1986 Mercury Topaz problems

Common 1986 Mercury Topaz problems

The Mercury Topaz, produced from 1984 to 1994, was a compact car that shared its platform with the Ford Tempo. While the Topaz was praised for its modern styling and comfortable ride, it was not without its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the 1986 Mercury Topaz, based on complaints from owners:

• Electrical system problems: The 1986 Topaz also had issues with its electrical system, particularly with the wiring harness in the engine compartment. Waterproof butt splice connectors were recommended to prevent corrosion and ensure proper electrical connections.

• Aluminum wheel air leaks: The 1986 Topaz was equipped with aluminum wheels that were prone to porosity, leading to air leaks. A new hotmelt sealant was developed to correct the issue, but it required replacement of the affected wheels.

• Ignition system problems: The 1986 Topaz had issues with its ignition system, particularly with the distributor drive gear. A new tool was developed to assist with servicing the distributor drive gear on the EEC universal distributor.

• Transmission problems: The 1986 Topaz was known to have issues with its transmission, particularly with the manual transmission shift lever. Vibration and rattling between 2800 and 3200 engine RPM were common complaints, requiring replacement of the transmission extension housing and vibration absorber.

• Tire vibration and steering wheel nibble: The 1986 Topaz was prone to tire vibration and steering wheel nibble, caused by incorrect tire pressure, imbalance, or radial and lateral runout. Installing a new steering-gear preload spring on 1985 vehicles and performing a steering wheel nibble and shimmy diagnosis was recommended to correct the issue.

• Fuel system problems: The 1986 Topaz was known to have issues with its fuel system, particularly with the turbocharger. Stalling and failure to idle below 2000 RPM were common complaints, requiring replacement of the turbocharger.

In summary, the 1986 Mercury Topaz had several common problems, including engine cooling system issues, electrical system problems, aluminum wheel air leaks, ignition system problems, transmission problems, tire vibration and steering wheel nibble, and fuel system problems. While these issues were not uncommon for cars of this era, they could lead to costly repairs and decreased reliability. It is important for owners of the 1986 Topaz to be aware of these potential issues and address them promptly to ensure the longevity and safety of their vehicle.

1986 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:

• Electrical system problems
• Engine and engine cooling problems
• Service brakes problems
• Hydraulic problems
• Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Mercury Topaz vehicle components and the number of complaints received.