RoadVitals

1996 Mercury Mystique Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
185
Latest Oct 13, 2009
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
19

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

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.

45
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10254653 · filed Jan 11, 2009

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.

NHTSA ID 10217287 · filed Feb 6, 2008
All 45 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

41
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10105009 · filed Dec 17, 2004

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

NHTSA ID 10069479 · filed Jan 15, 2004
All 41 reports naming engine

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

26
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10206597 · filed Oct 23, 2007

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

NHTSA ID 10136054 · filed Sep 9, 2005
All 26 reports naming transmission

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

19
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10145966 · filed Dec 23, 2005

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

NHTSA ID 10133888 · filed Aug 23, 2005
All 19 reports naming visibility

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

18
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 10070271 · filed Jan 15, 2004

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

NHTSA ID 8003767 · filed Feb 8, 2002
All 18 reports naming brakes

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

15
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10189960 · filed May 7, 2007

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

NHTSA ID 10114555 · filed Mar 23, 2005
All 15 reports naming suspension

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

14
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 10160006 · filed Jun 16, 2006

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

NHTSA ID 10147379 · filed Jan 10, 2006
All 14 reports naming fuel system

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

13
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10133888 · filed Aug 23, 2005

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

NHTSA ID 10029124 · filed Jul 24, 2003
All 13 reports naming interior & seats

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

13
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 10217287 · filed Feb 6, 2008

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

NHTSA ID 10145966 · filed Dec 23, 2005
All 13 reports naming exterior lighting

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

13
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 10070271 · filed Jan 15, 2004

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

NHTSA ID 8021918 · filed Oct 30, 2002
All 13 reports naming steering

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

9
reports

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

NHTSA ID 559779 · filed Feb 21, 2001

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 ID 734274 · filed Oct 13, 2000
All 9 reports naming body & structure

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

8
reports

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 ID 8019434 · filed Sep 25, 2002

NHTSA #97V22500 - MY VIN# NOT INCLUDED. *AK

NHTSA ID 757742 · filed Feb 4, 2002
All 8 reports naming driver assistance

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1996 MERCURY MYS AIR BAGS FAILURE IN CAR ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10287219 · filed Oct 13, 2009

CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN THEY HIT A MINOR BUMP IN THE ROAD AT 10MPH THE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS

NHTSA ID 10004592 · filed Jan 24, 2003

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.

5
reports

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

NHTSA ID 891417 · filed Jun 27, 2001

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

NHTSA ID 561677 · filed Jun 19, 2001

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.

4
reports

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

NHTSA ID 888539 · filed May 17, 2001

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.

NHTSA ID 731487 · filed Sep 14, 2000

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.

2
reports

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

NHTSA ID 846951 · filed Sep 7, 1999

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

NHTSA ID 845773 · filed Aug 24, 1999

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.

2
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 10070271 · filed Jan 15, 2004

GAS CAP FAILED, CAUSING IT TO OPEN WITH TRUNK RELEASE.

NHTSA ID 542117 · filed Oct 20, 1998

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

Data on this page last refreshed .