1990 Mercury Topaz: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 48 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (42% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 1996
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Vehicle stalled 7 times at various speeds. Vehicle was taken to dealer 5 times, ignition module was replaced twice, multi-function switch once ,and starter once.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2001
“Vehicle caught on fire. Fire started in the steering column. Vehicle experienced the same problem as manufacturer's recall 7774/ignition switch. Ford advised consumer that this vehicle was not part of the recall. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2000
“Brother had driven the car to get it washed. Then drove to a restuarant, and the car started smoking and caught on fire. Called fire department to extinguish the fire. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 1999
Show 7 more owner reports
“The altenator connecting wires get hot, and they have a tendency to melt and catch on fire. Dealer has been contacted.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 1998
“Whenever engine I s cold, te accelerator pedal gets stuck. Needs to press very hard to get it to catch. Took to dealer & mechanic could not locate problem. At best it's frequent and intermittent. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 1998
“Fuel tank: the fuel tank has corroded and gas is leaking. Took vehicle in for repairs. Fordstated that they can't do anything because there is no recall on the gas tank. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 1997
“Whenever engine is cold accelerator pedal gets stuck. Needs to press very hard in order for it to catch. Took to dealer & mechanic could not find the problem which occurs frequently, but intermittently. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 1997
“Driver's side seat belt wil not retract, had that one fixed, now the passerger's side seat belt will not retract. When trying to retract the seat belt will not pull over the occupant. (under investigation ea 90 008). *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Sep 1996
“After parked 30-40 minutes, vehicle caught fire w/cause unknown by fire dept portage county in kent wa., please describe details. Tt”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 1996
“Applied brakes, heard noise in rear as if something was loose; feel of brakes pulling; owner will provide more details. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 1995
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
THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.
Remedy: REPLACE AIR BAG MODULES CONTAINING POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE INFLATORS.
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
How other years compare
Check your exact Topaz 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 1990 Mercury Topaz reliable?
NHTSA has 48 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Mercury Topaz. The most complained-about area is electrical system (42% of complaints).
Does the 1990 Mercury Topaz have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal. 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.