1991 Mercury Topaz: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 40 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (25% 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 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2003
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2001
“Vehicle would stall in traffic after stopping. Normally in the middle of an intersection. Thermostat was binding, causing it to stall. Dealer's diagnostic machine wasn't reading what problem could have been. *ak *slc”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2000
Show 7 more owner reports
“Vehicle caught fire due to defective ignition switch. A recall has been issued on the vehicle's make/model. However, the consumer was not notified prior to the fire. Dealer has refused to reimburse for or replace car. *ak *ml”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2000
“Seat belt latch would get stuck in the buckle, once released, the belts may or maynot reconnect. After awhile the belts do not connect at all/ become inoperative. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 1999
“Whenever driving front of the vehicle is pulling to the left.consumer had the vehicle in the shop twice, and dealer can't determine the problem. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 1998
“Had just started vehicle & left it parked & running. Left for a moment. After returning, noticed flames around the edges of the hood. Called fire department. They put flames out & informed owner it was electrical wiring & harness. Vehicle was totaled. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 1998
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 1996
“Failure of the rear brake adjuster, the rear brake adjusters fell out of position, resulting in rear brake failure, pe96-005. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 1996
“While parked over night, quoted by fire marshall "vehicle started" then began smoking until fire ignited. Now classified as totaled. Please describe details.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 1995
Recalls - 1 campaign
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 1991 Mercury Topaz reliable?
NHTSA has 40 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1991 Mercury Topaz. The most complained-about area is electrical system (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Mercury Topaz problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 25,000 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Mercury Topaz have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition. 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.