1995 Mercury Mystique Steering Problems

34 owners have reported steering problems with the 1995 Mercury Mystique to NHTSA — 10% of all 335 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 114,000 miles. That ranks #1 of 6 Mystique model years for steering complaints (a typical year has 5). No steering recall has been issued for this model year.

34complaints
114ktypical miles
0related recalls
4crashes
1fires
2injuries

Which parts fail

  • Hydraulic power assist system
    13
  • Steering wheel/handle bar
    6
  • Hydraulic power assist › Pump
    6
  • Linkages › Tie rod assembly
    2
  • Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
    2
  • Rack and pinion › Rack
    1

Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).

Mileage when the problem started

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Mercury Mystique owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

While driving and without warning vehicle caught on fire under the hood. Dealership was notified, vehicle was serviced. However, vehicle was continued to be used, miles later vehicle became inoperable. The engine cooling fan motor and wire harness caught on fire, dealer replaced the engine cooling fan assembly and main fuse, dealer also repaired the burnt wiring, 2 years later, consumer received recalls 00V367, 99m03, 99m06, 00s44/00m13 and 00s44, consumer has not been reimbursed for any of the repairs. Dealer replaced right rear weather stripping and reinstalled mold around the handle due to the weather strip bowing. Tape player would not eject. Vehicle was hard to steer, especially when raining, dealer could not duplicate problem. Front brake pads were replaced and rotors were machined due to vibration when braking. …

Sep 1997 · fire

Consumer took car to the dealership severaltimes for brake failure/ steering column failure, and premature wear of tires. Had all her tires replaced two month ago. While driving 45mph on the highway and t approaching a trash truck in front of her, trash truck speeded up an d got in front of consumer's vehicle. Consumer tried to overtake the trash truck and ran into a curb. Trash truck put on brakes and so did consumer. However, consumer's vehicle rear ended the back of the truck due to brake failue, and steering column disconnected from dashboard, and dropped in her lap. Also airbags deployed and dropped into consumer's lap, and the substance released affected her son's eyes. The car was totaled.

Steering wheel/handle bar · Sep 1999 · crash · 1 injury

I commute a long distance to work, when I can't fill up my gas tank and the engine light constantly comes on I don't feel safe. When it rains the car sometimes losing power and brakes. The tires and brakes have already been replaced. The following items have also been reolaced, seat belts, air conditioner, drivers side eletric window motor, the horn and more. Whenever I take the car to the dealership I am told that the engine light coming on is no big deal and the brakes and tires were normal wear and tear (the car was maybe a year to a year and a half old) they also told me there is nothing they can do about the gas tank not filling up. I am extremely dissatisfied and would like to know what I can do legally about it. …

Hydraulic power assist system · May 1999

Car was brought into dealer for repair of "severe vibration in steering column when car is idling in gear " complaint. Dealer diagnosed the problem and determined car's entire steering assembly including the air bag must be replaced. Dealer is not able to locate an air bag to complete the service nearly 4 months after the car was bought in for repair. I have contacted Ford who has verified that the air bag is on "national back order". Ford also claims to have no knowledge of when this part will be available. How can an important safety part be unavailable for such an excessive period of time? Nobody has been able to help me. I've even called the office of Ford's ceo, jack nasser, with no succesful results. Is this car safe to drive? Did you ever hear of such a situation? Please help !!!

Steering wheel/handle bar · Sep 2000

On three different occasions during heavy rains the power steering failed while driving and was unable to control my vehicle. Since then, the power steering fluid started leaking and capital motors in tall. Fl. Discovered that the fluid line was frayed. It took a week for them to repair this, and they hinted that I might need a new steering rack. I have had no problems since then with losing control of my steering. It could be dangerous if you were trying to avoid another vehicle or pedestrian.

Hydraulic power assist system · Apr 1999

My license plate holder was replaced front rotors replaced at 50000 gas lid release repaired x 2 still not working in shop for over a week at capital motor co for power steering fluid leak. During heavy rains I loose my power steering and can't turn or control my car. An associate has same make and model and experiences this problem also. This can be very dangerous if you need to turn your car suddenly to avoid someone or something.

Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections · Aug 1998

When raining or in a puddle of water, engine check light will come on. The steering locks and the vehicle will stall out at 5 second intervals. There is no control over the car. Dealer contacted, and unaware of any recalls. States crankshaft/pulley shield and belt need to be replaced.

Sep 1998

Seat belt trim is coming off, causing retractor not to work properly. Whenever a vehicle runs over a water puddle, it causes a momentary power steering loss. Dealer was notified. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.

Oct 2000

When drivng in rainy weather conditions or driving over water on the pavement the vehicle will lose all power steering ability and the eletrcial system will completely shut down. Please give any further details.

Hydraulic power assist system · Nov 1997

While pulling out of a gas station traveling at approximately 2 to 3 MPH, driver's side air bag fell out into drivers lap. Dealership requested that consumer replace steering column at her expense.

Steering wheel/handle bar · May 2001

Steering complaints in other Mystique years

199519961997199819992000341341152
Steering complaints per model year, Mercury Mystique.

Frequently asked questions

How common are steering problems on the 1995 Mercury Mystique?

NHTSA has 34 complaints about the steering of the 1995 Mercury Mystique, 10% of the model year's 335 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (13 mentions).

Is there a recall for 1995 Mercury Mystique steering problems?

No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1995 Mercury Mystique, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.

At what mileage do 1995 Mercury Mystique steering problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 114,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.