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 · Mar 20, 2005
Power Train
I HAVE A 1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE, ANDI THINK THE TRANSMISSION OUGHT TO BE RECALLED BECAUSE I HAVE SEEN COUNTLES NUMBERS OF TRANSMISSION FAILURES ON SEARCHING THE INTERNET AND I HAPPEN TO BE ONE TOO , THE TRANSMISSION WEN T OUT ON OURS A FEW YEARS AGO WHILE THE CAR WAS BASICALLY NEW, FOUND OUT I HAD WARRENTY ON IT STIILL GOT THAT F…
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I HAVE A 1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE, ANDI THINK THE TRANSMISSION OUGHT TO BE RECALLED BECAUSE I HAVE SEEN COUNTLES NUMBERS OF TRANSMISSION FAILURES ON SEARCHING THE INTERNET AND I HAPPEN TO BE ONE TOO , THE TRANSMISSION WEN T OUT ON OURS A FEW YEARS AGO WHILE THE CAR WAS BASICALLY NEW, FOUND OUT I HAD WARRENTY ON IT STIILL GOT THAT FIXED , NOW A LITTLE OVER A YEAR SINCE THENAND IT'S WENT OUT AGAIN, BUT I HAVE NNO WARRENTY NOW WHICH REALLY SUCKS, SO THEY HAS TO BE SOMETHING GOING ON WITH THIS MODEL OF CAR BECAUSE THERE IS TOO MANY TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH SO MANY PEOPLE. PLEASE WRITE BACK AND LET ME KNOW SOMETHING. THANX ALOT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10114380
82,350 miles · Dec 15, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
FAN STOPPED WORKING ON 1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE, NO HEAT IN CAR. MOST LIKLY CAUSE IS THE RESISTOR ON THE HEATER BLOWER MOTER. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED ON FORD RECALLS 01S22 OR 01M07, BUT FORD WILL NOT FIX IT. FORD DID REPLACE THIS PART UNDER RECALL 99M07 ON 01/17/2001, THIS IS AN ON GOING ISSUE AND ALL MYSTIQUES SHOULD BE COVER UNDER…
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FAN STOPPED WORKING ON 1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE, NO HEAT IN CAR. MOST LIKLY CAUSE IS THE RESISTOR ON THE HEATER BLOWER MOTER. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED ON FORD RECALLS 01S22 OR 01M07, BUT FORD WILL NOT FIX IT. FORD DID REPLACE THIS PART UNDER RECALL 99M07 ON 01/17/2001, THIS IS AN ON GOING ISSUE AND ALL MYSTIQUES SHOULD BE COVER UNDER 01M07.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10102996
10,000 miles · Dec 10, 2004
Visibility
NO TURN SIGNALS, ONE BRAKE LIGHT AND TAIL LIGHT, ONE HEADLIGHT ON DRIVER SIDE. REPLACED ALL BULBS STILL NO LIGHTS. RELAY ON DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WENT OUT. TIRES WEAR CONSTANTLY. TAIL LIGHTS FLOOD AS DOES FRONT FLOORBOARD MUST PARK CAR FLAT WHEN IT RAINS TO KEEP FROM BEING FLOODED OUT OF CAR. SUNROOF MOTOR SHOT. HAD RECALL …
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NO TURN SIGNALS, ONE BRAKE LIGHT AND TAIL LIGHT, ONE HEADLIGHT ON DRIVER SIDE. REPLACED ALL BULBS STILL NO LIGHTS. RELAY ON DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WENT OUT. TIRES WEAR CONSTANTLY. TAIL LIGHTS FLOOD AS DOES FRONT FLOORBOARD MUST PARK CAR FLAT WHEN IT RAINS TO KEEP FROM BEING FLOODED OUT OF CAR. SUNROOF MOTOR SHOT. HAD RECALL ON HEATER DONE AND NOW WHEN IT RAINS I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH HEATER. REPLACED SENORS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON. CAR HAS BEEN STUCK IN PARK BEFORE HAD TO HAVE MECHANIC COME TO HOUSE TO FIX. MUST REPACE ROTORS ON CAR @ EVERY 6 MONTHS. CAR MAKES A CLICKING NOISE IN THE DASH ( NO IDEA WHAT THAT IS) HEADLIGHTS ARE FOGGY AS WELL. CAR IS COSTING US A FORTUNE. WHEN I ASKED THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX ALL THE RECALLS THEY TOLD ME THE TIME HAD RUN OUT AND SORRY.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10102487
116,000 miles · Nov 15, 2004
Suspension
MCPHERSON STRUT ASSEMBLY RUSTED AT THE BASE OF THE ASSEMBLY WHERE IT WAS ATTACHED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. WHILE DRIVING ON A MOUNTAINOUS WINDING ROAD WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED TO THE RIGHT, AND THE WHEEL DISASSEMBLED. VEHICLE SWAYED, AND STOPPED IN A GRASSY AREA WHILE BEING DRIVEN AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10099944
67,000 miles · Oct 22, 2004
Air Bags
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS STATED IN RECALL 99V243000 CONCERNING AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPAIR VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10097495
102,000 miles · Sep 20, 2004
Suspension
RECALL 01I013000, WHILE DRIVING FRONT LEFT COIL SPRING BROKE AND THE FRONT END COLLAPSED. THIS OCCURRED SIX MONTHS AFTER THE SHIELD WAS INSTALLED. DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO REPLACE THE COIL SPRING BECAUSE THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10092807
18,000 miles · Sep 14, 2004
Air Bags
CONSUMER RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 99S23 CONCERNING AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE. CONSUMER HAD NO PROBLEMS UNTIL DEALER PERFORMED RECALL REPAIRS. CURRENTLY, WHEN IT RAINS AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TOT HE DEALER THREE TIMES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FINDTHE PROBLEM. *NM…
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CONSUMER RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 99S23 CONCERNING AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE. CONSUMER HAD NO PROBLEMS UNTIL DEALER PERFORMED RECALL REPAIRS. CURRENTLY, WHEN IT RAINS AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TOT HE DEALER THREE TIMES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FINDTHE PROBLEM. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10087354
Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2004
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE FRONT COIL SPRING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD BROKEN AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10091471
59,600 miles · Aug 31, 2004
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE, AND PROCEEDED TO PULL OFF THE ROAD TO INVESTIGATE THE NOISE. UPON EXISTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP, WHO INDICATED THAT DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE. *AK RECALL# 01V255000. *S…
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WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE, AND PROCEEDED TO PULL OFF THE ROAD TO INVESTIGATE THE NOISE. UPON EXISTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP, WHO INDICATED THAT DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE. *AK RECALL# 01V255000. *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10083619
55,000 miles · Aug 12, 2004
Power Train
TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN THAT HAD LOSS OF FORWARD MOTION HAD REVERSE ONLY). CAR ONLY HAS 55000 MILES.
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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