Model year record

1998 MERCURY Mystique

8 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 326 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V255000

Suspension: front: springs: coil springs

Component
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
108,000
Reported to NHTSA
2001-08-08
Owners notified
2001-10-23

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V230000

Electrical system

Component
Electrical system
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
342,962
Reported to NHTSA
2001-07-09
Owners notified
2001-08-29

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THE OPEN CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO ELECTRICAL ARCING THAT COULD MELT THE CONNECTOR HOUSING MATERIAL CREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V075000

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
436,200
Reported to NHTSA
2000-03-09
Owners notified
2000-10-11

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V243000

Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive

Component
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
280,481
Reported to NHTSA
1999-09-08
Owners notified
1999-09-27

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

IN SOME CASES, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAN ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DISABLED.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V194000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
159,565
Reported to NHTSA
1999-07-20
Owners notified
1999-08-17

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE STICKING, BINDING, OR CAUSING HIGH ENGINE RPM.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED ACCELERATOR CABLE THAT HAS A FLARED CONDUIT SLEEVE END AND MOLDED ON END FITTING.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V103000

Exterior lighting: headlights: switch

Component
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
605,581
Reported to NHTSA
1999-05-05
Owners notified
1999-07-16

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TERMINALS AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN EXPERIENCE HEAT DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING.

Safety risk

THE DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN DISTORTION OF THE TERMINAL CAUSING AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION, PARKING LAMP, AND TAIL LAMP CIRCUITS.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLAMP SWITCH WIRING CONNECTOR CONTAINING BRONZE TERMINALS AND AN INSPECTION, AND REPLACEMENT IF NECESSARY, OF THE HEADLAMP SWITCH.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V233000

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift

Component
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
175,000
Reported to NHTSA
1998-09-18
Owners notified
1998-11-20

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INCORRECT GEAR SELECTION.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V028000

Exterior lighting: headlights

Component
Exterior lighting: headlights
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
571,800
Reported to NHTSA
1998-02-10
Owners notified
1998-03-23

Defect description

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."

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs3159,600 mi
Power train: automatic transmission2075,200 mi
Vehicle speed control1361,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip12
Suspension1148,868 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline10
Air bags867,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system787,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine7134,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch7112,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components7
Unknown or other7
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly6
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system6
Air bags: frontal5117,116 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module573,000 mi
Electrical system5114,708 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers5
Exterior lighting: headlights542,000 mi
Exterior lighting: tail lights5
Power train589,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc5
Electrical system: horn4
Engine and engine cooling464,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly4
Steering: hydraulic power assist system4
Suspension: front487,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor410,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring330,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys32,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system389,300 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)3
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift3
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter3
Suspension: front: wheel bearing3
Suspension: rear3
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator2
Electrical system: ignition2
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash2
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan282,350 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor2
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe2
Equipment2
Exterior lighting258,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap2
Seat belts: front267,000 mi
Seats2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings2
Steering2
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar2
Steering: rack and pinion2
Suspension: front: macpherson strut2116,000 mi
Tires2
Vehicle speed control: cables2
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element2
Visibility: windshield2
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer287,000 mi
Air bags: on-off switch assembly1
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel143,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery1
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables1
Electrical system: ignition: module1
Electrical system: starter assembly1
Electrical system: starter assembly: solenoid1
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)160,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.1
Equipment: other: owners/service/other manual1
Exterior lighting: brake lights1
Fuel system, gasoline183,240 mi
Interior lighting1
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch1
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines1
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift1
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft1
Power train: manual transmission: floor shift assembly1
Seat belts1102,281 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage1
Seat belts: front: retractor1
Seat belts: front: webbing1
Seat belts: rear/other1
Seats: front assembly: recliner1
Service brakes, air: antilock: ABS warning light170,903 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic140,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages138,650 mi
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm1
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly187,000 mi
Structure: body1
Structure: body: door1
Structure: frame and members1
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm187,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint187,000 mi
Suspension: front: shock absorber160,000 mi
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar187,000 mi
Tires: tread/belt155,420 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: rear window1102,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls1

The 1997 model has 3 times as many complaints as this one. The 1999 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.