Model year record

1999 Mercury Mystique recalls & problems

The 1999 Mercury Mystique has 4 safety recalls and 128 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is structure (28 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls

Complaints128filed by owners

Crashes · fires14 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths12 · 1reported 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.

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.

Electrical systemMar 17, 1999

Ignition › Switch

Recall 99V0600004,569 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WHICH UTILIZE A PARK/LOCK SOLENOID. IT IS POSSIBLE TO ROTATE THE IGNITION KEY TO THE LOCK POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT THE SHIFT LEVER AND TRANSMISSION BEING IN PARK. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES. VEHICLES THAT HAVE UNITS WITH IGNITION KEYS REMOVABLE IN GEAR POSITIONS OTHER THAN PARK, WILL HAVE THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED.

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

1999 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 / 31 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

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

Mystique

23mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Mystique

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/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*
StructureBody; Body › Bumpers	28	1	0	0	63,218 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Rotor	24	4	0	2	64,000 mi
Unknown or other	19	0	0	0	69,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys; Exhaust system	17	0	1	0	55,000 mi
VisibilityDefroster/defogger/hvac system; Windshield wiper/washer	14	0	0	1	28,000 mi
Electrical systemWiring › Interior/under dash; Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers	14	0	1	0	—
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner; Electrical	7	0	0	1	—
Air bagsFrontal	6	5	0	6	—
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery; Storage › Tank assembly › Mounting	6	0	0	0	70,000 mi
SuspensionFront; Front › Springs › Coil springs	6	0	0	0	60,000 mi
SteeringHydraulic power assist system; Hydraulic power assist › Pump	5	0	0	0	—
Vehicle speed controlLinkages	5	4	0	3	—

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

Recent owner complaints

Structure
I WAS DRIVING ALONG WHEN I COULD SMELL MY CAR GETTING HOT, SO I PULLED OVER AND SURE ENOUGH IT WAS OVERHEATING, BUT DID NOT SHOW INSIDE ON THE DASHBOARD, SO I HAD IT CHECKED AND THE PLASTIC HOUSING AROUND THE THERMOSTAT WAS CRACKED IN 3 PLACES, SO I SAY FIX IT ,THEY SAID IT WOULD BE 450.00, OK NO PROBLEM, THEN THEY CALLED BACK AND SAID THAT THE HOUSING WAS WELDED TO THE MANIFOLD AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE ALL FOR 1200.00 AND THAT THE HOUSING WASN'T MADE OF PLASTIC ANYMORE BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AND FIXED FOR FREE. *TR
Oct 2, 2012 · 125,000 miles
Equipment
S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- LETTER TO THE SECRETARY FROM REQUESTING THE RECALL AND REPLACEMENT OF FACULTY FLOOR MATS DUE TO SAFETY REASONS ON HIS 1999 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE CLIPS THAT HELD THE FLOOR MATS IN PLACE BROKE DUE TO NORMAL WEAR.
Mar 1, 2011
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANELS SURFACE BEGAN DEVELOPED CRACKS AND WARPS. A PLASTIC PIECE FROM THE PANEL, THAT WAS 5 INCHES IN HEIGHT BLOCKS THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT COMMENTED THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE FORD CONTOUR DASHBOARD DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
Jul 21, 2001 · 80,000 miles
Fuel system, gasoline
1999 MERCURY MYSTIQUE, SECOND OWNER, PURCHASED IS 2005. THE GAS LINE FREEZES WHEN THE TEMPERATURE REACHES BELOW 20 DEGREES. THE TANK IS HALF FULL, TREATED FOR WINTER WEATHER AND IT STILL FREEZES. THIS IS NOT NORMAL: I'VE OWNED 2 OTHER VEHICLES (FORD TEMPO/DODGE STRATUS) NEVER HAPPENED. I'VE MISSED WORK DUE TO THIS GAS LINE FREEZE AND AM THE ONLY RESIDENT IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD THAT IS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. IT HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURE DEFECT OR THE GAS TANK IS NOT PROTECTED. THIS IS THE SECOND WINTER SEASON THIS HAS HAPPENED. *TR
Jan 7, 2008 · 70,000 miles
Electrical systemFire
MY HUSBAND AND I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC FROM AN APPOINTMENT AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STARTS SMOKING WITHIN A QUICK SECOND THE FRONT LEFT SIDE BURST INTO FLAMES, ELECTRICAL WINDOWS WOULDN'T WORK AND THE BRAKES FAILED, THE WE HAD TO RIDE TRAFFIC UNTIL WE COULD MOVE OVER TO THE CURVE AT THIS TIME THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE USED IN ORDER TO STOP THE CAR AND I HAD TO MOVE MYSELF OUT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. *TR
Dec 28, 2008
Service brakes, hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE DRIVEWAY AT 2 MPH, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. SHE HAD TO CONTINUOUSLY APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP. SHE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH. SHE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINE AND CHASSIS WERE EXCESSIVELY RUSTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME ANY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 206,000. UPDATED 09/10/08. *LJ UPDATED 09/12/08. *JB
Jul 11, 2008 · 206,000 miles
Unknown or other
1999 MERCURY MYSTIQUE DASHBOARD IS CURLING UP. CONSUMER STATES THAT FORD'S RECALL TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM HAS EXPIRED AND THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO. *NJ
Jan 1, 1901
Exterior lighting › Headlights
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY MYSTIQUE. THE CONTACT NOTICED MOISTURE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT DRIPPED WATER INTO THE TRUNK WHEN IT WAS OPENED. SHE NOTICED THAT THE MOISTURE WAS ALWAYS PRESENT, ESPECIALLY AFTER IT RAINED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 51,504 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 48,246. UPDATED 07/07/08. *LJ THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WAS INOPERABLE, THE TIMING BELT WAS REPLACED. UPDATED
Jun 10, 2007 · 48,246 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

INSTRUMENT PANEL COVER WARPAGEClosed
THE AGENCY HAS DENIED A PETITION REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF INSTRUMENT PANEL WARPAGE FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. THE NOTICE OF DENIAL WAS PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER, VOLUME 72, NUMBER 67, ON MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2007, PAGES 17605 AND 17606.SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH FOR DETAILS.
DP06004 · opened Oct 23, 2006 · closed Apr 10, 2007
BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESSClosedLed to recall 01I009000
There is no summary currently available
EA01001 · opened Jan 5, 2001 · closed Jul 31, 2001