1994 Mercury Topaz 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 1994 Mercury Topaz, 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
- Engine1414.4%
- Seat belts1313.4%
- Driver assistance88.2%
- Electrical88.2%
- Interior & seats88.2%
- Brakes88.2%
- Transmission77.2%
- Fuel system55.2%
- Visibility44.1%
- Exterior lighting44.1%
- Suspension44.1%
- Steering33.1%
- Airbags33.1%
- Tires & wheels33.1%
- Heating & air conditioning22.1%
- Body & structure22.1%
- Powertrain (other)11.0%
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
MAF SENSOR FAILED. *YD
A HARMONIC BALANCER SHOULD NEVER FAIL ON A "STOCK" CAR, I WAS TOLD THAT THIS PART HAS A VERY COMMON FAILURE RATE.I USED TO DRAG RACE AND BUILD ENGINES AND ONLY UNDER RACING CONDITIONS DO STOCK HARMONIC BALANCERS FAIL,NEVER ON A STREET STOCK CONDITION CAR.I THINK THAT THIS IS A SAFTEY HAZZARD BECAUSE IF IT DOES FLY APART IT MAY COME THRU THE HOOD OF THE CAR OR MAYBE THRU THE FIREWALL, IT MAY EVEN DAMAGE THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE AND CAUSE A SUDDEN BLOWOUT.I STILL HAVE THE ONE I REPLACED ON MY CAR IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO EXAMINE IT. THANK YOU!!!
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR PERFORMED POORLY. CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS CAUGHT INSIDE OF SEATBELT, AND WAS NEARLY STRANGLE/ CHOKED TO DEATH. SEATBELT WAS TIGHTLY PLACED ON HER. SEATBELT WOULDN'T RETRACT AT ALL. HIS WIFE HAD OPEN HEART SURGERY. AND HUSBAND WAS CONCERNED AT THIS POINT. *AK
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP, WHICH CAUSED THE TIRES TO LOCK UP. *JB THE GAS PEDAL WAS HARD. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE. THE MAIN CONTROL THROTTLE VALVE WAS REPLACED. SCC
GAS PEDAL STICKS UP, TROUBLE MAKING GAS PEDAL TO GIVE THE CAR GAS
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
MAF SENSOR FAILED. *YD
2.3L ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY WOULD STALLS OUT WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY GIVEN SPEED. VEHICLE HAD BEEN WORKED ON BY DEALER ON ONE OCCASION, AND ON TWO OCCASIONS BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. BUT, PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER.*AK
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PASSENGER SEAT DID NOT SLIDE BACK DURING A SALES PRESENTATION. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE SEAT WOULD BE REPAIRED BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP. A DEPOSIT WAS PUT DOWN FOR THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS ALSO THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE CONSUMER FELT IT WAS AN ILLEGAL ACTION. (ONLY A RECEIPT WAS SIGNED, NO CONTRACT) THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A REFUND. *SCC *JB
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH DRIVER'S SEAT REMAINING IN A DECLINING POSITION. UNABLE TO STAY UPRIGHT DUE TO A PART NEEDED TO BE CORRECTED. DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND WERE AWARE THAT PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE, AND WAS NO LONGER BEING MANUFACTURED. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. *AK
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY DAUGHTER IS CURRENTLY DRIVING A 1994 MERCURY TOPAZ GS THAT I HAVE REGISTERED WITH FORD MOTOR. LAST WEEK SHE EXPERIENCED A FRONT WHEEL ON FIRE AS A RESULT OF AN OVERHEATING BRAKE. THE BRAKE WAS REPAIRED AND IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SPLASH SHEILD THAT IS NEXT TO THE ROTOR WAS MADE OF A PLASTIC TYPE COMPOSITE THAT OVERHEATED AND BURST INTO FLAME. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A BURNED TIRE AND SUBSEQUENT BLOWOUT AND ACCIDENT. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT.*AK
PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE PADS. IN ADDITION, POWER WINDOW/FRONT TIE ROD ENDS/FUEL PUMP AND TRANSMISSION FAILED AND REPLACED. *AK
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP, WHICH CAUSED THE TIRES TO LOCK UP. *JB THE GAS PEDAL WAS HARD. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE. THE MAIN CONTROL THROTTLE VALVE WAS REPLACED. SCC
VEHICLE WOULD ROLL BACKWARDS AFTER TURNING IGNITION OFF. WOULD HAPPEN ON THE FLAT SURFACE OF THE ROAD. HAVE NOT BEEN TO DEALERSHIP. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE GAS TANK WAS LEAKING FUEL ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE LEAK WAS CAUSED BY THE RUSTING OUT OF THE TANK. THE CAR HAS NO OTHER EVIDENCE OF RUST. THE CAR HAS BEEN KEPT IN A GARAGE AND HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN ON SALTED ROADS. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND CAN VERIFY THAT THE CAR HAS NEVER HAD ANY REAR END DAMAGE. ACCORDING TO OUR MECHANIC THE LEAK COULD HAVE LEAD TO AN EXPLOSION. FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS BEEN RELUCTANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS ANY PROBLEM WITH THE RUSTING OF A GAS TANK.
PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE PADS. IN ADDITION, POWER WINDOW/FRONT TIE ROD ENDS/FUEL PUMP AND TRANSMISSION FAILED AND REPLACED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE PADS. IN ADDITION, POWER WINDOW/FRONT TIE ROD ENDS/FUEL PUMP AND TRANSMISSION FAILED AND REPLACED. *AK
SEAT BELT FAILED TO CLOSE ENTIRELY UPON PUTTING VEHICLE INTO MOTION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEAT BELT FAILED TO CLOSE ENTIRELY UPON PUTTING VEHICLE INTO MOTION.
FAILED MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. FAILED PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK. FAILED DRIVE BELT--ROT. TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE. EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR. FUEL INJECTOR DAMAGE. FAILED CATALYTIC CONVERTER. FAILED THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. REPLACED FRONT BRAKES TWICE. OWNER WANTS THE CAR TO BE TAKEN BACK.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
LEFT REAR CONTROL ARM ROTTED IN THE CENTER CAUSING A BREAK. THE CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND BENT THE RIGHT REAR CONTROL ARM AS WELL. UNKNOWN WHAT OTHER DAMAGE WAS CAUSED YET. LEFT REAR CONTROL ARM OBVIOUSLY HAD NO ANTI-CORROSION COATING. RIGHT CONTROL ARMS CORROSION-FREE. LEFT FRONT CONTROL ARM ALSO CORRODED BUT NOT AS BAD.*AK
THE "LEFT REAR TRAILING ARM" IS RUSTED THROUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED BY DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE MUFFLER IS POSITIONED AGAINST COMPONENT WHICH MAY BE CAUSING CORROSION. THE CONSUMER IS VERY CONCERNED THAT THE WHEEL WILL DISLODGE AND THE VEHICLE MAY TAIL SPIN IF ARM BREAKS. *NLM *SCC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE PADS. IN ADDITION, POWER WINDOW/FRONT TIE ROD ENDS/FUEL PUMP AND TRANSMISSION FAILED AND REPLACED. *AK
STEERING WHEEL CAME OFF DUE TO BROKEN TILT STEERING MECHANISM. CAUSE OF DEFECT UNKNOWN. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS FAILED CAUSES VEHICLE TO REAR END ANOTHER. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING CRASH.
OWNER HIT ANOTHER CAR AND HIS AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. *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
FAILED MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. FAILED PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK. FAILED DRIVE BELT--ROT. TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE. EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR. FUEL INJECTOR DAMAGE. FAILED CATALYTIC CONVERTER. FAILED THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. REPLACED FRONT BRAKES TWICE. OWNER WANTS THE CAR TO BE TAKEN BACK.
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FAILED.
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
FAILED MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. FAILED PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK. FAILED DRIVE BELT--ROT. TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE. EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR. FUEL INJECTOR DAMAGE. FAILED CATALYTIC CONVERTER. FAILED THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. REPLACED FRONT BRAKES TWICE. OWNER WANTS THE CAR TO BE TAKEN BACK.
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FAILED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
NORTH PARK CONTACTED FORD REPRESENTATIVE AND THE FORD REPRESENTATIVE WOULD ONLY PAY FOR A PORTION OF THE BILL. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE FACTORY SEALANT DID NOT SEAL PROPERLY AND THUS IT CAUSED THE RAIN WATER TO ENTER THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND DAMAGE THE CARPET. THE FORD REPRESENTATIVE TOLD NORTH PARK THAT THEY WOULD ONLY PAY FOR A PORTION. NORTH PARK WAS EXCELLENT IN TRYING TO GET THE FACTORY TO PAY. SO WE ENDED UP PAYING $199.61 TO GET THE CAR FIXED. WE FEEL SINCE THIS APPEARS TO BE A FACTORY DEFECT, WE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED THE $199.61.*AK
THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE IS TOED OUT, CAUSING EXCESSIVE ON TIRE, THE PROBLEM IS WITH A BENT FRAME WHICH CAUSES THE TIRE TO BE TOED OUT. *AK
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
FAILED MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. FAILED PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK. FAILED DRIVE BELT--ROT. TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE. EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR. FUEL INJECTOR DAMAGE. FAILED CATALYTIC CONVERTER. FAILED THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. REPLACED FRONT BRAKES TWICE. OWNER WANTS THE CAR TO BE TAKEN BACK.
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 .