1998 Mercury Mystique
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Mystique › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Mercury Mystique. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
11 recalls name the 1998 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: 1998 ford contour/mercury mystique passenger vehicles built at the kansas city assembly plant. the front coil springs could potentially fracture due to corrosion.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
Remedy
Ford IS extending the warranty for front coil spring replacement for the front coil springs for 10 years from original date of sale of a vehicle or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
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.
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 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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In some cases, the air bag warning light can illuminate and the air bag supplemental restraint system disabled.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can result in the throttle sticking, binding, or causing high engine rpm.
Remedy
Dealers will install a revised accelerator cable that has a flared conduit sleeve end and molded on end fitting.
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. 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."
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Owner guides containing revised aiming instructions will be mailed to owners of these vehicles.
Owner complaints
231 complaints9 involved a crash7 involved a fire7 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting
Headlights are malfunctioning. My 17YO daughter got pulled over because only her high beams were working. The regular headlights are dim. Very dangerous. This happens at all times and unexpectedly.
- Vehicle speed control
When you have traveled 30mins/15 to 18 miles the car began to slow down/the speedometer began to drop even though you are pushing the gas peddle and the rpm gauge IS waving back and fourth. It happened on 09/25/15, 10/08,13,14/2015. I was traveling 60mph and 45mph.
- Electrical system › Wiring · Engine and engine cooling · Equipment · Power train · Steering · Suspension · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
1998 mercury mystique. electrical sub-harness connector problems. *smd the consumer stated he took the vehicle to his mechanic, because the ac wasn't cooling properly and the vehicle would over heat, while it was on. The vehicle has two fans in the front and they found the cooling fan melted and…
1998 mercury mystique. electrical sub-harness connector problems. *smd the consumer stated he took the vehicle to his mechanic, because the ac wasn't cooling properly and the vehicle would over heat, while it was on. The vehicle has two fans in the front and they found the cooling fan melted and the sub-harness connector burned up. In addition, they showed the consumer the part of the sub-harness with the insulation just falling off the wire. They had to replaced the fan motor unit and had to splice in a fan connector and wire into the rest of the sub-harness, because for said the sub-harness was obsolete and not available. While it functions, the check engine light has since illuminated for a cam shaft position sensor, which the consumer was informed it was related to the sub-harness. Also, the lower control arms, ball joints, front struts, rear struts and rear mounts, numerous O2 sensors, radio antenna, rack and pinion, drivers side power window and switch controller were all replaced. The engine and transmission mounts also had to be replaced. *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline
Recall on a fuel filler neck valve for a 98 mercury mystique, gas being unable to flow freely into gas tank,spits gas back out on you. August IS the first time I knew there was a recall. Ford says my vin # wasn't on recall , but the part IS defective anyway.( dangerous ) occurs everytime you try…
Recall on a fuel filler neck valve for a 98 mercury mystique, gas being unable to flow freely into gas tank,spits gas back out on you. August IS the first time I knew there was a recall. Ford says my vin # wasn't on recall , but the part IS defective anyway.( dangerous ) occurs everytime you try and put gas into car. they put a canister vent valve on which was not the problem. They kept the old part that was good. Problem IS fuel filler neck valve. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Faulty catalytic converters. *Tr
- Electrical system
I am the 2ND owner of my 1998 mercury mystique. I purchased the vehicle in 2004. it has a computer defect that gives a false reading for the check engine light. this car qualified for the nj lemon law because of this problem with its 1ST owner. however, that owner was too kind to do anything…
I am the 2ND owner of my 1998 mercury mystique. I purchased the vehicle in 2004. it has a computer defect that gives a false reading for the check engine light. this car qualified for the nj lemon law because of this problem with its 1ST owner. however, that owner was too kind to do anything about it. the previous owner gave me a file filled with service information from the date he purchased the vehicle, brand new in december 1997. shortly after his purchase he had the vehicle back to the dealer for the check engine light. he had it back a couple more times for the same thing and they always fixed it. obviously, they put a band-aid on a major defect. I noticed the light was on when I first purchased the vehicle. the former owner said he had it checked and was told not to pay attention to it. well, since then I have been told at inspection that it has to be fixed every time. so it goes to my mechanic who wills repair/replace the necessary parts per that day's computer reading. within a few weeks (occasionally months) the light goes on again. previous to this years inspection (december 31ST) I had my friend look it over and he replaced the valve/sensor that was defected (per that days computer reading). well, right before inspection the check engine light went back on. and of course, since it was on, it failed again. I mentioned to the inspector that it had a history of this problem. I asked if there was any recourse and he told me to look into the nj waiver program. I called the motor vehicle commission to learn about the waiver program. I understand to be considered, the repair cost has to be about $400 or more. some time ago the repair costs limit was about $250 or more. well, for the repair I had done before this last inspection, it cost me about $250 again. I believe that for these reasons I should qualify for a vehicle waiver for the emissions inspection of my vehicle. *Tr
- Tires
Lost 4 tires with less than 35K miles due to sidewall failures. tires installed on march 2006, lost all four between april 2008 and june 2008. first one had a bulge on the outside sidewall, other 3 were sidewall blowouts. tires installed on a 1998 mercury mystique. tires were fulda carat assuro, p205/60-15. *tr
- Electrical system · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mercury mystique. the contact took her vehicle to a mechanic because the blower motor resistor failed. the mechanic stated that her fuse box melted, which caused the blower motor to fail. she called the manufacturer and a representative stated that her vin was not…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mercury mystique. the contact took her vehicle to a mechanic because the blower motor resistor failed. the mechanic stated that her fuse box melted, which caused the blower motor to fail. she called the manufacturer and a representative stated that her vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 01v230000 (electrical system), although the failures were identical. the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. she IS in the process of having the vehicle repaired. the failure and current mileages were 114,708.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tried to brake for a family of geese crossing the road. following the braking, I noticed a problem with the brakes and the car pulling to the left. the car was also making an unusual noise. after slowly driving the car to the repair shop, it was determined that the right front brake rotor was broken. *tr
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mercury mystique. while pulling away from a curb at 5 mph, the front passenger side coil spring failed and punctured the tire, causing a blow out. the vin IS not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 01v255000 (suspension:front:springs:coil springs). the current and failure mileages were 87,000.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mercury mystique. while driving various speeds, the contact noticed that the fuel gauge and speedometer displayed inaccurate readings. in addition, the warning lights on the instrument control panel flicker on and off sporadically. the contact also stated that he felt…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mercury mystique. while driving various speeds, the contact noticed that the fuel gauge and speedometer displayed inaccurate readings. in addition, the warning lights on the instrument control panel flicker on and off sporadically. the contact also stated that he felt excessive heat underneath the instrument panel. a local mechanic stated that the electrical system was defective and they are currently in the process of repairing the vehicle. the manufacturer did not provide any assistance. the contact has pictures of the failed component. the failure mileage was 43,000 and current mileage was 48,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly · Suspension › Front · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint · Suspension › Front › Stabilizer bar · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
I have had numerous front end problems. I have had to replace front tie rods twice in a year and a half. Having problems with struts .control arm bushings need to changed. Also stabilizers linkage had to be changed. Have also put new ball joints in. *tr
- Unknown or other
The gear position indicator deteriorated and does not correctly indicate the actual gear position.
- Tires › Tread/belt
Tire failure. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Right rear brake hose rubbed against strut causing the hose to break and loss of brake fluid on a 1998 mercury mystique GS. *Tr
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Rear window
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mercury mystique. the vehicle's heater blower failed on three separate occasions. the vehicle was taken to the dealer twice concerning the blower ,and the connector on the heater blower cable was replaced. two different dealers told the contact that this vehiclewas excluded from recall # 01v230000. the current and failure mileage were 102,000.*ak
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Ford motor co. IS refusing to reimburse for repairs related to safety recall #01s23, 98 mercury mystique. *nm
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Dt*: the contact stated the headlight switch for the vehicle was defective and the vehicle was not included in the nhtsa recall #99v103000 regarding exterior lighting:headlights:switch due to the vin. the vehicle had not been to a service dealer to resolve the issue.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Failed to go into gear from park, changing gears difficult, did not move in drive, would not go into reverse, engine died while driving 35 m.p.h made loud noise. *nm
- Vehicle speed control
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 70 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the rpm's revved, but the vehicle did not respond. the vehicle was pulled over and towed to an independent repair shop where the overdrive servo piston seal and o ring was replaced. five weeks later, while…
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 70 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the rpm's revved, but the vehicle did not respond. the vehicle was pulled over and towed to an independent repair shop where the overdrive servo piston seal and o ring was replaced. five weeks later, while traveling 50 mph, the same incident occurred. the vehicle was pushed to the contact's residence and it has not been seen by a mechanic. *ak
- Seat belts
Dt*: the contact stated the front and rear seat belts do not work properly. in order to fasten the belts, they must be untangled before being fasted because the belts do not retract. the material has become damaged as a result of the failure to retract when not in use. the dealership has not been alerted.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Dt*: the contact stated the interior lights and tail lights do not work. this component has been replaced once and failed a second time. there IS nhtsa recall, campaign 99v103000, regarding the headlight switch. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it IS not included in the recall due to the vin.*ak
- Electrical system
Vehicle instrument panel went hay-wire, car starting hesitating, and slamming from gear to gear. took to a service center that advised me that it had a bad sensor. paid close to $800.00 to have replaced. car started with more electrical issues within the next couple of days. (ie: lights would…
Vehicle instrument panel went hay-wire, car starting hesitating, and slamming from gear to gear. took to a service center that advised me that it had a bad sensor. paid close to $800.00 to have replaced. car started with more electrical issues within the next couple of days. (ie: lights would not go on, etc) took back to service center that then advised that the wiring harness on the car was malfunctioning and causes the electrical system to short circuit. the wiring harness would have to be replaced and wiring on car would have to be redone costing close to $3000.00. they also advised that this car IS not safe to drive, that it would be just a matter of time before this car would catch fire. did not have $$ to make repair, continued to drive car having no other option with a baby, and young child that need to be taken to school, etc. while driving on the interstate days later, the car went from 75 mph to 10 mph like hitting a wall. almost got rear-ended and had to exit, driving home at 10 mph the whole way. *jb
- Electrical system
Dt: the contact states there IS a nhtsa recall campaign #01v230000 concerning the electrical system. This vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it IS not included in the recall due to vin. The vehicle has not been repaired because it was too expensive *ak
- Equipment · Vehicle speed control
I have a 1998 mercury mystique. The vehicle recently began running abnormally. So in inspection of this, I discovered that the vehicles acceleration IS being raised without me even touching the gas. I was on the road and my vehicle was speeding up on it's own and I couldn't figure out why. It seems as if the cruise control IS constantly on or something. *nm
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
- Fuel expulsion during refueling
There is no summary currently available
- Fuel expulsion during refueling
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
- Fuel gauge does not read below 1/4
Ford's service bulletin dated december 8, 1997, points out that the fuel gauge will not read above 3/4 tank or below 1/4 tank of fuel.the erroneous fuel gauge reading will indicate significantly more fuel reserve than actually present in the fuel tank.odi has one complaint where the driver alleged that his vehicle ran…
Ford's service bulletin dated december 8, 1997, points out that the fuel gauge will not read above 3/4 tank or below 1/4 tank of fuel.the erroneous fuel gauge reading will indicate significantly more fuel reserve than actually present in the fuel tank.odi has one complaint where the driver alleged that his vehicle ran out of gas due to a false fuel gauge reading.this investigation wasto ascertain facts concerning the problem experience, scope, and rational for electing not to conduct a safety compaign.
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.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013115Steering column shipped without crush pad - reuse original crush pad if not damaged.
- 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.
- 10003193The malfunction indicator lamp (mil) may be illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p1380, p1381, p1383, and/or p0340 may be stored in memory.
- 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.
- 6092221Some vehicles equipped with 2.0L engine may exhibit a timing belt shredding or timing belt striking the front cover.
- 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.
- 6092160Information regarding a/c peanut o-ring color.
- 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.
- 6091763CD4E transaxle may exhibit a no forward drive concern.
- 6091738Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration at 60 - 70 mph (100 - 115 kph).
- 6091734Information on installing fuses at pre-delivery.
- 6091702Information regarding decklid release issues.
- 6091681Some vehicles may exhibit a front brake groan.
- 6090834Information on using peanut style a/c fittings.
- 6090560Information regarding front grille peel. *Mjs
- 6090534Information regarding clunk/rattle on tip-in or transmission gear engagement. *Mjs
- 6090384Information regarding front grille peel. *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.
- 6090196Concerns with the interior lamp staying on.
- 6090131Information on diagnosing a vehicle with malfunction indicator lamp illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes p0442 and p0455 stored in continuous memory.
- 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.
- 6089665Subject regarding vehicles that have water leaking onto front floor from door panel area.
- 6089645A condition with fuel filler door unable to close completely.
- 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.
Every Mercury Mystique model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.