FaultScore report
Owners have filed 326 complaints about the 1998 Mercury Mystique with NHTSA between 1997 and 2016. The largest single group is the suspension. Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 6 worst.
FaultScore 52/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mercury Mystique.
How this is worked out326
Complaints
10
Crashes reported
17
Fires reported
8
Injuries reported
80,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
8%
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 83,240 miles
Median failure at 97,000 miles
4 crashes, 1 fires · median 84,640 mi
Median failure at 55,420 miles
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 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
FUEL EXPULSION DURING REFUELING
FUEL EXPULSION DURING REFUELING
BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESS
VARIOUS INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL ISSUES
FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT READ BELOW 1/4
FORD'S SERVICE BULLETIN DATED DECEMBER 8, 1997, POINTS OUT THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WILL NOT READ ABOVE 3/4 TANK OR BELOW 1/4 TANK OF FUEL.THE ERRONEOUS FUEL GAUGE READING WILL INDICATE SIGNIFICANTLY MORE FUEL RESERVE THAN ACTUALLY PRESENT IN THE FUEL TANK.ODI HAS ONE COMPLAINT WHERE THE DRIVER ALLEGED THAT HIS VEHICLE RAN OUT OF GAS DUE TO A FALSE FUEL GAUGE READING.THIS INVESTIGATION WASTO ASCERTAIN FACTS CONCERNING THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE, SCOPE, AND RATIONAL FOR ELECTING NOT TO CONDUCT A SAFETY COMPAIGN.
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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
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.
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.
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Other
Certain passenger vehicles sold in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec . 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 in some cases. Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring. Correction : Dealers will install spring catcher brackets.
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.
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.
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the air bag sensor wiring pigtail insulation may become brittle and crack over time due to water accumulation in the protective convolute combined with high under hood temperatures and routing of the pigtail near the radiator. This could result in the air bag warning light illuminating and disabling of the air bag. Correction: Air bag sensors with revised wiring insulation will be installed. Also, vehicles which have the air bag warning light illuminated will have a new air bag diagnostic monitor installed if required.
Engine
On certain 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 which in turn could cause the accelerator not to return to idle when the accelerator pedal is released. This could result in a vehicle crash. Correction: Accelerator cable will be replaced with a revised version which has a flared conduit sleeve end and molded-on end fitting.
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.
Visual System
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 205 - glazing materials. The windshields on were produced without the "AS1" mark as required by American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z26.1. These windshields fully meet all of the requirements of Standard 205. Correction: Since the absence of the AS1 mark is highly unlikely to produce any risk of injury, no corrective action will be taken.
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.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10229723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10229723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
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 .
NHTSA complaint #10132194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #10120758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
HORN DOES NOT WORK. VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHECKED BY DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. HORN WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY, BUT CURRENTLY IT HAS FAILED COMPLETELY.*AK THE REAR SEAT BELTS ARE INOPERATIVE. THE POWER STEERING, ALTERNATOR, AND FRONT BRAKES FAILED. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #8014643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
HORN DOES NOT WORK. VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHECKED BY DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. HORN WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY, BUT CURRENTLY IT HAS FAILED COMPLETELY.*AK THE REAR SEAT BELTS ARE INOPERATIVE. THE POWER STEERING, ALTERNATOR, AND FRONT BRAKES FAILED. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #8014643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10818563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10782571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #10637913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10637913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10637913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10637913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10637913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10637913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EQUIPMENT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10637913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10356984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS.
NHTSA complaint #10263290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 THE MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION TO LEARN ABOUT THE WAIVER PROGRAM. I UNDERSTAND TO BE CONSIDERED, THE REPAIR COST HAS TO BE ABOUT $400 OR MORE. SOME TIME AGO THE REPAIR COSTS LIMIT WAS ABOUT $250 OR MORE. WELL, FOR THE REPAIR I HAD DONE BEFORE THIS LAST INSPECTION, IT COST ME ABOUT $250 AGAIN. I BELIEVE THAT FOR THESE REASONS I SHOULD QUALIFY FOR A VEHICLE WAIVER FOR THE EMISSIONS INSPECTION OF MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10258386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10231324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10229723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10229723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
NHTSA complaint #10228014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10219069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10218534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10207384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10207384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10207384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10207384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10207384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10207384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10207384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.