Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl contact owns a 1999 Mercury Mystique. The brake pedal extended to the floor when it was depressed. The contact attempted to exit the driveway at 2 MPH, but the vehicle failed to stop. She had to continuously apply pressure to the brake pedal in order for the vehicle to stop. She inspected the vehicle and noticed brake fluid leaking from underneath. She also noticed that the brake line and chassis were excessively rusted. The dealer stated that because there was no recall, they would not assume any financial responsibility for the repair. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 206,000. Updated 09/10/08. Updated 09/12/08.
Heater did not work properly. Vehicle was taken to dealer, and the blower switch was replaced. Also, consumer heard a loud squealing sound when depressing the brakes. Rotors were replaced on both sides of the vehicle. The dashboard began to rise up from the dashboard mount. Dealer had not yet resolved the dashboard problem. Manufacturer would be informed of the myriad of problems consumer was having.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Mercury Mystique. The contact stated that he noticed a leak under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where he was informed that the pressure conscious regulating valve on the rear driver side would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 00V075000 (service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components) and contacted the manufacturer who stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure and current mileages were 93,000. Updated 8/23/12
My 97 Mercury Mystique has a bad brake fluid leak from a part on the brake line (pressure conscious release valve) that was recalled #06e022000. Fluid must be added every few days when the brake light comes on. Ford tells me there is no recall info for my car and won't do anything. They could not say if any recall work had been done on my car. Bottom line, this is not preventative, my car is dangerously leaking brake fluid from a recalled part.
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.
Received recall 00V075000. Contacted dealership & mechanic claimed repairs done on vehicle when brought in, within one hour. Was driving vehicle on November 17, 2000, and power assist brake valves locked up & lost all power to vehicle. Vehicle went backwards into a ravine. Vehicle towed & was declared totaled by insurance company.
Related recalls (1)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercury Mystique years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (28), 1995 (26), 1999 (21), 1996 (15) and 1997 (12) model years. Brake complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Mercury Mystique brake problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 00V-075 (foundation components, Mar 9, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mercury Mystique brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles; 40% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (38 mentions), followed by the foundation components (19).
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.