1997 Mercury Mystique problems
Owners have filed 100 complaints about the 1997 Mercury Mystique with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 16% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of exterior lighting at 12%.
Complaints100
Crashes4
Fires3
Injuries6
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 16.0% · 16
Exterior lighting 12.0% · 12
Service brakes, hydraulic 11.0% · 11
Visibility 10.0% · 10
Power train 9.0% · 9
Electrical system 8.0% · 8
Suspension 7.0% · 7
Steering 4.0% · 4
Severity
Of those complaints, 4 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire and 6 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 5 model years of the Mercury Mystique in this data, 1997 draws comparatively few complaints; 1995 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 11 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 88,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Engine check light came on, independent service station detected possible problem with thermostat. Dealer replaced sensor, charged $211.00. Two days later light came on again. Dealer detected thermostat, had to order part and replaced. Two weeks later temperature 20 degrees, car took over 30 minutes to heat up and ice formed on the inside of the windshield. Will take car back to the dealer. Engine and engine cooling
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! Engine and engine cooling
While driving, the engine became hot and the engine check light illuminated, then the vehicle stalled. *Ak the speed sensor and egr valve was replaced, however the vehicle continued continued to experience problems. Engine and engine cooling
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…