U.S. public vehicle records

Mercury TOPAZ brakes problems

50 complaint narratives mention brakes terms.

Key facts

393 owner complaints analyzed

9 distinct recall campaigns

80,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1983 to 1998 model years. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 17 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Braking behavior evidence

50 of 393 complaints match this topic (12.7%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.

Owner report 504783 · 1996-05-20 (May 20, 1996)

REAR BRAKES FAILED. *SD

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 504783 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 984236 · 1996-05-08 (May 8, 1996)

PE96-005, REAR BRAKE ADJUSTING PIN FAILURE, CAUSING THE BRAKE NOT TO ADJUST PROPERLY. *AK CONSUMER STATES REAR BRAKES DO NOT AUTOMATICALLY ADJUST, BRAKES HAVE TO BE MANUALLY ADJUSTED EVERY COUPLE OF MONTHS.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 984236 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 986954 · 1996-07-16 (July 16, 1996)

REAR BRAKE ADJUSTER, CONTINUE TO FAIL, EVERY 6 MONTHS TAKE THE DRUMS OFF TO ADJUST PE96-005 ACTIVE. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 986954 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 506539 · 1996-07-16 (July 16, 1996)

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

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 506539 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 723572 · 2000-06-05 (June 5, 2000)

SUDDEN APPLICATION OF FOOT BRAKE CAUSES RIGHT FRONT BRAKE TO LOCK. NO BRAKING ON OTHER 3 WHEELS. ABLE TO STOP ONLY BY USING HAND BRAKE AND STEERING TO AVOID COLLISION. REPLACED BRAKES TO NO EFFECT. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 723572 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

393 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

4.3%Usable mileage17 / 393 records

75.1%Valid incident date295 / 393 records

100.0%Valid filing date393 / 393 records

74.8%Ordered incident and filing dates294 / 393 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.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1984	1985	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1998
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
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Seat Belts	27,000–118,502 mi	74,626 mi	6	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 ↗ 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 ↗ 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 ↗
Electrical System:Ignition	Too few reports for a range	63,257 mi	2 (sparse)	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 ↗ 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:Switch	Too few reports for a range	76,000 mi	1 (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… Look up ODI 10195557 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Too few reports for a range	23,979 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10242650 · 30 mi TLTHE 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 ↗ 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 ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	Too few reports for a range	34,000 mi	1 (sparse)	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 ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

ComponentPeriod

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
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	None	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.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

1995: 1 complaints · 1998: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
1995	0	0	1
1998	0	1	1

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
1995	1	0	0
1998	0	1	0

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
Component	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	Seat Belts	Electrical System:Ignition	Electrical System:Ignition:Switch	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Vehicle Speed Control	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Drum
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	—	0	2 ODI 8009258 OIL LEAKS OUT OF THE TOP OF THE ENGINE WHEN FIRST DRIVEN, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SMOKE UNTIL OIL IS BURNED OUT. VEHICLE ALSO DIES UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN DRIVING IN HOT WEATHER. THE IGNITION HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE(3) TIMES BY CONSUMER USING REBUILT, NEW AND MANUFACTURED PARTS. JG Look up ODI 8009258 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 860891 INTERMITTENTLY IT IS HARD TO START VEHICLE AND IT OVERHEATS. RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED ON THE VEHICLE'S MAKE/MODEL FOR IGNITION AND ENGINE. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. AK Look up ODI 860891 at NHTSA ↗	0	2 ODI 511582 CRANKSHAFT REPLACED. Look up ODI 511582 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 515344 TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 511582 CRANKSHAFT REPLACED. Look up ODI 511582 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 515344 TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 515344 TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 504697 REAR BRAKES REPLACED. Look up ODI 504697 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 515344 TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗
Seat Belts	0	—	0	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 Look up ODI 10037961 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	1 ODI 503478 REAR BRAKES INTERMITTENTLY LOCK UP IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, CAUSING CAR TO SPIN. *DSH Look up ODI 503478 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Ignition	2 ODI 8009258 OIL LEAKS OUT OF THE TOP OF THE ENGINE WHEN FIRST DRIVEN, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SMOKE UNTIL OIL IS BURNED OUT. VEHICLE ALSO DIES UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN DRIVING IN HOT WEATHER. THE IGNITION HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE(3) TIMES BY CONSUMER USING REBUILT, NEW AND MANUFACTURED PARTS. JG Look up ODI 8009258 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 860891 INTERMITTENTLY IT IS HARD TO START VEHICLE AND IT OVERHEATS. RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED ON THE VEHICLE'S MAKE/MODEL FOR IGNITION AND ENGINE. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. AK Look up ODI 860891 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch	0	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 Look up ODI 10037961 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	1 ODI 802628 THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT FIX THE CRUISE CONTROL THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH BURNED OUT, ALSO THE RADIO LIGHT. *AK Look up ODI 802628 at NHTSA ↗	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	2 ODI 511582 CRANKSHAFT REPLACED. Look up ODI 511582 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 515344 TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	2 ODI 511582 CRANKSHAFT REPLACED. Look up ODI 511582 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 515344 TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 515344 TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 515344 TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	2 ODI 511582 CRANKSHAFT REPLACED. Look up ODI 511582 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 515344 TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	2 ODI 511582 CRANKSHAFT REPLACED. Look up ODI 511582 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 515344 TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 515344 TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 515344 TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	1 ODI 515344 TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 802628 THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT FIX THE CRUISE CONTROL THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH BURNED OUT, ALSO THE RADIO LIGHT. *AK Look up ODI 802628 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 515344 TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 515344 TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗	—	3 ODI 506845 CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. *DH Look up ODI 506845 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 515344 TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 515570 MUFFLER FAILED. Look up ODI 515570 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Drum	2 ODI 504697 REAR BRAKES REPLACED. Look up ODI 504697 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 515344 TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 503478 REAR BRAKES INTERMITTENTLY LOCK UP IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, CAUSING CAR TO SPIN. *DSH Look up ODI 503478 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 515344 TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 515344 TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 506845 CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. *DH Look up ODI 506845 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 515344 TIRE WILL NOT RETAIN PRESSURE/ PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. Look up ODI 515344 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 515570 MUFFLER FAILED. Look up ODI 515570 at NHTSA ↗	—

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.

Search patterns

7 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

47 mentions · 12.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 94,000 mi (1 usable records).

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 ↗

ODI 873785

TFI MODULE STOPPED FUNCTIONING, CAUSING CAR TO STALL. BUT NOW IT WON'T START. CONSUMER HAS REPLACED 3 OF THESE MODULES WITHIN THE LAST THREE YEARS. CONSUMER WAS VERY UPSET BECAUSE THERE COULD BE AN ACCIDENT.*AK

Look up ODI 873785 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 887057

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

Look up ODI 887057 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Brake response concerns

13 mentions · 3.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 504783

REAR BRAKES FAILED. *SD

Look up ODI 504783 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 506539

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

Look up ODI 506539 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 481869

BRAKES FAIL UPON INITIAL APPLICATION, DON'T RESPOND UNTIL APPLIED A SECOND TIME. *AW

Look up ODI 481869 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Hard or delayed shifting

4 mentions · 1.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

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 ↗

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

Look up ODI 826609 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 826853

WHEN DRIVING THERE IS A LOUD SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WHEN STOPPING THE VEHICLE THERE IS SOME JERKING WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. DEALER STATED MOTOR MOUNTS NEEDED REPLACING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 826853 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Steering assistance concerns

3 mentions · 0.8% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 509603

POWER STEERING FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT/DEATH.

Look up ODI 509603 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 977266

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

Look up ODI 977266 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 974996

WHILE DRIVING, AT APPROX. 65MPH ON HWY., SUDDENLY ENGINE SHUT DOWN, EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER, WHICH RENDERED POWER STEERING AND BRAKES INOPERATIVE TWICE. TT

Look up ODI 974996 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Battery drain and no-start mentions

2 mentions · 0.5% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 873785

Look up ODI 873785 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 740188

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

Look up ODI 740188 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

2 mentions · 0.5% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10016628

I TOOK MY CAR TO HAVE IT SERVICED ON FRIDAY AND THEY SAID I HAD A GAS LEAK WHICH I HADN'T NOTICED. I HAD EVEN SMOKED IN MY CAR ON THE WAY TO THE STATION. WHEN THEY WAS EMPTYING THE GAS TANK SOMETHING SPARKED AND CAUGHT THE CAR ON FIRE WHICH ENDED UP DESTROYING MY CAR AND 3 OTHERS PLUS THE STATION. MY CAR WAS A 1991 MERCURY TOPAZ. HAS THERE BEEN ANY SIMILAR SITUATIONS INVOLVING THE FUEL TANK OR SYSTEM ON THESE CARS? *NLM

Look up ODI 10016628 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 802562

DURING VEHICLE OPERATION ON A HILL OR INCLINE, ABOUT FOUR GALLONS OF GAS LEAKED OUT OF THE FILLER CAP.*AK

Look up ODI 802562 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Oil consumption or dilution

1 mentions · 0.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 536850

THE SMELL OF BURNED OIL AND SMOKE VISIBLE FROM THE FRONT GRILLE WAS CAUSED BY AN OIL LEAK. THE OIL PAN AND VALVE COVER NEED TO BE REPLACED BEFORE THE LEAK LEADS TO A FIRE.

Look up ODI 536850 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(oil consumption|burn\w* oil|consum\w* oil|oil dilution|gas(?:oline)? in (?:the )?oil)\b