1988 Mercury Topaz
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Topaz › 1988
These records cover every 1988 Mercury Topaz. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1988 Mercury Topaz. Newest first.
The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Two attachment screws for the throttle position sensors could loosen and back out.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If both screws come out, sensors could disengage fromthe throttle shaft, preventing return of the throttle from mid position.
Remedy
Replace attachment screws with screws with pre applied adhesive that will be tightened to a higher torque specification.
Owner complaints
21 complaints1 involved a crash4 involved a fire1 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling · Seat belts · Steering · Unknown or other
My air conditioning won't work, my steering IS a problem, when I hit the gas pedal once and then let go of it, my steering wheel moves back to its original positon. My valve cover gasket leaks so bad that it smokes. I put 3 quarts in it to go about 20 miles and that really sucks.
- Electrical system › Ignition
I filed a complain with ford relative the tfi module with copies of the bill. I was reimbursed for much of the expense less $70. I called, ford could not discuss on phone, was told to write complain to a ford group in ca. This was 3 weeks ago, still no response from ford. The check, dated 4/4/2003…
I filed a complain with ford relative the tfi module with copies of the bill. I was reimbursed for much of the expense less $70. I called, ford could not discuss on phone, was told to write complain to a ford group in ca. This was 3 weeks ago, still no response from ford. The check, dated 4/4/2003 was for the sum of $482.84, my total cost for the towing and repairs was $559.47. there IS no-one that I have been able to reach at ford who will even answer questions relative this settlement! *nlm
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
In the case of the defective ford ignition modules( howard vs ford), all the claims that I sent in were rejected by ford. They seem to be using the "jump through the hoop tactic" IS this how one of the most defective automotive part recall be handled? In my case there could have been a fatal crash due to the ignition module failing while driving. *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Vehicle stalls when I take my foot off the gas
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
Vehicle stalled several times, consumer was informed that the tfi module was defective, consumer feels that she should be reimbursed since there was a class action law suit against ford in ca regarding this exact problem. *slc
- Electrical system › Ignition
Vehicle stalls when applying gas pedal intermittently and without warning. It IS worse in winter. Please provide further information.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Was backing out of driveway vehicle started to jerk & wobble in rear. Took vehicle to repair shop & was informed that motor mounts needed to be replaced. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Intermittently the vehicle will not go above 20 mph.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Headlight assembly lens deteriorated, dirty/contamindated, impairs drivers vision while driving at night, according to dealer the entire headlight assembly needed replacing. *ak *jb
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
The restraint release on the vehicle does not release the belt when pushed . The owner took the vehicle to a independent dealer, and was informed that the frame of the restraint system IS bent. The dealer told owner that after three years there was nothing that can be done without charging the owner. *ak
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
Power steering failed, causing accident/death.
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Seat belt buckle fails to stay latched.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Brakes wear out at 12,000 to 15,000. Please describe . *ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Plastic head lamp lenses become opague due to sunlight, causing poor visibility. *Sd
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Wiring harness under hood shorted, causing fire. *Dh
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Ignition switch shorted, causing fire. *Dh
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Vehicle was parked in driveway,ignition switch caught and steering column. *ak
- Seat belts
The automatic shoulder seat belt broke and has to be replaced a second time. Please describe. *ak
- Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust
Problem with power seat control switch caused injury during accident. *aw
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Drivers side lap/shoulder belt will not retract. tt
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving in drive gear, automatic transmission jump in reverse gear, adjust shift module. tt
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear brk adjuster failure
1984 - 1991 ford tempo/mercury topaz
- Rear brake system failure
There is no summary currently available
- Failed passive restraint
We have received numerous reports which allege a malfunction or failure of the passive restraint system.additional reports allege that the passive restraint system failed to restrain/adequately protect the occupant during an accident
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.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 3031200Unknown
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 601343A new silicone gasket and sealant.
- 601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system.
- 601290Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance.
- 601269Announcing the ford oem air conditioning retrofit kit availability.
- 601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable.
- 601010Recommended guidelines for towing behind recreational vehicles.
- 600586Front and rear bumpers made of xenoy plastic have had the conductive primer removed from service parts.
- 53660Vehicles exhibiting a "squeaking" or "chirping" from the blower motor at low blower motor speeds.
- 51990Blower motor- "chirping" or "squeaking" from blower motor at low speeds.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 51735Rear engine mount concerns.
- 50997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip.
- 50940Windshield and interior glass - fog/film.
- 50908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip.
- 50905Wiring - electrical diode identification and service replacements.
- 46478The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable because it may be incompatible with the rubber material used in the disc brake system. If petroleum-based grease IS used to lubricate any part of the disc brake system, it could cause rubber parts to swell if lubricant contacts the rubber material.
- 41025A revised service windshield wiper motor IS now available.
- 40073Blower motor chirp or squeak from blower motor at low speeds.
- 39900Roughness concern during brake application.
- 39717Wiper motor replacement - upgraded service kits.
- 39128Delayed and/or intermittent no upshift of 1-2 gear.
- 37800New revised clutch seals to correct a no reverse in extreme cold weather conditions.
- 37772The tv plunger valve position may be incorrect causing vehicles to have an intermittent no 1-2 upshift problem or cold/hard accelerator pedal effort.
- 37760Vehicles may exhibit the lack of reverse in extreme cold conditions.
Every Mercury Topaz model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.