1988 Mercury Topaz

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1988 Mercury Topaz
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:39:41.558Z

Only 21 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 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1988: 21 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 21 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and module.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY,IGNITION SWITCH CAUGHT AND STEERING COLUMN. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960502

I FILED A COMPLAIN WITH FORD RELATIVE THE TFI MODULE WITH COPIES OF THE BILL. I WAS REIMBURSED FOR MUCH OF THE EXPENSE LESS $70. I CALLED, FORD COULD NOT DISCUSS ON PHONE, WAS TOLD TO WRITE COMPLAIN TO A FORD GROUP IN CA.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030426

IN THE CASE OF THE DEFECTIVE FORD IGNITION MODULES( HOWARD VS FORD), ALL THE CLAIMS THAT I SENT IN WERE REJECTED BY FORD.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030410

SEAT BELTS

5 of 21 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

4 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE STALLS WHEN I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS

NHTSA ODI report, 20030109

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 of 21 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing headlights.

STEERING

2 of 21 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system.

CRASH FIRE DEATH

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19880318 — vehicle speed control

TWO ATTACHMENT SCREWS FOR THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS COULD LOOSEN AND BACK OUT.

Remedy: REPLACE ATTACHMENT SCREWS WITH SCREWS WITH PRE APPLIED ADHESIVE THAT WILL BE TIGHTENED TO A HIGHER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.

Campaign 88V024000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19891227 — EA (closed 19911231)

FAILED PASSIVE RESTRAINT

I 19960111 — DP (closed 19960119)

REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE

I 19960119 — PE (closed 19960528)

REAR BRK ADJUSTER FAILURE

R 19960607 — electrical system

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Campaign 96V071000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Mercury Topaz — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for seat belts issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 88V024000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1991 ● 1989 ● 1990

WORST YEARS

◆ 1993 ◆ 1994 ◆ 1992

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1988 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 1988 Mercury Topaz?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Mercury Topaz have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.