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: 52 of 231 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.
Suspension. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
9 crash reports7 fire reports6 injury reports
What owners actually said
231 reports
Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingCrash
MY PROBLEM IS THAT MY CAR STALLS WHEN DRIVEN AT ANY SPEED, WHETHER I AM STOPPED, TURNING OR JUST DRIVING. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET FIXED AND THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THIS IS. THIS WAS ACCIDENT RELATED AND MY INSURANCE SAID IF IT ISN'T ACCIDENT RELATED THEN I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BILL THAT THE DEALER WILL CH…
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MY PROBLEM IS THAT MY CAR STALLS WHEN DRIVEN AT ANY SPEED, WHETHER I AM STOPPED, TURNING OR JUST DRIVING. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET FIXED AND THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THIS IS. THIS WAS ACCIDENT RELATED AND MY INSURANCE SAID IF IT ISN'T ACCIDENT RELATED THEN I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BILL THAT THE DEALER WILL CHARGE FOR LOOKING AT THE CAR. NOW THIS STARTED HAPPENING WHEN MY CAR WAS HIT IN THE FRONT AT OVER 40+ MILES/HR. AM I PROTECTED BY ANY LAW THAT WILL ALLOW ME TO GET THIS CAR FIXED AT NO COST TO ME? I AM DRIVING A VERY DANGEROUS CAR RIGHT NOW AND ALMOST GOT KILLED LAST WEEK WHEN I WAS TURNING OFF A HIGHWAY AND THE CAR STALLED, A RIG WAS COMING RIGHT TOWARDS ME AND AT LAST SECOND I GOT OUT OF THE WAY. THIS IS VERY SCARY AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO FOR HELP! I WAS ALREADY HANDED A DIAGNOSTIC BILL FOR OVER $80.00 AND REFUSED TO PAY BECAUSE THEY NEVER REALLY FOUND THE PROBLEM. WHAT CAN I DO OR WHO CAN HELP. *AK
NHTSA ODI #752948
Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2001
Electrical System
HORN FAILED TO SOUND, EVEN AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS, FIXED HORN BY REPLACING SOME PARTS.
NHTSA ODI #9004816
Mileage unknown · Sep 28, 2001
Air BagsVisibilityFire
WHILE DRIVING WITH THE DEFROSTER ON HIGH, THE HEATER UNIT CAUGHT FIRE, FLAMES CAME THROUGHT THE VENTS MELTING THE DASHBOARD AND VISIORS AND CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD, THE FIRE ALSO CAUSED THE DRIVERS AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. NLM
NHTSA ODI #785599
Mileage unknown · Sep 24, 2001
Suspension
FRONT WHEEL BEARING HAS TO BE REPLACED OR WHEELS MAY COME OFF WHILE DRIVING. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #896747
Mileage unknown · Sep 24, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE/ RUN ROUGH, AND STALL AT ANY SPEED, AND/OR WILL NOT START INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP, AND THE PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #896744
Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2001
Air Bags
HAD AIR BAG SENSOR REPLACED THROUGH A RECALL NOTICE AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DASH BLINKS PERIODICALY SINCE THE RECALL. DEALERSHIP STATES THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.*AK
NHTSA ODI #752144
Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 2001
Suspension
WHEN TURNING VEHICLE LEFT OR RIGHT THERE IS A CLICKING INSIDE OF STEERING. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK *YH
NHTSA ODI #896111
Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2001
Steering
POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED AFTER A FEW DAYS OF DRIVING IN VERY HEAVY RAIN. POWER STEERING WAS INTERMITTENT AND THEN GONE COMPLETELY. THE DEALER SAID THE RACK&PINION AND PUMP NEED TO BE REPLACED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #750928
Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 2001
Suspension
AT 48,787 MILES THE LEFT COIL FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE IN 3 PIECES. 9 DAYS LATER THE RIGHT COIL SPRING BROKE INTO 2 PIECES. BOTH REPAIRED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE.
NHTSA ODI #9003556
Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2001
Suspension
FRONT LEFT COIL SPRING FAILED BURING BACKUP, RESULTING IN TIRE GOUGE AND FRAME BOTTOMING. LOOKING AT THE 1998 MYSTIQUES/FORD CONTOURS, IT IS A VERY STRONG POSSIBLIITY THE THE COIL SPRINGS ON THESE CARS ARE FATIGUEING , FOR MANY SPRINGS HAVE FAILED IN THESE MODEL IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS. THERE IS MOST CERTAINLY A TREND AND THIS IS A…
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FRONT LEFT COIL SPRING FAILED BURING BACKUP, RESULTING IN TIRE GOUGE AND FRAME BOTTOMING. LOOKING AT THE 1998 MYSTIQUES/FORD CONTOURS, IT IS A VERY STRONG POSSIBLIITY THE THE COIL SPRINGS ON THESE CARS ARE FATIGUEING , FOR MANY SPRINGS HAVE FAILED IN THESE MODEL IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS. THERE IS MOST CERTAINLY A TREND AND THIS IS A DEFINATE SAFETY THREAT. SHOULD ONE FAIL AT A HIGHER SPEED, THE RESULTS WILL BE CATASTROPHIC.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SPRING CATCHER BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 23, 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 1-866-436-7332.
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: 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 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN SOME CASES, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAN ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DISABLED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AIR BAG SENSORS WITH REVISED WIRING INSULATION. IN ADDITION, VEHICLES WHICH HAVE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WILL HAVE A NEW AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC MONITOR INSTALLED.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE STICKING, BINDING, OR CAUSING HIGH ENGINE RPM.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED ACCELERATOR CABLE THAT HAS A FLARED CONDUIT SLEEVE END AND MOLDED ON END FITTING.
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. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONFUSED BY THE AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO BE IMPROPERLY AIMED.
Remedy: OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.
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
7
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
EA00025 · Fuel Expulsion During Refueling
Opened Oct 4, 2000 · Closed Jan 25, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE00027 · Fuel Expulsion During Refueling
Opened Jul 10, 2000 · Closed Oct 4, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
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
SQ98002 · Fuel Gauge Does Not Read Below 1/4
Opened Jan 27, 1998 · Closed Jul 31, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
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.
1998 Mercury Mystique Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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