Lots of peeling on the paint. Also the alternator went out the first year of ownership. I\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'ve had so much fixed on this car already and spent lots of money. Please advise.
The worst 1991 Mercury Topaz problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical13
- Brakes8
- Seat belts8
- Engine6
- Fuel system5
- Acceleration4
- Body1
- Lights1
- Locks1
- Seats1
- Steering1
- Suspension1
- Transmission1
- Visibility1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1991 Mercury Topaz
Recalls 1
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
- Risk
- This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Recall number 96V071000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 1991 Mercury Topaz
Defect investigations
Engine cooling fan fires
In december 1995, ford recalled 119,313 vehicles in canada to remedy the subject condition in certain 1992-95 taurus, sable, tempo, topaz and continental vehicles.ford is aware of similar incidents occurring in northern regions of the united states, but maintains that the frequencies do not warrant a finding of an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.
PE96033
Rear brk adjuster failure
1984 - 1991 ford tempo/mercury topaz
PE96005
Rear brake system failure
There is no summary currently available
DP96002
Technical service bulletins for the 1991 Mercury Topaz 38
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks
- Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts
- Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip
- Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses
- Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance...
- Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda
- Experiencing a whine / buzz type noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio on...
- Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered...
- Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) to reduce the possibility of...
- Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance
1991 Mercury Topaz fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | FWD | 19 | 24-29 | 21-23 |
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 18 | 22 | 19 |
What 1991 Mercury Topaz owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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. When they was emptying the gas tank something sparked and caught the car on fire which ended up destroying my car and 3 others plus the station. My car was a 1991 mercury topaz. Has there been any similar situations involving the fuel tank or system on these cars?
Oil leaks out of the top of the engine when first driven, causing vehicle to smoke until oil is burned out. Vehicle also dies unexpectedly when driving in hot weather. The ignition has been replaced three(3) times by consumer using rebuilt, new and manufactured parts.
The engine stalls at gear engagement due to coolant thermostat, the dealer was unable to determine the cause. Nlm
Vehicle would stall in traffic after stopping. Normally in the middle of an intersection. Thermostat was binding, causing it to stall. Dealer's diagnostic machine wasn't reading what problem could have been. *ak
When riding in traffic vehicle stalls after a period of sitting and trying to accelerate. Dealer has been contacted. Problem was suppose to be fixed, but vehicle is still stalling.
Front seat belt failed to retract, back into place after use. Would get trapped into the seat cushion. Taking vehicle to dealership.
Vehicle caught fire due to defective ignition switch. A recall has been issued on the vehicle's make/model. However, the consumer was not notified prior to the fire. Dealer has refused to reimburse for or replace car. *ak
The lap shoulder belt does not fit properly for consumers child, the shoulder belt rubs the neck area.
When starting the vehicle up and applying the accelerator, the throttle keeps getting stuck.
Compare the 1991 Mercury Topaz
Other model years
Questions about the 1991 Mercury Topaz
Is the 1991 Mercury Topaz reliable?
Owners have filed 40 complaints about the 1991 Mercury Topaz, fewer than a typical Topaz model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1991 Mercury Topaz?
Electrical system, with 13 complaints. Next is brakes (8).
How many recalls does the 1991 Mercury Topaz have?
1 recall, covering electrical system.
Was there a recall on the 1991 Mercury Topaz electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 96V071000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Mercury Topaz have the most electrical problems?
The Mercury Topaz model years with the most electrical complaints are 1990 (21 complaints), 1991 (13 complaints) and 1993 (13 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1991 Mercury Topaz get?
Official estimates for the 1991 Mercury Topaz range from 19 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 24-29 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1991 Mercury Topaz?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history