1989 Mercury Topaz problems

Common 1989 Mercury Topaz problems

The Mercury Topaz, produced from 1984 to 1994, faced several common problems that car owners frequently reported. One of the most common issues was the engine cranking but not starting due to a lack of fuel pressure. This problem was often caused by a faulty fuel pump, fuel filter, or fuel pressure regulator, which could prevent the car from starting or cause it to stall while driving.

Another common problem with the Mercury Topaz was weak suspension, which could lead to poor handling and reduced stability, especially during emergency braking situations. This issue was highlighted in a story where the driver of a Topaz executed a successful brake-release-and-steer maneuver to avoid a collision, demonstrating the car's ability to respond well under pressure despite its reputation for poor handling.

The Topaz was also known for its cheap and cheerful construction, which often resulted in various components failing or wearing out prematurely. For example, the blend control door in the heater could break, requiring a whole weekend to replace the heater box. The seats were prone to developing reverse lumbar support, which made them uncomfortable to sit in for extended periods without pillows. Additionally, the headlights could become clouded, posing a safety hazard when driving at night.

The car's transmission was another source of frustration for many owners. The automatic transmission was often criticized for being slow and unresponsive, while the manual transmission was criticized for its notchy and imprecise shifter. The car's engine was also criticized for being coarse and underpowered, particularly when compared to competitors in its class.

The Mercury Topaz was also known for its poor build quality and reliability, with many owners reporting numerous issues and breakdowns over the car's lifetime. For example, the car's muffler was prone to rusting out and falling off, while the brakes were known to squeal like a freight train.

In summary, the Mercury Topaz was a car plagued by various common problems, including engine cranking but not starting, weak suspension, cheap and cheerful construction, poor transmission performance, and poor build quality and reliability. These issues often led to frustration and dissatisfaction among owners, with many reporting numerous breakdowns and repairs over the car's lifetime.

1989 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
• Seat belts problems
• Vehicle speed control problems
• Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Mercury Topaz vehicle components and the number of complaints received.