Owners have filed 106 complaints
about the 1994 Mercury Topaz with NHTSA between 1995 and 2004.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 3 worst.
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.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 73
Against the median year of the Mercury Topaz. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 63
12.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
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.
Gasoline
617.6%
Automatic Transmission
617.6%
Engine
514.7%
Accelerator Pedal
411.8%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
411.8%
Latch
38.8%
Headlights
38.8%
Frame AND Members
38.8%
When owners complained
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.
Aug 1995peak 21Jun 2004
NHTSA investigations into the 1994 Mercury Topaz
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.
PE96033Opened 2 May 1996Closed 30 Sep 1996ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES
IN DECEMBER 1995, FORD RECALLED 119,313 VEHICLES IN CANADA TO REMEDY THE SUBJECT CONDITION IN CERTAIN 1992-95 TAURUS, SABLE, TEMPO, TOPAZ AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES.FORD IS AWARE OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS OCCURRING IN NORTHERN REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES, BUT MAINTAINS THAT THE FREQUENCIES DO NOT WARRANT A FINDING OF AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.
Recalls on the 1994 Mercury Topaz
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.
United States — NHTSA
97V019000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
THESE VEHICLES ARE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, IOWA, MINNESOTA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, AND SOUTH DAKOTA. THE VEHICLES INVOLVED ARE 1992-1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ VEHICLES WITH 3.0L ENGINES; 1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 2.3L ENGINES; 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.8L ENGINES; 1994-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.0L ENGINES AND 1992-1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL VEHICLES WITH 3.8L ENGINES. DURING HIGH WINDS, HEAVY, BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW, AND LOW TEMPERATURES, THE ENGINE COOLING FAN CAN BECOME BLOCKED OR FROZEN WITH SNOW. THE FAN MOTOR MAY NOT ROTATE AND COULD OVERHEAT.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE SMOKE OR FLAMES FROM THE FAN AND/OR SHROUD, THE FAN ELECTRICAL WIRING, OR THE FAN MOTOR RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199613427,373 units in Canada
Electrical
NOTE: THIS RECALL SUPERSEDES RECALL 95-202 FOR 1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ 2.3 LITRE VEHICLES. THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MAY BECOME FROZEN IN PLACE BY SNOW, ICE OR SLUSH. IF THIS OCCURS AND THE COOLING FAN IS ACTIVATED, EITHER AUTOMATICALLY TO REDUCE COOLANT TEMPERATURE OR WHEN THE DEFROSTER IS TURNED ON, THE COOLING FAN WILL NOT ROTATE AND THE FAN MOTOR AND WIRING CAN OVERHEAT. THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. CORRECTION: ENGINE COOLING FAN MOTOR CIRCUIT PROTECTION WILL BE REVISED BY INSTALLING A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Recall 1995202119,313 units in Canada
Electrical
NOTE: 1992-94 TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 3.0 LITRE ENGINES; 1994-95 TAURUS/SABLE (EXCEPT SHO) WITH 3.0 LITRE ENGINES; 1992-93 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.8 LITRE ENGINES; 1992-94 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MAY BECOME FROZEN IN PLACE BY SNOW, ICE OR SLUSH. IF THIS OCCURS AND THE COOLING FAN IS ACTIVATED, EITHER AUTOMATICALLY TO REDUCE COOLANT TEMPERATURE OR WHEN THE DEFROSTER IS TURNED ON, THE COOLING FAN WILL NOT ROTATE AND CAN OVERHEAT. THIS CAN DAMAGE THE FAN MOTOR, FAN, FAN WIRING AND SHROUD WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR SMOKE OR A FIRE TO RESULT. CORRECTION: IN SOME CASES, THE FUSE FOR THE COOLING FAN CIRCUIT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A SMALLER FUSE. IN OTHER CASES, A JUMPER HARNESS WITH DEDICATED CIRCUIT PROTECTION FOR THE COOLING FAN WILL BE INSTALLED.
Recall 1995197243,095 units in Canada
Engine
EXTENDED HIGHWAY OPERATION DURING VERY LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES (-20 DEGREES CENTIGRADE OR BELOW) MAY RESULT IN ICE FORMING IN THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) SYSTEM. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CRANKCASE MAY BECOME PRESSURIZED, WHICH COULD FORCE OIL OUT OF THE ENGINE. IF THE OIL IS FORCED PAST THE ROCKER COVER GASKET, IT COULD CONTACT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WHICH POTENTIALLY COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL REVISED, COOLANT HEATED PCV SYSTEMS.
Recall 199507919 units in Canada
Emissions
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.3L AND 3.0L ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1105-EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS. ONE OR BOTH OF THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS VAPOUR CANISTER HOSES MAY NOT BE CONNECTED. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND VAPOUR CANISTER HOSES WILL BE CONNECTED IF REQUIRED.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 83,800 milesCanton, OHFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
MY DAUGHTER IS CURRENTLY DRIVING A 1994 MERCURY TOPAZ GS THAT I HAVE REGISTERED WITH FORD MOTOR. LAST WEEK SHE EXPERIENCED A FRONT WHEEL ON FIRE AS A RESULT OF AN OVERHEATING BRAKE. THE BRAKE WAS REPAIRED AND IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SPLASH SHEILD THAT IS NEXT TO THE ROTOR WAS MADE OF A PLASTIC TYPE COMPOSITE THAT OVERHEATED AND BURST INTO FLAME. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A BURNED TIRE AND SUBSEQUENT BLOWOUT AND ACCIDENT. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10078539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charleroi, PA1 killed
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #750687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Royalton, OH1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR PERFORMED POORLY. CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS CAUGHT INSIDE OF SEATBELT, AND WAS NEARLY STRANGLE/ CHOKED TO DEATH. SEATBELT WAS TIGHTLY PLACED ON HER. SEATBELT WOULDN'T RETRACT AT ALL. HIS WIFE HAD OPEN HEART SURGERY. AND HUSBAND WAS CONCERNED AT THIS POINT.
NHTSA complaint #890429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tom's River, NJCrash2 injured
SEATS
THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH SEAT TRACKS AND ANCHORS. DURING A MINOR COLLISION IN WHICH THE CONSUMER WAS REARENDED, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATS FLEW BACK AND CHAIR RECLINED. BY THE END OF THE ACCIDENT, THEY WERE FACING THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #833453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TOM River, NJCrash2 injured
SEATS
VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED, IMPACT CAUSED THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE SEATS TO BREAK, DRIVER AND PASSENGER BOTH FELL BACK IN THEIR SEATS AND LANDED ON THEIR BACKS. DRIVER WAS HELD DOWN BY SEAT BELT AND WAS UNABLE TO GET BACK UP TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE INJURED. *AK
NHTSA complaint #834759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TOM River, NJCrash
SEATS
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER 'S/PASSENGER'S SIDE SEATS BROKE, CAUSING CONSUMER TO PASS OUT IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #834677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 83,800 milesCanton, OHFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
MY DAUGHTER IS CURRENTLY DRIVING A 1994 MERCURY TOPAZ GS THAT I HAVE REGISTERED WITH FORD MOTOR. LAST WEEK SHE EXPERIENCED A FRONT WHEEL ON FIRE AS A RESULT OF AN OVERHEATING BRAKE. THE BRAKE WAS REPAIRED AND IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SPLASH SHEILD THAT IS NEXT TO THE ROTOR WAS MADE OF A PLASTIC TYPE COMPOSITE THAT OVERHEATED AND BURST INTO FLAME. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A BURNED TIRE AND SUBSEQUENT BLOWOUT AND ACCIDENT. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10078539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesLakewood, NJ
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
LEFT REAR CONTROL ARM ROTTED IN THE CENTER CAUSING A BREAK. THE CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND BENT THE RIGHT REAR CONTROL ARM AS WELL. UNKNOWN WHAT OTHER DAMAGE WAS CAUSED YET. LEFT REAR CONTROL ARM OBVIOUSLY HAD NO ANTI-CORROSION COATING. RIGHT CONTROL ARMS CORROSION-FREE. LEFT FRONT CONTROL ARM ALSO CORRODED BUT NOT AS BAD.
NHTSA complaint #10058264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint ANN, MO
SEATS
THE PASSENGER SEAT DID NOT SLIDE BACK DURING A SALES PRESENTATION. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE SEAT WOULD BE REPAIRED BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP. A DEPOSIT WAS PUT DOWN FOR THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS ALSO THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE CONSUMER FELT IT WAS AN ILLEGAL ACTION. (ONLY A RECEIPT WAS SIGNED, NO CONTRACT) THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A REFUND. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #566904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,928 milesUnion City, GA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP, WHICH CAUSED THE TIRES TO LOCK UP. *JB THE GAS PEDAL WAS HARD. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE. THE MAIN CONTROL THROTTLE VALVE WAS REPLACED. SCC
NHTSA complaint #10014805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,928 milesUnion City, GA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP, WHICH CAUSED THE TIRES TO LOCK UP. *JB THE GAS PEDAL WAS HARD. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE. THE MAIN CONTROL THROTTLE VALVE WAS REPLACED. SCC
NHTSA complaint #10014805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boynton Beach, FL
SUSPENSION:REAR
THE "LEFT REAR TRAILING ARM" IS RUSTED THROUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED BY DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE MUFFLER IS POSITIONED AGAINST COMPONENT WHICH MAY BE CAUSING CORROSION. THE CONSUMER IS VERY CONCERNED THAT THE WHEEL WILL DISLODGE AND THE VEHICLE MAY TAIL SPIN IF ARM BREAKS. *NLM *SCC
NHTSA complaint #8019318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ft.wayne, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE WINDSHEILD WIPERS WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #564031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ft.wayne, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
MAF SENSOR FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #564031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ft.wayne, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE WINDSHEILD WIPERS WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #564031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ft.wayne, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
MAF SENSOR FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #564031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charleroi, PA1 killed
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #750687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boerne, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
2.3L ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY WOULD STALLS OUT WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY GIVEN SPEED. VEHICLE HAD BEEN WORKED ON BY DEALER ON ONE OCCASION, AND ON TWO OCCASIONS BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. BUT, PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #892644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Royalton, OH1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR PERFORMED POORLY. CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS CAUGHT INSIDE OF SEATBELT, AND WAS NEARLY STRANGLE/ CHOKED TO DEATH. SEATBELT WAS TIGHTLY PLACED ON HER. SEATBELT WOULDN'T RETRACT AT ALL. HIS WIFE HAD OPEN HEART SURGERY. AND HUSBAND WAS CONCERNED AT THIS POINT.
NHTSA complaint #890429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baldwin Park, CA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
DRIVER'S SIDE LAP SEAT BELT BECAME STUCK AND WOULD NOT RELEASE, CAUSING CONSUMER TO BE TRAPPED IN VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #887694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lorain, OH
SEAT BELTS
PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT IS INOPERABLE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #881886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
SHOULDER BELT IS IN OPEN POSITION/STUCK ON TRACK. CONSUMER CAN ONLY USE LAP BELT, AND FEELS THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #881270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Antonio, TX
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
NORTH PARK CONTACTED FORD REPRESENTATIVE AND THE FORD REPRESENTATIVE WOULD ONLY PAY FOR A PORTION OF THE BILL. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE FACTORY SEALANT DID NOT SEAL PROPERLY AND THUS IT CAUSED THE RAIN WATER TO ENTER THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND DAMAGE THE CARPET. THE FORD REPRESENTATIVE TOLD NORTH PARK THAT THEY WOULD ONLY PAY FOR A PORTION. NORTH PARK WAS EXCELLENT IN TRYING TO GET THE FACTORY TO PAY. SO WE ENDED UP PAYING $199.61 TO GET THE CAR FIXED. WE FEEL SINCE THIS APPEARS TO BE A FACTORY DEFECT, WE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED THE $199.61.
NHTSA complaint #736022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pomona, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
GAS PEDAL STICKS UP, TROUBLE MAKING GAS PEDAL TO GIVE THE CAR GAS
NHTSA complaint #734671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Ford, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
WHEN DRIVING AT 60 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH, AND VEHICLE CUT OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, CAUSING LOSS ALL POWER. CONSUMER HAS NOT YET CONTACTED DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #872761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Ford, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN DRIVING AT 60 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH, AND VEHICLE CUT OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, CAUSING LOSS ALL POWER. CONSUMER HAS NOT YET CONTACTED DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #872761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisa, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
A HARMONIC BALANCER SHOULD NEVER FAIL ON A "STOCK" CAR, I WAS TOLD THAT THIS PART HAS A VERY COMMON FAILURE RATE.I USED TO DRAG RACE AND BUILD ENGINES AND ONLY UNDER RACING CONDITIONS DO STOCK HARMONIC BALANCERS FAIL,NEVER ON A STREET STOCK CONDITION CAR.I THINK THAT THIS IS A SAFTEY HAZZARD BECAUSE IF IT DOES FLY APART IT MAY COME THRU THE HOOD OF THE CAR OR MAYBE THRU THE FIREWALL, IT MAY EVEN DAMAGE THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE AND CAUSE A SUDDEN BLOWOUT.I STILL HAVE THE ONE I REPLACED ON MY CAR IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO EXAMINE IT. THANK YOU!!!
NHTSA complaint #728720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomdale, OH
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VEHICLE WOULD ROLL BACKWARDS AFTER TURNING IGNITION OFF. WOULD HAPPEN ON THE FLAT SURFACE OF THE ROAD. HAVE NOT BEEN TO DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #868190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lubbock, TX
SEAT BELTS
AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILED AND STOPS ON THE TRACK. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #552852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lubbock, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS INTERMITTENTLY. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #552852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lubbock, TX
SEAT BELTS
AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILED AND STOPS ON THE TRACK. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #552852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.