1985 Mercury Topaz
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 10 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1987 | 16 |
| 1988 | 21 |
| 1989 | 46 |
| 1990 | 48 |
| 1991 | 40 |
| 1992 | 62 |
| 1993 | 71 |
| 1994 | 63 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1998 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 5 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
PE96-005, REAR BRAKE ADJUSTING PIN FAILURE, CAUSING THE BRAKE NOT TO ADJUST PROPERLY. *AK CONSUMER STATES REAR BRAKES DO NOT AUTOMATICALLY ADJUST, BRAKES HAVE TO BE MANUALLY ADJUSTED EVERY COUPLE OF MONTHS.*JB
NHTSA ODI report, 19960508
1 of 5 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
INTERMITTENT SUDDEN ACCELERATION. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950329
1 of 5 total reports mentions: electrical system.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE DIES WHEN STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. EEC PROCESSOR IS BAD. RECALL THAT RELATES, BUT NOT INCLUDED. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950808
SAFETY TIMELINE
REAR SUPENSION CONTROL ARM-TO-SPINDLE ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO FRACTURE CAUSING THE REAR SPINDLE TO SEPARATE DURING USE OF CAR.
Remedy: REPLACE REAR SUSPENSION BOLTS AS NECESSARY.
Campaign 85V145000 — check if this car was fixed
SEATBACK FAILURE
STALLING
HALFSHAFT FAILURE
SPEED CONTROL MALFUNCTION
REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE
REAR BRK ADJUSTER FAILURE
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHIC
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
Campaign 07E064000 — check if this car was fixed
THE UNEXPECTED OPEN THROTTLE CAUSES AN INCREASE IN ENGINE SPEED WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR AND A POTENTIAL CRASH.
Remedy: REPLACE ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL PROCESSOR, IF NECESSARY.
Campaign 85V134000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM-TO-SPINDLE ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO FRACTURE DURING USE OF CAR.
Remedy: REPLACE REAR SUSPENSION BOLTS AS NECESSARY.
Campaign 85V086000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 Mercury Topaz — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 85V134000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 85V086000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 85V145000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1985 Mercury Topaz reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Mercury Topaz?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:drum, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Mercury Topaz have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.