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 · Mar 29, 2001
Visibility
WHEN TRYING TO PUT THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DOWN, YOU HAVE TO KEEP PUSHING THE BUTTON UNTIL IT FINALLY DECIDES TO GO DOWN. WHEN PUTTING IT UP IT IS THE SAME WAY, BUT IT TAKES FOREVER TO GET IT UP. SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO OPEN THE DOOR OR PULL ON THE DOOR AND THEN IT MAY GO UP AND THEN AGAIN IT MAY NOT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO CRANE LINCO…
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WHEN TRYING TO PUT THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DOWN, YOU HAVE TO KEEP PUSHING THE BUTTON UNTIL IT FINALLY DECIDES TO GO DOWN. WHEN PUTTING IT UP IT IS THE SAME WAY, BUT IT TAKES FOREVER TO GET IT UP. SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO OPEN THE DOOR OR PULL ON THE DOOR AND THEN IT MAY GO UP AND THEN AGAIN IT MAY NOT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO CRANE LINCOLN MERCURY TO GET IT LOOKED AT AND IN THE PROCESS THE ROLLED IT DOWN AND COULD NOT GET IT BACK UP. THEY TOLD ME THEY FINALLY GOT THE WINDOW UP BUT THE MOTOR WOULD NOT HOLD IT UP AND IT FELL BACK DOWN. NOW I AM FORCED TO BY A NEW MOTOR FOR MY WINDOW BECAUSE IT WON'T STAY UP. I HAVE BEEN VERY PLEASED WITH MY CAR UP UNTIL THIS . I AM VERY UPSET ABOUT ALL OF THIS BECAUSE IT IS COSTING ME OVER $300 TO GET IT FIXED, I HAVE TO HAVE IT FIXED BECAUSE I CAN'T DRIVE WITH MY WINDOW DOWN ALL OF THE TIME BECAUSE OF THE RAIN. THANK YOU, [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #743282
Mileage unknown · Mar 23, 2001
SuspensionVisibility
CONSUMER HAS NOTICED THAT FOR NO APPARENT REASON WINDSHIELD HAS DEVELOPED A STRESS FRACTUR. ALSO , WHEN DRIVING THERE IS VIBRATION COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE, AND HEATER BLOWER SWTICH WAS INOPERABLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #883912
Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2001
Power Train
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #742390
Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2001
Electrical System
THE ELECTRICAL WORK ON THE CAR IS IN TERRIBLE CONDITION. I PURCHASED THE CAR WITHOUT NOTICING A FAILURE IN THE REVERSE LIGHTING. THE REVERSE LIGHTS FAILED TO WORK THEREFORE SINCE PURCHASING THE CAR IN GREENVILLE MY DAUGHTER COMMUTED FROM GREENSBORO TO GREENVILLE 3 TIMES TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED. NEXT THE SYSTEM FAILED AGA…
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THE ELECTRICAL WORK ON THE CAR IS IN TERRIBLE CONDITION. I PURCHASED THE CAR WITHOUT NOTICING A FAILURE IN THE REVERSE LIGHTING. THE REVERSE LIGHTS FAILED TO WORK THEREFORE SINCE PURCHASING THE CAR IN GREENVILLE MY DAUGHTER COMMUTED FROM GREENSBORO TO GREENVILLE 3 TIMES TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED. NEXT THE SYSTEM FAILED AGAIN AND WITH THE SAME REVERSE LIGHTING PROBLEM. I RETURNED TO CAR TO THE DEALER AND THE SYSTEM WAS CORRECTED, HOWEVER THE PANEL LIGHTS FAILED AND I HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM UP UNTIL THIS POINT.
NHTSA ODI #742278
Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 2001
Electrical System
THE MORNING OF 12/12/00 I DROVE 25 MILES TO A MEETING, MET FOR 2 HOURS, RETURNED TO THE CAR. IT STARTED FINE, WARMED UP, AND DEFROSTED THE WINDOWS. WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT, EVERYTHING STOPPED. THERE WAS NO IGNITION CLICKING WHEN I TRIED TO START IT AGAIN, JUST NOTHING. INTERIOR LIGHTS AND DOOR "BELLS" (FOR KEY IN TH…
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THE MORNING OF 12/12/00 I DROVE 25 MILES TO A MEETING, MET FOR 2 HOURS, RETURNED TO THE CAR. IT STARTED FINE, WARMED UP, AND DEFROSTED THE WINDOWS. WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT, EVERYTHING STOPPED. THERE WAS NO IGNITION CLICKING WHEN I TRIED TO START IT AGAIN, JUST NOTHING. INTERIOR LIGHTS AND DOOR "BELLS" (FOR KEY IN THE IGNITION) WORKED, BUT EVERYTHING ELSE WAS JUST DEAD. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO NEAREST DEALERSHIP (DEAN BROS IN LINCOLN, NE), NOT WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR. THEY SAID THAT BATTERY ACID HAD EATEN AWAY THE CONNECTIONS OF THE WIRE HARNESS. IF THE PLACEMENT OF THE BATTERY IN RELATION TO THE WIRE HARNESS IS A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURE OR DESIGN, I'D LIKE SOME REIMBURSEMENT OF THE REPAIR BILL.
NHTSA ODI #742227
Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 2001
Electrical System
EA 01 001/BLOWER SWITCH/RISISTOR OR WIRING HARNESS: BLOWER EXPERIENCE A WIRING HARNESS MELT DOWN; MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK CONSUMER STATES BLOWER MOTOR INOPERABLE, MOTOR AND FUSE WERE REPLACED, NAD THEN MOTOR WENT OUT AGAIN, CONSUMER FOUND PROBLEM T…
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EA 01 001/BLOWER SWITCH/RISISTOR OR WIRING HARNESS: BLOWER EXPERIENCE A WIRING HARNESS MELT DOWN; MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK CONSUMER STATES BLOWER MOTOR INOPERABLE, MOTOR AND FUSE WERE REPLACED, NAD THEN MOTOR WENT OUT AGAIN, CONSUMER FOUND PROBLEM TO BE A PLUG THAT WAS GOING INTO THE FUSE BOX, THAT WAS MELTED.*JB
NHTSA ODI #882359
Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2001
Electrical System
WIRING HARNESS WAS BURNING UP. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE HEAD LINER IS TOTALLY BURNED UP, ALSO UNDER THE DASHBOARD THERE ARE MELTED WIRES CAUSING THE POWER MIRRORS, RADIO, CLOCK, AND INTERIOR LIGHTS TO BE INOPERABLE, DEALER STATED…
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WIRING HARNESS WAS BURNING UP. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE HEAD LINER IS TOTALLY BURNED UP, ALSO UNDER THE DASHBOARD THERE ARE MELTED WIRES CAUSING THE POWER MIRRORS, RADIO, CLOCK, AND INTERIOR LIGHTS TO BE INOPERABLE, DEALER STATED THAT BOTH WIRING HARNESSES HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *SLC
NHTSA ODI #881286
Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2001
Structure
BROKEN TRANSMISSION MOUNT BRACKETS AND BROKEN BOLT BROKE THE VACUUM HOSE RESULTING IN NO POWER BRAKES, THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. NLM
NHTSA ODI #559779
Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE HUMS AND CUTS OFF. PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN WORSE SINCE PURCHASE. ENGINE & FAN LIGHT CAME ON. EACH TIME VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT DEALER. DEALER CAN'T FIND A REMEDY.*AK
NHTSA ODI #880827
Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2001
Electrical System
SINCE OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE IT HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS CONTINUALLY, WITHIN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED ON TWO OCCASIONS BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT START, POSSIBLY DUE TO ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS. *MJS
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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