MYRModel Year Report

1997 Mercury Mystique

▲ Better than typical
1997 Mercury Mystique
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:39:48.160Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
71
Recalls
7

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

18% of complaints

Complaints per year

1994: 2 complaints 1994 1995: 335 complaints 1996: 185 complaints 1997: 71 complaints 1997 71 1998: 231 complaints 1999: 128 complaints 2000: 63 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2002: 2 complaints 2002
1994: 2 complaints 1994 1995: 335 complaints 1995 1996: 185 complaints 1996 1997: 71 complaints 1997 71 1998: 231 complaints 1998 1999: 128 complaints 1999 2000: 63 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2001 2002: 2 complaints 2002
1994: 2 complaints 1994 1995: 335 complaints 1995 1996: 185 complaints 1996 1997: 71 complaints 1997 71 1998: 231 complaints 1998 1999: 128 complaints 1999 2000: 63 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2001 2002: 2 complaints 2002

1997: 71 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19942
1995335
1996185
199771
1998231
1999128
200063
20012
20022

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

18% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing engine and emission control.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Crankshaft dampner/pulley failed causing vehicle to loose power steering in wet weather,resulting in vehicle collision and brain injury.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-11-29

The vehicle overheated, however the dealer could not duplicate the problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-21

Service brakes

18% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-28

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Exterior lighting

17% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing tail lights and switch.

Power train

13% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and floor shift.

Electrical system

11% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing front underhood and interior/under dash.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Car engine while driving just stops. Dealer can't find the problem after numerous tries. Car will immediately re-start but this condition may cause a serious accident if not corrected.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-03

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1998-11-20Power train98V233000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1999-07-16Exterior lighting99V103000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connector can experience heat damage as a result of overheating.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a headlamp switch wiring connector containing bronze terminals and an inspection, and replacement if necessary, of the headlamp switch.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1999-09-15Recall queryClosed 2001-03-07 Various intermittent electrical issues
  4. I
    2000-06-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 2001-01-05 Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness
  5. R
    2000-10-11Service brakes, hydraulic00V075000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    2001-01-05Engineering analysisClosed 2001-07-31 Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness
  7. R
    2001-08-29Visibility01I009000 This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: 1995-1997 Ford contour and Mercury Mystique…

    Remedy: Ford will provide additional warranty coverage for the heater blower switch for 10 years from original date of sale of the vehicle or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. Dealers will install a…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    2001-08-29Electrical system01V230000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. I
    2002-02-26Recall queryClosed 2002-09-12 Incorrect gear indication
  10. R
    2006-03-20Service brakes, hydraulic06E022000 Certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain Ford, daimlerchrysler, and Jeep passenger vehicles. These brake cylinders were sold under the…

    Remedy: Affinia (Brake parts, inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2006. Owners can contact affina group customer service at…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. R
    2008-05-22Suspension08E033000 Federal mogul is recalling 6,903 aftermarket ball joint assemblies shipped between November 9, 2007 and March 26, 2008, which may have been packaged with incorrect nuts. The part numbers packaged…

    Remedy: Federal mogul will notify owners and replace the parts free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2008. Owners can contact federal mogul at 877-489-6659.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Mercury Mystique — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 12 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 98V233000 · Power train
  • Recall 99V103000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 00V075000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 01I009000 · Visibility
  • Recall 01V230000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 06E022000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 08E033000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 Mercury Mystique reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Mercury Mystique is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mercury Mystique?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Mercury Mystique have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.