Mercury Mystique 1997

• Recall 80474 [USA]: The nuts included in the packaging for these ball joint assemblies are missing the intended prevailing torque (self-locking) feature. if the incorrect nut was to become loose, the joining members may loosen leading to a separation of the ball joint. this may result in loss of vehicle control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
  Federal mogul is recalling 6,903 aftermarket ball joint assemblies shipped between november 9, 2007 and march 26, 2008, which may have been packaged with incorrect nuts. The part numbers packaged with incorrect nuts are: k7147, k7329, k8683, and 104353. These parts were made for use on the various vehicles listed above.
  federal mogul will notify owners and replace the parts free of charge. The recall began on may 22, 2008. Owners can contact federal mogul at 877-489-6659.
  this recall only pertains to aftermarket ball joint assemblies and has no relation to any original equipment installed on vehicles manufactured by the vehicle manufacturers.Customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.

• Recall 59389 [USA]: Loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
  Certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain ford, daimlerchrysler, and jeep passenger vehicles. These brake cylinders were sold under the brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. Only products that were manufactured from july 27, 2005 through january 17, 2006 (date codes 0529 through 0602) are subject to this recall. When subject to very cold temperatures, an internal seal in the master cylinder could lose flexibility and may cause brake fluid to leak.
  affinia (brake parts, inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on march 20, 2006. Owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.
  this recall only pertains to aftermarket napa, raybestos, ac delco, aimco, carquest, and bendix brake hydraulic master cylinders and has no relation to any original equipment installed on daimlerchrysler or ford vehicles.Customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.

• Recall 5615 [USA]: This could create the potential for a fire.
  This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: 1995-1997 ford contour and mercury mystique vehicles. The heater blower resistor could overheat causing the attached electrical connector to melt.
  ford will provide additional warranty coverage for the heater blower switch for 10 years from original date of sale of the vehicle or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. Dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness free of charge.
  ford has decided to conduct an extended coverage program to extend the warranty coverage for potential heather blower resistor problems. Owners can contact ford at1-866-436-7332, concerning this program.

• Recall 6247 [USA]: The open circuit could lead to electrical arcing that could melt the connector housing material creasing the potential for a fire.
  On certain my 1996-1998 passenger vehicles built at the kansas city, cuautitlan assembly plants or on my 1999 passenger vehcles built at the automotive alliance international assembly plants, the rough surface of the heater blower resistor's stainless steel blades can damage the copper surface of the wiring harness connector. The damage could, over time, cause increased resistance in the connector and, due to subsequent terminal relaxation, result in an open circuit condition.
  dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness. Owner notification began august 29, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
  ford recall no.01s22.Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

• Recall 7820 [USA]: If both pcrv's malfunction, vehicle handling could be adversely affected during braking as a result of the rear wheels locking, increasing the risk of a crash.
  Vehicle description: passenger vehicles not equipped with the anti-lock braking system (abs). A pressure conscious reducing valve (pcrv) in the rear brakes may be subject to corrosion and result in malfunction, when operated in areas that use salt compounds on the roadway for de-icing or dust control.
  dealers will install improved pcrv's in the rear brake system. This recall was expanded in september 2000 to include 1999 and 2000 ford contour, mercury mystique and cougar vehicles.
  owner notification began april 3, 2000 for the 1996-1998 model vehicles and on october 11, 2000, for the 1999-2000 model vehicles.Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

• Recall 8747 [USA]: The damage could result in distortion of the terminal causing an open circuit in the instrument panel illumination, parking lamp, and tail lamp circuits.
  Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connector can experience heat damage as a result of overheating.
  dealers will install a headlamp switch wiring connector containing bronze terminals and an inspection, and replacement if necessary, of the headlamp switch.
  owner notification began july 16, 1999. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

• Recall 10899 [USA]: This condition can result in incorrect gear selection.
  Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The floor shift automatic transmission control can be damaged if subjected to certain interior cleaning products. The gear position indicator can deteriorate and not correctly indicate the actual gear position.
  dealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control.
  owner notification began november 20, 1998.Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

• Recall 2001195 [Canada]: Powertrain
  Certain passenger vehicles. The rough surface of the heater blower resistor's stainless steel blades can damage the copper surface of the wiring harness connector. The damage could, over time, cause increased resistance in the connector and, due to subsequent terminal relaxation, result in an open circuit condition. The heater blower resistor may overheat causing the attached electrical connector to melt, creating the potential for a fire. Correction: dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness.

• Recall 2001205 [Canada]: Other
  Certain passenger vehicles sold in new brunswick, newfoundland, nova scotia, ontario, prince edward island and quebec . The front coil springs may fracture as a result of corrosion in high corrosion environments. Depending on the location of the fracture, a broken spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire in some cases. Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring. Correction : dealers will install spring catcher brackets.

• Recall 2000077 [Canada]: Brakes
  On certain vehicles, the pressure conscious reducing valve (pcrv) in each of the rear brakes may be subject to malfunction due to corrosion when operated in areas of high road salt use. If both pcrvs malfunction, vehicle handling may be adversely affected during braking as a result of the rear wheels locking, which could potentially result in a vehicle crash. Correction: dealers will install improved pcrvs in the rear brake system.

• Recall 1999094 [Canada]: Lights and instruments
  On certain vehicles, the terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connector may experience heat damage as a result of overheating. This can cause distortion of the terminal and an open circuit in the instrument panel illumination, parking lamp and tail lamp circuits. Correction: dealers will install a headlamp switch wiring connector containing bronze terminals and inspect and if necessary, replace the headlamp switch.

• Recall 1998208 [Canada]: Powertrain
  On certain vehicles, the floor shift automatic transmission control may be damaged if subjected to certain vehicle interior cleaning products. If exposed to these products, the transmission gear position indicator may deteriorate and not correctly indicate the actual gear position. If this occurs, the shifter will continue to operate normally, but there is the potential for incorrect gear selection. Correction: automatic transmission floor shift control will be replaced.

To ensure accuracy and for your safety, it is recommended to do a free VIN recall check here or here [USA] - UK - Canada.

Bulletins are notices put out by manufacturers in conjunction with the NHTSA to notify the public of manufacturing issues or changes.

• Incorrect gear indication investigation as of 20020226

  There is no summary currently available
  

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• Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness investigation as of 20010105

  There is no summary currently available
  

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• Various intermittent electrical issues investigation as of 19990915

  There is no summary currently available
  

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Common OBD Error codes specific to this vehicle.

• P0420 [2] Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
• P0430 [2] Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)
• P0442 [2] Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
• P0455 [2] Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
• P0456 [2] Evaporative Emissions System Small Leak Detected
• P0457 [2] Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected
• P1442 [2] A/C Evaporator Air Temperature Circuit Range/Performance
• P0731 [1] Gear I Incorrect ratio
• P0732 [1] Gear 2 Incorrect ratio
• P0734 [1] Gear 4 Incorrect ratio
• P0401 [1] Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient Detected
• P1407 [1] EGR Metering Orifice Restricted
• P0171 [4] System too Lean (Bank 1)
• P0174 [1] System too Lean (Bank 2)
• P0172 [1] System too Rich (Bank 1)
• P0741 [4] Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off
• P1401 [1] Glow Plug Monitor Fault (Bank #2)

My 97 mercury mystique has a bad brake fluid leak from a part on the brake line (pressure conscious release valve) that was recalled #06e022000. Fluid must be added every few days when the brake light comes on. Ford tells me there is no recall info for my car and won't do anything. They could not say if any recall work had been done on my car. Bottom line, this is not preventative, my car is dangerously leaking brake fluid from a recalled part. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 mercury mystique. The contact stated that he noticed a leak under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where he was informed that the pressure conscious regulating valve on the rear driver side would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 00v075000 (service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components) and contacted the manufacturer who stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure and current mileages were 93,000. Updated 8/23/12 *cn

The vehicle is not shifting into the proper gears. It just started happening one day. It has to be in drive 2 at the start of driving and when it gets to a certain point it must be shifted into drive. This occurs everytime i drive. Nothing has been done as of yet to repair the problem. *tr

Car had a recall associated with exterior lights when my parents owned it about five years ago. The parking lights stopped operating. Per suggestion of ford took car to dealership and paid $85 for an evaluation. They indicated i had two open wires and the estimated repair cost would exceed $2,000 to replace the wiring harness. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling various speeds, the overdrive activated on and off. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, where a certified mechanic determined that either the inside or outside sensor of the automatic transmission was faulty. There was a nhtsa recall #98v233000, regarding the powertrain: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift. The manufacturer was contacted and determined that the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin. Also, the clock light on the insrument panel went permanently out. The rear brake light located on top of the rear window would illuminate in a distorted pattern. The rear brake lights was made up of 9 mini lights, and 3 lights would light up while braking. On other occasions, 4 or 5 lights would illuminate. There was a nhtsa recall #99v103000 regarding exterior lighting: headlights: switch. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin.

Recall on 1997 mercury mystique nhtsa campaign id# 48v233000. Power train. Automatic transmission lever and linkage floor shift. Dealer refusing to honor recall. *nm

Nhtsa campaign id no. 98v233000. The same thing is happening to my 1997 mercury mystique, the gear position indicator is deteriorate and is not correctly indicating the actual gear position. I called ford motor co. And they are not going to do any thing about it! *nm

Dt: the wiring harness and the blower resistor was fixed which were on recall. On 4-22-05 and on 5-06-05 while the car was being driven on the highway, the car gave a ticking noise. Then the car gave a puff of blue and black smoke and the car stopped. After the mechanic looked at the car, the mechanic said the engine was gone. The car underwent regular check ups and oil changes. There were no indications that the engine was having any problems or malfunctions. The engine has not been repaired. The cost for replacing was more than the consumer can afford. *tt

I have replaced the drivers headrest once (about 4-years ago), and now find that the passenger headrest is broken. Dealer says replacement parts not available. Have not been able to locate used parts.

The block of the engine was burned. *tr

Consumer stated the tail lights and interior lights did not work. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and was told there was a recall # 99v103000 concerning headlight switch/wiring harness defect. But because of the mileage on the vehicle it could not be repaired under the recall. She wanted to know why, she did not think this was fair.*ak consumer spoke with three other mechanics whom stated the mileage shouldn't have anything to do with the recall. *ph *jb

While driving heater blower switch overheated, almost resulting in a vehicle fire.*ak

Apparently ford/merc in their ultimate wisdom placed the catalytiv converter in the exhaust manifold. The mechanic indicated that they all seem to plug up around 140,000 to 170,000 km. The labour alone is over $600.00 plus the parts are very expensive and both the front and rear need to be replaced or the car will start to lose power. So i have a vehicle that up until now ran well and had good gas milage. Now it is worth $2500.00 dollars on a trade in but the repairs are $ 2600.00 so the car is actually a total right off. Everything else works. Great ford you have definitely lost a customer for life!

The transmission suddenly failed while in motion. T would not shift into second gear.

Car engine while driving just stops. Dealer can't find the problem after numerous tries. Car will immediately re-start but this condition may cause a serious accident if not corrected. *nlm

The vehicle overheated, however the dealer could not duplicate the problem.*jb

While approaching stop sign, the consumer applied the brakes and the pedal went all the way to the floor. Dealership is aware of problem. *ak the consumer stated that the reason that the pedal went to the floor is because the hose that carries the brake fluid to the brakes was severed by fault of the design of the manufacturer. The hose rests against the rear shocks and over time was dug into by the metal shocks and eventually cut the hose. Causing complete brake failure. *scc

This is the second time the oil seals have failed since i got this car just over a year ago. I don't drive it enough for it to be a problem that i have started. I only drive from my house to the subway which is about 6 blocks away. I don't think i should have to pay to get this recurring problem fixed and still have to pay a car note when the car is sitting in my backyard!*ak

Driver noticed that the instrument panel did not illuminate which caused the tail lights to fail. *ak

To whom it may concern, i have tried to get the air conditioner in my car fixed 6 separate occasion each about 2 months apart and i live in texas so an air conditioner is a must. I have spent 249.00 each time to get the problem fixed and would like to know what i should do, i was told this was a very reliable car but it had a problem with the air conditioner when i bought it. The saleman that sold me the car, jim honeycutt, said that all i needed to do was take it to a shop to get the blower fixed at the lockhart ford motor co. Which i have done 6 times. Can anyone help me withthis, so i don't get ripped off anymore. Nlm

No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak

Airbags deployed upon minor collision with vehicle in front. Damage to bumper not significant. Body shop and insurance adjuster feel damage not consistent with 4g force required to deploy airbags. *ak

While driving at 65 mph with cruise control engaged consumer attempted to hit brakes to disengage cruise control and slow down, but vehicle speeded up, lost control, and hit a guardrail. Consumer has yet to contact dealer. *ak *yd

Consumer had received recall 99v703000 notice before on wiring harness failure that afected headlights. Problem had happened again. But, dealer refused to repair, and consumer had received a notice on brakes as well.*ak

Gear shift is beginning to fall apart, making it difficult to determine in which gear vehicle is in. There is recall listed 98v23300 for this defect. However, dealership informed consumer that this vehicle was not included in recall due to vin. Please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak

While pulling into a parking space and shifting into park engine suddenly accelerated, and vehicle hit a building wall. No injury was reported. Repairs were being done at dealer. *ak

While trying to put on seat belts belts will lock up, and consumer has trouble putting seat belt on. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.*ak

Electrical system shorted out, causing hazard lights/ interior lights on door, and windshield wipers to work intermittently. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer unable to determine cause.*ak dealer cleaned everything after pulling down fuse panel, vehicle was back in shop a few days later, after last visit consumer has not had any problems. *slc

No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak

Consumer took vehicle in for recall 99v103000/anufacturer's recall 99s14. Recall was noted as repaired, but it wasn't working when leaving dealership. Tail lights & panel light were malfunctioning,they were coming on & going off*ak.

I was drying my car off after washing it; the engine was off and the wiring under the hood just beyond the dash on the driver's side started smoking and caught fire. After the fire went out, when i started the engine, the wipers came on and would not go off until i removed the fuse. All panel lights are off. Previously, about six weeks before the fire event, the panel lights fuse blew (when it was raining) and i replaced it and the panel lights were dim.

While drying vehicle after washing it at carwash noticed smoke from under hood. Lifted hood & electrical wires were on fire. Had fire extinguished. There was some damage to wires, including wiper motor. Was able to drive vehicle to dealer & mechanic was able to repair damage. *ak

I am an owner of 97 mercury mystique gs, vin 1melm65l7vk621379. When i drove my car for service, the mechanics told me two of firehawk gta p205/60r15 rear tires have a lot of crackles and i should not drive my car on highway before i have them changed. I had the same problem with the two front tires about one year ago, when i changed them at my own expense. This recalled me recent firestone tire recalls. Unfortunately, this type of tire is not included in the recalled models. Now i think this kind of defective is not individual case. My car has only 26452 miles as of today. I would like to suggest you investigate this type firehawk tires too, firehawk gta p205/60r15, for the safety of millions of ford vehicle drivers.( dot number: tire size: p205/60r15 )

Recall 00v075000, repairs performed, but brake problems still exist. Brakes lock up and vehicle slides forward. Dealer refuses to repair free of charge.*ak *slc

Gasket blew... Ford 'fixed'. Two gaskets blew... Ford claimed engine was not harmed. I got rid of the car before my warranty ran uot. *ak

After the "abs" warning light came on, the car was taken to a dealer who after a few days of investigation said that "mm needs electric hcu harness and module" with an estimated cost of $1500 to repair. It seems that a wiring harness should last more that 3 years, espically on a braking system. Ford offered to pick up 50% of the repair, but the premature failure of the abs system seems to be a design defect that should be ford's responsibility to repair. Form completed by frank p frandina (owner's father) - day phone 716 632 7200

Heater blower resistor overheated, resulting in a fire, and totalling vehicle. Please provide additional information.*ak

Engine check light came on, independent service station detected possible problem with thermostat. Dealer replaced sensor, charged $211.00. Two days later light came on again. Dealer detected thermostat, had to order part and replaced. Two weeks later temperature 20 degrees, car took over 30 minutes to heat up and ice formed on the inside of the windshield. Will take car back to the dealer.

Engine sensor failed causing the engine light to illuminate. Nlm.

While turning a corner car will begin to idle or coming off a ramp when ever turning very slow. Ak

Wheel bearing growling howling and vibrating. *ak

Driving car and started to slow the car down to stop and abs brakes failed to stop the car or stop the car from going into a slide.

Some selections on the switch during heater and air conditioner modes will fail and cause a electrical smell and occasionally blue smoke.

Brake pads are wearing out excessively. They're rubbing into the rotors. Would make strange noises, like grinding metal, when the brakes are applied. *ak

While driving the vehicle approximately 35mph, the timing belt broke & hit upper cover. The belt melted on engine. Took to mechanic. Problem only detected when engine is cold. *ak

Consumer was traveling 20-25 mph. Upon depressing the brake pedal to make a sudden stop, the pedal traveled to the floorboard, resulting in extended stopping distance, causing an accident. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details. *ak

The turn signal failure to operate properly poses a problem to the driver of the vehicle and other drivers in that it does not signal at the time it is flashing on the indicator on the dash of the automobile. We were charged by the dealer for work on this signal and it has never been corrected. We were charged $167.92 for work to replace a multi function switch. We feel this is a hazard that needs to be corrected by the dealer or manufacturer. *ak

Vehicle's side windows will not defrost.

Defroster does not clear the side windows, particularly and rear drivers side, vision is impeded and oncoming cars cannot be seen in order to pass.

While driving or sitting car vibrates and interferes with steering, causing tires to go bald. Dealer said to replace steering wheel. *ak

Booster vacuum line broke, causing power brakes to fail. *ak

The driver's and the passenger's seats are loose and the seats move freely on the tracks. The tracks and the pans of both seats have been replaced, and the problem still exists. *ak when stopping the seat moves about (2) inches back and fourth.

Trunk sticks when trying to open, out of alignment causing binding. *yc

No summary

Airbag light stays on while the vehicle is in motion. The dealer has not been able to correct the problem. *ak

Vehicle was repaired under recall 99v103. Later, one of the tail lights and signal lights became inoperable. *ak

The driver side window malfunctioned due to the regulator tearing apart. *yh

Making right hand turn thru a puddle at 5 to 10 mph sometimes the power steering will stop working and all warning lights come on until belt dries out this has happened since day one. *ak

The defroster does not clear side windows, particularly the rear driver side, imparing vision.

Vibration when brakes applied.

Crankshaft dampner/pulley failed causing vehicle to loose power steering in wet weather,resulting in vehicle collision and brain injury.

Engine experienced excessive noise, due to design flaw, no installation of suppresion blancket, once owner installed one made for other vehicle, problem was rectified. *yc

When driving and upon making a complete stop, master cylinder went out, resulting in loss of all fluid, and causing brake pedal to travel to the floorboard, resulting in unwanted and unexpected acceleration. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details. *ak

Crankshaft dampner/pulley failed causing vehicle to loose power steering in wet weather,resulting in vehicle collision and brain injury.

Vehicle was repaired under recall 99v103. Later, one of the tail lights and signal lights became inoperable. *ak

The haeter blower does not function due to wiring under the dash melting. Dealer has not seen vehicle. *ak

While driving and coming to a complete stop steering wheel shakes. When taking off steering wheel stops shaking. Consumer has contacted dealer. Please provide any further information. *ak

While driving, the engine became hot and the engine check light illuminated, then the vehicle stalled. *ak the speed sensor and egr valve was replaced, however the vehicle continued continued to experience problems. *jb

Gear shifter indicator malfunctions, and doesn't indicate the gear that the vehicle is in. There is a shift lever damage recall 98v233000, but this vehicle is not included in the recall due to vin. *ak

Drivers seat moves back and forth in its tracks.

Crankshaft dampner/pulley failed causing vehicle to loose power steering in wet weather,resulting in vehicle collision and brain injury.