1996 Mercury Mystique Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1996 Mercury Mystique, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical4517.7%
- Engine4116.1%
- Transmission2610.2%
- Visibility197.5%
- Brakes187.1%
- Suspension155.9%
- Fuel system145.5%
- Interior & seats135.1%
- Exterior lighting135.1%
- Steering135.1%
- Body & structure93.5%
- Driver assistance83.1%
- Airbags72.8%
- Heating & air conditioning52.0%
- Powertrain (other)41.6%
- Seat belts20.8%
- Tires & wheels20.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE UNDER HOOD WIRE HARNESS BURNED UP. THIS CAR HAS 89,000 MILES AND RUNS GOOD. I HEARD THERE WAS A RECALL / TSB #( ONP 99M03) ON THIS CAR BUT FORD WILL NOT HONOR IT BECAUSE THE CAR IS OVER 10 YEARS OLD. I THINK FORD SHOULD REIMBURSE FOR REPAIRS OR BUY BACK THE CAR. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS THE CAR WILL STALL ABRUPTLY AND LOSE POWER STEERING. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. THE PARKING LIGHTS ON THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE ALONG WITH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V103000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 138,552.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE RAN ROUGH WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THIS CONDITION CAUSED A PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB
HEAD GASKET FAILURE. COOLANT SYSTEM FAILURE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WITHOUT WARNING, FLASHED AND CONSTANT. I GUESS WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT FORD IS RIGHT FOUND ON ROAD DEAD FIX OR REPAIR DAILY OUCH
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE FORWARD GEARS ON MY TRANSMISSION HAVE CEASED TO WORK. NOW I'M BEING TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I FIND IT KIND OF WEIRD THAT A 96 NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION ALREADY. *TR
I PURCHASED MY MERCURY MYSTIQUE NEW IN NOVEMBER OF 1996. I HAVE ALWAYS DRIVEN THE CAR VERY EASY, I DON'T EVEN GET ON THE EXPRESSWAY VERY OFTEN. AT AROUND 45,000 MILES, I HAD THE TRANSMISSION SERVICED, WHICH THE OWNERS MANUAL DOESN'T EVEN MENTION. NOW, WITH ONLY 55K MILES, THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED AND NEEDS A TOTAL REBUILD! ALTHOUGH THE CAR IS NEARLY 9 YEARS OLD, AT 55,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION FAILING IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THERE HAS TO BE SOME KIND OF FLAW IN THE DESIGN FOR IT TO DO THIS. *B
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 99V103000 CONCERNING THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING.: HEADLIGHTS. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE DUE TO THE EXPENSE. *AK UPDATED 01/19/06. *JB
DT: THE DOOR LATCH ON DRIVER'S SIDE WOULD NOT SHUT, HAD TO GO TO JUNK YARD TO GET A PART AND PUT IT IN. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 20, 2005. CONSUMER BRUISED HAND TRYING TO GET THE DOWN SHUT. THERE WAS CLICKING NOISE IN THE PANEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT CONTROLS THE POWER WINDOWS. ALSO, THE KEY GOT HOT IN THE IGNITION.*AK
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR LAST SUMMER AND I HAD TO REPLACE IT AGAIN THIS SUMMER. I HAD TO REPLACE MY TAIL LIGHTS TWICE THE BRAKES IS ALWAYS GIVING ME PROBLEMS. THE WINDOW ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOESNT ROLL DOWN. WHEN IT RAIN THE FLOORS GET WET. I HAVE A HARD TIME PUTTING IT INTO GEAR AND TAKING IT OUT OF GEAR. IT STALLS TO CUT ON AND DRIVES REALLY ROUGH.I HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES NUMEROUS TIMES.THE SPEEDOMETER WENT OUT AND THE TEMPERTURE GAUGE AS WELL.THE AC DOSENT WORK AND IT TAKES A WHILE FOR THE HEAT TO WARM UP CAR.SOMETHING NEED TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS.
BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING AT ALL. THEY WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN COMING TO A STOP. CONTACTED DEALER AND DEALER HAS TRIED TWICE TO REMEDY THE SITUATION, BUT WITH NO SUCCESS. *AK *JB
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
FOR ALONG TIME THERE HAS BEEN BEARING CHANGES. I GAVE MY CAR TO A TENANT AND SHE WANTED IT TO GET INSPECTED, BUT SHE NEEDED BOTH FRONT SPRING COILS TO BE REPLACED. AND FOR A LONG TIME THE AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) BEARINGS HAVE BEEN BAD. IT IS GOING TO COST HER MUCH MONEY. CAN A CLAIM BE MADE BECAUSE OF A RECALL?*AK
1996 MERCURY MYSTIQUE(68,000). FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAD WHAT THEY REFERRED TO AS A "PROGRAM", EVIDENTLY FOR A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT SPRINGS.THE PROGRAM WAS BASICALLY A FREE INSPECTION. MY CAR WAS INSPECTED IN 2002 WHILE IT WAS IN FOR ANOTHER RECALL, AT WHICH TIME IT WAS GIVEN A PASSING GRADE.THE PROGRAM EXPIRED @ 150,000 OR DEC. OF 2004 WHICHEVER CAME FIRST.IN FEBRUARY 2005 A 6" CHUNCK OF THE PASS. SIDE SPRING SNAPPED OFF, LUCKILY ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET. I HEARD THE NOISE AND WAS ABLE TO RETRIEVE THE PIECE FROM THE STREET.ON CLOSE INSPECTION THE PIECE DID NOT BREAK DUE TO CORROSION.I BELIEVE IT WAS DUE TO POOR MATERIAL QUALITY, MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS COULD CAUSE TIRE FAILURE AT HIGHER RATES OF SPEED RESULTING IN POSSIBLE FATALIIES. FORD WOULD NOT REPLACE THE SPRING.*AK
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS FUEL LEAKAGE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING FUELED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 99V247000, REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM GASOLINE STORAGE TANK ASSEMBLY FILLER PIPE AND CAP. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. ALTHOUGH THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED, NO INSPECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE.
I FIRST STARTED SMELLING FUEL AFTER FUELING UP MY CAR. THEN LATER I NOTICED THAT FUEL LEAKS OUT FROM UNDER MY CAR WHEN I PUT FUEL INTO IT. I RECENTLY NOTICED IT RUNNING OUT FROM UNDER THE CAR WHEN I JUST HAPPEN TO FILL UP AT A GAS STATION THAT WAS ON AN INCLINE. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THE FORD RECALL #99S24 DOES NOT APPLY TO MY CAR. BUT.... IT IS WHAT PROBLEM IS. HELP PLEASE. *JB
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE DOOR LATCH ON DRIVER'S SIDE WOULD NOT SHUT, HAD TO GO TO JUNK YARD TO GET A PART AND PUT IT IN. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 20, 2005. CONSUMER BRUISED HAND TRYING TO GET THE DOWN SHUT. THERE WAS CLICKING NOISE IN THE PANEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT CONTROLS THE POWER WINDOWS. ALSO, THE KEY GOT HOT IN THE IGNITION.*AK
MY COMPLAINT INVOLVES A 1996 MERCURY MYSTIQUE INVOLVING A FAILURE OF ALL INTERIOR LIGHTING, SIDE MIRROR ADJUSTMENT, RADIO AND CLOCK RELATED TO A BLOWN FUSE #34 IN THE AUXLILLARY FUSE BOX. THE CAUSE WAS THE OVERHEAD MAP LIGHT ASSEMBLY WHICH HAD OVERHEATED AND THE PLASTIC RETAINING THE 10W BULB HOLDER MELTED ALLOWING THE METAL BULB HOLDER TO SLIDE IN THE MOLTEN PLASTIC UNTIL IT JUST BARELY CONTACTED A NEGATIVE BUS IN THE ASSEMBLY AND BLOWING THE FUSE.IT WAS A DIFFICULT PROBLEM TO DIAGNOSE BEING A SHORT WAS NOT PRESENT UNTIL THE CIRCUIT WAS FUSED AND THEN HEAT FROM THE BULB WOULD CAUSE THE METAL HOLDER TO EXPAND AND SHORT OUT BLOWING THE FUSE.I FEEL IT APPROPRIATE TO REPORT THIS PROBLEM AS I FEEL IF THE CONTACTS HAD NOT SHORTED AND BLOWN THE FUSE AND CONSIDERING IT BECAME HOT ENOUGH TO MELT THE PLASTIC IS A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD AND I DON'T FEEL THE ASSEMBLY WAS ENGINEERED PROPERLY TO SUPPORT A 10W BULB.THERE HAS BEEN, I BELIEVE, EIGHT RECALLS TO DATE ON THIS MODEL, SEVERAL OF THOSE INVOLVED ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS.*AK
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. THE PARKING LIGHTS ON THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE ALONG WITH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V103000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 138,552.
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 99V103000 CONCERNING THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING.: HEADLIGHTS. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE DUE TO THE EXPENSE. *AK UPDATED 01/19/06. *JB
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR LAST SUMMER AND I HAD TO REPLACE IT AGAIN THIS SUMMER. I HAD TO REPLACE MY TAIL LIGHTS TWICE THE BRAKES IS ALWAYS GIVING ME PROBLEMS. THE WINDOW ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOESNT ROLL DOWN. WHEN IT RAIN THE FLOORS GET WET. I HAVE A HARD TIME PUTTING IT INTO GEAR AND TAKING IT OUT OF GEAR. IT STALLS TO CUT ON AND DRIVES REALLY ROUGH.I HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES NUMEROUS TIMES.THE SPEEDOMETER WENT OUT AND THE TEMPERTURE GAUGE AS WELL.THE AC DOSENT WORK AND IT TAKES A WHILE FOR THE HEAT TO WARM UP CAR.SOMETHING NEED TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS.
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE STEERING WHEEL BOUNCE OFF HER KNEE AND LANDED IN THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RESPONDING WELL TO STEERING. AS CONSUMER LET GO, THE WHEEL FELL OFF. *JG
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
CRUISE CONTROL CABLE LINKAGE GOT HOOKED ONTO THE BLEEDER CAUSING THE THROTTLE TO STICK. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. NLM *YH
NHTSA #97V22500 - MY VIN# NOT INCLUDED. *AK
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
1996 MERCURY MYS AIR BAGS FAILURE IN CAR ACCIDENT. *TR
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN THEY HIT A MINOR BUMP IN THE ROAD AT 10MPH THE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR CONDITIONER INDICATOR IS NOT ILLUMINATING ON DASH WHEN LIGHTS ARE TURNED ON. ALSO, DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF PURCHASE PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKING . CONSUMER WAS AWARE THAT A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THAT PROBLEM, BUT MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPAIR DUE TO VIN. PROBLEMS WITH RADIATOR ALSO OCCURRED, AND MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPAIR THAT PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE VIN# DID NOT APPLY TO THAT RECALL EITHER. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO CONTACT DEALER. DEALER WAS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE SEVERE ENGINE PROBLEMS THAT SHE EXPERIENCED WAS DUE TO THE CAUSE OF A FAULTY WATER PUMP, ALSO ENGINE RUNS ROUGH.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP FOR WHEEL BEARING PROBLEM. LAST TIME HE BROUGHT VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP WAS LAST YEAR IN JUNE , 2000. CURRENTLY, WHEEL BEARINGS MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN. *AK *JB
THE CAR HAS HAD A HISTORY OF SUSPENSION, LINKAGE AND BEARING FAILURES SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. MERCURY DEALERS AND MANUFACTURERS HAVE NOT BEEN HELPFUL. THE MECHANICS AT THE DEALER EXPLAINED TO ME OFF THE RECORD THAT THESE CARS HAVE A HISTORY OF FRONT END FAILURES HOWEVER, THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT. YOU ARE INVITED TO TEST DRIVE THE CAR AND EXPERIENCE THE VIBRATION AND POOR HANDLING TO ASSIT YOU IN YOUR INVESTIGATION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT GETS JAMMED. TO UNLOOSEN CONSUMER HAS TO KEEP TUGGING ON THE BELT WHILE PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
WHENEVER TURNING THE POWER STEERING WHEEL EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT, IT'S VERY HARD TO TURN. WOULD HEAR A CLICKING NOISE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. ALSO, PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILS TO RETRACT TO ITS ORIGINAL POSITION AFTER BEING RELEASED. WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR LAST SUMMER AND I HAD TO REPLACE IT AGAIN THIS SUMMER. I HAD TO REPLACE MY TAIL LIGHTS TWICE THE BRAKES IS ALWAYS GIVING ME PROBLEMS. THE WINDOW ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOESNT ROLL DOWN. WHEN IT RAIN THE FLOORS GET WET. I HAVE A HARD TIME PUTTING IT INTO GEAR AND TAKING IT OUT OF GEAR. IT STALLS TO CUT ON AND DRIVES REALLY ROUGH.I HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES NUMEROUS TIMES.THE SPEEDOMETER WENT OUT AND THE TEMPERTURE GAUGE AS WELL.THE AC DOSENT WORK AND IT TAKES A WHILE FOR THE HEAT TO WARM UP CAR.SOMETHING NEED TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS.
GAS CAP FAILED, CAUSING IT TO OPEN WITH TRUNK RELEASE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .