1989 Mercury Topaz
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 10 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1987 | 16 |
| 1988 | 21 |
| 1989 | 46 |
| 1990 | 48 |
| 1991 | 40 |
| 1992 | 62 |
| 1993 | 71 |
| 1994 | 63 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1998 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.
FIRE13% of complaints: seat belts — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
THE AUTOMATIC RETRACTING SEATBELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE DRIVER IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950925
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CAR WAS PARKED AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE .
NHTSA ODI report, 19960916
SAFETY TIMELINE
FAILED PASSIVE RESTRAINT
REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE
REAR BRK ADJUSTER FAILURE
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
1989 Mercury Topaz — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1989 Mercury Topaz reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Mercury Topaz is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Mercury Topaz?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Mercury Topaz have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.