Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I own both a 1998 and 1999 Mercury Mystique with the 2.5l v6 engine. When traveling through standing water or even in a heavy rainstorm the power steering will fail, the generator failure light will light, and the serpentine belt will whine. This can last from 30 sec to a few minutes, and requires one to stop driving as the car is no longer steerable. I have taken my 1998 to the dealer twice for this and they have replaced the belt and tensioner twice. This has not changed the problem, and the dealer called the manufacturer for help and they had no further information or suggestions. I feel that this is a design flaw for this specific engine which could result in a serious accident if evasive maneuvers were required while driving thru standing water. I note two other similar complaints on your website. Ford should design a fix for this important safety issue.
Consumer called the dealer about recall# 99V060000 concerning vehicles with automatic transmission which utilize a park/lock solenoid. If it is possible to rotate the ignition key to lock position and remove key without shift lever being in park, these vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 114 concerning "theft protection." therefore, vehicles that come with ignition key removable in gear position other than park, will have steering column replaced. Dealer stated that this vehicle was included in the recall, but had to many miles to perform recall repairs.
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.
I have had numerous front end problems. I have had to replace front tie rods twice in a year and a half. Having problems with struts .control arm bushings need to changed. Also stabilizers linkage had to be changed. Have also put new ball joints in.
While traveling on the highway and without prior warning the steering wheel bounce off her knee and landed in the passenger side. The dealership is aware of the problem. Ts the vehicle was not responding well to steering. As consumer let go, the wheel fell off.
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 and without warning vehicle caught on fire under the hood. Dealership was notified, vehicle was serviced. However, vehicle was continued to be used, miles later vehicle became inoperable. The engine cooling fan motor and wire harness caught on fire, dealer replaced the engine cooling fan assembly and main fuse, dealer also repaired the burnt wiring, 2 years later, consumer received recalls 00V367, 99m03, 99m06, 00s44/00m13 and 00s44, consumer has not been reimbursed for any of the repairs. Dealer replaced right rear weather stripping and reinstalled mold around the handle due to the weather strip bowing. Tape player would not eject. Vehicle was hard to steer, especially when raining, dealer could not duplicate problem. Front brake pads were replaced and rotors were machined due to vibration when braking. …
Consumer took car to the dealership severaltimes for brake failure/ steering column failure, and premature wear of tires. Had all her tires replaced two month ago. While driving 45mph on the highway and t approaching a trash truck in front of her, trash truck speeded up an d got in front of consumer's vehicle. Consumer tried to overtake the trash truck and ran into a curb. Trash truck put on brakes and so did consumer. However, consumer's vehicle rear ended the back of the truck due to brake failue, and steering column disconnected from dashboard, and dropped in her lap. Also airbags deployed and dropped into consumer's lap, and the substance released affected her son's eyes. The car was totaled.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercury Mystique years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (34), 1996 (13), 1998 (11) and 1999 (5) model years. Steering complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Mercury Mystique steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Mercury Mystique model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mercury Mystique steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles; 0% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the hydraulic power assist system (28 mentions), followed by the steering wheel/handle bar (11).
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.