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.
Mercury Topaz fire or smoke problems
18 of the 285 owner complaints about the Mercury Topaz describe fire, smoke or burning smell, most of them for the 1990 model year.
- owner complaints
- 18
- worst model year
- 1990
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
What owners say
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
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?
While driving, the engine light remains on continuously, consumer noticed smoke coming from under the hood, vehicle was taken to the dealer, and they changed all spark plugs and oil, the next day consumer parked the vehicle and less than 5 minutes vehicle caught on fire.*ak. After the vehicle caught on fire, the dealer informed consumer that the engine was bad, however consumer stated that no one informed her prior that there was a problem with the engine.
Vehicle caught on fire. Fire started in the steering column. Vehicle experienced the same problem as manufacturer's recall 7774/ignition switch. Ford advised consumer that this vehicle was not part of the recall.
Consumer was traveling at 30-35mph and started smelling smoke coming through the vents of vehicle. Consumer pulled into driveway & got out. Within minutes, vehicle caught on fire. Consumer will contact manufacturer & federal trade commission.
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
Brother had driven the car to get it washed. Then drove to a restuarant, and the car started smoking and caught on fire. Called fire department to extinguish the fire.
The altenator connecting wires get hot, and they have a tendency to melt and catch on fire. Dealer has been contacted.
Had just started vehicle & left it parked & running. Left for a moment. After returning, noticed flames around the edges of the hood. Called fire department. They put flames out & informed owner it was electrical wiring & harness. Vehicle was totaled.
Related recalls
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
Questions about the Mercury Topaz fire or smoke
Which Mercury Topaz years have fire, smoke or burning smell problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1990 (6 complaints), 1992 (5 complaints) and 1991 (3 complaints).
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