Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
I purchased my Mercury Mystique new in November of 1996. I have always driven the car very easy, I don't even get on the expressway very often. At around 45,000 miles, I had the transmission serviced, which the owners manual doesn't even mention. Now, with only 55K miles, the transmission has failed and needs a total rebuild! Although the car is nearly 9 years old, at 55,000 miles the transmission failing is not acceptable. There has to be some kind of flaw in the design for it to do this. *b
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.
We have had a problem with this car since we bought it. First it was the driveshaft while we were traveling then it was the paint starting to crack, then it was the power steering going out when it was raining. Dealership had no idea what was wrong. Just found out when my husband took A/C switch out that it was burned. Called dealership when it first happenned even though we still had an extended warranty and wanted money out of us. We couldn't afford it. Please see if any of these are defects to where a dealer in west palm beach can correct the problem at no cost. Our warranty has expired at 60,000 miles. Car still vibrates and we have no A/C and it is hot here in florida. We would also like to get the paint taken care of us they knew about it from the beginning when we bought the car. Along with the power steering going out. They said nothing was wrong. …
While driving on highway, transmission began to shift at odd times. Shortly thereafter, the shifts began to take excessively long between gear engagement. The following day, the o/d off light began to flash on the dash and the transmission refused to engage gears. Driver stranded. Upon inspection at dealership, I was told transmission was "totalled" and required replacement. Details sketchy, but technician reported that an internal failure occured and transmission lubrication was affected (stopped). Gears began running metal on metal with no warning and "internal damage" occured. Car was driven less than 12 miles after warning light on dash began to flash. This car has only 63K miles and the transmission is totalled by lack of lubrication with a full reservoir or Ford fluid.
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.
My heater control knob for high,med,low only work in the low position. My rear brake light had a leak,allowing water to fill up and blow my light bulbs.there is a ticking noise in my dash as if my turn signals is running, but no flash on the indicators. When I signal to take turns it works fine but when not turning still makes clicking noise. Transmission went out in October 2000, I heard this is a common problem in my vehical.. Thank you for your time.
The car has had a history of suspension, linkage and bearing failures since it was purchased. Mercury dealers and manufacturers have not been helpful. The mechanics at the dealer explained to me off the record that these cars have a history of front end failures however, the dealer and the manufacturer refuse to acknowledge it. You are invited to test drive the car and experience the vibration and poor handling to assit you in your investigation.
Computer at mechanic show major electrical system defects-it appears that many people are experiencing this as a major problem with this car and Ford contour. Ford/Mercury will not do anything-also the transmission goes out quit often-had a new one at 50,000 miles-has had many recalls already and nothing has been fixed on this car-windows dont go down (due to electrical short)
While driving in heavy morning traffic vehicle starts whining, then it stalls. Has to put gear in park to restart. Sometimes the overdrive indicator light comes on. Also, when pulling out in traffic, it doesn't engage in gear immediately, when putting foot on accelerator, it can cause an accident.
The gear does not shift properly. From stop to low speed (<20mph) it whines, jerks and stalls. At high speed (40mph) it stops shifting and keeps whining at 3-4000rpm while it should shift up. The o/d off warning light comes up 2-3 minutes after starting the car.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control.
NHTSA investigations
Incorrect gear indication
There is no summary currently available
Transmission complaints in other Mystique years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1996 Mercury Mystique?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1996 Mercury Mystique, 16% of the model year's 185 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (26 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Mercury Mystique transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-233 (floor shift, Sep 18, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Mercury Mystique transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 148,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.