Model year record

1998 Mercury Mystique recalls & problems

The 1998 Mercury Mystique has 10 safety recalls and 231 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is suspension (58 complaints).

Recalls10safety recalls

Complaints231filed by owners

Crashes · fires9 · 7reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths7 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SuspensionApr 14, 2008

Suspension

Recall 08E0330006,903 vehicles

Problem: 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: 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.
Fix: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulicMar 13, 2006

Service brakes, hydraulic

Recall 06E0220007,440 vehicles

Problem: 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 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
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.
Fix: 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.

SuspensionAug 8, 2001

Front › Springs › Coil springs

Recall 01V255000108,000 vehicles

Problem: 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 WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS MAY FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION IN HIGH CORROSION ENVIRONMENTS. DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.
Risk: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
Fix: 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.

Electrical systemJul 9, 2001

Electrical system

Recall 01V230000342,962 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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, CAUSE INCREASED RESISTANCE IN THE CONNECTOR AND, DUE TO SUBSEQUENT TERMINAL RELAXATION, RESULT IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT CONDITION.
Risk: THE OPEN CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO ELECTRICAL ARCING THAT COULD MELT THE CONNECTOR HOUSING MATERIAL CREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
Fix: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulicMar 9, 2000

Foundation components

Recall 00V075000436,200 vehicles

Problem: 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: 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.
Fix: 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.

Air bagsSep 8, 1999

Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive

Recall 99V243000280,481 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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 THE INSULATION.
Risk: IN SOME CASES, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAN ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DISABLED.
Fix: 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 speed controlJul 20, 1999

Vehicle speed control

Recall 99V194000159,565 vehicles

Problem: 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: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE STICKING, BINDING, OR CAUSING HIGH ENGINE RPM.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED ACCELERATOR CABLE THAT HAS A FLARED CONDUIT SLEEVE END AND MOLDED ON END FITTING.

Exterior lightingMay 5, 1999

Headlights › Switch

Recall 99V103000605,581 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TERMINALS AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN EXPERIENCE HEAT DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING.
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLAMP SWITCH WIRING CONNECTOR CONTAINING BRONZE TERMINALS AND AN INSPECTION, AND REPLACEMENT IF NECESSARY, OF THE HEADLAMP SWITCH.

Power trainSep 18, 1998

Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift

Recall 98V233000175,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INCORRECT GEAR SELECTION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL.

Exterior lightingFeb 10, 1998

Headlights

Recall 98V028000571,800 vehicles

Problem: 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: 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.
Fix: OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1998 Mercury Mystique 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Mystique

25mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 32 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Mystique

24mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 30 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Mystique

22mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Mystique

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
SuspensionFront › Springs › Coil springs; Front	58	0	0	0	87,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Axle assembly	42	2	0	0	80,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	42	2	1	1	76,798 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	30	0	2	1	—
Electrical systemWiring › Fuses and circuit breakers; Horn	30	0	7	0	95,604 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights › Switch; Tail lights	20	0	0	0	112,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module	19	2	2	2	73,000 mi
VisibilityDefroster/defogger/hvac system; Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor	18	0	3	0	94,500 mi
Vehicle speed controlCables; Accelerator pedal	16	0	0	1	—
SteeringHydraulic power assist system; Steering wheel/handle bar	12	0	1	0	—
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly; Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap	9	0	0	0	—
Seat beltsFront; Front › Retractor	7	4	1	4	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner 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.
Jan 1, 2016 · 58,000 miles
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.
Oct 14, 2015 · 74,000 miles
Engine and engine cooling
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…
Jul 1, 2014
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 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
Aug 11, 2010 · 83,240 miles
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS. *TR
Jan 21, 2009 · 89,300 miles
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 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…
Dec 31, 2008 · 125,000 miles
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
Jun 10, 2006
Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motorFire
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.
Apr 6, 2008 · 114,708 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

INCORRECT GEAR INDICATIONClosedLed to recall 98V233000
There is no summary currently available
RQ02006 · opened Feb 26, 2002 · closed Sep 12, 2002
BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESSClosedLed to recall 01I009000
There is no summary currently available
EA01001 · opened Jan 5, 2001 · closed Jul 31, 2001
FUEL EXPULSION DURING REFUELINGClosed
There is no summary currently available
EA00025 · opened Oct 4, 2000 · closed Jan 25, 2001
FUEL EXPULSION DURING REFUELINGClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE00027 · opened Jul 10, 2000 · closed Oct 4, 2000
BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESSClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE00023 · opened Jun 14, 2000 · closed Jan 5, 2001
VARIOUS INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL ISSUESClosedLed to recall 99V243000
There is no summary currently available
RQ99019 · opened Sep 15, 1999 · closed Mar 7, 2001
FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT READ BELOW 1/4Closed
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.
SQ98002 · opened Jan 27, 1998 · closed Jul 31, 1998