MYRModel Year Report

1991 Mercury Topaz

▲ Better than typical
1991 Mercury Topaz
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:36:11.387Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
40
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1991

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

30% 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 1989 1990: 48 complaints 1991: 40 complaints 1991 40 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 1991: 40 complaints 1991 40 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 1991: 40 complaints 1991 40 1992: 62 complaints 1992 1993: 73 complaints 1993 1994: 63 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaint 1995 1998: 1 complaint 1998

1991: 40 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

30% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and switch.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

An electrical fire caused by the wiring in the ignition. Please describe. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-01-30

Faulty headlight wiring resulted in a fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-15

Service brakes

25% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Seat belts

20% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing webbing and retractor.

Engine and engine cooling

15% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and radiator assembly.

Fuel system, gasoline

15% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump and fuel injection system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

I took my car to have it serviced on Friday and they said I had a gas leak which I hadn't noticed. I had even smoked in my car on the way to the station.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-28

While parked over night, quoted by fire marshall "Vehicle started" Then began smoking until fire ignited. Now classified as totaled. Please describe details.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-12-28

Safety timeline

1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    1996-01-11Defect petitionClosed 1996-01-19 Rear brake system failure
  2. I
    1996-01-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-05-28 Rear brk adjuster failure
  3. I
    1996-05-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-09-30 Engine cooling fan fires
  4. 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

1991 Mercury Topaz — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1991 Mercury Topaz reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Mercury Topaz is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Mercury Topaz?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Mercury Topaz have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.