Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Mercury Mystique owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Transmission failure 2 years after car was purchased, engine replaced 2 years after purchase. Hub bearing assembly broke 1 year after purchase of car. Car drives extremely hot - to near over heating point. Trunk leaks when it rains. Driver side window malfunctioning. Instrument panel malfunctioned (was fixed before recall). Check engine light stays on constantly even after tune up/ major work done.
The vehicle ran rough while driving at any speed. This condition caused a problem while driving in traffic. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop. The mechanic informed the consumer that the plastic intake manifold needed to be replaced.
Head gasket failure. Coolant system failure. Check engine light came on without warning, flashed and constant. I guess what they say about Ford is right found on road dead fix or repair daily ouch
Engine failed while driving on the highway, vehicle was then pushed to the side of the road where consumer then noticed smoke and a horribile smell coming from under the hood, vehicle was then towed into dealership, consumer was then advised that only a battery was needed and said nothing else was wrong, after three days of dealership having the vehicle and not trying to find the cause of the the smell and smoke consumer picked vehicle up, on the way home the head gasket blew and it was towed to a repair shop, after the head gasket was repaired, the engine still sounded bad, so consumer took vehicle to another shop and it was determined that the cylinder was bad, consumer then took vehicle back to the repair shop that repaired the head gasket and was also advised that cylinder was bad, on the way home the engine and battery light came on, vehicle was towed into dealership that replaced …
Took vehicle to a Ford dealer for recall of engine cooling fan motor. They checked and said there was no problem, however a fuse was blown and they did replace the fuse. This tells me there must have been a problem for the fuse to need replacing. Approx. 3 weeks later, without any signs, was driving to work and the "check engine soon" light came on. Immediately afterwards the car stopped. The engine overheated and totally melted the engine components. The car had just been serviced. I feel that there obviously was a problem with the cooling fan and the result was exactly as the recall warned for the engine cooling fan. I have called Ford with no results. I now have to replace the motor. Please advise. What is my recourse?
Body paint-acid like blemishes; brakes-premature wearing out; seat- driver's seat loose; seat belt- belt does not retract fully and catches in closing door ,resulting in broken button; engine(cold starts)- engine prone to stalling and low idle speed; remote trunk and fuel filler door release - remote release does not always function; water leaks into trunk while trunk is open; vehicle rides harshly - struts checked and no trouble found; auto transmission shifting difficulty shifting from reverse to park; trunk lock inoperable during cold weather; power windows binding.
I have had a problem with the engine stalling when outside temps exceeds 85 degrees and the A/C is on. The problem occurs after taveling at highway speeds and the cluch is depressed and the engine is allowed to idle. The engine intermittenly will immediately stall. This causes a partial loss of braking and power steering. This happens about once a day when temps are over 85. The problem has been happening since 1997. The dealer has looked at the car 4 times and has tried fixing the A/C to resolve the problem. They say the I need to bring the car in while it is stalling?
I got in my car after work notice my windows just fog up got hom next day brought the car down to a garage they seem not intersted in it, but thought it might be the water pump and said it would cost over a thousand dollars all my warranys are up but are making payments on a car I can,t drive and belive it is a recall problem and would like to get it fix could please help also the power arm on the drivers side door let go also which caused my door window to carsh down and break that I paid about$385.00 to be fix plus the cost of the glass.
Air conditioner indicator is not illuminating on dash when lights are turned on. Also, during the first week of purchase problems with accelerator pedal sticking . Consumer was aware that a recall had been issued for that problem, but manufacturer refused to repair due to VIN. Problems with radiator also occurred, and manufacturer refused to repair that problem free of charge because VIN# did not apply to that recall either. Consumer was unable to contact dealer. Dealer was no longer in business. Please provide further details.
I replaced my timing belt last year, and again it failed. I have taken it to the Ford dealerships to have it replaced. I really feel that timing belts do not wear out this fast, unless there is a problem with something. This time it was storming, and I left the flashers on, and had to walk 2 miles in the country to get to my truck to tow my car home. In the mean time, the car was towed. So I guess this was a report to the police.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
Vehicle description: 1995 passenger vehicles equipped with the 2.0l and 2.5l engines, and 1996 vehicles equipped with 2.5l engines. Tightening of the engine cooling fan motor bearings, up to and including motor stall, can result in increased motor torque and higher than normal motor current and accompanying high motor…
Remedy: Dealers will install a positive temperature coefficient device in-line with each fan motor. Ford will also extend the warranty on the engine cooling fan assembly to a total of 8 years of service or 100,000 miles from…
Engine complaints in other Mystique years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1996 Mercury Mystique?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1996 Mercury Mystique, 22% of the model year's 185 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (25 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Mercury Mystique engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-367 (engine and engine cooling, Nov 6, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Mercury Mystique engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.