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1992 Mercury Topaz problems

The most common problem on the 1992 Mercury Topaz is seat belts. It has 1.3 times the complaints of a typical Topaz model year.

Typical year1.3x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
62
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
49
Worst area
Seat belts
Fuel economy
19-24mpg

The worst 1992 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.

  • Seat belts
    16
  • Engine
    14
  • Electrical
    11
  • Brakes
    5
  • Transmission
    5
  • Visibility
    5
  • Seats
    4
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Lights
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Tires
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1992 Mercury Topaz

Fire or smoke 5Stalling 5

Recalls 2

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fanReported February 25, 1997 · 75,200 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 vehicles with 3.0l engines; 1994 tempo/topaz with 2.3l engines; 1992-1995 taurus/sable with 3.8l engines; 1994-1995 taurus/sable with 3.0l engines and 1992-1994 lincoln continental vehicles with 3.8l engines. During high winds, heavy, blowing and drifting snow, and low temperatures, the engine cooling fan can become blocked or frozen with snow. The fan motor may not rotate and could overheat.
Risk
This condition can cause smoke or flames from the fan and/or shroud, the fan electrical wiring, or the fan motor resulting in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install an electrical jumper harness containing an automatic resetting circuit breaker to protect the fan motor low speed circuitry from overheating.

Recall number 97V019000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ignitionReported April 25, 1996 · 7,900,000 vehicles affected
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 2 recalls for the 1992 Mercury Topaz

Defect investigations

Engine cooling fan firesOpened May 2, 1996, closed September 30, 1996

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

Technical service bulletins for the 1992 Mercury Topaz 49

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 49 bulletins for the 1992 Mercury Topaz

1992 Mercury Topaz fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.3L 4‑cylFWD18-2124-3020-24
3.0L 6‑cylFWD18-1922-2619-21

What 1992 Mercury Topaz owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 17, 2008 · Transmission · 30 miles · TN

Tl*the contact owns a 1992 mercury topaz. While driving between 25-30 MPH, the vehicle would not move forward. It only rolled backwards into traffic. The vehicle is currently with a mechanic. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 30.

Filed Jul 7, 2007 · Electrical · 76,000 miles · NC

The ignition switch fell apart 3 times on the topaz since 1995, the switches I bought at ford dealership was the exact same one that fell apart. First the accessories stop worked one at a time, A/C, turn signals, radio, air conditioning. Then I pull it out and replaced the switch, I carry an extra one in t car and have the replacement down to 45 minutes. I replaced the switch now when the second sign of failure occurred. I have a small pouch with all the tools. I need to change the part and have the bolts and screws marked that I have to take out. I even write the date and mileage I change it in my service manual so I almost can tell when the nest failure will occur. I knew something was wrong with the replacement switches when I can buy them at a dealership for any where from $9 for first to $16 this last time. The last thing I bought that cheap was a pair of windshield wipers at a dealership.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Seat belts · 20,000 miles · NJ

To whom this may concern; I brought my daughter's car in for seatbelt repair. There was failure of the shoulder strap to open when getting into the car. My complaint is with the dealership hammonton auto group white horse pike hammonton nj. On 6/25 the car was brought in- charging $80 to diagnose that the switch on the passenger side needed replacing. The part cost $10 the job was to cost $260 - which I feel was a customer ripoff. We decided to get the job done despite the outrageous cost. On 6/26 when we arrived to pick up the car-this service dept fixed the driver side which was never broken in the first place. They did not notice that the passenger side didn't work after an $80 diagnostics fee. I am never going to this particular dealership again. I am also reporting this to the bbb and to whoever else I can complain to. This is why so many americans are not buying from ford anymore.

Filed Oct 27, 2003 · Electrical · 46,000 miles · FL · fire

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. The ignition switch was the cause of the fire. *ts

Filed Aug 29, 2003 · Electrical, Lights · GA

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. For instance, air conditioner will come on by maneuvering the ignition switch. Also, electric seat belts/power windows/ turn signals, and brake lights don't operate.

Filed Jun 6, 2001 · Seat belts · WI

Consumer has had past problems with front automatic seat belts on both sides. Automatic seat belts will not retract back. Belt has to be tugged on to retract. Motor makes a grinding and rattling noise.

Filed May 7, 2001 · Engine · WI

While driving at various speeds and coming up to a stop light/sign vehicle would stall out. Had no prior warning. Had not been to a dealership to investigate problem.

Filed Mar 6, 2001 · Engine · GA

Vehicle stalls at slow speeds, 35 MPH and when coming to a stop.

Filed Jan 30, 2001 · Electrical · AZ

Stalling at high temperatures, won't start again for 15-30 minitues. Possibly a bad ignition module.

Filed Nov 2, 2000 · Seats · KY · crash · 2 injuries

No summary listed for above vehicle.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1992 Mercury Topaz before you buy

Compare the 1992 Mercury Topaz

Other model years

1990199119921993199419951998

Questions about the 1992 Mercury Topaz

Is the 1992 Mercury Topaz reliable?

Owners have filed 62 complaints about the 1992 Mercury Topaz, 1.3 times a typical Topaz model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1992 Mercury Topaz?

Seat belts, with 16 complaints. Next is engine (14).

How many recalls does the 1992 Mercury Topaz have?

2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and electrical system.

What year does the Mercury Topaz have the most seat belts problems?

The Mercury Topaz model years with the most seat belts complaints are 1993 (17 complaints), 1992 (16 complaints) and 1994 (13 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1992 Mercury Topaz get?

Official estimates for the 1992 Mercury Topaz range from 19 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 18-21 city and 24-30 highway.

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