1982 Mercury Zephyr problems
The Ford Fairmont is a model line of compact cars that was manufactured by Ford from the 1978 to 1983 model years. The successor of the Ford Maverick, the Fairmont marked the third generation of compact sedans sold by Ford in North America. Initially slotted between the Pinto and Granada within the Ford line, the Fairmont was later marketed between the Ford Escort and Ford LTD. In contrast to its predecessor (only offered as a two-door or four-door sedan), the model line was offered as a two-door notchback sedan, two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and five-door station wagon. Though never sold as a Lincoln, Mercury sold a divisional counterpart of the Fairmont as the Mercury Zephyr.
The inaugural model lines of the rear-wheel drive Ford Fox platform (which served to replace models based on the Ford Falcon), the Fairmont and Zephyr shared underpinnings with twelve additional model lines for Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln. Though the Fairmont itself was produced for only six model years, the Fox platform would live on for another two decades, underpinning vehicles (in updated form) through the 2004 model year.
Through its production, Ford produced the Fairmont at numerous facilities across North America. On November 15, 1977, a Fairmont (a 1978 Fairmont Futura coupe) became the 100 millionth vehicle assembled by Ford Motor Company. For 1984, the model line was replaced with the front-wheel drive Ford Tempo.
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Common 1982 Mercury Zephyr problems
The 1982 Mercury Zephyr has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most significant issues is related to the engine, specifically the 2.3-liter inline-four engine, which was used in many Ford and Mercury vehicles of the time. This engine was known for its poor performance and issues with emissions controls, which often led to the car running poorly from the moment it was driven off the dealership lot. Despite numerous attempts by dealers to rectify the issue, many owners found that the problems persisted, and they simply had to live with the poor performance.
Another common issue with the 1982 Mercury Zephyr is related to rust and corrosion, particularly in areas where the car was exposed to road salt and other harsh conditions. This was a common problem with many American cars of the time, and the Zephyr was no exception. Rust was often found in the wheel wells, rocker panels, and other areas where water and road salt could accumulate. This could lead to significant structural damage over time, making the car unsafe to drive.
The interior of the 1982 Mercury Zephyr has also been reported to have several issues, particularly with the quality of the fit and finish. Some owners have reported that the interior materials were of poor quality and that the fit and finish of the interior components were not up to par. This could lead to rattles, squeaks, and other issues that could detract from the overall driving experience.
Despite these issues, the 1982 Mercury Zephyr has its fans, particularly among those who appreciate the car's clean, conservative styling and spacious interior. The car was known for its roomy interior and large trunk, making it a popular choice for families and those who needed a reliable daily driver. However, for those who are considering purchasing a 1982 Mercury Zephyr, it is important to be aware of these common issues and to budget accordingly for any necessary repairs or maintenance.
Was the Mercury Zephyr a good car?
It wasn't perfect – there's that rear seat trim issue, and the radio had some static, but overall this review describes a small car with a novel, unique design that allowed for a surprising amount of room, all with a rattle-free driving experience, unlike some other cars I could mention.
How many miles per gallon does a Mercury Zephyr get?
Mercury Zephyr is energy engineered for mileage and space to provide excellent mileage and good interior roominess. EPA ratings show Zephyr at 33 miles per gallon highway and 23 city (see chart), and with more. inside space than a Rolls Royce.
What years was the Mercury Zephyr made?
| Ford Fairmont | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Also called | Mercury Zephyr Ford Elite II (Mexico) Ford Zephyr (Venezuela) Ford Futura (Venezuela) |
| Production | 1977–1983 |
| Model years | 1978–1983 |
How much horsepower does a 1978 Mercury Zephyr have?
Zephyr buyers could choose between a 2.3-liter straight-four, a 3.3-liter straight-six, and a 5.0-liter V8, rated at 88, 85, and 134 horsepower, respectively (the six offered 154 lb-ft of torque versus the Pinto four's 118, so it wasn't quite as miserable a choice as the lackluster horsepower number suggests).
Was the Mercury Zephyr a good car?
It wasn't perfect – there's that rear seat trim issue, and the radio had some static, but overall this review describes a small car with a novel, unique design that allowed for a surprising amount of room, all with a rattle-free driving experience, unlike some other cars I could mention.
What years was the Mercury Zephyr made?
| Ford Fairmont | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Also called | Mercury Zephyr Ford Elite II (Mexico) Ford Zephyr (Venezuela) Ford Futura (Venezuela) |
| Production | 1977–1983 |
| Model years | 1978–1983 |
How much horsepower does a 1978 Mercury Zephyr have?
Zephyr buyers could choose between a 2.3-liter straight-four, a 3.3-liter straight-six, and a 5.0-liter V8, rated at 88, 85, and 134 horsepower, respectively (the six offered 154 lb-ft of torque versus the Pinto four's 118, so it wasn't quite as miserable a choice as the lackluster horsepower number suggests).
Was Mercury nicer than Ford?
What is the difference between a Ford and a Mercury? Most Mercury models were higher trim, than Ford models, but lower trim, than Lincoln. Mercury had more standard features, than Ford and was priced higher than Ford, but less than Lincoln.
1982 Mercury Zephyr car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercury Zephyr problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1982 Mercury Zephyr vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1982 Mercury Zephyr complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1982 Mercury Zephyr.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-04-09
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ASK FOR STATION 52. SHAVINGS LEFT IN TRANSMISSION GEARS VEHICLE LOSSES POWER DUE TO POOR DESIGN. TT
1982 Mercury Zephyr recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1982 Mercury Zephyr.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: THE PARK LEVER ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES CONTAINS A DEFECTIVE SPRING WHICH COULD PREVENT AUTOMATIC ENGAGEMENT OF THE PARKING GEAR.
- Remedy: THE PARK ACTUATING LEVER ROD SPRING WILL BE REPLACED WITH AN UPGRADED SPRING WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1982 Mercury Zephyr problems:
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