELLS ME THERE IS NO RECALL INFO FOR MY CAR AND WON'T DO ANYTHING. THEY COULD NOT SAY IF ANY RECALL WORK HAD BEEN DONE ON MY CAR. BOTTOM LINE, THIS IS NOT PREVENTATIVE, MY CAR IS DANGEROUSLY LEAKING BRAKE FLUID FROM A RECALLED PART. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 2, 200975,000 milesIN

THE VEHICLE IS NOT SHIFTING INTO THE PROPER GEARS. IT JUST STARTED HAPPENING ONE DAY. IT HAS TO BE IN DRIVE 2 AT THE START OF DRIVING AND WHEN IT GETS TO A CERTAIN POINT IT MUST BE SHIFTED INTO DRIVE. THIS OCCURS EVERYTIME I DRIVE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE AS OF YET TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 15, 2008PA

THE BLOCK OF THE ENGINE WAS BURNED. *TR

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
Filed Feb 20, 200765,000 milesFL

CAR HAD A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH EXTERIOR LIGHTS WHEN MY PARENTS OWNED IT ABOUT FIVE YEARS AGO. THE PARKING LIGHTS STOPPED OPERATING. PER SUGGESTION OF FORD TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND PAID $85 FOR AN EVALUATION. THEY INDICATED I HAD TWO OPEN WIRES AND THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST WOULD EXCEED $2,000 TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS. *NM

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Nov 9, 200694,000 milesAL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE OVERDRIVE ACTIVATED ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHERE A CERTIFIED MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT EITHER THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE SENSOR OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL #98V233000, REGARDING THE POWERTRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: LEVER AND LINKAGE: FLOOR SHIFT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. ALSO, THE CLOCK LIGHT ON THE INSRUMENT PANEL WENT PERMANENTLY OUT. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT LOCATED ON TOP OF THE REAR WINDOW WOULD ILLUMINATE IN A DISTORTED PATTERN. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WAS MADE UP OF 9 MINI LIGHTS, AND 3 LIGHTS WOULD LIGHT UP WHILE BRAKING. ON OTHER OCCASIONS, 4 OR 5 LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL #99V103000 REGARDING EXTERIOR LIGHTING: HEADLIGHTS: SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift
Filed Oct 8, 200630,000 milesWI

RECALL ON 1997 MERCURY MYSTIQUE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID# 48V233000. POWER TRAIN. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LEVER AND LINKAGE FLOOR SHIFT. DEALER REFUSING TO HONOR RECALL. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (prndl)
Filed Aug 16, 200544,000 milesWI

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NO. 98V233000. THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING TO MY 1997 MERCURY MYSTIQUE, THE GEAR POSITION INDICATOR IS DETERIORATE AND IS NOT CORRECTLY INDICATING THE ACTUAL GEAR POSITION. I CALLED FORD MOTOR CO. AND THEY ARE NOT GOING TO DO ANY THING ABOUT IT! *NM

Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint
Filed Jul 23, 2005OH

I HAVE REPLACED THE DRIVERS HEADREST ONCE (ABOUT 4-YEARS AGO), AND NOW FIND THAT THE PASSENGER HEADREST IS BROKEN. DEALER SAYS REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO LOCATE USED PARTS.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 16, 200580,000 milesNY

DT: THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE BLOWER RESISTOR WAS FIXED WHICH WERE ON RECALL. ON 4-22-05 AND ON 5-06-05 WHILE THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR GAVE A TICKING NOISE. THEN THE CAR GAVE A PUFF OF BLUE AND BLACK SMOKE AND THE CAR STOPPED. AFTER THE MECHANIC LOOKED AT THE CAR, THE MECHANIC SAID THE ENGINE WAS GONE. THE CAR UNDERWENT REGULAR CHECK UPS AND OIL CHANGES. THERE WERE NO INDICATIONS THAT THE ENGINE WAS HAVING ANY PROBLEMS OR MALFUNCTIONS. THE ENGINE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE COST FOR REPLACING WAS MORE THAN THE CONSUMER CAN AFFORD. *TT

Structure
Filed Mar 21, 2005MO

DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DID NOT ILLUMINATE WHICH CAUSED THE TAIL LIGHTS TO FAIL. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift
Filed Apr 28, 200450,000 milesPA

GEAR SHIFTER INDICATOR MALFUNCTIONS, AND DOESN'T INDICATE THE GEAR THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN. THERE IS A SHIFT LEVER DAMAGE RECALL 98V233000, BUT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Power Train
Filed Jan 15, 200483,000 milesPA

THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY FAILED WHILE IN MOTION. T WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO SECOND GEAR.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Jan 15, 2004165,000 milesUN

APPARENTLY FORD/MERC IN THEIR ULTIMATE WISDOM PLACED THE CATALYTIV CONVERTER IN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THEY ALL SEEM TO PLUG UP AROUND 140,000 TO 170,000 KM. THE LABOUR ALONE IS OVER $600.00 PLUS THE PARTS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE AND BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR NEED TO BE REPLACED OR THE CAR WILL START TO LOSE POWER. SO I HAVE A VEHICLE THAT UP UNTIL NOW RAN WELL AND HAD GOOD GAS MILAGE. NOW IT IS WORTH $2500.00 DOLLARS ON A TRADE IN BUT THE REPAIRS ARE $ 2600.00 SO THE CAR IS ACTUALLY A TOTAL RIGHT OFF. EVERYTHING ELSE WORKS. GREAT FORD YOU HAVE DEFINITELY LOST A CUSTOMER FOR LIFE!

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Sep 15, 2003NC

CONSUMER STATED THE TAIL LIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS DID NOT WORK. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL # 99V103000 CONCERNING HEADLIGHT SWITCH/WIRING HARNESS DEFECT. BUT BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. SHE WANTED TO KNOW WHY, SHE DID NOT THINK THIS WAS FAIR.*AK CONSUMER SPOKE WITH THREE OTHER MECHANICS WHOM STATED THE MILEAGE SHOULDN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL. *PH *JB

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Windshield › Electrical Heating Element
Filed Jul 23, 2003LA

WHILE DRIVING HEATER BLOWER SWITCH OVERHEATED, ALMOST RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.*AK

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Jun 3, 200362,000 milesNJ

CAR ENGINE WHILE DRIVING JUST STOPS. DEALER CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM AFTER NUMEROUS TRIES. CAR WILL IMMEDIATELY RE-START BUT THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF NOT CORRECTED. *NLM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Feb 21, 2003NY

THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED, HOWEVER THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*JB

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Jan 13, 2003IL

CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION ON THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 1, 2002VA

WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE BECAME HOT AND THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. *AK THE SPEED SENSOR AND EGR VALVE WAS REPLACED, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE CONTINUED CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Aug 12, 2002PA

WHILE APPROACHING STOP SIGN, THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE REASON THAT THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR IS BECAUSE THE HOSE THAT CARRIES THE BRAKE FLUID TO THE BRAKES WAS SEVERED BY FAULT OF THE DESIGN OF THE MANUFACTURER. THE HOSE RESTS AGAINST THE REAR SHOCKS AND OVER TIME WAS DUG INTO BY THE METAL SHOCKS AND EVENTUALLY CUT THE HOSE. CAUSING COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. *SCC

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 18, 2002DC

THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE OIL SEALS HAVE FAILED SINCE I GOT THIS CAR JUST OVER A YEAR AGO. I DON'T DRIVE IT ENOUGH FOR IT TO BE A PROBLEM THAT I HAVE STARTED. I ONLY DRIVE FROM MY HOUSE TO THE SUBWAY WHICH IS ABOUT 6 BLOCKS AWAY. I DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY TO GET THIS RECURRING PROBLEM FIXED AND STILL HAVE TO PAY A CAR NOTE WHEN THE CAR IS SITTING IN MY BACKYARD!*AK

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed Apr 2, 2002CA

WHILE TRYING TO PUT ON SEAT BELTS BELTS WILL LOCK UP, AND CONSUMER HAS TROUBLE PUTTING SEAT BELT ON. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Mar 27, 2002TX

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I HAVE TRIED TO GET THE AIR CONDITIONER IN MY CAR FIXED 6 SEPARATE OCCASION EACH ABOUT 2 MONTHS APART AND I LIVE IN TEXAS SO AN AIR CONDITIONER IS A MUST. I HAVE SPENT 249.00 EACH TIME TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO, I WAS TOLD THIS WAS A VERY RELIABLE CAR BUT IT HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER WHEN I BOUGHT IT. THE SALEMAN THAT SOLD ME THE CAR, JIM HONEYCUTT, SAID THAT ALL I NEEDED TO DO WAS TAKE IT TO A SHOP TO GET THE BLOWER FIXED AT THE LOCKHART FORD MOTOR CO. WHICH I HAVE DONE 6 TIMES. CAN ANYONE HELP ME WITHTHIS, SO I DON'T GET RIPPED OFF ANYMORE. NLM

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
Filed Jan 29, 2002FL

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Nov 5, 2001NM

AIRBAGS DEPLOYED UPON MINOR COLLISION WITH VEHICLE IN FRONT. DAMAGE TO BUMPER NOT SIGNIFICANT. BODY SHOP AND INSURANCE ADJUSTER FEEL DAMAGE NOT CONSISTENT WITH 4G FORCE REQUIRED TO DEPLOY AIRBAGS. *AK

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Oct 10, 2001NY

WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO HIT BRAKES TO DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL AND SLOW DOWN, BUT VEHICLE SPEEDED UP, LOST CONTROL, AND HIT A GUARDRAIL. CONSUMER HAS YET TO CONTACT DEALER. *AK *YD

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Sep 19, 2001VA

THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO THE REGULATOR TEARING APART. *YH

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/MotorFire
Filed Sep 6, 2001FL

HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR OVERHEATED, RESULTING IN A FIRE, AND TOTALLING VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK

Suspension
Filed Sep 4, 2001FL

WHILE DRIVING AND COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. WHEN TAKING OFF STEERING WHEEL STOPS SHAKING. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Aug 28, 2001MA

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood
Filed Aug 16, 2001VA

CONSUMER HAD RECEIVED RECALL 99V703000 NOTICE BEFORE ON WIRING HARNESS FAILURE THAT AFECTED HEADLIGHTS. PROBLEM HAD HAPPENED AGAIN. BUT, DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR, AND CONSUMER HAD RECEIVED A NOTICE ON BRAKES AS WELL.*AK

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed May 23, 2001NJ

WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND SHIFTING INTO PARK ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, AND VEHICLE HIT A BUILDING WALL. NO INJURY WAS REPORTED. REPAIRS WERE BEING DONE AT DEALER. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 17, 2001FL

GEAR SHIFT IS BEGINNING TO FALL APART, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE IN WHICH GEAR VEHICLE IS IN. THERE IS RECALL LISTED 98V23300 FOR THIS DEFECT. HOWEVER, DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 9, 2001VA

VEHICLE WILL JUMP OUT OF GEAR. ALSO, RECALL 98V233000 DEALS SAME PROBLEM. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCULDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Electrical System
Filed Mar 20, 2001MA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHORTED OUT, CAUSING HAZARD LIGHTS/ INTERIOR LIGHTS ON DOOR, AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE.*AK DEALER CLEANED EVERYTHING AFTER PULLING DOWN FUSE PANEL, VEHICLE WAS BACK IN SHOP A FEW DAYS LATER, AFTER LAST VISIT CONSUMER HAS NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS. *SLC

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc
Filed Jan 8, 2001TX

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Jan 5, 2001OH

RECALL 00V075000, REPAIRS PERFORMED, BUT BRAKE PROBLEMS STILL EXIST. BRAKES LOCK UP AND VEHICLE SLIDES FORWARD. DEALER REFUSES TO REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE.*AK *SLC

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Dec 19, 2000DC

WHILE DRYING VEHICLE AFTER WASHING IT AT CARWASH NOTICED SMOKE FROM UNDER HOOD. LIFTED HOOD & ELECTRICAL WIRES WERE ON FIRE. HAD FIRE EXTINGUISHED. THERE WAS SOME DAMAGE TO WIRES, INCLUDING WIPER MOTOR. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE TO DEALER & MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO REPAIR DAMAGE. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Dec 7, 2000NY

GASKET BLEW... FORD 'FIXED'. TWO GASKETS BLEW... FORD CLAIMED ENGINE WAS NOT HARMED. I GOT RID OF THE CAR BEFORE MY WARRANTY RAN UOT. *AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Oct 30, 2000TX

CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR RECALL 99V103000/ANUFACTURER'S RECALL 99S14. RECALL WAS NOTED AS REPAIRED, BUT IT WASN'T WORKING WHEN LEAVING DEALERSHIP. TAIL LIGHTS & PANEL LIGHT WERE MALFUNCTIONING,THEY WERE COMING ON & GOING OFF*AK.

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Oct 20, 2000DC

I WAS DRYING MY CAR OFF AFTER WASHING IT; THE ENGINE WAS OFF AND THE WIRING UNDER THE HOOD JUST BEYOND THE DASH ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE STARTED SMOKING AND CAUGHT FIRE. AFTER THE FIRE WENT OUT, WHEN I STARTED THE ENGINE, THE WIPERS CAME ON AND WOULD NOT GO OFF UNTIL I REMOVED THE FUSE. ALL PANEL LIGHTS ARE OFF. PREVIOUSLY, ABOUT SIX WEEKS BEFORE THE FIRE EVENT, THE PANEL LIGHTS FUSE BLEW (WHEN IT WAS RAINING) AND I REPLACED IT AND THE PANEL LIGHTS WERE DIM.

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Flasher Unit
Filed Sep 27, 2000MO

THE TURN SIGNAL FAILURE TO OPERATE PROPERLY POSES A PROBLEM TO THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE AND OTHER DRIVERS IN THAT IT DOES NOT SIGNAL AT THE TIME IT IS FLASHING ON THE INDICATOR ON THE DASH OF THE AUTOMOBILE. WE WERE CHARGED BY THE DEALER FOR WORK ON THIS SIGNAL AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN CORRECTED. WE WERE CHARGED $167.92 FOR WORK TO REPLACE A MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH. WE FEEL THIS IS A HAZARD THAT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED BY THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER. *AK

Tires
Filed Aug 22, 2000MA

I AM AN OWNER OF 97 MERCURY MYSTIQUE GS, VIN 1MELM65L7VK621379. WHEN I DROVE MY CAR FOR SERVICE, THE MECHANICS TOLD ME TWO OF FIREHAWK GTA P205/60R15 REAR TIRES HAVE A LOT OF CRACKLES AND I SHOULD NOT DRIVE MY CAR ON HIGHWAY BEFORE I HAVE THEM CHANGED. I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE TWO FRONT TIRES ABOUT ONE YEAR AGO, WHEN I CHANGED THEM AT MY OWN EXPENSE. THIS RECALLED ME RECENT FIRESTONE TIRE RECALLS. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS TYPE OF TIRE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLED MODELS. NOW I THINK THIS KIND OF DEFECTIVE IS NOT INDIVIDUAL CASE. MY CAR HAS ONLY 26452 MILES AS OF TODAY. I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST YOU INVESTIGATE THIS TYPE FIREHAWK TIRES TOO, FIREHAWK GTA P205/60R15, FOR THE SAFETY OF MILLIONS OF FORD VEHICLE DRIVERS.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P205/60R15 )

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Apr 19, 2000NY

AFTER THE "ABS" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO AFTER A FEW DAYS OF INVESTIGATION SAID THAT "MM NEEDS ELECTRIC HCU HARNESS AND MODULE" WITH AN ESTIMATED COST OF $1500 TO REPAIR. IT SEEMS THAT A WIRING HARNESS SHOULD LAST MORE THAT 3 YEARS, ESPICALLY ON A BRAKING SYSTEM. FORD OFFERED TO PICK UP 50% OF THE REPAIR, BUT THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE ABS SYSTEM SEEMS TO BE A DESIGN DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE FORD'S RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR. FORM COMPLETED BY FRANK P FRANDINA (OWNER'S FATHER) - DAY PHONE 716 632 7200

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder
Filed Apr 13, 2000GA

WHEN DRIVING AND UPON MAKING A COMPLETE STOP, MASTER CYLINDER WENT OUT, RESULTING IN LOSS OF ALL FLUID, AND CAUSING BRAKE PEDAL TO TRAVEL TO THE FLOORBOARD, RESULTING IN UNWANTED AND UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Suspension › Front
Filed Feb 23, 2000FL

WHILE DRIVING OR SITTING CAR VIBRATES AND INTERFERES WITH STEERING, CAUSING TIRES TO GO BALD. DEALER SAID TO REPLACE STEERING WHEEL. *AK

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
Filed Feb 5, 2000WA

MAKING RIGHT HAND TURN THRU A PUDDLE AT 5 TO 10 MPH SOMETIMES THE POWER STEERING WILL STOP WORKING AND ALL WARNING LIGHTS COME ON UNTIL BELT DRIES OUT THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE DAY ONE. *AK

Suspension
Filed Dec 30, 1999FL

VEHICLES SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND WILL NOT TURN WHEN IT IS RAINING.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly
Filed Dec 8, 1999TX

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, INDEPENDENT SERVICE STATION DETECTED POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH THERMOSTAT. DEALER REPLACED SENSOR, CHARGED $211.00. TWO DAYS LATER LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. DEALER DETECTED THERMOSTAT, HAD TO ORDER PART AND REPLACED. TWO WEEKS LATER TEMPERATURE 20 DEGREES, CAR TOOK OVER 30 MINUTES TO HEAT UP AND ICE FORMED ON THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. WILL TAKE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER.

Complaints 1-50 of 71, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1995
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20022000Routine
20012000Routine
200063500Routine
1999128411Fatalities reported
19982311170Above average
1997 — this page71730Routine
199618510120Routine
199533512150Above average
19942000Routine

Compare every Mystique year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 14, 2008. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.