1986 Mercury Topaz
Only 9 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 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 7
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1986
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 9 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 10 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1987 | 16 |
| 1988 | 21 |
| 1989 | 47 |
| 1990 | 48 |
| 1991 | 40 |
| 1992 | 62 |
| 1993 | 73 |
| 1994 | 63 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1998 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 9 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Steering
2 of 9 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion.
Service brakes
2 of 9 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Electrical system
2 of 9 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
Electrical short in the ignition switch, causing the vehicle to catch on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-01
Fuel system, gasoline
1 of 9 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
The head gasket leak and replace fan motor , car caught on fire two times,the rack/pinion went out when driving there is more . Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-08-10
Safety timeline
1 recall · 7 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1986-03-26Engineering analysisClosed 1989-07-28 Seatback failure
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I
1987-05-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-01-21 Stalling
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I
1988-03-18Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-09-19 Halfshaft failure
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I
1989-04-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-09-06 Speed control malfunction
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I
1989-09-06Engineering analysisClosed 1990-11-30 Speed cntrl malfunction
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I
1996-01-11Defect petitionClosed 1996-01-19 Rear brake system failure
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I
1996-01-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-05-28 Rear brk adjuster failure
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R
2007-10-15Fuel system, gasoline07E064000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1986 Mercury Topaz — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 07E064000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1986 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 1986 Mercury Topaz?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1986 Mercury Topaz have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.