1988 MERCURY TOPAZ
2 recalls, 28 complaints - 33 TSBs
96V071000 Apr 25, 1996
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Defect Description
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
88V024000 Mar 1, 1988
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Defect Description
TWO ATTACHMENT SCREWS FOR THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS COULD LOOSEN AND BACK OUT.
Consequence
IF BOTH SCREWS COME OUT, SENSORS COULD DISENGAGE FROMTHE THROTTLE SHAFT, PREVENTING RETURN OF THE THROTTLE FROM MID POSITION.
Remedy
REPLACE ATTACHMENT SCREWS WITH SCREWS WITH PRE APPLIED ADHESIVE THAT WILL BE TIGHTENED TO A HIGHER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.
Complaint Statistics
28 total complaints
1 crashes 5 fires 1 injuries 1 deaths
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| SEAT BELTS | 4 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH | 3 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE | 3 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 2 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 1 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR | 1 |
| SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | 1 |
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: Mar 15, 2003
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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: Mar 15, 2003
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.
SEAT BELTS
Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: Mar 15, 2003
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.
STEERING
Apr 22, 2004
Incident date: Mar 15, 2003
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Apr 26, 2003
Incident date: Nov 17, 2001
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 W... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
Apr 10, 2003
Incident date: Apr 10, 2003
IN THE CASE OF THE DEFECTIVE FORD IGNITION MODULES( HOWARD VS FORD), ALL THE CLAIMS THAT I SENT IN WERE REJECTED BY FORD. THEY SEEM TO BE USING THE "JUMP THROUGH THE HOOP TACTIC" IS THIS HOW ONE OF THE MOST DEFECTIVE AUTOMOTIVE PART RECALL BE HANDLED? IN MY CASE THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL CRASH D... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Jan 9, 2003
Incident date: Oct 10, 2002
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
May 14, 2002
VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE TFI MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE, CONSUMER FEELS THAT SHE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED SINCE THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST FORD IN CA REGARDING THIS EXACT PROBLEM. *SLC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
Feb 7, 2002
VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE TFI MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE, CONSUMER FEELS THAT SHE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED SINCE THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST FORD IN CA REGARDING THIS EXACT PROBLEM. *SLC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Jan 25, 2001
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN APPLYING GAS PEDAL INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. IT IS WORSE IN WINTER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Apr 14, 1999
Incident date: Jan 26, 1998
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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Feb 25, 1999
Incident date: Jan 25, 1999
INTERMITTENTLY THE VEHICLE WILL NOT GO ABOVE 20 MPH.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Oct 22, 1997
Incident date: Oct 15, 1997
HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY LENS DETERIORATED, DIRTY/CONTAMINDATED, IMPAIRS DRIVERS VISION WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, ACCORDING TO DEALER THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED REPLACING. *AK *JB
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Sep 23, 1997
Incident date: Sep 23, 1997
THE RESTRAINT RELEASE ON THE VEHICLE DOES NOT RELEASE THE BELT WHEN PUSHED . THE OWNER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A INDEPENDENT DEALER, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME OF THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM IS BENT. THE DEALER TOLD OWNER THAT AFTER THREE YEARS THERE WAS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE WITHOUT CHARGING THE OWN... Read more
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Nov 6, 1996
Incident date: Jul 1, 1996
POWER STEERING FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT/DEATH.
Crash
Fire
1 deaths
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Sep 9, 1996
Incident date: Jul 1, 1996
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILS TO STAY LATCHED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
Jul 18, 1996
BRAKES WEAR OUT AT 12,000 TO 15,000. PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Jun 19, 1996
Incident date: Apr 1, 1993
PLASTIC HEAD LAMP LENSES BECOME OPAGUE DUE TO SUNLIGHT, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. *SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Jun 19, 1996
Incident date: Dec 10, 1995
WIRING HARNESS UNDER HOOD SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE. *DH
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Jun 19, 1996
Incident date: Jul 5, 1995
IGNITION SWITCH SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE. *DH
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
May 2, 1996
Incident date: May 30, 1995
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY,IGNITION SWITCH CAUGHT AND STEERING COLUMN. *AK
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
May 2, 1996
Incident date: May 30, 1995
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY,IGNITION SWITCH CAUGHT AND STEERING COLUMN. *AK
Fire
SEAT BELTS
Mar 12, 1996
THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER SEAT BELT BROKE AND HAS TO BE REPLACED A SECOND TIME. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEAT BELTS
Mar 12, 1996
THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER SEAT BELT BROKE AND HAS TO BE REPLACED A SECOND TIME. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEAT BELTS
Mar 12, 1996
THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER SEAT BELT BROKE AND HAS TO BE REPLACED A SECOND TIME. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
Jul 6, 1995
Incident date: Mar 23, 1995
PROBLEM WITH POWER SEAT CONTROL SWITCH CAUSED INJURY DURING ACCIDENT. *AW
1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Jun 5, 1995
Incident date: Jan 1, 1994
DRIVERS SIDE LAP/SHOULDER BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. TT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
May 5, 1995
Incident date: May 1, 1988
WHILE DRIVING IN DRIVE GEAR, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION JUMP IN REVERSE GEAR, ADJUST SHIFT MODULE. TT
EPA Fuel Economy, 1988 MERCURY TOPAZ
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 18.0 | 26.0 | 21.0 | Regular | $2,950 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 19.0 | 24.0 | 21.0 | Regular | $2,950 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 21.0 | 29.0 | 24.0 | Regular | $2,550 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1988 MERCURY TOPAZ
33 manufacturer communications from 31 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 6 |
| 034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC | 3 |
| 061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 3 |
| 357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER | 2 |
| 136200 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR | 2 |
| 114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING | 2 |
| 103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER | 2 |
| 138800 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR | 1 |
01157
Aug 6, 2001
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
01156
Aug 6, 2001
138600 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC
0015
Jan 10, 2000
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS
99222
Oct 18, 1999
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT
99196
Sep 20, 1999
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT
99152
Jul 26, 1999
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT
98246
Dec 7, 1998
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC
9874
Apr 13, 1998
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC
9852
Apr 13, 1998
190000 TIRES
INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC
9864
Mar 30, 1998
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT
985A13
Mar 18, 1998
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE. *YC
985A12
Mar 18, 1998
354600 EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:WRECKER AND WHEEL LIFT DEVICES
RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR TOWING BEHIND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES. *TT
9848
Mar 2, 1998
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
ANNOUNCING THE FORD OEM AIR CONDITIONING RETROFIT KIT AVAILABILITY. *YC
9832
Feb 16, 1998
162200 STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS MADE OF XENOY PLASTIC HAVE HAD THE CONDUCTIVE PRIMER REMOVED FROM SERVICE PARTS. *YC
97111097234
Nov 10, 1997
113000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
VEHICLES EXHIBITING A "SQUEAKING" OR "CHIRPING" FROM THE BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW BLOWER MOTOR SPEEDS. *YC
97610
Mar 17, 1997
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BLOWER MOTOR- "CHIRPING" OR "SQUEAKING" FROM BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW SPEEDS. *JD
97511
Mar 3, 1997
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD
BC3143970220
Feb 20, 1997
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
REAR ENGINE MOUNT CONCERNS. *TW
962612
Dec 16, 1996
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
TRANSAXLE - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES AND TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSAXLE COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW
96249
Nov 18, 1996
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
TORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW
96246
Nov 18, 1996
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
WIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *TW
96221
Oct 21, 1996
131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
WINDSHIELD AND INTERIOR GLASS - FOG/FILM. *TW
95212
Oct 1, 1995
036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE BECAUSE IT MAY BE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE RUBBER MATERIAL USED IN THE DISC BRAKE SYSTEM. IF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE IS USED TO LUBRICATE ANY PAR
BC2471950503
May 1, 1995
138800 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
BLOWER MOTOR CHIRP OR SQUEAK FROM BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW SPEEDS. *TW
9582
Apr 1, 1995
136200 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
A REVISED SERVICE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR IS NOW AVAILABLE. *TW
9582
Apr 1, 1995
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
A REVISED SERVICE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR IS NOW AVAILABLE. *TW
9562
Mar 1, 1995
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
ROUGHNESS CONCERN DURING BRAKE APPLICATION. *TW
9562
Mar 1, 1995
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
UNKNOWN
9546
Feb 1, 1995
136200 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT - UPGRADED SERVICE KITS. *TW
9515
Jan 1, 1995
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
DELAYED AND/OR INTERMITTENT NO UPSHIFT OF 1-2 GEAR. *TW
BC8774941201
Dec 1, 1994
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
NEW REVISED CLUTCH SEALS TO CORRECT A NO REVERSE IN EXTREME COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS. *TW
BC0391941201
Dec 1, 1994
180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE TV PLUNGER VALVE POSITION MAY BE INCORRECT CAUSING VEHICLES TO HAVE AN INTERMITTENT NO 1-2 UPSHIFT PROBLEM OR COLD/HARD ACCELERATOR PEDAL EFFORT. *TW
94248
Nov 1, 1994
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT THE LACK OF REVERSE IN EXTREME COLD CONDITIONS. *TW
MERCURY TOPAZ - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the MERCURY TOPAZ across all model years (1984, 1994).
23
Total Recalls
581
Total Complaints
0
Investigations
27
Reported Crashes
59
Reported Fires
2
Reported Deaths
MERCURY TOPAZ - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.