1997 Mercury Mystique
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Mystique › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Mercury Mystique. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 1997 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: 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 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.
Owner complaints
71 complaints4 involved a crash3 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
TL* the contact owns a 1997 mercury mystique. The contact stated that he noticed a leak under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where he was informed that the pressure conscious regulating valve on the rear driver side would need to be replaced. The vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 mercury mystique. The contact stated that he noticed a leak under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where he was informed that the pressure conscious regulating valve on the rear driver side would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign ID number: 00v075000 (service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components) and contacted the manufacturer who stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure and current mileages were 93,000. updated 8/23/12 *cn
- Service brakes · Service brakes, hydraulic
My 97 mercury mystique has a bad brake fluid leak from a part on the brake line (pressure conscious release valve) that was recalled #06e022000. Fluid must be added every few days when the brake light comes on. Ford tells me there IS no recall info for my car and won't do anything. They could not…
My 97 mercury mystique has a bad brake fluid leak from a part on the brake line (pressure conscious release valve) that was recalled #06e022000. Fluid must be added every few days when the brake light comes on. Ford tells me there IS no recall info for my car and won't do anything. They could not say if any recall work had been done on my car. Bottom line, this IS not preventative, my car IS dangerously leaking brake fluid from a recalled part. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The vehicle IS not shifting into the proper gears. it just started happening one day. It has to be in drive 2 at the start of driving and when it gets to a certain point it must be shifted into drive. This occurs everytime I drive. nothing has been done as of yet to repair the problem. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
The block of the engine was burned. *tr
- Exterior lighting › Tail lights
Car had a recall associated with exterior lights when my parents owned it about five years ago. the parking lights stopped operating. per suggestion of ford took car to dealership and paid $85 for an evaluation. they indicated I had two open wires and the estimated repair cost would exceed $2,000 to replace the wiring harness. *nm
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Exterior lighting › Brake lights · Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch · Power train › Automatic transmission
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling various speeds, the overdrive activated on and off. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, where a certified mechanic determined that either the inside or outside sensor of the automatic transmission was faulty. there was a nhtsa recall…
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling various speeds, the overdrive activated on and off. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, where a certified mechanic determined that either the inside or outside sensor of the automatic transmission was faulty. there was a nhtsa recall #98v233000, regarding the powertrain: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift. the manufacturer was contacted and determined that the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin. also, the clock light on the insrument panel went permanently out. the rear brake light located on top of the rear window would illuminate in a distorted pattern. the rear brake lights was made up of 9 MINI lights, and 3 lights would light up while braking. on other occasions, 4 or 5 lights would illuminate. there was a nhtsa recall #99v103000 regarding exterior lighting: headlights: switch. the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin.
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
Recall on 1997 mercury mystique nhtsa campaign ID# 48v233000. Power train. automatic transmission lever and linkage floor shift. Dealer refusing to honor recall. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
Nhtsa campaign ID no. 98V233000. The same thing IS happening to my 1997 mercury mystique, the gear position indicator IS deteriorate and IS not correctly indicating the actual gear position. I called ford motor co. And they are not going to do any thing about it! *nm
- Seats › Front assembly › Head restraint
I have replaced the drivers headrest once (about 4-years ago), and now find that the passenger headrest IS broken. dealer says replacement parts not available. have not been able to locate used parts.
- Engine and engine cooling
Dt: the wiring harness and the blower resistor was fixed which were on recall. on 4-22-05 and on 5-06-05 while the car was being driven on the highway, the car gave a ticking noise. Then the car gave a puff of blue and black smoke and the car stopped. After the mechanic looked at the car, the…
Dt: the wiring harness and the blower resistor was fixed which were on recall. on 4-22-05 and on 5-06-05 while the car was being driven on the highway, the car gave a ticking noise. Then the car gave a puff of blue and black smoke and the car stopped. After the mechanic looked at the car, the mechanic said the engine was gone. The car underwent regular check ups and oil changes. There were no indications that the engine was having any problems or malfunctions. The engine has not been repaired. The cost for replacing was more than the consumer can afford. *tt
- Exterior lighting › Tail lights · Structure
Driver noticed that the instrument panel did not illuminate which caused the tail lights to fail. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
Gear shifter indicator malfunctions, and doesn't indicate the gear that the vehicle IS in. There IS a shift lever damage recall 98v233000, but this vehicle IS not included in the recall due to vin. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Apparently ford/merc in their ultimate wisdom placed the catalytiv converter in the exhaust manifold. the mechanic indicated that they all seem to plug up around 140,000 to 170,000 km. the labour alone IS over $600.00 plus the parts are very expensive and both the front and rear need to be…
Apparently ford/merc in their ultimate wisdom placed the catalytiv converter in the exhaust manifold. the mechanic indicated that they all seem to plug up around 140,000 to 170,000 km. the labour alone IS over $600.00 plus the parts are very expensive and both the front and rear need to be replaced or the car will start to lose power. so I have a vehicle that up until now ran well and had good gas milage. now it IS worth $2500.00 dollars on a trade in but the repairs are $ 2600.00 so the car IS actually a total right off. everything else works. great ford you have definitely lost a customer for life!
- Power train
The transmission suddenly failed while in motion. t would not shift into second gear.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Consumer stated the tail lights and interior lights did not work. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and was told there was a recall # 99v103000 concerning headlight switch/wiring harness defect. but because of the mileage on the vehicle it could not be repaired under the recall.…
Consumer stated the tail lights and interior lights did not work. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and was told there was a recall # 99v103000 concerning headlight switch/wiring harness defect. but because of the mileage on the vehicle it could not be repaired under the recall. she wanted to know why, she did not think this was fair.*ak consumer spoke with three other mechanics whom stated the mileage shouldn't have anything to do with the recall. *ph *jb
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Windshield › Electrical heating element
While driving heater blower switch overheated, almost resulting in a vehicle fire.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
Car engine while driving just stops. Dealer can't find the problem after numerous tries. Car will immediately re-start but this condition may cause a serious accident if not corrected. *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
The vehicle overheated, however the dealer could not duplicate the problem.*jb
- Tires › Tread/belt
Consumer stated while driving at highway speed, the tire experienced tread separation on the front right tire. Please provide any additional information.*jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
While approaching stop sign, the consumer applied the brakes and the pedal went all the way to the floor. dealership IS aware of problem. *ak the consumer stated that the reason that the pedal went to the floor IS because the hose that carries the brake fluid to the brakes was severed by fault…
While approaching stop sign, the consumer applied the brakes and the pedal went all the way to the floor. dealership IS aware of problem. *ak the consumer stated that the reason that the pedal went to the floor IS because the hose that carries the brake fluid to the brakes was severed by fault of the design of the manufacturer. the hose rests against the rear shocks and over time was dug into by the metal shocks and eventually cut the hose. causing complete brake failure. *scc
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
This IS the second time the oil seals have failed since I got this car just over a year ago. I don't drive it enough for it to be a problem that I have started. I only drive from my house to the subway which IS about 6 blocks away. I don't think I should have to pay to get this recurring problem fixed and still have to pay a car note when the car IS sitting in my backyard!*ak
- Visibility › Windshield
The driver side window malfunctioned due to the regulator tearing apart. *Yh
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
While trying to put on seat belts belts will lock up, and consumer has trouble putting seat belt on. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.*ak
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
To whom it may concern, I have tried to get the air conditioner in my car fixed 6 separate occasion each about 2 months apart and I live in texas so an air conditioner IS a must. I have spent 249.00 each time to get the problem fixed and would like to know what I should do, I was told this was a…
To whom it may concern, I have tried to get the air conditioner in my car fixed 6 separate occasion each about 2 months apart and I live in texas so an air conditioner IS a must. I have spent 249.00 each time to get the problem fixed and would like to know what I should do, I was told this was a very reliable car but it had a problem with the air conditioner when I bought it. The saleman that sold me the car, jim honeycutt, said that all I needed to do was take it to a shop to get the blower fixed at the lockhart ford motor co. Which I have done 6 times. Can anyone help me withthis, so I don't get ripped off anymore. nlm
- Exterior lighting › Tail lights
No summary listed for above vehicle. *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
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.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013086Replacement speaker installation tips.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10011161Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with diagnostic trouble code(s) p0420 and/or p0430.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10004886Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457 or p1442 or a check fuel cap lamp illuminated with dtc p0457 for the evaporative emission system.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
- 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.
- 6091765Subject regarding 60 amp fuse blown.
- 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.
- 627927Some vehicles may exhibit vacuum or air leaks in the intake manifold and / or engine system causing diagnostic trouble codes p0171 and or p0174.
- 625783Some vehicles may exhibit a noise that appears to come from the front wheel bearings.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
Every Mercury Mystique model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.