1996 Mercury Mystique
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Mystique › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Mercury Mystique. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
10 recalls name the 1996 Mercury Mystique. Newest first.
Federal mogul IS recalling 6,903 aftermarket ball joint assemblies shipped between november 9, 2007 and march 26, 2008, which may have been packaged with incorrect nuts. the part numbers packaged with incorrect nuts are: k7147, k7329, k8683, and 104353. these parts were made for use on the various vehicles listed above.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The nuts included in the packaging for these ball joint assemblies are missing the intended prevailing torque (self-locking) feature. if the incorrect nut was to become loose, the joining members may loosen leading to a separation of the ball joint. this may result in loss of vehicle control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Federal mogul will notify owners and replace the parts free of charge. the recall began on may 22, 2008. owners can contact federal mogul at 877-489-6659.
Certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain ford, daimlerchrysler, and jeep passenger vehicles. these brake cylinders were sold under the brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. only products that were manufactured from july 27, 2005 through january 17, 2006…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Affinia (brake parts, inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. the recall began on march 20, 2006. owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.
This IS not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: 1995-1997 ford contour and mercury mystique vehicles. the heater blower resistor could overheat causing the attached electrical connector to melt.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could create the potential for a fire.
Remedy
Ford will provide additional warranty coverage for the heater blower switch for 10 years from original date of sale of the vehicle or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness free of charge.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The open circuit could lead to electrical arcing that could melt the connector housing material creasing the potential for a fire.
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.
Vehicle description: 1995 passenger vehicles equipped with the 2.0L and 2.5L engines, and 1996 vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. tightening of the engine cooling fan motor bearings, up to and including motor stall, can result in increased motor torque and higher than normal motor current and accompanying high motor temperatures.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Overheating of the cooling fan motor due to excessive current can result in smoke and odors from bearing grease, insulation and other internal motor components. if electrical current continues to be applied to the motor, internal motor components could ignite possibly igniting other engine compartment components.
Remedy
Dealers will install a positive temperature coefficient device in-line with each fan motor. ford will also extend the warranty on the engine cooling fan assembly to a total of 8 years of service or 100,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever occurs first. if the vehicle already has more than 100,000 miles, this coverage will last until july 31, 2001.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the fuel filler pipe vent hose may have less than the intended level of ozone resistance, which could result in the hose becoming brittle and cracking.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A cracked hose could result in fuel leakage when the vehicle IS being fueled.
Remedy
Dealers will install a fuel filler vent hose contacting the appropriate blend of pvc and nitrile rubber.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connector can experience heat damage as a result of overheating.
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Dealers will install a headlamp switch wiring connector containing bronze terminals and an inspection, and replacement if necessary, of the headlamp switch.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can result in incorrect gear selection.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the traction control option. the throttle cables were damaged during vehicle assembly leading to fraying or separation of the throttle cable.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could prevent the engine from returning to idle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the throttle cable with a revised design that IS less susceptible to bending or kinking during installation.
Owner complaints
185 complaints7 involved a crash12 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
1996 mercury mys air bags failure in car accident. *Tr
- Electrical system
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
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Exterior lighting
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.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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
- Electrical system › Wiring · Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Faulty wiring insulation makes the car inoperable and dangerous to operate. *tr
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford mercury mystique. while driving 60 mph the speed odometer went from zero to 120, the rmp went up to 40,000, the over drive light illuminated and the vehicle shifted out of gear. the mechanic stated that the wiring harness was failed and the vehicle IS no longer…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford mercury mystique. while driving 60 mph the speed odometer went from zero to 120, the rmp went up to 40,000, the over drive light illuminated and the vehicle shifted out of gear. the mechanic stated that the wiring harness was failed and the vehicle IS no longer drivable. there IS a recall for the electrical system (nhtsa campaign #01v230000) however; the manufacture stated that the vin was not included. the current mileage was 63,500 and the failure mileage 61,900.
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
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
- Electrical system › Wiring
Car has had increasing number of electrical problems...check engine light coming on. Mechanics couldn't find what was triggering it after replacing the oxygen sensors repeatedly. Other twitches (stalling, burned up turn signal module,) finally culminating in complete brake light and reverse light…
Car has had increasing number of electrical problems...check engine light coming on. Mechanics couldn't find what was triggering it after replacing the oxygen sensors repeatedly. Other twitches (stalling, burned up turn signal module,) finally culminating in complete brake light and reverse light failure. Took the car back to my mechanics, who replaced the signal module, and showed me the burn marks on it. They stated that they tried to get the brake lights to work, and found that the primary wiring harness was just disintegrating (insulation failures all over.) they called ford/mercury before they told me of this problem, and were told that ford/merc would replace the harness as long as the car hadn't gone over 100K miles, and was not more than ten years old (it wasn't.) dropped the car at a local ford dealer, who called me back to say that they would have been glad to replace the harness, had I found the problem prior to jan 2006. They promptly informed that they would be more than happy to replace the harness for about $2,000.00 I informed them that I'D be more than happy to perform brain surgery on them with a weedeater at no charge. I'll never purchase another ford product in my life, and I unfortunately currently own five. *nm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
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.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
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
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Windshield › Electrical heating element
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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…
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
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
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
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
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…
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
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
- Exterior lighting › Tail lights
While driving during night hours rear tail lights failed to work. dealership would not repair them because the vin was not included. *Ak
- Fuel system, gasoline
Filler hose leaks badly when tank IS filled. Car diagonosed by mel clayton ford of phoenix, arizona with filler hose and vent valve need to be replaced, possibly needing a new fuel tank as well. Car also runs hot all the time (ford unable to diagnose the problem)
- Equipment › Electrical · Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering · Tires · Unknown or other · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
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…
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.
- Engine and engine cooling
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
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Continuous problems with the drivers side window control panel corroding and the window not operating. I have replaced just about every part possible and the window still doesn't work.
- Electrical system
Consumer states that her vehicle dies on the freeway. she states that vehicle constantly blows fuses. she said that she took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that, her electrical wires are melting together. also was told that since this IS happening, when it touches it blows fuses. she…
Consumer states that her vehicle dies on the freeway. she states that vehicle constantly blows fuses. she said that she took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that, her electrical wires are melting together. also was told that since this IS happening, when it touches it blows fuses. she states that sometimes her vehicle will not start. she also states that the mechanic states they will not touch the vehicle, because if has major problems, and IS over the mileage limit to be covered by any warranty. she said she was also told, that this vehicle could caught fire at any time, and that she should not drive it because it IS dangerous. please help. *nm
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Headlight lenses developed a cloudy white discoloration that reduced the lights illumination. *ak the headlight lenses were replaced at 36,000. now that the vehicle has 64000 miles the problem has recurred. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
I replaced my timing belt last year, and again it failed. I have taken it to the ford dealerships to have it replaced. I really feel that timing belts do not wear out this fast, unless there IS a problem with something. this time it was storming, and I left the flashers on, and had to walk 2…
I replaced my timing belt last year, and again it failed. I have taken it to the ford dealerships to have it replaced. I really feel that timing belts do not wear out this fast, unless there IS a problem with something. this time it was storming, and I left the flashers on, and had to walk 2 miles in the country to get to my truck to tow my car home. in the mean time, the car was towed. so I guess this was a report to the police. *la
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
While driving 30 mph wire to the battery melted. As a result, the vehicle shut down in traffic. *Ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers · Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. · Interior lighting · Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices
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…
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
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Incorrect gear indication
There is no summary currently available
- Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness
There is no summary currently available
- Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness
There is no summary currently available
- Various intermittent electrical issues
There is no summary currently available
- Headlight switch
Odi opened the preliminary evaluation on december 3, 1989 based on five consumer complaints, all of which mentioned concerns centered on the dashboard-mounted headlight switch.these concerns included an allegation of the switch catching fire, an allegation of headlight loss, and three allegations of instrument panel…
Odi opened the preliminary evaluation on december 3, 1989 based on five consumer complaints, all of which mentioned concerns centered on the dashboard-mounted headlight switch.these concerns included an allegation of the switch catching fire, an allegation of headlight loss, and three allegations of instrument panel and tail light outages.three of the reports specifically identified the headlight switch and its associated wiring as having been heat damaged.ford investigations have found that overheating of an electrical terminal at the headlight switch connector causes loss of the instrument panel and tail lights.ford will remedy this condition in 1996-1998 model contour and mystique vehicles built at the kansas city assembly plant from april 20, 1995 through august 12, 1998 and at the cautitlan, mexico assembly plant from june 13, 1995 through august 24, 1998 under recall 99v-103.the remedy involves replacement of the headlight switch connector and if necessary, the switch itself.this preliminary evaluation IS closed.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10020445Under hood wire harness. Additional 10 years or 100,000 miles. Ford.
- 10013086Replacement speaker installation tips.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10002598Inoperative shift interlock solenoid or repeat instrument interface module failure.
- 6092178Some vehicles equipped with 2.5L engine and CD4E transmission may exhibit a driveline rattle or clunking type noise during tip-in or transmission gear engagement.
- 6091773Concerns with the left air conditioning panel register discharge temperature that IS warmer than the center and / or right vents.
- 6091747Some vehicles may require steering wheel and airbag replacement.
- 6091738Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration at 60 - 70 mph (100 - 115 kph).
- 6091702Information regarding decklid release issues.
- 6091681Some vehicles may exhibit a front brake groan.
- 6090534Information regarding clunk/rattle on tip-in or transmission gear engagement. *Mjs
- 6090305Concerns with vehicles exhibiting a driveline rattle or clunking type noise during tip-in or transmission gear engagement.
- 6090218Exhibiting a starter grinding noise and / or lack of starter drive engagement.
- 6090198This bulletin addresses an issue with the automatic transmission fluid seeping from the vent, resulting in fluid collecting on the main control assembly.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090085Service information for musty and mildew type odors coming from the air conditioning / heating system.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 6089639Concerns with a harsh shift felt at large throttle openings (or at heavy acceleration rate) on some vehicles.
- 6089626Owner notification program providing additional coverage for replacement of the blower switch, resistor and attached wire connectors. This additional coverage IS provided in case the vehicle owner experiences durability concerns with these components.
- 6089622Owner notification program for additonal coverage on heater blower switch, resistor and attached wire connectors replacement. This additional coverage IS provided in case the vehicle owner experiences durability concerns with these components.
- 637775Subject regarding automatic shifter assembly or the indicator housing replacement.
- 630685Concern with headlamps and/or instrument panel lamps dimming slightly at idle.
- 630631Some vehicles equipped with the CD4E transaxle may exhibit harsh and delayed 1-2/2-3 upshifts after transaxle or turbine shaft speed sensor replacement, possible diagnostic trouble codes 628, 642, 645, 646, 647, 648, p0731, p0732, p0734, p0741 and p01744.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 630408Some vehicles may exhibit a check engine light and/or egr diagnostic trouble codes 332, p0401, p1407 (lackof egr flow).
- 630024Some vehicles may exhibit a noise that appears to come from the front wheel bearings.
- 630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area.
- 625783Some vehicles may exhibit a noise that appears to come from the front wheel bearings.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 624136Some vehicles may experience a loss of function with the heater blower motor switch in one or more switch positions. *Slc
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 621067Some vehicles may exhibit a/c discharge air temperatures differences of greater than 10 degrees f from registers on left side of dash than on right.
- 619489Some vehicles equipped with daytime running lamps (drl) may exhibit the high beam indicator in the instrument cluster flashing when the daytime running lamps are on.
- 619424Subject regarding engine oil recommendations for use in 2001 vehicles - sae 5W-20 motor oil.
- 618641Some vehicles equipped with a 2.5L duratec engine may exhibit an engine overheat condition due to lack of circulation of coolant.
Every Mercury Mystique model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.