1978 Mercury MERCURY: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
0 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
Not available median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1978 model year. Data updated: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Most common problems
No owner complaints are recorded for this selection. A complaint can name multiple components.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
No usable records for this chart.
| Category | Count |
|---|
No records.
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
No usable failure mileage is recorded. 0 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.
No usable records for this chart.
| Category | Count |
|---|
No records.
Pattern summary
There is not enough complaint evidence to summarize patterns.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Recall history
2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
77V161000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Reported: 1977-09-23 (September 23, 1977)
SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE DEFECTIVE CARBURETORS IN WHICH, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, THE SECONDARY THROTTLE PLATES MAY STICK OPEN.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE CARBURETOR AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
NHTSA campaign record ↗81V008000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl)
Reported: 1981-01-12 (January 12, 1981)
THIS IS A MANUFACTURER"S NOTICE TO ADVISE OWNERS OF PROPER VEHICLE OPERATION. THE PARKING GEAR MAY NOT BE SECURELY ENGAGED AFTER THE OPERATOR HAS ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT TO PARK. THE VEHICLE MAY APPEAR TO BE IN PARK THOUGH ACTUALLY IN REVERSE. THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SELF-STICKING LABEL CONTAINING IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AS A DAILY REMINDER OF THE SERIOUS HAZARDS OF UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOTION. IT SHOULD BE PLACED INSIDE THE VEHICLE IN AN EASILY SEEN LOCATION.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
0 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
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 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2002 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 423.5%ODI 10128666 · 100,000 miMY TRANSMISSION KEEPS STICKING ON THE 1ST GEAR, ESPECIALLY WHEN DOWN SHIFTING SUCH AS WHEN PASSING A VEHICLE. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE, IN THAT IT CAN CAUSE INJURY ACCIDENTS WHEN PASSING. |
| Electrical System | 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 125.0%ODI 10208732 · 180,000 miI HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS THESE PEOPLE THAT HAVE ALL POSTED INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET. NOW I HAVE TAKE MY CAR INTO MULTIPLE PLACES TO HAVE THE PROBLEM RESOLVED, AND NOBODY SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. I THINK SINCE SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THAT IT IS NOT OUR PROBLEM, BUT A PROBLEM THAT MERCURY AS A COMPANY NEEDS TO FIX. I AM HAVING AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH MY VAN NOT STARTING. IT IS A 1993 MERCURY VILLAGER. ON SATURDAY AFTER DRIVING IT FOR ABOUT 1 HOUR WITH MULTIPLE STOPS WHERE I TURNED THE CAR OF… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 240.0%ODI 10136926 · 72,000 miTWICE WHEN WE HAVE STARTED TO BRAKE, THE ENGINE HAS SPEEDED UP TO VERY HIGH RPMS. ON SAT. 9/17/05 AS I TRIED TO STOP THE ENGINE REVVED SO HIGH THAT I COULD NOT STOP THE VANS FORWARD PROGRESS WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. I ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME BUT WAS ABLE TO SQUEEZE BY. VERY SCARY. MY WIFE HAD IT HAPPEN WHEN SHE WAS ON AN ICY ROAD AS SHE STARTED TO BRAKE THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING UP. THE ONLY THING THAT WILL WORK IN THIS SITUATION IS TO TRY & SHIFT IT INTO NEUTRAL BUT IT HAPPENS SO FAST THERE ISN'T MUCH TIME TO REACT. IF IT HAP… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 15.9%ODI 10265892 · 25,000 miWELL HERE GOES I BOUGHT 2002 M MOUNTAINEER IN 04 ,W/ 15000 MILES,SO FAR I HAVE REPLACED REAR AXEL 2 SETS WHEEL BARONS ALTERNATOR,BATTERY ,HEATER TWICE,BOTH COIL SPRINGS ARE BROKE ,IDOL CONTROL SWITCH SOLENOID ,GASKETS 4 TIRES REAR BRAKES. ANOTHER PART CAUSE MY INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD NOT STOP..I REALLY THINK I GOT A LEMON HERE ,I HAVE HAD IT FOR 5 YRS AND CAN NEVER AFFORD TO DRIVE IT TO MANY REPAIRS AND IM A VERY SAFE WOMEN DRIVER. IM ALSO UPSIDE DOWN IN PAYMENTS . PLEASE HELP ME . *TR |
| Air Bags | 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 120.0% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 222.2%ODI 10187206I WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BETWEEN THE DOOR AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DOCTOR, POLICE OFFICER, AND BODY SHOP SAID IT SHOULD HAVE. I SUFFERED HEAD , BACK AND NECK INJURIES. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 517206VIOLENT DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG, CAUSING INJURIES, INCLUDING A BROKEN NOSE, ABRASIONS, A JAMMED RIGHT SHOULDER AND A BROKEN RIGHT ARM. | 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. | 120.0% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 743338AIR BAGS DIDN'T RESPOND, SEAT BELTS DO NOT WORK THE WAY THEY SHOULD, WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE NOT WORKING SAFETY.AND THE FUEL ECONOMY IS TOO EXCESIVE FOR ITS NORMAL RATE.*AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 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. | 250.0% | 125.0% | 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Unknown Or Other | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 120.0% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 120.0%ODI 740546TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHIN 5 YEARS OF MANUFACTURING AND 2 YEARS OF USED PURCHASE?*AK | 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. | 15.9%ODI 10104733 · 52,000 miI RECENTLY HAD MY BACK HALFWAY HATCH ON MY 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER TO FALL ON ITS ON FROM NO APPARENT REASON. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, UPON TALKING WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST'S WAS SAID IT WOULD HAVE TO BE AN OUT OF POCKET REPAIR. HOWEVER THIS HAD HAPPEN AT NO FAULT TO ME. I BELIEVE THAT IT IS A WARRANTY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE REPLACED WITH NO CHARGE TO ME. THE CSS ALSO SAID IT WOULD PROBABLY COST ME RIGHT AT 5 TO 6 HUNDRED DOLLARS. I EVEN HAD PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT IT SEEMS TO BE A LITTLE USELESS. PLEASE HELP. THANK… |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 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. | 125.0%ODI 10128827 · 149,161 miMERCURY SABLE WAGON 1994; 6-CYLINDER 3.8 L ENGINE HEAD GASKET FAILURE @ 149,161 MILES- FORD WILL NOT WARRANTY ENGINE BEYOND 100,000 MILES EVEN THOUGH IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THE 3.8 L 6 CYLINDER ENGINES-- NHTSA SHOULD HAVE REQUIRED FORD TO WARRANTY FOR AT LEAST 150,000 MILES. PLEASE REQUIRE FORD TO REPLACE ENGINE!!!! CAR IS NOT FIXED- I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX THIS COSTLY PROBLEM-- IF I HAD ADEQUATE DISCLOSURE OF THE PROBLEM WITH 3.8L HEAD GASKET FAILURES I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED THIS CAR.... | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 120.0%ODI 10142445 · 122,000 miAFTER ONLY OWNING MY VEHICLE FOR 8 MONTHS, AND BEING TOLD IT WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION, IN A MATTER OF 3 DAYS, MANY PROBLEMS OCCURRED. MY 4WD LIGHTS BEGAN FLASHING, ALONG WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. WHEN ACCELERATING UPHILL, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE RAISES TO HIGH IN A MATTER OF SECONDS AND THE CHECK GAUGE LIGHT COMES ON. THE CAR BEGAN DYING, THE IDLE DROPPING AT SLOW SPEEDS, AND EVEN DIED IN MID DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, LEAVING ME TO VEER TOWARDS THE EDGE OF THE ROAD WITH NO POWER STEERING. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP, THAT WAS SUPPOSED T… | 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:Cooling System | 150.0%ODI 714965I JUST REPLACED THE SOLENOID AND YOU KNOW WHAT, THE WARRANTY IS ONLY ONE YEAR. I REPLACED THE WATER PUMP BEFORE IT'S RECALLED AT A CAR SERVICE CENTER AND IT HAS A LIFE TIME WARRANTY. COULD FORD BE MORE CONFIDENT ABOUT THEIR PRODUCTS -- LONGER WARRANTY? | 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. | 125.0%ODI 8007754CONSUMER HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM, MOTOR STAYS HOT.*AK | 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 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 | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No usable records for this analysis. | ||||
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
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
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | 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.
2000: 1 complaints · 2002: 8 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2002 | 1 | 3 | 8 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2002 | 16 | 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 |
|---|
| No usable records for this analysis. |
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.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.