Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Dt*: the contact stated that the vehicle's dash warped on 10/15/06 causing the windshield defroster vent cover to pop out of place. The vehicle was taken to the dealer shortly after and determined that a technical service bulletin 0346 with NHTSA item #10001899 had expired. The vehicle's dashboard was replaced on 04/17/06.
Dealer found battery cable over heated and melted the insulation. Everything in the car is original with no add-on or alteration. Since warranty expired in May 2003, it will cost 300 dollars to fix it.
My husband and I was driving in traffic from an appointment and all of a sudden the car starts smoking within a quick second the front left side burst into flames, electrical windows wouldn't work and the brakes failed, the we had to ride traffic until we could move over to the curve at this time the emergency brake had to be used in order to stop the car and I had to move myself out on the drivers side.
1999 Mercury Mystique electrical system failing. Corrosion and overcharging over electrical wires. Was informed by repair shop that he had seen this problem with another Ford contour. Electrical wiring harness is not put together properly.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Mercury Mystique. The contact took her vehicle to a mechanic because the blower motor resistor failed. The mechanic stated that her fuse box melted, which caused the blower motor to fail. She called the manufacturer and a representative stated that her VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 01V230000 (electrical system), although the failures were identical. The contact would be responsible for the repair costs. She is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. The failure and current mileages were 114,708.
Dt: while driving down the road, I noticed smoke coming out of the dash. I pull over to the side of the road, opened the hood and the first thing I saw was fire coming from behind the glove compartment. The car caught fire and burned just five after I pulled over. No warning lights, looked at temp gauge and everything was fine before the fire. Called 911 at 5:44 pm, fire dept came and put out the fire. This was on the interstate.
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling various speeds, the overdrive activated on and off. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, where a certified mechanic determined that either the inside or outside sensor of the automatic transmission was faulty. There was a NHTSA recall #98V233000, regarding the powertrain: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift. The manufacturer was contacted and determined that the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. Also, the clock light on the insrument panel went permanently out. The rear brake light located on top of the rear window would illuminate in a distorted pattern. The rear brake lights was made up of 9 Mini lights, and 3 lights would light up while braking. On other occasions, 4 or 5 lights would illuminate. There was a NHTSA recall #99V103000 regarding exterior lighting: headlights: switch. …
I was drying my car off after washing it; the engine was off and the wiring under the hood just beyond the dash on the driver's side started smoking and caught fire. After the fire went out, when I started the engine, the wipers came on and would not go off until I removed the fuse. All panel lights are off. Previously, about six weeks before the fire event, the panel lights fuse blew (when it was raining) and I replaced it and the panel lights were dim.
Related recalls (2)
Electrical system
On certain my 1996-1998 passenger vehicles built at the kansas city, cuautitlan assembly plants or on my 1999 passenger vehcles built at the automotive alliance international assembly plants, the rough surface of the heater blower resistor's stainless steel blades can damage the copper surface of the wiring harness connector.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness. Owner notification began August 29, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles built with automatic transmissions which utilize a park/lock solenoid. It is possible to rotate the ignition key to the lock position and remove the key without the shift lever and transmission being in park. These vehicles do not comply with the requirements of FMVSS no.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles. Vehicles that have units with ignition keys removable in gear positions other than park, will have the steering column replaced.
NHTSA investigations
Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness
There is no summary currently available
Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercury Mystique years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (73), 1996 (47), 1998 (28), 1999 (14) and 1997 (7) model years. Electrical complaints make up 22% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Mercury Mystique electrical problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 01V-230 (electrical system, Jul 9, 2001); 99V-060 (switch, Mar 17, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mercury Mystique electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles; 14% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the wiring › front underhood (33 mentions), followed by the wiring (27).
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.