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1996 Mercury Mystique

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Mystique years

Owner complaints for the 1996 Mercury Mystique are substantially higher than the model-year median of 71.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

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

Visibility complaints

19 reports
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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 · Feb 7, 2001
Exterior LightingPower TrainUnknown Or Other

MY HEATER CONTROL KNOB FOR HIGH,MED,LOW ONLY WORK IN THE LOW POSITION. MY REAR BRAKE LIGHT HAD A LEAK,ALLOWING WATER TO FILL UP AND BLOW MY LIGHT BULBS.THERE IS A TICKING NOISE IN MY DASH AS IF MY TURN SIGNALS IS RUNNING, BUT NO FLASH ON THE INDICATORS. WHEN I SIGNAL TO TAKE TURNS IT WORKS FINE BUT WHEN NOT TURNING STILL MAKES C…

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MY HEATER CONTROL KNOB FOR HIGH,MED,LOW ONLY WORK IN THE LOW POSITION. MY REAR BRAKE LIGHT HAD A LEAK,ALLOWING WATER TO FILL UP AND BLOW MY LIGHT BULBS.THERE IS A TICKING NOISE IN MY DASH AS IF MY TURN SIGNALS IS RUNNING, BUT NO FLASH ON THE INDICATORS. WHEN I SIGNAL TO TAKE TURNS IT WORKS FINE BUT WHEN NOT TURNING STILL MAKES CLICKING NOISE. TRANSMISSION WENT OUT IN OCTOBER 2000, I HEARD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN MY VEHICAL.. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

NHTSA ODI #740565

Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2000
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower TrainCrashInjury

TRANSMISSION FAILURE 2 YEARS AFTER CAR WAS PURCHASED, ENGINE REPLACED 2 YEARS AFTER PURCHASE. HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY BROKE 1 YEAR AFTER PURCHASE OF CAR. CAR DRIVES EXTREMELY HOT - TO NEAR OVER HEATING POINT. TRUNK LEAKS WHEN IT RAINS. DRIVER SIDE WINDOW MALFUNCTIONING. INSTRUMENT PANEL MALFUNCTIONED (WAS FIXED BEFORE RECALL).…

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TRANSMISSION FAILURE 2 YEARS AFTER CAR WAS PURCHASED, ENGINE REPLACED 2 YEARS AFTER PURCHASE. HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY BROKE 1 YEAR AFTER PURCHASE OF CAR. CAR DRIVES EXTREMELY HOT - TO NEAR OVER HEATING POINT. TRUNK LEAKS WHEN IT RAINS. DRIVER SIDE WINDOW MALFUNCTIONING. INSTRUMENT PANEL MALFUNCTIONED (WAS FIXED BEFORE RECALL). CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY EVEN AFTER TUNE UP/ MAJOR WORK DONE.

NHTSA ODI #734274

Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2000
StructureSuspensionVisibility

RAIN WATER CONTINUALLY SEEPS INTO THE TRUNK AREA CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SHORT. YH

NHTSA ODI #550409

Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainSeats

BODY PAINT-ACID LIKE BLEMISHES; BRAKES-PREMATURE WEARING OUT; SEAT- DRIVER'S SEAT LOOSE; SEAT BELT- BELT DOES NOT RETRACT FULLY AND CATCHES IN CLOSING DOOR ,RESULTING IN BROKEN BUTTON; ENGINE(COLD STARTS)- ENGINE PRONE TO STALLING AND LOW IDLE SPEED; REMOTE TRUNK AND FUEL FILLER DOOR RELEASE - REMOTE RELEASE DOES NOT ALWAYS F…

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BODY PAINT-ACID LIKE BLEMISHES; BRAKES-PREMATURE WEARING OUT; SEAT- DRIVER'S SEAT LOOSE; SEAT BELT- BELT DOES NOT RETRACT FULLY AND CATCHES IN CLOSING DOOR ,RESULTING IN BROKEN BUTTON; ENGINE(COLD STARTS)- ENGINE PRONE TO STALLING AND LOW IDLE SPEED; REMOTE TRUNK AND FUEL FILLER DOOR RELEASE - REMOTE RELEASE DOES NOT ALWAYS FUNCTION; WATER LEAKS INTO TRUNK WHILE TRUNK IS OPEN; VEHICLE RIDES HARSHLY - STRUTS CHECKED AND NO TROUBLE FOUND; AUTO TRANSMISSION SHIFTING DIFFICULTY SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO PARK; TRUNK LOCK INOPERABLE DURING COLD WEATHER; POWER WINDOWS BINDING.

NHTSA ODI #715417

Mileage unknown · Sep 1, 1999
Visibility

THE FAN SWITCH IS CAUSING OVERHEATING AND MELTING OF THE WIRE HARNESS. THE HIGH/ MEDIUM/ LOW CONTROL DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN ACTIVATED. NIETHER, WILL FAN RUN ON ONE SPEED ONLY. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #846273

Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 1999
SuspensionVisibility

STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES WHEN IN DRIVE AND STOPS AT RED LIGHT. ALSO WHEN HEATER FAN IS ON WE GET A BAD OIL FUMES/SMELLS . WE HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALERS 7OR 8 TIMES . THEY STILL HAVEN'T FOUND THE PROBLEM. THE SMELL SOMETIMES GETS VERY BAD. *AK

NHTSA ODI #703113

Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 1997
Air BagsVisibilityCrash

THE VEHICLE HIT A POTHOLE IN WHICH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, AND THE WINDSHIELD ALSO CRACKED. *AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WAS ONLY TRAVELING 5 MPH, DASH ALSO HAS A SPLIT. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #816210

Official recalls

7

01V230000 · Electrical System

Jul 9, 2001

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.

00V367000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Nov 6, 2000

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.

00V075000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components

Mar 9, 2000

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.

99V247000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

Sep 13, 1999

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.

99V103000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

May 5, 1999

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.

98V233000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

Sep 18, 1998

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.

97V225000 · Vehicle Speed Control:cables

Dec 8, 1997

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.