1988 Mercury Topaz
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.
- Complaints
- 21
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
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.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle was parked in driveway,ignition switch caught and steering column.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-02
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, 2003-04-26
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, 2003-04-10
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, 2003-01-09
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.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1988-03-18Vehicle speed control88V024000 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.
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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
1996-06-07Electrical system96V071000 The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Buy-smart checklist
1988 Mercury Topaz — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 88V024000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.