MYRModel Year Report

1988 Mercury Topaz

○ Not enough data
1988 Mercury Topaz
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:05:09.219Z

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

Complaints per year, Mercury Topaz Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1983: 1 complaints 1983 1984: 10 complaints 1985: 5 complaints 1985 1986: 9 complaints 1987: 16 complaints 1987 1988: 21 complaints 1988 1989: 46 complaints 1989 1990: 48 complaints 1991: 40 complaints 1991 1992: 62 complaints 1993: 71 complaints 1993 1994: 63 complaints 1995: 1 complaints 1995 1998: 1 complaints 1998
1988: 21 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19831
198410
19855
19869
198716
198821
198946
199048
199140
199262
199371
199463
19951
19981

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

SEAT BELTS

2 of 21 total reports mention: seat belts.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 of 21 total reports mention: exterior lighting.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE STALLS WHEN I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS

NHTSA ODI report, 20030109

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 19960502

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

NHTSA ODI report, 19960502

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

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

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 seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 88V024000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 seat belts, accounting for 10% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Mercury Topaz have?

2 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.