1985 Mercury Topaz problems

Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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Common 1985 Mercury Topaz problems

The Mercury Topaz, produced from 1984 to 1994, was a car that had its fair share of issues, particularly in the 1985 model year. Here are some of the common problems reported by owners of the 1985 Mercury Topaz:

Instrument Panel and Cluster Replacement: The 1985 Mercury Topaz had issues with the instrument panel and cluster, requiring replacement. The new service labor time standard operations for replacing the instrument cluster panel were updated in 1985 for the Topaz, along with other Mercury models.

Accelerator Cable and Throttle Linkages: Performance issues, such as poor acceleration and limited pedal travel, were reported in 1985 Mercury Topaz models with manual transmissions. These problems were caused by incorrect accelerator cable length and/or heat insulation pads added incorrectly to the driver's side floor pan. Replacing the accelerator cable with the correct part and removing the heat insulation pad was the recommended solution.

Parking Brake Vacuum Power Unit: Some 1985 Mercury Topaz models had issues with the parking brake vacuum power unit, requiring replacement. The service labor time standard operations for replacing the parking brake vacuum power unit were updated in 1985 for the Topaz, along with other Mercury models.

Accessory Drive Belt Cracking: The accessory drive belt on the 1985 Mercury Topaz was prone to cracking, requiring replacement. This issue was prevalent in various Mercury models produced between 1983 and 1987, as well as Merkur models produced between 1985 and 1987.

Underhood Wiring: The underhood wiring in the 1985 Mercury Topaz was susceptible to water damage, leading to electrical issues. The use of waterproof butt splice connectors was recommended to prevent these problems.

Aluminum Wheel Air Leaks: Some 1985 Mercury Topaz models experienced air leaks due to porous wheel casting. A new hotmelt sealant was developed to address this issue.

These are some of the common problems reported by owners of the 1985 Mercury Topaz. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the safety and longevity of the vehicle.

1985 Mercury Topaz car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercury Topaz problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems
Electrical system problems
Vehicle speed control problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Mercury Topaz vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Mercury Topaz complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Mercury Topaz.

1996-07-16

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-07-16
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: REAR BRAKE ADJUSTER, CONTINUE TO FAIL, EVERY 6 MONTHS TAKE THE DRUMS OFF TO ADJUST PE96-005 ACTIVE. *AK

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1996-05-20

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-02-07
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: REAR BRAKES FAILED. *SD

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1996-05-08

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
VIN: 1MEBP75X8FK
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: PE96-005, REAR BRAKE ADJUSTING PIN FAILURE, CAUSING THE BRAKE NOT TO ADJUST PROPERLY. *AK CONSUMER STATES REAR BRAKES DO NOT AUTOMATICALLY ADJUST, BRAKES HAVE TO BE MANUALLY ADJUSTED EVERY COUPLE OF MONTHS.*JB

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1995-08-08

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Crash: 1
VIN: 1MEBP75X3FK
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: VEHICLE DIES WHEN STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. EEC PROCESSOR IS BAD. RECALL THAT RELATES, BUT NOT INCLUDED. TT

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1995-03-29

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-03-29
VIN: 1MEBP75X6FK
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: INTERMITTENT SUDDEN ACCELERATION. TT

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1985 Mercury Topaz recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1985 Mercury Topaz.

2007-08-27

Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.

1985-11-05

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
Summary: REAR SUPENSION CONTROL ARM-TO-SPINDLE ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO FRACTURE CAUSING THE REAR SPINDLE TO SEPARATE DURING USE OF CAR. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF BOLTS FRACTURE AND REAR SPINDLE DISENGAGES FROM CONTROL ARM, LOSS OF CONTROL WILL BE EXPERIENCE WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE REAR SUSPENSION BOLTS AS NECESSARY.

1985-10-22

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
Summary: THE UNEXPECTED OPEN THROTTLE CAUSES AN INCREASE IN ENGINE SPEED WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR AND A POTENTIAL CRASH. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL PROCESSOR MAY EXPERIENCE AN INTERMITTENT TIMING PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES IMPROPER EXECUTION ENGINE PERFORMANCE WHICH MAY MAINTAIN OR CAUSE A PARTIALLY OPEN THROTTLE.
Remedy: REPLACE ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL PROCESSOR, IF NECESSARY.

1985-07-03

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
Summary: REAR SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM-TO-SPINDLE ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO FRACTURE DURING USE OF CAR. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF BOLTS FRACTURE, REAR SPINDLE COULD DISENGAGE FROM CONTROL ARM AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL.
Remedy: REPLACE REAR SUSPENSION BOLTS AS NECESSARY.