Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Mercury Mystique owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The clip connecting the gas pedal to the engine has fallen off twice & been repaired. Both times the car was accelerating onto an interstate & the driver was able to pull off onto the shoulder. This could have resulted in fatalities if it happened while passing on a 2 lane road. I do not understand why Ford just didn't glue the part together instead of using pressure to keep the clip on since obviously the clip falls off. ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis***761509
Went to Ford dealer regarding 1998 Mercury Mystique- ABS light would not go off. They tested it at $90.00 and then said that the whole hcu would have to be replaced to correct the problem at a cost of $3,000. I was also told that this part doesn't brake down or need replacement ofter. No recalls available I can't afford to fix this. They said that the regular brakes are fine, however, I notice that I somtimes don't stop like I should.
Tried to brake for a family of geese crossing the road. Following the braking, I noticed a problem with the brakes and the car pulling to the left. The car was also making an unusual noise. After slowly driving the car to the repair shop, it was determined that the right front brake rotor was broken.
Horn does not work. Vehicle has been checked by dealer several times. Horn would work intermittently, but currently it has failed completely. The rear seat belts are inoperative. The power steering, alternator, and front brakes failed. The catalytic converter caught on fire.
Brake pedal gets and remains hard (pedal at full top) while at highway and then at local street speeds. Although this has happened twice and reported to dealer at service time (10/26/2000 & 05/22/2001), when it does happen it is constant. Feels like the brakes are activated, and sometimes problem causes the car to vibrate serverly , causing concern of possible accident. Dealer could not verify my concern at both instances.
The car makes a funny noise from the engine compartment after each startup. Was told that it is likely the ABS going through a test. The noise is also heard when making an agressive turn while stopping, typically when the ABS would engage. The noise could be best described as a loud, high pitch wine that last only a few seconds. I was told that this is common and is a major safety issue.
While driving ABS brake warning light continuously illuminated on the dashboard. As a result, there was extended stopping distance. Vehicle was taken to the dealership, and technician determined that ABS module failed, an will cost about $900.00 at consumer's expense to fix it.
When backing out and making a turn, vehicle is making a popping noise. Vehicle has been in repair shop three times. Dealer has not been able to determine the problem. Also, when the brakes are applied a grinding noise is heard. Consumer thinks the bracket is loose.
When driving at any speed and applying the brakes, there is a knocking noise, and the brakes go straight to the floorboard. Also, transmission is slipping, and consumer can't shift the gears. In addition, vehicle accelerates when driving or coming to a stop.
Consumer contacted dealer in reference to NHTSA recalls 00V075000 and 99V103000/ manufacturer's recalls 99s14 and 00203 concerning ABS brakes and headlight switch wiring. Dealer refused to correct the recall problems. Please provide any further details.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
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.
Remedy: 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.
Brake complaints in other Mystique years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Mercury Mystique?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Mercury Mystique, 12% of the model year's 231 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Mercury Mystique brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-075 (foundation components, Mar 9, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Mercury Mystique brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to brakes 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.