FaultScore report
Owners have filed 303 complaints about the 1996 Mercury Mystique with NHTSA between 1996 and 2009. The largest single group is the electrical system. Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 6 worst.
FaultScore 58/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mercury Mystique.
How this is worked out303
Complaints
19
Crashes reported
14
Fires reported
19
Injuries reported
93,500 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
3%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Median failure at 69,213 miles
Median failure at 107,520 miles
5 crashes, 0 fires · median 88,000 mi
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
| Configuration | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 Mercury Mystique 4-DR. | — | — | — | — |
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
INCORRECT GEAR INDICATION
BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESS
BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESS
VARIOUS INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL ISSUES
HEADLIGHT SWITCH
ODI OPENED THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION ON DECEMBER 3, 1989 BASED ON FIVE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, ALL OF WHICH MENTIONED CONCERNS CENTERED ON THE DASHBOARD-MOUNTED HEADLIGHT SWITCH.THESE CONCERNS INCLUDED AN ALLEGATION OF THE SWITCH CATCHING FIRE, AN ALLEGATION OF HEADLIGHT LOSS, AND THREE ALLEGATIONS OF INSTRUMENT PANEL AND TAIL LIGHT OUTAGES.THREE OF THE REPORTS SPECIFICALLY IDENTIFIED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND ITS ASSOCIATED WIRING AS HAVING BEEN HEAT DAMAGED.FORD INVESTIGATIONS HAVE FOUND THAT OVERHEATING OF AN ELECTRICAL TERMINAL AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CONNECTOR CAUSES LOSS OF THE INSTRUMENT P...
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
SUSPENSION
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.0L AND 2.5L ENGINES, AND 1996 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. TIGHTENING OF THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MOTOR BEARINGS, UP TO AND INCLUDING MOTOR STALL, CAN RESULT IN INCREASED MOTOR TORQUE AND HIGHER THAN NORMAL MOTOR CURRENT AND ACCOMPANYING HIGH MOTOR TEMPERATURES.
Risk: OVERHEATING OF THE COOLING FAN MOTOR DUE TO EXCESSIVE CURRENT CAN RESULT IN SMOKE AND ODORS FROM BEARING GREASE, INSULATION AND OTHER INTERNAL MOTOR COMPONENTS. IF ELECTRICAL CURRENT CONTINUES TO BE APPLIED TO THE MOTOR, INTERNAL MOTOR COMPONENTS COULD IGNITE POSSIBLY IGNITING OTHER ENGINE COMPARTMENT COMPONENTS.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FUEL FILLER PIPE VENT HOSE MAY HAVE LESS THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF OZONE RESISTANCE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE HOSE BECOMING BRITTLE AND CRACKING.
Risk: A CRACKED HOSE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING FUELED.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Powertrain
Certain passenger vehicles. 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. The heater blower resistor may overheat causing the attached electrical connector to melt, creating the potential for a fire. Correction: Dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness.
Electrical
On certain vehicles equipped with 2.5 litre V6 engines, tightening of the engine cooling fan motor bearings, up to and including motor stall, can result in increased motor torque and higher than normal motor current and accompanying high motor temperatures. Overheating of the cooling fan motor due to excessive current can result in smoke and odors from bearing grease, insulation and other internal motor components. If electrical current continues to be applied to the motor, internal motor components could ignite possibly igniting other engine compartment components. Correction: Dealers will install a Positive Temperature Coefficient device (a solid state resettable fuse-like device) in-line with each fan motor.
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the pressure conscious reducing valve (PCRV) in each of the rear brakes may be subject to malfunction due to corrosion when operated in areas of high road salt use. If both PCRVs malfunction, vehicle handling may be adversely affected during braking as a result of the rear wheels locking, which could potentially result in a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will install improved PCRVs in the rear brake system.
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the fuel filler pipe vent hose may have less than the intended level of ozone resistance, which could result in the hose becoming brittle and cracking. A cracked hose could result in fuel leakage when the vehicle is being fueled. Fuel leakage in sufficient quantity in the presence of an ignition source could potentially result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will install a fuel filler vent hose containing the appropriate blend of PVC and nitrile rubber.
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, the terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connector may experience heat damage as a result of overheating. This can cause distortion of the terminal and an open circuit in the instrument panel illumination, parking lamp and tail lamp circuits. Correction: Dealers will install a headlamp switch wiring connector containing bronze terminals and inspect and if necessary, replace the headlamp switch.
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the floor shift automatic transmission control may be damaged if subjected to certain vehicle interior cleaning products. If exposed to these products, the transmission gear position indicator may deteriorate and not correctly indicate the actual gear position. If this occurs, the shifter will continue to operate normally, but there is the potential for incorrect gear selection. Correction: Automatic transmission floor shift control will be replaced.
Emissions
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5 LITRE ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE MATERIAL IN THE CATALYST AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD ASSEMBLIES (LIGHT-OFF CATALYSTS) CAN RESULT IN RESTRICTED EXHAUST GAS FLOW, LOSS OF POWER AND EXHAUST EMISSION LEVELS IN EXCESS OF THOSE SPECIFIED IN THE STANDARD. CORRECTION: LEFT AND RIGHT HAND LIGHT-OFF CATALYSTS WILL BE REPLACED. UNDERBODY CATALYST WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY.
Engine
NOTE: ONLY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL OPTION ARE INVOLVED. THE THROTTLE CABLES ON THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. THIS MAY LEAD TO FRAYING OR SEPARATION OF THE THROTTLE CABLE, WHICH COULD PREVENT THE ENGINE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE. THIS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL. CORRECTION: THROTTLE CABLE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REVISED DESIGN VERSION.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
AIR BAGS
1996 MERCURY MYS AIR BAGS FAILURE IN CAR ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10287219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE UNDER HOOD WIRE HARNESS BURNED UP. THIS CAR HAS 89,000 MILES AND RUNS GOOD. I HEARD THERE WAS A RECALL / TSB #( ONP 99M03) ON THIS CAR BUT FORD WILL NOT HONOR IT BECAUSE THE CAR IS OVER 10 YEARS OLD. I THINK FORD SHOULD REIMBURSE FOR REPAIRS OR BUY BACK THE CAR. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS THE CAR WILL STALL ABRUPTLY AND LOSE POWER STEERING.
NHTSA complaint #10254653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
CAR HAS HAD INCREASING NUMBER OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS...CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. MECHANICS COULDN'T FIND WHAT WAS TRIGGERING IT AFTER REPLACING THE OXYGEN SENSORS REPEATEDLY. OTHER TWITCHES (STALLING, BURNED UP TURN SIGNAL MODULE,) FINALLY CULMINATING IN COMPLETE BRAKE LIGHT AND REVERSE LIGHT FAILURE. TOOK THE CAR BACK TO MY MECHANICS, WHO REPLACED THE SIGNAL MODULE, AND SHOWED ME THE BURN MARKS ON IT. THEY STATED THAT THEY TRIED TO GET THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO WORK, AND FOUND THAT THE PRIMARY WIRING HARNESS WAS JUST DISINTEGRATING (INSULATION FAILURES ALL OVER.) THEY CALLED FORD/MERCURY BEFORE THEY TOLD ME OF THIS PROBLEM, AND WERE TOLD THAT FORD/MERC WOULD REPLACE THE HARNESS AS LONG AS THE CAR HADN'T GONE OVER 100K MILES, AND WAS NOT MORE THAN TEN YEARS OLD (IT WASN'T.) DROPPED THE CAR AT A LOCAL FORD DEALER, WHO CALLED ME BACK TO SAY THAT THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN GLAD TO REPLACE THE HARNESS, HAD I FOUND THE PROBLEM PRIOR TO JAN 2006. THEY PROMPTLY INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO REPLACE THE HARNESS FOR ABOUT $2,000.00 I INFORMED THEM THAT I'D BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO PERFORM BRAIN SURGERY ON THEM WITH A WEEDEATER AT NO CHARGE. I'LL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT IN MY LIFE, AND I UNFORTUNATELY CURRENTLY OWN FIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10167604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
DT: THE DOOR LATCH ON DRIVER'S SIDE WOULD NOT SHUT, HAD TO GO TO JUNK YARD TO GET A PART AND PUT IT IN. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 20, 2005. CONSUMER BRUISED HAND TRYING TO GET THE DOWN SHUT. THERE WAS CLICKING NOISE IN THE PANEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT CONTROLS THE POWER WINDOWS. ALSO, THE KEY GOT HOT IN THE IGNITION.
NHTSA complaint #10133888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
DT: THE DOOR LATCH ON DRIVER'S SIDE WOULD NOT SHUT, HAD TO GO TO JUNK YARD TO GET A PART AND PUT IT IN. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 20, 2005. CONSUMER BRUISED HAND TRYING TO GET THE DOWN SHUT. THERE WAS CLICKING NOISE IN THE PANEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT CONTROLS THE POWER WINDOWS. ALSO, THE KEY GOT HOT IN THE IGNITION.
NHTSA complaint #10133888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
DT: THE DOOR LATCH ON DRIVER'S SIDE WOULD NOT SHUT, HAD TO GO TO JUNK YARD TO GET A PART AND PUT IT IN. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 20, 2005. CONSUMER BRUISED HAND TRYING TO GET THE DOWN SHUT. THERE WAS CLICKING NOISE IN THE PANEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT CONTROLS THE POWER WINDOWS. ALSO, THE KEY GOT HOT IN THE IGNITION.
NHTSA complaint #10133888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
AIR BAGS
1996 MERCURY MYS AIR BAGS FAILURE IN CAR ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10287219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE UNDER HOOD WIRE HARNESS BURNED UP. THIS CAR HAS 89,000 MILES AND RUNS GOOD. I HEARD THERE WAS A RECALL / TSB #( ONP 99M03) ON THIS CAR BUT FORD WILL NOT HONOR IT BECAUSE THE CAR IS OVER 10 YEARS OLD. I THINK FORD SHOULD REIMBURSE FOR REPAIRS OR BUY BACK THE CAR. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS THE CAR WILL STALL ABRUPTLY AND LOSE POWER STEERING.
NHTSA complaint #10254653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. THE PARKING LIGHTS ON THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE ALONG WITH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V103000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 138,552.
NHTSA complaint #10217287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. THE PARKING LIGHTS ON THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE ALONG WITH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V103000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 138,552.
NHTSA complaint #10217287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE FORWARD GEARS ON MY TRANSMISSION HAVE CEASED TO WORK. NOW I'M BEING TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I FIND IT KIND OF WEIRD THAT A 96 NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION ALREADY.
NHTSA complaint #10206597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
FAULTY WIRING INSULATION MAKES THE CAR INOPERABLE AND DANGEROUS TO OPERATE.
NHTSA complaint #10200255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
FAULTY WIRING INSULATION MAKES THE CAR INOPERABLE AND DANGEROUS TO OPERATE.
NHTSA complaint #10200255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD MERCURY MYSTIQUE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE SPEED ODOMETER WENT FROM ZERO TO 120, THE RMP WENT UP TO 40,000, THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF GEAR. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER DRIVABLE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (NHTSA CAMPAIGN #01V230000) HOWEVER; THE MANUFACTURE STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,500 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE 61,900.
NHTSA complaint #10198423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
FOR ALONG TIME THERE HAS BEEN BEARING CHANGES. I GAVE MY CAR TO A TENANT AND SHE WANTED IT TO GET INSPECTED, BUT SHE NEEDED BOTH FRONT SPRING COILS TO BE REPLACED. AND FOR A LONG TIME THE AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) BEARINGS HAVE BEEN BAD. IT IS GOING TO COST HER MUCH MONEY. CAN A CLAIM BE MADE BECAUSE OF A RECALL?
NHTSA complaint #10189960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
CAR HAS HAD INCREASING NUMBER OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS...CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. MECHANICS COULDN'T FIND WHAT WAS TRIGGERING IT AFTER REPLACING THE OXYGEN SENSORS REPEATEDLY. OTHER TWITCHES (STALLING, BURNED UP TURN SIGNAL MODULE,) FINALLY CULMINATING IN COMPLETE BRAKE LIGHT AND REVERSE LIGHT FAILURE. TOOK THE CAR BACK TO MY MECHANICS, WHO REPLACED THE SIGNAL MODULE, AND SHOWED ME THE BURN MARKS ON IT. THEY STATED THAT THEY TRIED TO GET THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO WORK, AND FOUND THAT THE PRIMARY WIRING HARNESS WAS JUST DISINTEGRATING (INSULATION FAILURES ALL OVER.) THEY CALLED FORD/MERCURY BEFORE THEY TOLD ME OF THIS PROBLEM, AND WERE TOLD THAT FORD/MERC WOULD REPLACE THE HARNESS AS LONG AS THE CAR HADN'T GONE OVER 100K MILES, AND WAS NOT MORE THAN TEN YEARS OLD (IT WASN'T.) DROPPED THE CAR AT A LOCAL FORD DEALER, WHO CALLED ME BACK TO SAY THAT THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN GLAD TO REPLACE THE HARNESS, HAD I FOUND THE PROBLEM PRIOR TO JAN 2006. THEY PROMPTLY INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO REPLACE THE HARNESS FOR ABOUT $2,000.00 I INFORMED THEM THAT I'D BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO PERFORM BRAIN SURGERY ON THEM WITH A WEEDEATER AT NO CHARGE. I'LL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT IN MY LIFE, AND I UNFORTUNATELY CURRENTLY OWN FIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10167604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS FUEL LEAKAGE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING FUELED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 99V247000, REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM GASOLINE STORAGE TANK ASSEMBLY FILLER PIPE AND CAP. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. ALTHOUGH THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED, NO INSPECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE.
NHTSA complaint #10160006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
I FIRST STARTED SMELLING FUEL AFTER FUELING UP MY CAR. THEN LATER I NOTICED THAT FUEL LEAKS OUT FROM UNDER MY CAR WHEN I PUT FUEL INTO IT. I RECENTLY NOTICED IT RUNNING OUT FROM UNDER THE CAR WHEN I JUST HAPPEN TO FILL UP AT A GAS STATION THAT WAS ON AN INCLINE. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THE FORD RECALL #99S24 DOES NOT APPLY TO MY CAR. BUT.... IT IS WHAT PROBLEM IS. HELP PLEASE.
NHTSA complaint #10147379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 99V103000 CONCERNING THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING.: HEADLIGHTS. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE DUE TO THE EXPENSE. *AK UPDATED 01/19/06.
NHTSA complaint #10145966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 99V103000 CONCERNING THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING.: HEADLIGHTS. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE DUE TO THE EXPENSE. *AK UPDATED 01/19/06.
NHTSA complaint #10145966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I PURCHASED MY MERCURY MYSTIQUE NEW IN NOVEMBER OF 1996. I HAVE ALWAYS DRIVEN THE CAR VERY EASY, I DON'T EVEN GET ON THE EXPRESSWAY VERY OFTEN. AT AROUND 45,000 MILES, I HAD THE TRANSMISSION SERVICED, WHICH THE OWNERS MANUAL DOESN'T EVEN MENTION. NOW, WITH ONLY 55K MILES, THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED AND NEEDS A TOTAL REBUILD! ALTHOUGH THE CAR IS NEARLY 9 YEARS OLD, AT 55,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION FAILING IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THERE HAS TO BE SOME KIND OF FLAW IN THE DESIGN FOR IT TO DO THIS. *B
NHTSA complaint #10136054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
DT: THE DOOR LATCH ON DRIVER'S SIDE WOULD NOT SHUT, HAD TO GO TO JUNK YARD TO GET A PART AND PUT IT IN. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 20, 2005. CONSUMER BRUISED HAND TRYING TO GET THE DOWN SHUT. THERE WAS CLICKING NOISE IN THE PANEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT CONTROLS THE POWER WINDOWS. ALSO, THE KEY GOT HOT IN THE IGNITION.
NHTSA complaint #10133888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
DT: THE DOOR LATCH ON DRIVER'S SIDE WOULD NOT SHUT, HAD TO GO TO JUNK YARD TO GET A PART AND PUT IT IN. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 20, 2005. CONSUMER BRUISED HAND TRYING TO GET THE DOWN SHUT. THERE WAS CLICKING NOISE IN THE PANEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT CONTROLS THE POWER WINDOWS. ALSO, THE KEY GOT HOT IN THE IGNITION.
NHTSA complaint #10133888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
DT: THE DOOR LATCH ON DRIVER'S SIDE WOULD NOT SHUT, HAD TO GO TO JUNK YARD TO GET A PART AND PUT IT IN. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 20, 2005. CONSUMER BRUISED HAND TRYING TO GET THE DOWN SHUT. THERE WAS CLICKING NOISE IN THE PANEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT CONTROLS THE POWER WINDOWS. ALSO, THE KEY GOT HOT IN THE IGNITION.
NHTSA complaint #10133888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
1996 MERCURY MYSTIQUE(68,000). FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAD WHAT THEY REFERRED TO AS A "PROGRAM", EVIDENTLY FOR A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT SPRINGS.THE PROGRAM WAS BASICALLY A FREE INSPECTION. MY CAR WAS INSPECTED IN 2002 WHILE IT WAS IN FOR ANOTHER RECALL, AT WHICH TIME IT WAS GIVEN A PASSING GRADE.THE PROGRAM EXPIRED @ 150,000 OR DEC. OF 2004 WHICHEVER CAME FIRST.IN FEBRUARY 2005 A 6" CHUNCK OF THE PASS. SIDE SPRING SNAPPED OFF, LUCKILY ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET. I HEARD THE NOISE AND WAS ABLE TO RETRIEVE THE PIECE FROM THE STREET.ON CLOSE INSPECTION THE PIECE DID NOT BREAK DUE TO CORROSION.I BELIEVE IT WAS DUE TO POOR MATERIAL QUALITY, MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS COULD CAUSE TIRE FAILURE AT HIGHER RATES OF SPEED RESULTING IN POSSIBLE FATALIIES. FORD WOULD NOT REPLACE THE SPRING.
NHTSA complaint #10114555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
THE VEHICLE RAN ROUGH WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THIS CONDITION CAUSED A PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10105009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
WHILE DRIVING DURING NIGHT HOURS REAR TAIL LIGHTS FAILED TO WORK. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT REPAIR THEM BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED.
NHTSA complaint #10079416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW CONTROL PANEL CORRODING AND THE WINDOW NOT OPERATING. I HAVE REPLACED JUST ABOUT EVERY PART POSSIBLE AND THE WINDOW STILL DOESN'T WORK.
NHTSA complaint #10069290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
I REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR LAST SUMMER AND I HAD TO REPLACE IT AGAIN THIS SUMMER. I HAD TO REPLACE MY TAIL LIGHTS TWICE THE BRAKES IS ALWAYS GIVING ME PROBLEMS. THE WINDOW ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOESNT ROLL DOWN. WHEN IT RAIN THE FLOORS GET WET. I HAVE A HARD TIME PUTTING IT INTO GEAR AND TAKING IT OUT OF GEAR. IT STALLS TO CUT ON AND DRIVES REALLY ROUGH.I HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES NUMEROUS TIMES.THE SPEEDOMETER WENT OUT AND THE TEMPERTURE GAUGE AS WELL.THE AC DOSENT WORK AND IT TAKES A WHILE FOR THE HEAT TO WARM UP CAR.SOMETHING NEED TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10070271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
I REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR LAST SUMMER AND I HAD TO REPLACE IT AGAIN THIS SUMMER. I HAD TO REPLACE MY TAIL LIGHTS TWICE THE BRAKES IS ALWAYS GIVING ME PROBLEMS. THE WINDOW ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOESNT ROLL DOWN. WHEN IT RAIN THE FLOORS GET WET. I HAVE A HARD TIME PUTTING IT INTO GEAR AND TAKING IT OUT OF GEAR. IT STALLS TO CUT ON AND DRIVES REALLY ROUGH.I HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES NUMEROUS TIMES.THE SPEEDOMETER WENT OUT AND THE TEMPERTURE GAUGE AS WELL.THE AC DOSENT WORK AND IT TAKES A WHILE FOR THE HEAT TO WARM UP CAR.SOMETHING NEED TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10070271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR LAST SUMMER AND I HAD TO REPLACE IT AGAIN THIS SUMMER. I HAD TO REPLACE MY TAIL LIGHTS TWICE THE BRAKES IS ALWAYS GIVING ME PROBLEMS. THE WINDOW ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOESNT ROLL DOWN. WHEN IT RAIN THE FLOORS GET WET. I HAVE A HARD TIME PUTTING IT INTO GEAR AND TAKING IT OUT OF GEAR. IT STALLS TO CUT ON AND DRIVES REALLY ROUGH.I HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES NUMEROUS TIMES.THE SPEEDOMETER WENT OUT AND THE TEMPERTURE GAUGE AS WELL.THE AC DOSENT WORK AND IT TAKES A WHILE FOR THE HEAT TO WARM UP CAR.SOMETHING NEED TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10070271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.