1996 Mercury Mystique Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 41about this part
- Share
- 22%of 185 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,750miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 41 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Mercury Mystique, 22% of the 185 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,750 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The vehicle ran rough while driving at any speed. This condition caused a problem while driving in traffic. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop. The mechanic informed the consumer that the plastic intake manifold needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10105009, filed 2004-12, 99,000 miles“Head gasket failure. Coolant system failure. Check engine light came on without warning, flashed and constant. I guess what they say about ford is right found on road dead fix or repair daily ouch”
NHTSA complaint #10069479, filed 2004-01, 90,500 miles“I replaced my timing belt last year, and again it failed. I have taken it to the ford dealerships to have it replaced. I really feel that timing belts do not wear out this fast, unless there is a problem with something. This time it was storming, and I left the flashers on, and had to walk 2 miles in the country to get to my truck to tow my car home. In the mean time, the car was towed. So I guess this was a report to the police.”
NHTSA complaint #10052358, filed 2004-01“The problems that I am having with the vehicle is that I need a new engine and I purchased an extended warranty along with the car. The warranty company, wynn's oil company refuses to pay for the repairs. I am still qualified for the warranty to pay for repairs, with exemptions of deductable. I really need help with this problem. I am without the use of a vehicle that I am still legally obligated to pay for. Please help!!”
NHTSA complaint #750828, filed 2001-08“I got in my car after work notice my windows just fog up got hom next day brought the car down to a garage they seem not intersted in it, but thought it might be the water pump and said it would cost over a thousand dollars all my warranys are up but are making payments on a car I can,t drive and belive it is a recall problem and would like to get it fix could please help also the power arm on the drivers side door let go also which caused my door window to carsh down and break that I paid about$385.00 to be fix plus the cost of the glass.”
NHTSA complaint #757777, filed 2002-02Related recalls
- 00V367000Nov 6, 2000Vehicle description: 1995 passenger vehicles equipped with the 2.0l and 2.5l engines, and 1996 vehicles equipped with 2.5l engines. Tightening of the engine…Covers: Mercury Mystique 1995–1996, Ford Contour 1995–1996
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Mercury Mystique
47 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
30 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
19 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Mercury Mystique
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology