1991 Mercury Capri: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 30 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (21% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 1992
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Driving, then coming to a stop or slowing down, when suddenly the engine stops running, and will not re-start. At first it restarted after about 4 hours. Next when it had happened it did not restart until overnight rest. The it started right up and ran for several days when the same thing had happened again. This started the summer of 2007, about a month after the four year extended warranty from the reselling dealer expired. Changed out the "ignition control module," napa replacement part #tp175. But after a couple weeks the same problem started to happen again. Engine will not shut off while idling for hours at a time. Only when driven and come to a stop, always restarts hours later! *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2007
“Vehicle collided head-on with a pole traveling approximately 60mph. Consumer states that driver's front air bag "exploded", cracking the front windshield, and causing injury to driver's head, chin, and neck.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2003
“Consumer's son drove and was involved in a head-on collision, and air bags did not deploy. Consumer was slightly injured. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“I have taken car off road. Two ford dealers and two independent service providers have told me unless it stalls while they have it they can not fix it- it is a sensor or something which doesn't show on the computer code self check scan. The car is worthless as I never know when it will stall and for how long I will sit and wait until it starts again.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2001
“The pulley end of crankshaft broke off on the inside lane of the south bound side of ih 35 at moore, ok. The end of the shaft and the pulley spun across the north bound side of I-35 between cars. No one was injured as the cars were able to avoid hitting the spinning disc. However, this could have cause a deadly crash on a major highway. Very few models of the car were sold in the us. Therefore parts are not readily available. I have not repaired the auto and am considering salvaging it out so that no one gets hurt with it. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2000
“While vehicle was in for service dealer noticed a rip in convertible top. Consumer stated there was a small rip in left back corner of convertible top. *ak”Owner report · Structure · May 2000
“Smelled gasoline and noticed a puddle of gasoline under vehicle. At that time the vehicle was taken in for service, and the dealer informed owner that a new fuel tank was needed because of rusting towards the top of fuel tank which caused the fuel to leak. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 1998
“Tranmission cannot go over 45 mph. Went it's cold vehicle will not work properly, lost forth gear, losing thrid gear. Consumer is in fear that tranmission will completley die out. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 1997
“The driver's side air bag did not deploy after hitting a deer at 55mph and now the air bag light continues to blink on and off. Please describe details. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 1997
“While driving on highway, stepped on gas pedal, felt as if in neutral, checked, still in over drive, engine still running making high pitch noise, coasted off highway, shifted to park, no other gears worked *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 1996
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THE AIR BAG MODULES DO NOT MEET THE FORD SPECIFICATIONS FOR HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE PERFORMANCE.
Remedy: REPLACE THE AIR BAG MODULES WITH MODULES THAT MEET SPECIFICATIONS.
THE RUBBER TUBE THAT CONNECTS THE TRANSMISSION TO THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER (IN THE RADIATOR) MAY DISCONNECT CAUSING DISCHARGE OF FLUID.
Remedy: INSTALL REVISED LINE AND CLAMPS TO IMPROVE LINE RETENTION TO THE TRANSMISSION.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1991 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Check your exact Capri by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 Mercury Capri reliable?
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Mercury Capri. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (21% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Mercury Capri problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 29,150 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Mercury Capri have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.