Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 24 of 185 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Electrical System. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
7 crash reports12 fire reports6 injury reports
What owners actually said
185 reports
Mileage unknown · May 22, 2002
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SHIFT AT ODD TIMES. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE SHIFTS BEGAN TO TAKE EXCESSIVELY LONG BETWEEN GEAR ENGAGEMENT. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH ON THE DASH AND THE TRANSMISSION REFUSED TO ENGAGE GEARS. DRIVER STRANDED. UPON INSPECTION AT DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD TR…
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WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SHIFT AT ODD TIMES. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE SHIFTS BEGAN TO TAKE EXCESSIVELY LONG BETWEEN GEAR ENGAGEMENT. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH ON THE DASH AND THE TRANSMISSION REFUSED TO ENGAGE GEARS. DRIVER STRANDED. UPON INSPECTION AT DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD TRANSMISSION WAS "TOTALLED" AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. DETAILS SKETCHY, BUT TECHNICIAN REPORTED THAT AN INTERNAL FAILURE OCCURED AND TRANSMISSION LUBRICATION WAS AFFECTED (STOPPED). GEARS BEGAN RUNNING METAL ON METAL WITH NO WARNING AND "INTERNAL DAMAGE" OCCURED. CAR WAS DRIVEN LESS THAN 12 MILES AFTER WARNING LIGHT ON DASH BEGAN TO FLASH. THIS CAR HAS ONLY 63K MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION IS TOTALLED BY LACK OF LUBRICATION WITH A FULL RESERVOIR OR FORD FLUID.*AK
NHTSA ODI #762172
Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2002
Visibility
2ND VIN#: [XXX] MERCURY MYSTIQUE #2, 1996. PURCHASED 6/97...BOTH MYSTIQUES' FRONT DRIVER'S & FRONT PASS WINDOWS FAILED DUE TO FAULTY REGULATORS & MOTORS. REAR WINDOWS ROLL DOWN ONLY 1/2 WAY, AND NOT WIDE ENOUGH FOR ESCAPE. RANDY KING, SERVICE MANAGER FOR CRAWFORD COUNTY FORD, STATED THAT THEY HAD MULTIPLE MYSTIQUES, SAME PROB…
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2ND VIN#: [XXX] MERCURY MYSTIQUE #2, 1996. PURCHASED 6/97...BOTH MYSTIQUES' FRONT DRIVER'S & FRONT PASS WINDOWS FAILED DUE TO FAULTY REGULATORS & MOTORS. REAR WINDOWS ROLL DOWN ONLY 1/2 WAY, AND NOT WIDE ENOUGH FOR ESCAPE. RANDY KING, SERVICE MANAGER FOR CRAWFORD COUNTY FORD, STATED THAT THEY HAD MULTIPLE MYSTIQUES, SAME PROB. THEY DISCOUNTED ONLY 1/2 THE COST TO US. TOTAL SPENT TO DATE ON ALL 4 WINDOWS/2 CARS $800. PROBLEM INDICATED BY RANDY KING WAS POSSIBLE DANGER OF NOT BEING ABLE TO ESCAPE CAR IN EVENT OF EMERGENCY. OUR CONCERN IS IF DOORS ARE INOPERABLE DURING A CRASH OR WATER OR WHATEVER, PASSENGERS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THE CAR IF THE REGULATORS/MOTORS FAIL. THEY FAIL IMMEDIATELY, SUDDENLY & WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING. THERE IS NO INDICATION BEFORE FAILURE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM. ONCE FAILED, CANNOT GET WINDOW UP OR DOWN. IF NEED TO CONTACT US, PLEASE USE 479 AREA CODE. THANK YOU.OR . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #760081
Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2002
Exterior Lighting
BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING AT ALL. THEY WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN COMING TO A STOP. CONTACTED DEALER AND DEALER HAS TRIED TWICE TO REMEDY THE SITUATION, BUT WITH NO SUCCESS. *AK *JB
NHTSA ODI #8003767
Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other
I GOT IN MY CAR AFTER WORK NOTICE MY WINDOWS JUST FOG UP GOT HOM NEXT DAY BROUGHT THE CAR DOWN TO A GARAGE THEY SEEM NOT INTERSTED IN IT, BUT THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE WATER PUMP AND SAID IT WOULD COST OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS ALL MY WARRANYS ARE UP BUT ARE MAKING PAYMENTS ON A CAR I CAN,T DRIVE AND BELIVE IT IS A RECALL PROBL…
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I GOT IN MY CAR AFTER WORK NOTICE MY WINDOWS JUST FOG UP GOT HOM NEXT DAY BROUGHT THE CAR DOWN TO A GARAGE THEY SEEM NOT INTERSTED IN IT, BUT THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE WATER PUMP AND SAID IT WOULD COST OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS ALL MY WARRANYS ARE UP BUT ARE MAKING PAYMENTS ON A CAR I CAN,T DRIVE AND BELIVE IT IS A RECALL PROBLEM AND WOULD LIKE TO GET IT FIX COULD PLEASE HELP ALSO THE POWER ARM ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LET GO ALSO WHICH CAUSED MY DOOR WINDOW TO CARSH DOWN AND BREAK THAT I PAID ABOUT$385.00 TO BE FIX PLUS THE COST OF THE GLASS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #757777
Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2002
Power Train
NHTS# 98V233000 - PROBLEM W/ MY VEHICLE BUT MY VIN # NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL.*AK
NHTSA ODI #757743
Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2002
Vehicle Speed Control
NHTSA #97V22500 - MY VIN# NOT INCLUDED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #757742
Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2002
Electrical SystemFire
I AM WRITING IN REGARDS TO MY 1996 MERCURY MYSTIQUE IN WHICH JUST HAD A FIRE. ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 10TH, 2001, AS I WAS DRIVING, SMOKE STARTECOME OUT OF BOTH EXITS WHERE MY REAR SEAT SHOULDER HARNESS SEATBELTS RELEASE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND RUN TO A BUSINESS FOR HELP. A GENTLEMAN SPRAYED SPRAYED THE FIRE EXTINGISHER IN…
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I AM WRITING IN REGARDS TO MY 1996 MERCURY MYSTIQUE IN WHICH JUST HAD A FIRE. ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 10TH, 2001, AS I WAS DRIVING, SMOKE STARTECOME OUT OF BOTH EXITS WHERE MY REAR SEAT SHOULDER HARNESS SEATBELTS RELEASE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND RUN TO A BUSINESS FOR HELP. A GENTLEMAN SPRAYED SPRAYED THE FIRE EXTINGISHER INTO THE OPENING ON THE SIDE WALLS WHERE SMOKE WAS COMING OUT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED ALSO. THE FIREMAN CHECKED MY FUSE BUX AND FOUND A FUSE MELTED INTO THE BOX. MY EXTENDED WARRANTY - WESTERN GENERAL - SAYS THE PART BETWEEN THE SEAT AND PANEL WAS BENT MAKING WIRES TOUCH AND START A FIRE. THE DEALER WON'T ADMIT ANYTHING. THEY GUTTED THE WHOLE INSIDE, BENDING THE PART WESTERN GENERAL MENTIONED, IN ORDER TO GET TO THE WIRING UNDERNEATH. I AM WAITING FOR A CALL FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #756853
Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2001
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL TANK LID DOES NOT OPEN WHEN THE LEVER IS PUSHED DOWN FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. IT HAS TO BE OPENED FROM THE TRUNK. *AK
NHTSA ODI #755269
Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2001
Power Train
THE GEAR DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. FROM STOP TO LOW SPEED (<20MPH) IT WHINES, JERKS AND STALLS. AT HIGH SPEED (40MPH) IT STOPS SHIFTING AND KEEPS WHINING AT 3-4000RPM WHILE IT SHOULD SHIFT UP. THE O/D OFF WARNING LIGHT COMES UP 2-3 MINUTES AFTER STARTING THE CAR. *AK
NHTSA ODI #755268
Mileage unknown · Sep 30, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingVisibility
SIDE WINDOWS MALFUNCTIONED. ALSO THERMOSTAT SHORTED OUT. *AK
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A POSITIVE TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT DEVICE IN-LINE WITH EACH FAN MOTOR. FORD WILL ALSO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY TO A TOTAL OF 8 YEARS OF SERVICE OR 100,000 MILES FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF THE VEHICLE ALREADY HAS MORE THAN 100,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL JULY 31, 2001.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A CRACKED HOSE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING FUELED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUEL FILLER VENT HOSE CONTACTING THE APPROPRIATE BLEND OF PVC AND NITRILE RUBBER.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TERMINALS AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN EXPERIENCE HEAT DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INCORRECT GEAR SELECTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL OPTION. THE THROTTLE CABLES WERE DAMAGED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY LEADING TO FRAYING OR SEPARATION OF THE THROTTLE CABLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT THE ENGINE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE WITH A REVISED DESIGN THAT IS LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO BENDING OR KINKING DURING INSTALLATION.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
5
RQ02006 · Incorrect Gear Indication
Opened Feb 26, 2002 · Closed Sep 12, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
There is no summary currently available
EA01001 · Blower Switch/resistor Or Wiring Harness
Opened Jan 5, 2001 · Closed Jul 31, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
PE00023 · Blower Switch/resistor Or Wiring Harness
Opened Jun 14, 2000 · Closed Jan 5, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
RQ99019 · Various Intermittent Electrical Issues
Opened Sep 15, 1999 · Closed Mar 7, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
There is no summary currently available
PE98063 · Headlight Switch
Opened Dec 3, 1998 · Closed May 10, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
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 PANEL AND TAIL LIGHTS.FORD WILL REMEDY THIS CONDITION IN 1996-1998 MODEL CONTOUR AND MYSTIQUE VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM APRIL 20, 1995 THROUGH AUGUST 12, 1998 AND AT THE CAUTITLAN, MEXICO ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM JUNE 13, 1995 THROUGH AUGUST 24, 1998 UNDER RECALL 99V-103.THE REMEDY INVOLVES REPLACEMENT OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CONNECTOR AND IF NECESSARY, THE SWITCH ITSELF.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.
1996 Mercury Mystique Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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