My daughter is currently driving a 1994 mercury topaz gs that I have registered with ford motor. Last week she experienced a front wheel on fire as a result of an overheating brake. The brake was repaired and it was found that the splash sheild that is next to the rotor was made of a plastic type composite that overheated and burst into flame. This could have caused a burned tire and subsequent blowout and accident. I believe this is a safety defect.
The worst 1994 Mercury Topaz problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine13
- Seat belts13
- Acceleration7
- Brakes7
- Electrical7
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine13
- Seat belts13
- Acceleration7
- Brakes7
- Electrical7
- Transmission7
- Seats5
- Fuel system4
- Suspension4
- Airbags3
- Lights3
- Steering3
- Visibility3
- Body2
- Locks2
- Tires2
Recalls 1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan
- 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
See all 1 recalls for the 1994 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
Technical service bulletins for the 1994 Mercury Topaz 59
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Brake shift interlock
- Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks
- Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts
- On some vehicles, engine oil may continue to leak from the engine oil pan gasket area after an engine oil...
- Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip
- Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses
- Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material...
- Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance...
- Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda
- Conditions with the brake lamps inadvertently disabling the brake shift interlock
1994 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 | 19-21 | 25-30 | 21-24 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 22-26 | 19-21 |
What 1994 Mercury Topaz owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Left rear control arm rotted in the center causing a break. The car spun out of control and bent the right rear control arm as well. Unknown what other damage was caused yet. Left rear control arm obviously had no anti-corrosion coating. Right control arms corrosion-free. Left front control arm also corroded but not as bad.
The transmission locked up, which caused the tires to lock up. *jb the gas pedal was hard. The vehicle will not accelerate. The main control throttle valve was replaced. Scc
The "left rear trailing arm" is rusted through. The vehicle was checked by dealer who advised that the muffler is positioned against component which may be causing corrosion. The consumer is very concerned that the wheel will dislodge and the vehicle may tail spin if arm breaks. *nlm
The passenger seat did not slide back during a sales presentation. The consumer was told the seat would be repaired before the vehicle was picked up. A deposit was put down for the vehicle which was also the time of the incident. The consumer felt it was an illegal action. (only a receipt was signed, no contract) the consumer requested a refund. *scc
Maf sensor failed.
No summary listed for abov evehicle.
2.3l engine intermittently would stalls out while traveling at any given speed. Vehicle had been worked on by dealer on one occasion, and on two occasions by an independent repair shop. But, problem still reoccurring. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.
Passenger's seat belt retractor performed poorly. Consumer's wife was caught inside of seatbelt, and was nearly strangle/ choked to death. Seatbelt was tightly placed on her. Seatbelt wouldn't retract at all. His wife had open heart surgery. And husband was concerned at this point.
Driver's side lap seat belt became stuck and would not release, causing consumer to be trapped in vehicle. Please provide further information.
Compare the 1994 Mercury Topaz
Other model years
Questions about the 1994 Mercury Topaz
Is the 1994 Mercury Topaz reliable?
Owners have filed 62 complaints about the 1994 Mercury Topaz, 1.3 times a typical Topaz model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1994 Mercury Topaz?
Engine and cooling, with 13 complaints. Next is seat belts (13).
How many recalls does the 1994 Mercury Topaz have?
1 recall, covering engine and engine cooling.
Was there a recall on the 1994 Mercury Topaz engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 97V019000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Mercury Topaz have bad engine?
The Mercury Topaz model years with the most engine complaints are 1993 (15 complaints), 1992 (14 complaints) and 1994 (13 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1994 Mercury Topaz get?
Official estimates for the 1994 Mercury Topaz range from 19 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19-21 city and 25-30 highway.
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