1991 Mercury Capri problems
Capri (later Mercury Capri) is a nameplate marketed by the Lincoln-Mercury division of Ford Motor Company over three generations between 1970 and 1994.
From 1970 to 1978, the Capri was a sport compact marketed in North America by the Lincoln-Mercury division without any Ford or Mercury divisional branding; it was a captive import, manufactured by Ford of Europe and sold simply as the Capri. From 1979 to 1986, the second generation Capri became part of the Mercury model line as a U.S. built pony car. From 1991 to 1994, the third generation Mercury Capri was a roadster manufactured by Ford Australia and marketed outside North America as the Ford Capri.
In North America, the first and third generations of the Capri were marketed without a direct Ford-brand counterpart but were sold in other markets under the Ford brand.
Social links
Common 1991 Mercury Capri problems
The Mercury Capri, produced in 1991, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners.
Another common issue is the Inside Door Pull Handle Breaking. This problem is caused by the door pull handle, which is made of plastic, breaking due to wear and tear or misuse. This can make it difficult or impossible to open the door from the inside, which can be a safety hazard in an emergency.
The third common problem with the Mercury Capri is Water Leaks from the Convertible Top. This problem is caused by the convertible top not being properly sealed or the seals becoming worn or damaged. This can lead to water leaking into the car, which can damage the interior and cause discomfort for the occupants.
In addition to these common problems, the Mercury Capri has also been reported to have issues with the charging system, specifically with the alternator and voltage regulator. These issues can cause the alternator to stop charging, which can lead to a range of problems, including dim headlights, sluggish wipers, and difficulty starting the car. These issues can be caused by a range of factors, including corroded wires, poor connections, and internal faults with the alternator or voltage regulator.
To address these common problems, it is recommended that Mercury Capri owners regularly inspect and maintain their cars, including checking the battery and alternator connections, replacing worn or damaged seals, and addressing any issues with the charging system as soon as they arise. It is also recommended that Mercury Capri owners consult with a qualified mechanic or dealership for any repairs or maintenance, as these can be complex and require specialized knowledge and equipment.
What is the top speed of the 1991 Mercury Capri?
The small, front-wheel-drive roadster could be had in two flavors in 1991: a $12,588, naturally-aspirated base model and a $15,522, turbocharged XR2 model. The more powerful XR2 we tested boasted 132 hp and ran from 0-to-60 in 7.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 126 mph.
Where was the 1991 Mercury Capri made?
From 1991 to 1994, the third generation Mercury Capri was a roadster manufactured by Ford Australia and marketed outside North America as the Ford Capri.
Is a Mercury Capri a Foxbody?
The second generation Capri was a slightly reworked and rebadged third Generation Mustang at its essence. With production starting in 1979, it served as a companion and cousin to the four-eye Fox Body Mustang until 1986. From there, the Fox Body received a refresh while the Mercury Capri was discontinued.
Is a Mercury Capri a Miata?
Based on a Mazda platform, it was a cousin to the iconic Miata, but pretty significantly not a Miata.
How much horsepower does a 1991 Mercury Capri have?
Used 1991 Mercury Capri - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine size | 1.6 L |
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 100 hp @ 5,750 rpm |
What happened to the Mercury Capri?
From 1979 to 1986, the second generation Capri became part of the Mercury model line as a U.S. built pony car. From 1991 to 1994, the third generation Mercury Capri was a roadster manufactured by Ford Australia and marketed outside North America as the Ford Capri.
Where is the starter on a 1991 Mercury Capri?
The starter is located on the bottom of the engine, towards the rear, at the point where the engine and transmission meet. If you start at the battery and follow the + battery cable, it will lead you directly to the starter.
What is the top speed of the 1991 Mercury Capri XR2?
But a 4-speed overdrive automatic is optional the engine is not as smooth or quiet has some fours on the market. But it's not obtrusive either. And the XR 2 is pretty sprightly.
1991 Mercury Capri car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercury Capri problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Mercury Capri vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1991 Mercury Capri
The NHTSA has received 40 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Mercury Capri. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1991 Mercury Capri vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-15
- VIN: 6MPCT01Z9M8
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-15
- VIN: 6MPCT01Z6M8
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-21
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 6MPCT01Z8M8
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER'S SON DROVE AND WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-15
- VIN: 6MPCT01Z4M8
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-24
- VIN: 6MPTC0360M8
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 6MPCT01ZXM8
- Components: POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD 4 TRANSMISSIONS REPLACED SINCE 1996. CAUSE OF PREMATURE FAILURE IS UNKNOWN. ALSO, AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-01
- VIN: 6MPCT01Z5M8
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CRANKSHAFT TWISTS THE CRANK KEY CAUSING MAJOR ENGINE DAMAGE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-27
- VIN: 6MPCT01Z0M8
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 6MPCT01Z5M8
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC NO PARTS AVAILABLE FOR NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH. THE PART WAS DISCONTINUED BY MANUFACTURER. THE SWITCH IS USED TO PUT VEHICLE IN EITHER PARK, NEUTRAL OR DRIVE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE HAS HAD THREE BATTERS AND FAN BELTS, WITH THE LAST BELT FAILING 300 MILES AFTER INSTALLATION. OWNER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF RECALL FOR REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE ALTERNATOR PULLEY AND BELT THAT CAUSES SLIPPAGE, AND BELT AND BATTERY FAILURE.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-15
- VIN: 6MPCT01Z6M8
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: BOTH WINDOW REGULATORS BROKE SEVERAL WEEKS.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-02
- VIN: 6MPCT0364M8
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 6MPCTO1Z1M8
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: UNSPECIFIED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-01
- VIN: 6MPCT01Z8M8
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANS AXLE FAILED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-30
- VIN: 1MPCT0121M8
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-13
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-02
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 6MPCT0124M8
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ON THE FIRST OCCASION CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE TRANSMISSION OIL LEAKED OUT OF THE CAR AND THE SECOND TIME CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE, NO ONE WAS HURT . PLEASE DESCRIBE .*AK CONSUMER STATES EACH TIME THE SAME AREA HAS BEEN AFFECTED; OIL HOSE TO COOLER IN FRONT OF ENGINE. *SLC
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-30
- VIN: 6MPCT01Z8M8
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-09
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 6MPCT0360M8
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE. *AW
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-11
- VIN: 6MPCT0367M8
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION SHIFTER FELL THROUGH VEHICLE FLOOR ROD/SHIFT ROD REPLACED. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-11
- VIN: 6MPCT0367M8
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: SEPARATION OF HOOD FROM HOOD FRAMING, CAUSING RATTLING NOISE. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-26
- VIN: 6MPCT0367M8
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS ENGAGED IT GETS STUCK AND KEEPS ACCELERATING. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE REAR WINDOW IS FOGGED. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 6MPCT01Z8M8
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE CONVERTIBLE TOP REAR WINDOW IS FOGGING CAN'T SEE CONSUMER SAID THERE IS A RECALL ON THE SIDE OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP IS COMING APART CAN'T FIND RECALL . TT
1991 Mercury Capri recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1991 Mercury Capri.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIR BAG MODULES DO NOT MEET THE FORD SPECIFICATIONS FOR HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE PERFORMANCE.
- Consequence: AT HIGH AMBIENT INTERIOR VEHICLE TEMPERATURES ABOVE140 DEGREES, THE AIR BAG MAY TEAR AND MALFUNCTION UPON DEPLOYMENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE AIR BAG MODULES WITH MODULES THAT MEET SPECIFICATIONS.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
- Summary: THE RUBBER TUBE THAT CONNECTS THE TRANSMISSION TO THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER (IN THE RADIATOR) MAY DISCONNECT CAUSING DISCHARGE OF FLUID.
- Consequence: DISCHARGED TRANSMISSION FLUID MAY STRIKE THE EXHAUSTMANIFOLD OR THE EXHAUST PIPE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: INSTALL REVISED LINE AND CLAMPS TO IMPROVE LINE RETENTION TO THE TRANSMISSION.
Negative 1991 Mercury Capri car reviews
Positive 1991 Mercury Capri car reviews
-
This is such a fun little car to drive with lots of pep! The Mazda engine performs great. I've driven this car for 30,000 miles over the past couple of years and haven't had any major issues, just some minor interior trim pieces that broke. Overall, it's a great car for the money!
-
I loved my Capri! If I ever win the lottery, I will definitely buy another one. However, it can be quite expensive to maintain. I only had mine for 3 years, but the value dropped significantly, and it spent more time in the shop for the transmission than I did driving it. On top of that, it was so limited that the parts are hard to find. But I sure do miss all the good times!
-
I bought this car for only a couple hundred dollars and everywhere I go people love it! I'm planning to do a complete restoration of this car to factory condition since it's in great shape and well worth the investment!
-
I absolutely adore my car! Despite the stripped gears in one of the headlights, which is a common issue with Mercury Capri convertibles like this one, and the lack of interior lighting, it's perfect for me (although not so much for my late husband who was very tall). Even though I currently have too many cars, I simply can't bring myself to part with this one.
-
I have thoroughly enjoyed owning this fantastic little red car. It has been a reliable and trouble-free vehicle, perfect for local runabouts, and an absolute joy to drive. While it is difficult to part with such a great friend, I am confident that it will bring the same level of enjoyment to its next owner. With all the SUVs and trucks on the road, I have decided to pass on this wonderful auto to someone who will appreciate it as much as I have.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Mercury Capri problems:
1991 Mercury Capri Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Problem with your 1991 Mercury Capri? Our list of 3 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1991 Mercury Capri.
1991 Mercury Capri Reviews - Carsurvey.org
May 15, 2010 ... Faults: Alternator, drive axles, normal wear and tear. General Comments: I had this car for 8 years now.
1991 Mercury Capri never ending alternator problems ...
Jan 10, 2016 ... The problem is resistance through a poor connection changes with the load carried. The wires have crimped or soldered connections at the ends of ...
Please help with belt problems 91 XR2
Jun 21, 2017 ... Please help with belt problems 91 XR2. ... 1991 Mercury Capri xr2, 1994 Wrangler, 1994 Saab ... Belt squeal seams to be a common problem on ...
Q&A: Common Problems with Mercury Force 120 Outboard Motor
Jun 26, 2021 ... I have a 1995 Bayliner Capri with a Mercury Force 120 outboard. When I put it in the water it runs great for like 5-10 - Answered by a ...
Other years of Mercury Capri
Are you having problems with your 1991 Mercury Capri?
Ole Berge 2024-10-04
I inherited my XR2 from my dad, who bought it new in '91 upon retirement. It has less than 12K miles on it! He recently replaced the top, but the driver's headlight doesn't pop-up, the door locks are questionable, and the interior quality control is sorely lacking. However, it's in great shape overall. It's really fun to drive, but there is considerable turbo lag and front-wheel drive, so it tends to oversteer. Installing wider, stickier tires and a strut brace will help. It looks nice with the top down, but the tiny wheels and skinny tires give it a dorky appearance. I'm currently looking for 15-inch, 7-spoke rims from '94s. I also have a '94 Mazda RX7, which is a real sports car! The XR2 is more of a sporty econobox with a soft top. Surprisingly, it's comfortable, roomy, and has a good ride. The drop top is easy to use, and the trunk is large for a small car. It also gets awesome gas mileage at 30+ mpg on the highway, although the brakes are a bit spongy.
Einar Runolfsson 2024-07-29
This car has been a bit of a challenge for me. Although it's fun to drive, it has required frequent trips to the shop. I would advise against purchasing one of these. Thank you for considering my experience.