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U.S. public vehicle records

1992 Mercury TOPAZ problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

62 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

33,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1992 model year. Data updated: . 4 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 8 of 62 complaints (12.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior69.7%
Engine operation58.1%
Steering behavior46.5%
Electrical and battery issues34.8%
Transmission and shifting23.2%
Fuel system concerns23.2%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
8
Seat Belts
8
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
7
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
5
Electrical System:Ignition
3
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
3
Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage
3
Seat Belts:Front:Webbing
3
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine8
Seat Belts8
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline7
Power Train:Automatic Transmission5
Electrical System:Ignition3
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch3
Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage3
Seat Belts:Front:Webbing3

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 8; Seat Belts: 8; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 7; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 5; Electrical System:Ignition: 3; Electrical System:Ignition:Switch: 3; Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage: 3; Seat Belts:Front:Webbing: 3

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
2
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
1
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0002
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9991
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 58 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1995
11
1996
12
1997
10
1998
5
1999
9
2000
6
2001
4
2003
2
2004
1
2007
1
2008
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
199511
199612
199710
19985
19999
20006
20014
20032
20041
20071
20081

1995: 11; 1996: 12; 1997: 10; 1998: 5; 1999: 9; 2000: 6; 2001: 4; 2003: 2; 2004: 1; 2007: 1; 2008: 1

Pattern summary

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 5 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10037961 · 2003-08-29 (August 29, 2003)

THIS VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL# 96V071000 CONCERNING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION SWITCH. IGNITION SWITCH MUST BE MANEUVERED FOR SOME ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PARTS TO FUNCTION. FOR INSTANCE, AIR CONDITIONER WILL COME ON BY MANEUVERING THE IGNITION SWITCH. ALSO, ELECTRIC SEAT BELTS/POWER WINDOWS/ TURN SIGNALS, AND BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T OPERATE. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10037961 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 509055 · 1996-09-24 (September 24, 1996)

MASTER CYLINDER FAILED, ALSO REPLACED FRONT BRAKE ROTORS/PADS. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 509055 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 740188 · 2001-01-30 (January 30, 2001)

STALLING AT HIGH TEMPERATURES, WON'T START AGAIN FOR 15-30 MINITUES. POSSIBLY A BAD IGNITION MODULE. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 740188 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 804348 · 1996-11-25 (November 25, 1996)

DURING VEHICLE OPERATION THE VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS BEEN A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 7 TIMES. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 804348 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10044838 · 2003-10-27 (October 27, 2003)

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL.*MR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED FLAMES BURST OUT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED (96V-071000) BUT THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICE. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. *TS *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. 46,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10044838 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 485947 · 1995-07-13 (July 13, 1995)

TILT STEERING PIVOT POINTS BROKE, CAUSING WHEEL TO TILT SIDEWAYS.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 485947 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 702978 · 1999-02-05 (February 5, 1999)

ELECTRICAL FIRE UNDER DASH ENGULFED CAR PARKED ON DRIVEWAY AFTER SITTING. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 702978 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 536462 · 1998-05-27 (May 27, 1998)

MULTIPLE TRANSMISSION FAILURES.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 536462 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 967660 · 1995-06-26 (June 26, 1995)

W/AUTO-TRANS; VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF LOW GEAR. VEHICLE IN DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES W/CAUSE NOT CORRECTED. TT

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 967660 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 969664 · 1995-08-01 (August 1, 1995)

NOTICE GAS POURING OUT OF THE GAS TANK LID. TT

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 969664 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 982769 · 1996-04-16 (April 16, 1996)

REPLACEMENT OF FUEL PUMP 3 TIMES. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 982769 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

62 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

6.5%Usable mileage4 / 62 records
77.4%Valid incident date48 / 62 records
100.0%Valid filing date62 / 62 records
77.4%Ordered incident and filing dates48 / 62 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component1984198519861987198819891990199119921993199419951998
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
110.0%
ODI 887057

WHEN VEHICLE GETS HOT IT WILL STALL, SOMETIMES VEHICLE WILL NOT START.*AK

Look up ODI 887057 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

111.1%
ODI 504505

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. *SD

Look up ODI 504505 at NHTSA ↗

318.8%
ODI 501768

INTERMITTENT STALLING. *SD

Look up ODI 501768 at NHTSA ↗

29.5%
ODI 10000844

VEHICLE STALLS WHEN I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS

Look up ODI 10000844 at NHTSA ↗

715.2%
ODI 505286

VEHICLE FIRE. *SD

Look up ODI 505286 at NHTSA ↗

510.4%
ODI 504697

REAR BRAKES REPLACED.

Look up ODI 504697 at NHTSA ↗

410.0%
ODI 510724

INTERMITTENT STALLING.

Look up ODI 510724 at NHTSA ↗

711.3%
ODI 511582

CRANKSHAFT REPLACED.

Look up ODI 511582 at NHTSA ↗

45.6%
ODI 783710

VEHICLE CONTINUALLY STALLS, MECHANIC IS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE PROBLEM.*ET

Look up ODI 783710 at NHTSA ↗

69.5%
ODI 515344

TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR.

Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seat Belts
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

29.5%
ODI 10070262 · 214,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10070262 at NHTSA ↗

613.0%
ODI 503478

REAR BRAKES INTERMITTENTLY LOCK UP IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, CAUSING CAR TO SPIN. *DSH

Look up ODI 503478 at NHTSA ↗

12.1%
ODI 812253

OWNER STATES THAT SHE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHILE TRAVELING AT 15-25MPH AND FRONT AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS DID NOT HOLD/LATCH. ALSO, DEALER STATED THAT SAFETY CATCH WAS DEFECTIVE. *AK

Look up ODI 812253 at NHTSA ↗

512.5%
ODI 10069252 · 25,000 mi

LOTS OF PEELING ON THE PAINT. ALSO THE ALTERNATOR WENT OUT THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. I\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'VE HAD SO MUCH FIXED ON THIS CAR ALREADY AND SPENT LOTS OF MONEY. PLEASE ADVISE.

Look up ODI 10069252 at NHTSA ↗

812.9%
ODI 10037961

THIS VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL# 96V071000 CONCERNING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION SWITCH. IGNITION SWITCH MUST BE MANEUVERED FOR SOME ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PARTS TO FUNCTION. FOR INSTANCE, AIR CONDITIONER WILL COME ON BY MANEUVERING THE IGNITION SWITCH. ALSO, ELECTRIC SEAT BELTS/POWER WINDOWS/ TURN SIGNALS, AND BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T OPERATE. *AK

Look up ODI 10037961 at NHTSA ↗

1115.5%
ODI 10023191 · 116,252 mi

I PURCHASED A CAR IN OCTOBER OF 2002, THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT WORK,THE A/C AND HEATER DO NOT WORK. FUEL PUMP WENT OUT AFTER AP. 300 MILES, WATER PUMP SHORTLY THERE AFTER. ALL 4 TIRES TREADED APART. ELECTRONIC SIDE MIRRORS DO NOT WORK. GAS GAGE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. HEATS UP WHEN IDLING. EXCESSIVE WOBBLE IN REAR END. FRONT END MAY BE FROM 1992 NOT 1993 MODEL OF CAR. DRIVERS WINDOW DOES NOT RETRACK RIGHT. TRUNK LID HOOK DOES NOT WORK. BRAKES MAKE NOISE. *NLM

Look up ODI 10023191 at NHTSA ↗

69.5%
ODI 552852

AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILED AND STOPS ON THE TRACK. *MJS

Look up ODI 552852 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System:Ignition
110.0%
ODI 707045

NO SUMMARY LISTE DFOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 707045 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

111.1%
ODI 861487

WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE BECAME VERY HOT AND STALLED OUT DUT TO THE TFI IGNITION MODULE BEING TOO CLOSE AND MOUNTED ON THE SIDE OF THE DISTRIBUTOR. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 861487 at NHTSA ↗

212.5%
ODI 979071

THE VEHICLE STALLS/HESITATES/STUMBLES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. TT

Look up ODI 979071 at NHTSA ↗

29.5%
ODI 10016553 · 80,513 mi

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

Look up ODI 10016553 at NHTSA ↗

48.7%
ODI 10221339

I SAW ON SCHUCKS.COM THAT MY CAR WAS PART OF A RECALL FOR AN INTERNAL IGNITION SHORT CIRCUIT AND MY CAR HAS HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS SUCH AS SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE AND MY CAR IS FINE IT ONLY HAS 65,000+ MILES ON IT AND IT TURNS OFF 2-3 SECS AFTER TURNING IT ON THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP IT ON IS IF I GIVE IT GAS. *TR

Look up ODI 10221339 at NHTSA ↗

48.3%
ODI 481996

INTERMITTENT STALLING WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP/SLOW DOWN. *SKD

Look up ODI 481996 at NHTSA ↗

512.5%
ODI 485987

INTERMITTENT STALLING. *AK

Look up ODI 485987 at NHTSA ↗

34.8%
ODI 10044838 · 46,000 mi

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL.*MR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED FLAMES BURST OUT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED (96V-071000) BUT THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICE. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. *TS *NLM

Look up ODI 10044838 at NHTSA ↗

811.3%
ODI 504194

IGNITION FIRE. *SD

Look up ODI 504194 at NHTSA ↗

23.2%
ODI 872761

WHEN DRIVING AT 60 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH, AND VEHICLE CUT OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, CAUSING LOSS ALL POWER. CONSUMER HAS NOT YET CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

Look up ODI 872761 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
330.0%
ODI 505757

IGNITION SWITCH FIRE. *SD

Look up ODI 505757 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

111.1%
ODI 983878

ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK

Look up ODI 983878 at NHTSA ↗

318.8%
ODI 983179

AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 15-20 MINUTES, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE MELTING ENGINE COMPONENTS UNDERHOOD ALONG W/TIRES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 983179 at NHTSA ↗

29.5%
ODI 504662

IGNITION SWITCH SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE. *DH

Look up ODI 504662 at NHTSA ↗

48.7%
ODI 514103

DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT/ACCELERATING FROM A STOP.

Look up ODI 514103 at NHTSA ↗

714.6%
ODI 508211

IGNITION SWITCH FIRE.

Look up ODI 508211 at NHTSA ↗

410.0%
ODI 802828

ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN.*AK

Look up ODI 802828 at NHTSA ↗

34.8%
ODI 10037961

THIS VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL# 96V071000 CONCERNING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION SWITCH. IGNITION SWITCH MUST BE MANEUVERED FOR SOME ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PARTS TO FUNCTION. FOR INSTANCE, AIR CONDITIONER WILL COME ON BY MANEUVERING THE IGNITION SWITCH. ALSO, ELECTRIC SEAT BELTS/POWER WINDOWS/ TURN SIGNALS, AND BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T OPERATE. *AK

Look up ODI 10037961 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
110.0%
ODI 852164

WHEN DRIVING AT 18 MPH THE VEHICLE IS STALLING AND CUTTING OFF. CONSUMER HAD THE COMPUTER CHIP REPLACED, AND THE DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE CAUS EOF STALLING. *AK

Look up ODI 852164 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

111.1%
ODI 970160

THE HEAD GASKET LEAK AND REPLACE FAN MOTOR , CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE TWO TIMES,THE RACK/PINION WENT OUT WHEN DRIVING THERE IS MORE . TT

Look up ODI 970160 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.8%
ODI 836704

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

Look up ODI 836704 at NHTSA ↗

24.3%
ODI 819689

CONSUMER KEPT HEARING LOUD NOISES WHEN SHIFTING. WENT TO 4 DIFFERENT MECHANICS, COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM UNTIL THE FOURTH MECHANIC SAID THE NOISE WAS COMING BECAUSE THERE WERE 2 BROKEN MOTOR MOUNTS. *AK

Look up ODI 819689 at NHTSA ↗

12.1%
ODI 515627

NINE MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM FELL OFF, REPLACED EXTENSION PIPE, MUFFLER,TAIL PIPE, CLAMP.

Look up ODI 515627 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

812.9%
ODI 485970

ENGINE NOISE DUE TO LOOSE ENGINE MOUNTS SUPPORT BRACKETS. *AK

Look up ODI 485970 at NHTSA ↗

45.6%
ODI 10052041

WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL BECAME VERY HARD, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ALSO, VEHICLE SHUT OFF UNEXPECTEDLY. *AK

Look up ODI 10052041 at NHTSA ↗

57.9%
ODI 515344

TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR.

Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.8%
ODI 964885

WHILE DRIVING IN DRIVE GEAR, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION JUMP IN REVERSE GEAR, ADJUST SHIFT MODULE. TT

Look up ODI 964885 at NHTSA ↗

48.7%
ODI 482433

TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONS.

Look up ODI 482433 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

58.1%
ODI 10242650 · 30 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY TOPAZ. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25-30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. IT ONLY ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY WITH A MECHANIC. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30.

Look up ODI 10242650 at NHTSA ↗

45.6%
ODI 757445

CAR WILL NOT START UNLESS YOU MESS WITH THE SHIFTER AND CAR STALLS OUT AT TIMES DOES NOT ALWAYS REGISTER IN PARK. *AK

Look up ODI 757445 at NHTSA ↗

69.5%
ODI 10014805 · 47,928 mi

THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP, WHICH CAUSED THE TIRES TO LOCK UP. *JB THE GAS PEDAL WAS HARD. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE. THE MAIN CONTROL THROTTLE VALVE WAS REPLACED. SCC

Look up ODI 10014805 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Vehicle Speed Control
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 962751

INTERMITTENT SUDDEN ACCELERATION. TT

Look up ODI 962751 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

48.7%
ODI 506845

CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. *DH

Look up ODI 506845 at NHTSA ↗

36.3%
ODI 506481

BRAKES GRAB, CAUSING VEHICLE TO VIBRATE. *SD

Look up ODI 506481 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

34.8%
ODI 501763

COMPUTER CAUSED PROBLEMS DUE TO LOOSE WIRE.

Look up ODI 501763 at NHTSA ↗

11.4%
ODI 10451503 · 34,000 mi

THERE IS A SPEED CONTROL ISSUE. INTERMITTENTLY, THE CAR WILL BECOME LOCKED AT 2 RPM WHILE STILL ACCELERATING TO 65+ MPH. THE DRIVING IS NON-SPECIFIC; I COULD BE IDLING, ON THE FREEWAY OR ON SURFACE STREETS. ALTHOUGH I REMOVE MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR CONTINUES TO SPEED UP. IMMEDIATELY TURNING OFF THE ENGINE DOES NOT ELIMINATE THE ISSUE EITHER. ONCE THE CAR IS TURNED ON AGAIN, IT LOCKS AT 4 RPM WHILE IN PARK. THE ISSUE MAY TAKE UP TO 30MINS TO SUBSIDE. LUCKILY, THE BRAKES HAVE YET TO FAIL WHEN THE CAR VOLUNTARILY ACCELERATES (ALTHOUG…

Look up ODI 10451503 at NHTSA ↗

46.3%
ODI 515344

TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR.

Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗

1100.0%
ODI 515570

MUFFLER FAILED.

Look up ODI 515570 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Drum
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

360.0%
ODI 504783

REAR BRAKES FAILED. *SD

Look up ODI 504783 at NHTSA ↗

111.1%
ODI 506539

REAR BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE DUE TO AUTOMATIC ADJUSTER FAILING TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS. *DH

Look up ODI 506539 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

36.5%
ODI 503478

REAR BRAKES INTERMITTENTLY LOCK UP IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, CAUSING CAR TO SPIN. *DSH

Look up ODI 503478 at NHTSA ↗

24.2%
ODI 504697

REAR BRAKES REPLACED.

Look up ODI 504697 at NHTSA ↗

512.5%
ODI 801609

BRAKE PEDAL GRADUALLY KEPT GOING CLOSER TO FLOOR BOARD WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, REAR BRAKE ADJUSTERS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED, SHOULD AUTOMATICALLY ADJUST FOR WEAR, NO ACCIDENTS..*AK *JB

Look up ODI 801609 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.6%
ODI 515344

TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR.

Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗

1100.0%
ODI 515570

MUFFLER FAILED.

Look up ODI 515570 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Seat BeltsToo few reports for a range20,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10070466 · 20,000 mi

TO WHOM THIS MAY CONCERN; I BROUGHT MY DAUGHTER'S CAR IN FOR SEATBELT REPAIR. THERE WAS FAILURE OF THE SHOULDER STRAP TO OPEN WHEN GETTING INTO THE CAR. MY COMPLAINT IS WITH THE DEALERSHIP HAMMONTON AUTO GROUP WHITE HORSE PIKE HAMMONTON NJ. ON 6/25 THE CAR WAS BROUGHT IN- CHARGING $80 TO DIAGNOSE THAT THE SWITCH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE NEEDED REPLACING. THE PART COST $10 THE JOB WAS TO COST $260 - WHICH I FEEL WAS A CUSTOMER RIPOFF. WE DECIDED TO GET THE JOB DONE DESPITE THE OUTRAGEOUS COST. ON 6/26 WHEN WE ARRIVED TO PICK UP THE CAR-THIS SE…

Look up ODI 10070466 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic TransmissionToo few reports for a range30 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10242650 · 30 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY TOPAZ. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25-30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. IT ONLY ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY WITH A MECHANIC. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30.

Look up ODI 10242650 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:IgnitionToo few reports for a range46,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10044838 · 46,000 mi

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL.*MR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED FLAMES BURST OUT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED (96V-071000) BUT THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICE. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. *TS *NLM

Look up ODI 10044838 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Ignition:SwitchToo few reports for a range76,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10195557 · 76,000 mi

THE IGNITION SWITCH FELL APART 3 TIMES ON THE TOPAZ SINCE 1995, THE SWITCHES I BOUGHT AT FORD DEALERSHIP WAS THE EXACT SAME ONE THAT FELL APART. FIRST THE ACCESSORIES STOP WORKED ONE AT A TIME, A/C, TURN SIGNALS, RADIO, AIR CONDITIONING. THEN I PULL IT OUT AND REPLACED THE SWITCH, I CARRY AN EXTRA ONE IN T CAR AND HAVE THE REPLACEMENT DOWN TO 45 MINUTES. I REPLACED THE SWITCH NOW WHEN THE SECOND SIGN OF FAILURE OCCURRED. I HAVE A SMALL POUCH WITH ALL THE TOOLS. I NEED TO CHANGE THE PART AND HAVE THE BOLTS AND SCREWS MARKED THAT I HAVE TO TAKE…

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Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

1995: 1 complaints · 1998: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
1995001
1998011
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
1995100
1998010

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineSeat BeltsEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolinePower Train:Automatic TransmissionElectrical System:IgnitionElectrical System:Ignition:SwitchSeat Belts:Front:AnchorageSeat Belts:Front:Webbing
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine—0
1
ODI 511582

CRANKSHAFT REPLACED.

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1
ODI 511582

CRANKSHAFT REPLACED.

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0000
Seat Belts0—000
1
ODI 10037961

THIS VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL# 96V071000 CONCERNING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION SWITCH. IGNITION SWITCH MUST BE MANEUVERED FOR SOME ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PARTS TO FUNCTION. FOR INSTANCE, AIR CONDITIONER WILL COME ON BY MANEUVERING THE IGNITION SWITCH. ALSO, ELECTRIC SEAT BELTS/POWER WINDOWS/ TURN SIGNALS, AND BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T OPERATE. *AK

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1
ODI 549449

PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT IS EXTREMELY TIGHT THAT IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO PASSENGER. YH

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0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
1
ODI 511582

CRANKSHAFT REPLACED.

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0—
1
ODI 511582

CRANKSHAFT REPLACED.

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0000
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
1
ODI 511582

CRANKSHAFT REPLACED.

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0
1
ODI 511582

CRANKSHAFT REPLACED.

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—000
1
ODI 555799

THE DRIVER'S SIDE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM(SHOULDER BELT) LOCKED UP AND BECAME NON-OPERATIONAL. WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS STARTED THERE IS A HORRIBLE NOISE THAT IS EMITTED FROM THE SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLY UNIT. THE SAME IDENTICAL PROBLEM OCCURED WITH THE SHOULDER BELT ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. *CJ

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Electrical System:Ignition0000—000
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch0
1
ODI 10037961

THIS VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL# 96V071000 CONCERNING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION SWITCH. IGNITION SWITCH MUST BE MANEUVERED FOR SOME ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PARTS TO FUNCTION. FOR INSTANCE, AIR CONDITIONER WILL COME ON BY MANEUVERING THE IGNITION SWITCH. ALSO, ELECTRIC SEAT BELTS/POWER WINDOWS/ TURN SIGNALS, AND BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T OPERATE. *AK

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000—00
Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage0
1
ODI 549449

PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT IS EXTREMELY TIGHT THAT IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO PASSENGER. YH

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0000—0
Seat Belts:Front:Webbing000
1
ODI 555799

THE DRIVER'S SIDE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM(SHOULDER BELT) LOCKED UP AND BECAME NON-OPERATIONAL. WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS STARTED THERE IS A HORRIBLE NOISE THAT IS EMITTED FROM THE SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLY UNIT. THE SAME IDENTICAL PROBLEM OCCURED WITH THE SHOULDER BELT ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. *CJ

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000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

5 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

5 mentions · 8.1% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 740188

STALLING AT HIGH TEMPERATURES, WON'T START AGAIN FOR 15-30 MINITUES. POSSIBLY A BAD IGNITION MODULE. *AK

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ODI 804348

DURING VEHICLE OPERATION THE VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS BEEN A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 7 TIMES. *AK

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ODI 817065

ENGINE STALLS IN TRAFFIC WITHOUT WARNING, 3 TO 5 TIMES A WEEK, HAPPENS DURING WEATHER TEMPATURES OF 85 DEGREES, POTENTIAL FOR CRASH, DEALER HAS NO KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT'S CAUSING PROBLEM. *AK

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Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 1.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 740188

STALLING AT HIGH TEMPERATURES, WON'T START AGAIN FOR 15-30 MINITUES. POSSIBLY A BAD IGNITION MODULE. *AK

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Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 1.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 848336

WHEN TRAVELING 30 MPH ON WET PAVEMENT, AND UPON DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL, PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR BOARD, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS YET TO REPLACE PARTS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 1.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 826609

INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE JERKS AND SHUTS DOWN. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED VARIOUS PARTS OF THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

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Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 1.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 977266

DURING BRAKE APPLICATION STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. RESULTING IN VEHICLE ACCIDENT. TT

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Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b