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 1998 Mercury Mystique owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Took my car in October 15, 2003.jim dobson Ford in winamac to check my car out and they told me it wasn't an electrical problem with my transmission it was hydrolic or the second speed gear went out. I told them to go ahead and rebuild the transmission. They pulled the transmission out on the 16th. Called them on the 17th. They told me that the mechanic called off sick and that they did not have a chance to open the transmission up to find out exactly what is wrong with it. Mechanic called of again on the 18th and the 20th. Asked them about a loaner car. They said they don't have loaner cars . Doesn't my transmission look pretty on a pedestal!
I have had shifting problems with the automatic transmissions on a 1998 Mercury Mystique. From my research this transmission made by a joint venture between Mazda and Ford has had major problmes. I have had it to the local Ford dealer seven times to get it fixed. They thought it was all electrical but now tell me they need to pull the transmission and check three things inside it. The car has been undriveable for three months through this process. I have already spent $650.00 and now the real expensed process starts.
Consumer experienced problems with shift level indicator. While having vehicle washed, vehicle started moving on its own. This vehicle's sudden movement, caused it to run into an iron structure in which the vehicle was damaged. The manufacturer has yet to be contacted. The defects described comply with recall number 98V233000.
The vehicle experienced problems with it's air bags. The vehicle' also leaked fluid at the transmission joint. The vehicle leaked 2 1/2 qts of transmission fluid in approximately 3 weeks. Since the vehicle was no longer under warranty the dealer refused to assist the consumer.
1998 Mercury Mystique. Electrical sub-harness connector problems. The consumer stated he took the vehicle to his mechanic, because the ac wasn't cooling properly and the vehicle would over heat, while it was on. The vehicle has two fans in the front and they found the cooling fan melted and the sub-harness connector burned up. In addition, they showed the consumer the part of the sub-harness with the insulation just falling off the wire. They had to replaced the fan motor unit and had to splice in a fan connector and wire into the rest of the sub-harness, because for said the sub-harness was obsolete and not available. While it functions, the check engine light has since illuminated for a cam shaft position sensor, which the consumer was informed it was related to the sub-harness. …
On several occassions since 11/2000 I have experienced the problem of my floor shift component locked in the park position. I understand that the recall information regarding this problem that my vehicle was not a part of the group for campaign 98V233000. My problem lies with why would I be experiencing the same problem that has been detected in other vehicles, but because my vehicle VIN # was not among the group that was notified of the recall, I should be burdened with the expense of replacing this component. I would just like a little further information regarding my concern. Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter.
I have a 1998 Mercury Mystique, andi think the transmission ought to be recalled because I have seen countles numbers of transmission failures on searching the internet and I happen to be one too , the transmission wen t out on ours a few years ago while the car was basically new, found out I had warrenty on it stiill got that fixed , now a little over a year since thenand it's went out again, but I have nno warrenty now which really sucks, so they has to be something going on with this model of car because there is too many transmission problems with so many people. Please write back and let me know something. Thanx alot.
Engine check light was illuminated while driving out of town on christmas day -- the drive home was unsettling because of the constant jerking in the rear of the car. I took my car to my mechanic -- it was hooked on a computer which indicated a code 1744 indicating excessive slippage on the torque converter. I believe this should be reported because this is potentially a recall issue and this should be covered under my powertrain warranty. My car is barely 4 years old and has below average mileage.
I took my car to my mechanic after my check engine light was illuminated -- he told me that the computer indicated torque control slippage -- then took the car to mountain view Ford where the service advisor informed me that my transaxle pump needed replacing and that it would cost just over $1000 -- this car only has just over 32000 miles on it and I was also told that my 100000 mile powertrain warranty would not cover it -- this is a defect on the car and should be subject to a recall.
Consumer states that while her husband was driving vehicle began to slow down, and he could not drive it but about 5 MPH. He had to stop and put transmission fluid in vehicle and wait a while. He was able to drive it a little while longer at a higher speed. Then, it would do the same thing. They had the automobile towed in for service, and was told that transmission was leaking fluid inside the transmission.
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 1998 Mercury Mystique?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1998 Mercury Mystique, 16% of the model year's 231 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 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 1998 Mercury Mystique transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries 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.