MYRModel Year Report

1990 Mercury Topaz

● Typical for this model
1990 Mercury Topaz
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:46:17.741Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
48
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1990

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

48% of complaints

Complaints per year

1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 10 complaints 1985: 5 complaints 1985 1986: 9 complaints 1987: 16 complaints 1987 1988: 21 complaints 1989: 47 complaints 1990: 48 complaints 1990 48 1991: 40 complaints 1992: 62 complaints 1993: 73 complaints 1993 1994: 63 complaints 1995: 1 complaint 1995 1998: 1 complaint
1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 10 complaints 1984 1985: 5 complaints 1985 1986: 9 complaints 1986 1987: 16 complaints 1987 1988: 21 complaints 1988 1989: 47 complaints 1989 1990: 48 complaints 1990 48 1991: 40 complaints 1991 1992: 62 complaints 1992 1993: 73 complaints 1993 1994: 63 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaint 1995 1998: 1 complaint 1998
1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 10 complaints 1984 1985: 5 complaints 1985 1986: 9 complaints 1986 1987: 16 complaints 1987 1988: 21 complaints 1988 1989: 47 complaints 1989 1990: 48 complaints 1990 48 1991: 40 complaints 1991 1992: 62 complaints 1992 1993: 73 complaints 1993 1994: 63 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaint 1995 1998: 1 complaint 1998

1990: 48 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19831
198410
19855
19869
198716
198821
198947
199048
199140
199262
199373
199463
19951
19981

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

48% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing switch and alternator/generator/regulator.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle caught on fire from the ignition switch while driving the car. Please describe.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-19

Engine and engine cooling

19% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and exhaust system.

FIRE

Service brakes

13% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Vehicle speed control

13% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.

Steering

13% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing tie rod assembly and steering wheel/handle bar.

FIRE

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1989-12-27Engineering analysisClosed 1991-12-31 Failed passive restraint
  2. R
    1990-11-05Air bags90E043001 Threaded inflator components may have been damaged during assembly which may allow components to separate when inflator receives a signal to deploy the air bag.

    Remedy: Replace air bag modules containing potentially defective inflators.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1996-01-11Defect petitionClosed 1996-01-19 Rear brake system failure
  4. I
    1996-01-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-05-28 Rear brk adjuster failure
  5. R
    1996-06-07Electrical system96V071000 The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1990 Mercury Topaz — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 23 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 90E043001 · Air bags
  • Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1990 Mercury Topaz reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Mercury Topaz is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Mercury Topaz?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 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.