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 · Jul 23, 2004
Exterior Lighting
WE PURCHASED A FORD MERCURY VEHICLE, USED, AND FOUND IT HAD NO TAIL LIGHTS. WE IDENTIFIED A RECALL NOTICE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY SAID THE RECALL WORK HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE. WE TOOK THE CAR TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND FOUND IT HAD ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT, WITH THE DEFECT STILL PRESENT. FORD REFUSED TO HONO…
Read full complaint
WE PURCHASED A FORD MERCURY VEHICLE, USED, AND FOUND IT HAD NO TAIL LIGHTS. WE IDENTIFIED A RECALL NOTICE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY SAID THE RECALL WORK HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE. WE TOOK THE CAR TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND FOUND IT HAD ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT, WITH THE DEFECT STILL PRESENT. FORD REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL, CITING THAT IT WAS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE WORK HAD BEEN DONE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO CHECK TO MAKE SURE THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN FIXED. THE BROKEN PART WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND HAD THE CITED PROBLEM IN THE RECALL NOTICE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10082545
123,000 miles · Jul 20, 2004
Exterior Lighting
CONSUMER HAS A CONCERN ABOUT THE PLASTIC LENS OVER THE HEADLIGHT ARE DISCOLORING AND CAUSES POOR VISIBILITY WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10083271
Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WHILE DRIVING ABS BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. AS A RESULT, THERE WAS EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT ABS MODULE FAILED, AN WILL COST ABOUT $900.00 AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE TO FIX IT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10081735
73,000 miles · Feb 12, 2004
Air Bags
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 99V243000 NOTICE CONCERNING FRONTAL AIR BAG SENSOR MODULE. WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON AT ALL TIMES. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10058018
75,200 miles · Jan 29, 2004
Power Train
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10055134
117,116 miles · Jan 26, 2004
Air BagsPower Train
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH IT'S AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE' ALSO LEAKED FLUID AT THE TRANSMISSION JOINT. THE VEHICLE LEAKED 2 1/2 QTS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID IN APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY THE DEALER REFUSED TO ASSIST THE CONSUMER. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10055853
79,786 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Suspension
COMPLAINTS: 1.DIDN'T RECEIVE RECALL NOTICE (01S23) UNTIL 2 YRS AFTER IT WAS ISSUED. 2.NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE OF A "SERVICE CAMPAIGN" (01I013000) TO REPLACE SPRINGS IF FOUND TO BE CORRODED OR BREAK. 3.RECALL DID NOT ADDRESS ISSUE OF RECALL OR PROBLEM.(CORRISIVE,RUSTED SPRINGS).RECALL DID INSTRUCT DEALER/REPAIRER TO INSTAL…
Read full complaint
COMPLAINTS: 1.DIDN'T RECEIVE RECALL NOTICE (01S23) UNTIL 2 YRS AFTER IT WAS ISSUED. 2.NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE OF A "SERVICE CAMPAIGN" (01I013000) TO REPLACE SPRINGS IF FOUND TO BE CORRODED OR BREAK. 3.RECALL DID NOT ADDRESS ISSUE OF RECALL OR PROBLEM.(CORRISIVE,RUSTED SPRINGS).RECALL DID INSTRUCT DEALER/REPAIRER TO INSTALL SPRING BRACKETS (COMPLETED SATISFACTORLY). COMPARISON: BATTERIES DEAD IN FLASHLIGHT,OWNER REPLACES BULB. THE SPRINGS WERE CAUSING THE PROBLEM. 4.VEHICLE NOW HAS LOUD THUMPS THAT WEREN'T THERE BEFORE THE "SPRING BRACKETS" WERE INSTALLED. 5.REGIONAL RECALLS. NOTES: CAR HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY A CERIFIED MECHANIC AND FOUND NOT TO HAVE DEFECTIVE CV JOINTS OR WHEEL BEARINGS, NO UNDER CARRIAGE PARTS LOOSE. CAR IS SCHEDULED FOR INSPECTION BY A FORD DEALERSHIP ON 11/07/03. CAR PREVIOUSLY OPERATED IN NEW ENGLAND STATE (3 YRS).
NHTSA ODI #10071167
89,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Power Train
TOOK MY CAR IN OCTOBER 15, 2003.JIM DOBSON FORD IN WINAMAC TO CHECK MY CAR OUT AND THEY TOLD ME IT WASN'T AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH MY TRANSMISSION IT WAS HYDROLIC OR THE SECOND SPEED GEAR WENT OUT. I TOLD THEM TO GO AHEAD AND REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION. THEY PULLED THE TRANSMISSION OUT ON THE 16TH. CALLED THEM ON THE 17TH. THEY …
Read full complaint
TOOK MY CAR IN OCTOBER 15, 2003.JIM DOBSON FORD IN WINAMAC TO CHECK MY CAR OUT AND THEY TOLD ME IT WASN'T AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH MY TRANSMISSION IT WAS HYDROLIC OR THE SECOND SPEED GEAR WENT OUT. I TOLD THEM TO GO AHEAD AND REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION. THEY PULLED THE TRANSMISSION OUT ON THE 16TH. CALLED THEM ON THE 17TH. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE MECHANIC CALLED OFF SICK AND THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE A CHANCE TO OPEN THE TRANSMISSION UP TO FIND OUT EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. MECHANIC CALLED OF AGAIN ON THE 18TH AND THE 20TH. ASKED THEM ABOUT A LOANER CAR. THEY SAID THEY DON'T HAVE LOANER CARS . DOESN'T MY TRANSMISSION LOOK PRETTY ON A PEDESTAL!
NHTSA ODI #10071076
71,246 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
LOST COMPRESSION IN ONE CYLINDER, ITS BEING LOOKED AT NOW.
NHTSA ODI #10069555
64,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE BLEW ON A TRIP TO ST.LOUIS CAR WAS UNDER FORDS EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN BECAUSE I COULD NOT PRODUCE ALL OF MY ENGINE MAITANCE REPORTS EVEN THOUGH I TRIED TO EXPLAIN TO FORD THAT MANY TIMES I DID MY OWN OIL CHANGES THEY HAVE REFUSE TO HONOR THEIR EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN.
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
Illustration