MYRModel Year Report

1990 Mercury Topaz

● Typical for this model
1990 Mercury Topaz
RENDERED 2026-09-16T02:00:48.646Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercury Topaz Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1990 highlighted. 1983: 1 complaints 1983 1984: 10 complaints 1985: 5 complaints 1985 1986: 9 complaints 1987: 16 complaints 1987 1988: 21 complaints 1989: 47 complaints 1989 1990: 48 complaints 1990 1991: 40 complaints 1991 1992: 62 complaints 1993: 73 complaints 1993 1994: 63 complaints 1995: 1 complaints 1995 1998: 1 complaints 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%

48% of complaints: electrical system — 23 distinct reports on file, 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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960419

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 19%

19% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and exhaust system.

FIRE
SERVICE BRAKES 13%

13% of complaints: service brakes — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 13%

13% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.

STEERING 13%

13% of complaints: steering — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tie rod assembly and steering wheel/handle bar.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19891227 — EA (closed 19911231)

FAILED PASSIVE RESTRAINT

R 19901105 — air bags

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.

Campaign 90E043001 — check if this car was fixed

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

1990 Mercury Topaz — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (23 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 90E043001 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1991 ● 1989 ◆ 1992

WORST YEARS

◆ 1993 ◆ 1994 ◆ 1992

See all years ranked →

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 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.