MYRModel Year Report

1992 Mercury Topaz

◆ Worse than typical
1992 Mercury Topaz
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:54:17.870Z

This year had 30% to 100% more 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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercury Topaz Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1992 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 1991: 40 complaints 1991 1992: 62 complaints 1992 1993: 73 complaints 1993 1994: 63 complaints 1995: 1 complaints 1995 1998: 1 complaints 1998
1992: 62 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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 29%

29% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

CAR WAS SITTING IN GARAGE AND CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960226

SEAT BELTS 27%

27% of complaints: seat belts — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing webbing and anchorage.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18%

18% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL.*MR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED FLAMES BURST OUT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED (96V-071000) BUT THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20031105

THIS VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL# 96V071000 CONCERNING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION SWITCH. IGNITION SWITCH MUST BE MANEUVERED FOR SOME ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PARTS TO FUNCTION.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030829

Also filed under EQUIPMENT

SERVICE BRAKES 11%

11% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

POWER TRAIN 8%

8% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 1992 — complaint volume: 62
I 19960502 — PE (closed 19960930)

ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES

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

R 19970331 — engine and engine cooling

THESE VEHICLES ARE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, IOWA, MINNESOTA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, AND SOUTH DAKOTA. THE VEHICLES INVOLVED ARE 1992-1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.

Campaign 97V019000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1992 Mercury Topaz — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 97V019000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1991 ● 1989 ● 1990

WORST YEARS

◆ 1993 ◆ 1994 ● 1990

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1992 Mercury Topaz reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1992 Mercury Topaz is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1992 Mercury Topaz?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1992 Mercury Topaz have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.