Model year record

1990 MERCURY Topaz

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 67 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V071000

Electrical system: ignition

Component
Electrical system: ignition
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
7,900,000
Reported to NHTSA
1996-04-25
Owners notified
1996-06-07

Defect description

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Owner complaints

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

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Electrical system: ignition: switch7
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator5
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline5
Electrical system: ignition4
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components4
Vehicle speed control3
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system2
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner2
Exterior lighting: headlights2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum2
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar2
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly2
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal2
Electrical system1
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery1
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables1
Electrical system: ignition: module1
Electrical system: starter assembly1
Electrical system: wiring1
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood1
Engine and engine cooling: engine1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch1
Fuel system, gasoline1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly1
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch1
Power train: manual transmission1
Seat belts1
Seat belts: front: anchorage1
Seat belts: front: retractor1
Seats: front assembly: recliner1
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump1
Steering: linkages1
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm1
Suspension: front: macpherson strut1
Tires1
Vehicle speed control: linkages1
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs1

The 1989 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 1991 model has roughly the same number of 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.