1998 Mercury Mystique

Above average

Owners filed 231 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension. It has been recalled 11 times.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
75,200 milesMedian miles at failure

52 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 1998 Mercury Mystique problems

44 of the 231 complaints (19%) are about the suspension.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs30
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission15
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes10
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine7
100
Air Bags · airbags7
010
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration6
000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · fuel system6
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System · engine6
000
Suspension5
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components · brakes5
001

11 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.

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs01I013000
Filed Aug 8, 2001203,426 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: 1998 FORD CONTOUR/MERCURY MYSTIQUE PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD POTENTIALLY FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSION.

Risk. SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.

Remedy. FORD IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY FOR FRONT COIL SPRING REPLACEMENT FOR THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FOR 10 YEARS FROM ORIGINAL DATE OF SALE OF A VEHICLE OR 150,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs01V255000
Filed Aug 8, 2001108,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS MAY FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION IN HIGH CORROSION ENVIRONMENTS. DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.

Risk. SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL SPRING CATCHER BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 23, 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 1-866-436-7332.

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.

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.

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-inactive99V243000
Filed Sep 8, 1999280,481 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG SENSOR WIRING PIGTAIL INSULATION CAN BECOME BRITTLE AND CRACK OVER TIME DUE TO ACCUMULATION OF WATER IN THE PIGTAIL PROTECTIVE CONVOLUTE IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES RELATED TO THE ROUTING OF THE WIRING PIGTAIL NEAR THE RADIATOR. THIS CAN RESULT IN ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS CRACKING OF THE INSULATION.

Risk. IN SOME CASES, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAN ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DISABLED.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL AIR BAG SENSORS WITH REVISED WIRING INSULATION. IN ADDITION, VEHICLES WHICH HAVE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WILL HAVE A NEW AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC MONITOR INSTALLED.

Vehicle Speed Control99V194000
Filed Jul 20, 1999159,565 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH A BURR ON OR NEAR THE END OF THE CABLE SLEEVE INTERIOR. THIS BURR COULD FRAY THE CORE WIRE RESULTING IN THE ACCELERATOR NOT RETURNING TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED.

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE STICKING, BINDING, OR CAUSING HIGH ENGINE RPM.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED ACCELERATOR CABLE THAT HAS A FLARED CONDUIT SLEEVE END AND MOLDED ON END FITTING.

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.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights98V028000
Filed Feb 10, 1998571,800 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONFUSED BY THE AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO BE IMPROPERLY AIMED.

Remedy. OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.

All 11 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 6, 201658,000 milesMO

HEADLIGHTS ARE MALFUNCTIONING. MY 17YO DAUGHTER GOT PULLED OVER BECAUSE ONLY HER HIGH BEAMS WERE WORKING. THE REGULAR HEADLIGHTS ARE DIM. VERY DANGEROUS. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL TIMES AND UNEXPECTEDLY.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 15, 201574,000 milesVA

WHEN YOU HAVE TRAVELED 30MINS/15 TO 18 MILES THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN/THE SPEEDOMETER BEGAN TO DROP EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE PUSHING THE GAS PEDDLE AND THE RPM GAUGE IS WAVING BACK AND FOURTH. IT HAPPENED ON 09/25/15, 10/08,13,14/2015. I WAS TRAVELING 60MPH AND 45MPH.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 25, 2014CA

1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. ELECTRICAL SUB-HARNESS CONNECTOR PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HIS MECHANIC, BECAUSE THE AC WASN'T COOLING PROPERLY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD OVER HEAT, WHILE IT WAS ON. THE VEHICLE HAS TWO FANS IN THE FRONT AND THEY FOUND THE COOLING FAN MELTED AND THE SUB-HARNESS CONNECTOR BURNED UP. IN ADDITION, THEY SHOWED THE CONSUMER THE PART OF THE SUB-HARNESS WITH THE INSULATION JUST FALLING OFF THE WIRE. THEY HAD TO REPLACED THE FAN MOTOR UNIT AND HAD TO SPLICE IN A FAN CONNECTOR AND WIRE INTO THE REST OF THE SUB-HARNESS, BECAUSE FOR SAID THE SUB-HARNESS WAS OBSOLETE AND NOT AVAILABLE. WHILE IT FUNCTIONS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS SINCE ILLUMINATED FOR A CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR, WHICH THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WAS RELATED TO THE SUB-HARNESS. ALSO, THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS, BALL JOINTS, FRONT STRUTS, REAR STRUTS AND REAR MOUNTS, NUMEROUS O2 SENSORS, RADIO ANTENNA, RACK AND PINION, DRIVERS SIDE POWER WINDOW AND SWITCH CONTROLLER WERE ALL REPLACED. THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 22, 201083,240 milesTN

RECALL ON A FUEL FILLER NECK VALVE FOR A 98 MERCURY MYSTIQUE, GAS BEING UNABLE TO FLOW FREELY INTO GAS TANK,SPITS GAS BACK OUT ON YOU. AUGUST IS THE FIRST TIME I KNEW THERE WAS A RECALL. FORD SAYS MY VIN # WASN'T ON RECALL , BUT THE PART IS DEFECTIVE ANYWAY.( DANGEROUS ) OCCURS EVERYTIME YOU TRY AND PUT GAS INTO CAR. THEY PUT A CANISTER VENT VALVE ON WHICH WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. THEY KEPT THE OLD PART THAT WAS GOOD. PROBLEM IS FUEL FILLER NECK VALVE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Mar 27, 200989,300 milesMA

FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 11, 2009125,000 milesNJ

I AM THE 2ND OWNER OF MY 1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2004. IT HAS A COMPUTER DEFECT THAT GIVES A FALSE READING FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THIS CAR QUALIFIED FOR THE NJ LEMON LAW BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH ITS 1ST OWNER. HOWEVER, THAT OWNER WAS TOO KIND TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE PREVIOUS OWNER GAVE ME A FILE FILLED WITH SERVICE INFORMATION FROM THE DATE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, BRAND NEW IN DECEMBER 1997. SHORTLY AFTER HIS PURCHASE HE HAD THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. HE HAD IT BACK A COUPLE MORE TIMES FOR THE SAME THING AND THEY ALWAYS FIXED IT. OBVIOUSLY, THEY PUT A BAND-AID ON A MAJOR DEFECT. I NOTICED THE LIGHT WAS ON WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE FORMER OWNER SAID HE HAD IT CHECKED AND WAS TOLD NOT TO PAY ATTENTION TO IT. WELL, SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN TOLD AT INSPECTION THAT IT HAS TO BE FIXED EVERY TIME. SO IT GOES TO MY MECHANIC WHO WILLS REPAIR/REPLACE THE NECESSARY PARTS PER THAT DAY'S COMPUTER READING. WITHIN A FEW WEEKS (OCCASIONALLY MONTHS) THE LIGHT GOES ON AGAIN. PREVIOUS TO THIS YEARS INSPECTION (DECEMBER 31ST) I HAD MY FRIEND LOOK IT OVER AND HE REPLACED THE VALVE/SENSOR THAT WAS DEFECTED (PER THAT DAYS COMPUTER READING). WELL, RIGHT BEFORE INSPECTION THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT BACK ON. AND OF COURSE, SINCE IT WAS ON, IT FAILED AGAIN. I MENTIONED TO THE INSPECTOR THAT IT HAD A HISTORY OF THIS PROBLEM. I ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY RECOURSE AND HE TOLD ME TO LOOK INTO THE NJ WAIVER PROGRAM. I CALLED

Tires
Filed Jun 17, 2008MA

LOST 4 TIRES WITH LESS THAN 35K MILES DUE TO SIDEWALL FAILURES. TIRES INSTALLED ON MARCH 2006, LOST ALL FOUR BETWEEN APRIL 2008 AND JUNE 2008. FIRST ONE HAD A BULGE ON THE OUTSIDE SIDEWALL, OTHER 3 WERE SIDEWALL BLOWOUTS. TIRES INSTALLED ON A 1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. TIRES WERE FULDA CARAT ASSURO, P205/60-15. *TR

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/MotorFire
Filed Jun 3, 2008114,708 milesMN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC BECAUSE THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR FAILED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT HER FUSE BOX MELTED, WHICH CAUSED THE BLOWER MOTOR TO FAIL. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND A REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V230000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. SHE IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 114,708.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed May 16, 200840,000 milesWI

TRIED TO BRAKE FOR A FAMILY OF GEESE CROSSING THE ROAD. FOLLOWING THE BRAKING, I NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES AND THE CAR PULLING TO THE LEFT. THE CAR WAS ALSO MAKING AN UNUSUAL NOISE. AFTER SLOWLY DRIVING THE CAR TO THE REPAIR SHOP, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE ROTOR WAS BROKEN. *TR

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Feb 25, 200887,000 milesNJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. WHILE PULLING AWAY FROM A CURB AT 5 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING FAILED AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE, CAUSING A BLOW OUT. THE VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V255000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 87,000.

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Feb 19, 200843,000 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE AND SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYED INACCURATE READINGS. IN ADDITION, THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL FLICKER ON AND OFF SPORADICALLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE FELT EXCESSIVE HEAT UNDERNEATH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. A LOCAL MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE AND THEY ARE CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE FAILED COMPONENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000.

Suspension › Front › Stabilizer Bar
Filed Oct 29, 200787,000 milesNY

I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS FRONT END PROBLEMS. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE FRONT TIE RODS TWICE IN A YEAR AND A HALF. HAVING PROBLEMS WITH STRUTS .CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS NEED TO CHANGED. ALSO STABILIZERS LINKAGE HAD TO BE CHANGED. HAVE ALSO PUT NEW BALL JOINTS IN. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 13, 200797,000 milesMD

THE GEAR POSITION INDICATOR DETERIORATED AND DOES NOT CORRECTLY INDICATE THE ACTUAL GEAR POSITION.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Jun 2, 200755,420 milesIL

TIRE FAILURE. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Apr 23, 2007NY

RIGHT REAR BRAKE HOSE RUBBED AGAINST STRUT CAUSING THE HOSE TO BREAK AND LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID ON A 1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE GS. *TR

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Rear Window
Filed Apr 3, 2007102,000 milesTN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. THE VEHICLE'S HEATER BLOWER FAILED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE CONCERNING THE BLOWER ,AND THE CONNECTOR ON THE HEATER BLOWER CABLE WAS REPLACED. TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THIS VEHICLEWAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL # 01V230000. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 102,000.*AK

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Feb 8, 200753,000 milesOH

FORD MOTOR CO. IS REFUSING TO REIMBURSE FOR REPAIRS RELATED TO SAFETY RECALL #01S23, 98 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. *NM

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Nov 29, 2006145,000 milesMN

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH FOR THE VEHICLE WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA RECALL #99V103000 REGARDING EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH DUE TO THE VIN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TO A SERVICE DEALER TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 18, 2006158,689 milesCA

FAILED TO GO INTO GEAR FROM PARK, CHANGING GEARS DIFFICULT, DID NOT MOVE IN DRIVE, WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE, ENGINE DIED WHILE DRIVING 35 M.P.H MADE LOUD NOISE. *NM

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 5, 200661,000 milesIL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE RPM'S REVVED, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE OVERDRIVE SERVO PISTON SEAL AND O RING WAS REPLACED. FIVE WEEKS LATER, WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE SAME INCIDENT OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND IT HAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY A MECHANIC. *AK

Seat Belts
Filed May 8, 2006102,281 milesID

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT AND REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. IN ORDER TO FASTEN THE BELTS, THEY MUST BE UNTANGLED BEFORE BEING FASTED BECAUSE THE BELTS DO NOT RETRACT. THE MATERIAL HAS BECOME DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE TO RETRACT WHEN NOT IN USE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Jan 12, 2006112,000 milesFL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. THIS COMPONENT HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE AND FAILED A SECOND TIME. THERE IS NHTSA RECALL, CAMPAIGN 99V103000, REGARDING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.*AK

Electrical System
Filed Dec 27, 200576,500 milesFL

VEHICLE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT HAY-WIRE, CAR STARTING HESITATING, AND SLAMMING FROM GEAR TO GEAR. TOOK TO A SERVICE CENTER THAT ADVISED ME THAT IT HAD A BAD SENSOR. PAID CLOSE TO $800.00 TO HAVE REPLACED. CAR STARTED WITH MORE ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS. (IE: LIGHTS WOULD NOT GO ON, ETC) TOOK BACK TO SERVICE CENTER THAT THEN ADVISED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS ON THE CAR WAS MALFUNCTIONING AND CAUSES THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO SHORT CIRCUIT. THE WIRING HARNESS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND WIRING ON CAR WOULD HAVE TO BE REDONE COSTING CLOSE TO $3000.00. THEY ALSO ADVISED THAT THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, THAT IT WOULD BE JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THIS CAR WOULD CATCH FIRE. DID NOT HAVE $$ TO MAKE REPAIR, CONTINUED TO DRIVE CAR HAVING NO OTHER OPTION WITH A BABY, AND YOUNG CHILD THAT NEED TO BE TAKEN TO SCHOOL, ETC. WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE DAYS LATER, THE CAR WENT FROM 75 MPH TO 10 MPH LIKE HITTING A WALL. ALMOST GOT REAR-ENDED AND HAD TO EXIT, DRIVING HOME AT 10 MPH THE WHOLE WAY. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Dec 1, 2005VA

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN #01V230000 CONCERNING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED BECAUSE IT WAS TOO EXPENSIVE *AK

Equipment
Filed Nov 22, 2005FL

I HAVE A 1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. THE VEHICLE RECENTLY BEGAN RUNNING ABNORMALLY. SO IN INSPECTION OF THIS, I DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLES ACCELERATION IS BEING RAISED WITHOUT ME EVEN TOUCHING THE GAS. I WAS ON THE ROAD AND MY VEHICLE WAS SPEEDING UP ON IT'S OWN AND I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHY. IT SEEMS AS IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS CONSTANTLY ON OR SOMETHING. *NM

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Oct 14, 200530,000 milesFL

DT: THE CONTACT WAS HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. SHE SAID THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WOULD JUMP WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING. SHE WAS GOING ABOUT 40 MPH. SHE HAD IT LOOKED AT, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS IN THE WIRING. SHE SAID WHEN THE MECHANIC LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAME ON BY THEMSELVES. A MECHANIC TOLD HER THE WIRES WERE BAD, AND THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SHE WAS TOLD THIS BY TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS. SHE FOUND OUT ABOUT A RECALL 01V230000 ON THE WIRING HARNESS. DEALER TOLD HER THE RECALL HAS EXPIRED. MANUFACTURER SAID THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 19, 2005GA

THE TRANS IS OUT NOT WORKING. IT WORKED FINE,AND JUST STOP,MADE A FUNNY NOISE AND JUST STOPED. IPULLED IN MY YARD.KNOW IT WANT MOVE.FOR KNOW REASON.

Seat Belts › FrontCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 10, 200567,000 milesTN

DT: CONTACT' SSON SEAT BELT BROKE DURING AN ACCIDENT AND HE WAS EJECTED FROM THE CAR. THIS HAPPENED ON 7-7-05. THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE SEAT BELT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. SHE TOOK PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT. SHE TOOK PICTURES OF THE SEAT BELT ITSELF. THE CLIP THAT WENT INTO THE BUCKLE WAS MISSING SOME OF ITS PARTS AND THE BUCKLE WAS BENT. HE WAS HIT ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE CAR AND TOTALED THE CAR. HE WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 30 MPH. HE BROKE HIS NECK, HAD SEVEN BROKEN RIBS AND PUNCTURED HIS LUNG AND HAS A BROKEN COLLAR BONE. THE VEHICLE WAS A 1998 AND WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND THE MOTHER STATES ALL OF THE RECALLS THAT WERE SUPPOSE TO HAVE BEEN DONE ON THE CAR WERE DONE AND SHE HAS ALL OF THE RECORDS ON IT. SHE HAS NOT YET CONTACTED THE DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER. THERE IS A POLICE REPORT AND SHE BELIEVES THAT THE POLICE REPORT STATES THAT THE SEAT BELT BROKE .*AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap
Filed Jul 7, 2005MI

DT: WHILE FUELING THE VEHICLE THE PUMP TO THE GASOLINE TANK KEPT CUTTING OFF. WHEN THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO PUMP THE GASOLINE IT LEAKED ONTO THE PAVEMENT AND CAME OUT OF THE OPENING OF THE FILLER TANK. IT TOOK ALMOST 30 MINUTES TO PUT HALF A TANK OF GASOLINE INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A SERVICE DEALER YET. *AK

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 20, 2005120,000 milesMS

DT: WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE DASH. I PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, OPENED THE HOOD AND THE FIRST THING I SAW WAS FIRE COMING FROM BEHIND THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED JUST FIVE AFTER I PULLED OVER. NO WARNING LIGHTS, LOOKED AT TEMP GAUGE AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE BEFORE THE FIRE. CALLED 911 AT 5:44 PM, FIRE DEPT CAME AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. THIS WAS ON THE INTERSTATE. *NM *SB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 20, 2005VA

I HAVE A 1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE, ANDI THINK THE TRANSMISSION OUGHT TO BE RECALLED BECAUSE I HAVE SEEN COUNTLES NUMBERS OF TRANSMISSION FAILURES ON SEARCHING THE INTERNET AND I HAPPEN TO BE ONE TOO , THE TRANSMISSION WEN T OUT ON OURS A FEW YEARS AGO WHILE THE CAR WAS BASICALLY NEW, FOUND OUT I HAD WARRENTY ON IT STIILL GOT THAT FIXED , NOW A LITTLE OVER A YEAR SINCE THENAND IT'S WENT OUT AGAIN, BUT I HAVE NNO WARRENTY NOW WHICH REALLY SUCKS, SO THEY HAS TO BE SOMETHING GOING ON WITH THIS MODEL OF CAR BECAUSE THERE IS TOO MANY TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH SO MANY PEOPLE. PLEASE WRITE BACK AND LET ME KNOW SOMETHING. THANX ALOT. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan
Filed Dec 15, 200482,350 milesMA

FAN STOPPED WORKING ON 1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE, NO HEAT IN CAR. MOST LIKLY CAUSE IS THE RESISTOR ON THE HEATER BLOWER MOTER. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED ON FORD RECALLS 01S22 OR 01M07, BUT FORD WILL NOT FIX IT. FORD DID REPLACE THIS PART UNDER RECALL 99M07 ON 01/17/2001, THIS IS AN ON GOING ISSUE AND ALL MYSTIQUES SHOULD BE COVER UNDER 01M07.*AK

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor
Filed Dec 10, 200410,000 milesKY

NO TURN SIGNALS, ONE BRAKE LIGHT AND TAIL LIGHT, ONE HEADLIGHT ON DRIVER SIDE. REPLACED ALL BULBS STILL NO LIGHTS. RELAY ON DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WENT OUT. TIRES WEAR CONSTANTLY. TAIL LIGHTS FLOOD AS DOES FRONT FLOORBOARD MUST PARK CAR FLAT WHEN IT RAINS TO KEEP FROM BEING FLOODED OUT OF CAR. SUNROOF MOTOR SHOT. HAD RECALL ON HEATER DONE AND NOW WHEN IT RAINS I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH HEATER. REPLACED SENORS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON. CAR HAS BEEN STUCK IN PARK BEFORE HAD TO HAVE MECHANIC COME TO HOUSE TO FIX. MUST REPACE ROTORS ON CAR @ EVERY 6 MONTHS. CAR MAKES A CLICKING NOISE IN THE DASH ( NO IDEA WHAT THAT IS) HEADLIGHTS ARE FOGGY AS WELL. CAR IS COSTING US A FORTUNE. WHEN I ASKED THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX ALL THE RECALLS THEY TOLD ME THE TIME HAD RUN OUT AND SORRY.*AK

Suspension › Front › Macpherson Strut
Filed Nov 15, 2004116,000 milesPA

MCPHERSON STRUT ASSEMBLY RUSTED AT THE BASE OF THE ASSEMBLY WHERE IT WAS ATTACHED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. WHILE DRIVING ON A MOUNTAINOUS WINDING ROAD WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED TO THE RIGHT, AND THE WHEEL DISASSEMBLED. VEHICLE SWAYED, AND STOPPED IN A GRASSY AREA WHILE BEING DRIVEN AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. *AK

Air Bags
Filed Oct 22, 200467,000 milesMO

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS STATED IN RECALL 99V243000 CONCERNING AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPAIR VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED.*AK

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Sep 20, 2004102,000 milesCT

RECALL 01I013000, WHILE DRIVING FRONT LEFT COIL SPRING BROKE AND THE FRONT END COLLAPSED. THIS OCCURRED SIX MONTHS AFTER THE SHIELD WAS INSTALLED. DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO REPLACE THE COIL SPRING BECAUSE THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *AK

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Sep 14, 200418,000 milesOH

CONSUMER RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 99S23 CONCERNING AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE. CONSUMER HAD NO PROBLEMS UNTIL DEALER PERFORMED RECALL REPAIRS. CURRENTLY, WHEN IT RAINS AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TOT HE DEALER THREE TIMES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FINDTHE PROBLEM. *NM

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Sep 7, 2004MI

WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE FRONT COIL SPRING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD BROKEN AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *JB

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Aug 31, 200459,600 milesME

WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE, AND PROCEEDED TO PULL OFF THE ROAD TO INVESTIGATE THE NOISE. UPON EXISTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP, WHO INDICATED THAT DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE. *AK RECALL# 01V255000. *SC *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 12, 200455,000 milesNY

TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN THAT HAD LOSS OF FORWARD MOTION HAD REVERSE ONLY). CAR ONLY HAS 55000 MILES.

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
Filed Jul 23, 2004NV

WE PURCHASED A FORD MERCURY VEHICLE, USED, AND FOUND IT HAD NO TAIL LIGHTS. WE IDENTIFIED A RECALL NOTICE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY SAID THE RECALL WORK HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE. WE TOOK THE CAR TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND FOUND IT HAD ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT, WITH THE DEFECT STILL PRESENT. FORD REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL, CITING THAT IT WAS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE WORK HAD BEEN DONE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO CHECK TO MAKE SURE THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN FIXED. THE BROKEN PART WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND HAD THE CITED PROBLEM IN THE RECALL NOTICE.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jul 20, 2004123,000 milesKY

CONSUMER HAS A CONCERN ABOUT THE PLASTIC LENS OVER THE HEADLIGHT ARE DISCOLORING AND CAUSES POOR VISIBILITY WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *LA

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jul 12, 2004MD

WHILE DRIVING ABS BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. AS A RESULT, THERE WAS EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT ABS MODULE FAILED, AN WILL COST ABOUT $900.00 AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE TO FIX IT. *AK

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Feb 12, 200473,000 milesVA

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 99V243000 NOTICE CONCERNING FRONTAL AIR BAG SENSOR MODULE. WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON AT ALL TIMES. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 29, 200475,200 milesPA

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *AK

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Jan 26, 2004117,116 miles00

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH IT'S AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE' ALSO LEAKED FLUID AT THE TRANSMISSION JOINT. THE VEHICLE LEAKED 2 1/2 QTS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID IN APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY THE DEALER REFUSED TO ASSIST THE CONSUMER. *NM

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 15, 2004NY

THEY HAD A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM BUT DEALER CLAIMS HE FIX THE PROBLEM BUT IT STILL CONTINUES TO HAPPEN VERY UNHAPPY

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 200464,000 milesIL

ENGINE BLEW ON A TRIP TO ST.LOUIS CAR WAS UNDER FORDS EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN BECAUSE I COULD NOT PRODUCE ALL OF MY ENGINE MAITANCE REPORTS EVEN THOUGH I TRIED TO EXPLAIN TO FORD THAT MANY TIMES I DID MY OWN OIL CHANGES THEY HAVE REFUSE TO HONOR THEIR EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 200471,246 milesWI

LOST COMPRESSION IN ONE CYLINDER, ITS BEING LOOKED AT NOW.

Power Train
Filed Jan 15, 200489,000 milesIN

TOOK MY CAR IN OCTOBER 15, 2003.JIM DOBSON FORD IN WINAMAC TO CHECK MY CAR OUT AND THEY TOLD ME IT WASN'T AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH MY TRANSMISSION IT WAS HYDROLIC OR THE SECOND SPEED GEAR WENT OUT. I TOLD THEM TO GO AHEAD AND REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION. THEY PULLED THE TRANSMISSION OUT ON THE 16TH. CALLED THEM ON THE 17TH. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE MECHANIC CALLED OFF SICK AND THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE A CHANCE TO OPEN THE TRANSMISSION UP TO FIND OUT EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. MECHANIC CALLED OF AGAIN ON THE 18TH AND THE 20TH. ASKED THEM ABOUT A LOANER CAR. THEY SAID THEY DON'T HAVE LOANER CARS . DOESN'T MY TRANSMISSION LOOK PRETTY ON A PEDESTAL!

Complaints 1-50 of 231, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1995
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20022000Routine
20012000Routine
200063500Routine
1999128411Fatalities reported
1998 — this page2311170Above average
199771730Routine
199618510120Routine
199533512150Above average
19942000Routine

Compare every Mystique year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

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.