1987 Mercury Topaz
Only 16 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 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 16
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1987
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1987: 16 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 16 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
7 of 16 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving noticed smoke from the dash, then saw flames, no injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-12
When car was started ignitions switch caught on fire, had to be replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-25
After being parked for 15-20 minutes, vehicle caught on fire melting engine components underhood along w/tires. Please describe details.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-22
Engine and engine cooling
6 of 16 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and exhaust system.
Show complaint excerpts
Had vary problems with car you name it it has broke on it , I brought it used and never knew until I started to fix car that the Topaz has so many problems, but got to have some thing to drive, this car got more problems and…
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-22
Also filed under Structure
Structure
3 of 16 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
Suspension
2 of 16 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing control arm.
Fuel system, gasoline
2 of 16 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel pump.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1989-04-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-09-06 Speed control malfunction
-
I
1989-12-27Engineering analysisClosed 1991-12-31 Failed passive restraint
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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
1987 Mercury Topaz — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 3 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 1987 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 1987 Mercury Topaz?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1987 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.