1988 Mercury Topaz problems
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Common 1988 Mercury Topaz problems
The Mercury Topaz, produced in 1988, is known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. These issues include electrical system problems, transmission problems, and component wear and tear.
- Electrical System Problems
One of the most significant issues reported with the 1988 Mercury Topaz is related to the electrical system, specifically the ignition. This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle. This issue is critical and requires immediate attention from the local Mercury service department if your car is affected.
- Transmission Problems
Transmission problems are another common issue with the 1988 Mercury Topaz. These problems could include shifting delays, grinding when accelerating, the car shaking on the road, or whistling noises and a burning smell coming from under the hood. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended to have your Topaz's transmission system routinely inspected for wear and tear. It is crucial to maintain the transmission fluid in your Topaz, exchanging it regularly with Mercury-approved fluid.
- Component Wear and Tear
The 1988 Mercury Topaz has also been reported to have issues with rear struts and frequent stalling. The rear struts can become bouncy and may require replacement to ensure a smooth ride.
In summary, the 1988 Mercury Topaz has several common problems related to the electrical system, transmission, and component wear and tear. Regular maintenance, including transmission fluid changes and inspections, can help prevent or mitigate these issues. If you suspect any problems with your Topaz, it is recommended to consult with your local Mercury service department or a trusted auto repair shop for further assistance.
1988 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
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Mercury Topaz vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Mercury Topaz complaints
The NHTSA has received 25 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Mercury Topaz.
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-15
- VIN: 1MEPM36X7JK
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-17
- VIN: 2MEPM36X3JB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 WAS FOR THE SUM OF $482.84, MY TOTAL COST FOR THE TOWING AND REPAIRS WAS $559.47. THERE IS NO-ONE THAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REACH AT FORD WHO WILL EVEN ANSWER QUESTIONS RELATIVE THIS SETTLEMENT! *NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-10
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 DUE TO THE IGNITION MODULE FAILING WHILE DRIVING. *NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-10
- VIN: 2MEPM36X2JB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS WHEN I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2MEPM36X3JB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2MEPM36X3JB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1MEPM31X1JK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS WHEN APPLYING GAS PEDAL INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. IT IS WORSE IN WINTER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-26
- VIN: FILL IN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-25
- VIN: 1MEPM3859JK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: INTERMITTENTLY THE VEHICLE WILL NOT GO ABOVE 20 MPH.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-15
- VIN: 1MEPM38S1JK
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-23
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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 OWNER. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2MEPM36X2JB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT/DEATH.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
- VIN: 1MEPM385XJK
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILS TO STAY LATCHED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES WEAR OUT AT 12,000 TO 15,000. PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-05
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2MEPM36X5JB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE. *DH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-30
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MEPM38S0JK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY,IGNITION SWITCH CAUGHT AND STEERING COLUMN. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-30
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MEPM38S0JK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY,IGNITION SWITCH CAUGHT AND STEERING COLUMN. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-04-01
- VIN: 2MEPM36XXJB
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: PLASTIC HEAD LAMP LENSES BECOME OPAGUE DUE TO SUNLIGHT, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. *SD
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER SEAT BELT BROKE AND HAS TO BE REPLACED A SECOND TIME. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER SEAT BELT BROKE AND HAS TO BE REPLACED A SECOND TIME. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER SEAT BELT BROKE AND HAS TO BE REPLACED A SECOND TIME. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MEPM36X2JK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WIRING HARNESS UNDER HOOD SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE. *DH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-01-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVERS SIDE LAP/SHOULDER BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1988-05-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING IN DRIVE GEAR, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION JUMP IN REVERSE GEAR, ADJUST SHIFT MODULE. TT
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-23
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: PROBLEM WITH POWER SEAT CONTROL SWITCH CAUSED INJURY DURING ACCIDENT. *AW
1988 Mercury Topaz recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1988 Mercury Topaz.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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.
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