Tl*the contact owns a 1996 mercury mystique. The parking lights on the front and rear of the vehicle along with the instrument panel lights were inoperative. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 99v103000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). The current and failure mileages were 138,552.
1996 Mercury Mystique: headlights failing or too dim
8 of the 185 complaints about the 1996 Mercury Mystique describe headlights failing or too dim.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 8 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Headlights failing or too dim by model year
- 19992
- 199811
- 19973
- 19968
- 19953
What owners say
Dt: the contact states there is a the federal safety agency recall campaign 99v103000 concerning the exterior lighting.: headlights. This vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to VIN. No repairs have been made due to the expense. *ak updated 01/19/06.
Headlight lenses developed a cloudy white discoloration that reduced the lights illumination. *ak the headlight lenses were replaced at 36,000. Now that the vehicle has 64000 miles the problem has recurred.
The terminal at the headlight switch and wiring harness failed prior to recall notice 99v‑103. Nlm
While it was raining driver's head lamp got soaked with rain, and caused low beam light to go out, which may cause visual difficulties. Also, passenger's side was soaked. But, bulb did no go out. Dealer said it was a common problem.
Connector in harness to head lamp switch failed prior to recall notice 99v‑103. Nlm
Headlights stayed on, and vehicle caught on fire. Consumer indicated vehicle was non repairable.
Taillights and headlights are working intermittently.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock
- Concern with headlamps and/or instrument panel lamps dimming slightly at idle
- Some vehicles equipped with daytime running lamps (DRL) may exhibit the high beam indicator in the...
- Conditions with the brake lamps inadvertently disabling the brake shift interlock
- Replacement headlamp bulbs - several aftermarket companies are offering replacement bulbs with a higher...
- Low coolant light illumination on 2.5L vehicles
- Engineering is investigating incidents of low coolant light illumination on 2.5L contour/mystiques
- Discharged battery or brake lights stuck on may be caused by a mal- adjusted brake light switch.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connector can experience heat damage as a result of overheating.
- Risk
- The damage could result in distortion of the terminal causing an open circuit in the instrument panel illumination, parking lamp, and tail lamp circuits.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a headlamp switch wiring connector containing bronze terminals and an inspection, and replacement if necessary, of the headlamp switch.
Recall number 99V103000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1996 Mercury Mystique headlights
Is headlights failing or too dim a common problem on the 1996 Mercury Mystique?
8 of 185 owner complaints about the 1996 Mercury Mystique (4%) mention headlights failing or too dim. The model year with the most reports is 1998.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Mercury Mystique?
There is 1 recall and 8 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 Mercury Mystique
Stalling 19Check engine light 6Overheating 6Fire or smoke 5Loss of power 5Power steering loss 5
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1996 Mercury Mystique?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history