1996 Mercury Mystique Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 7%of 185 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,032miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Mercury Mystique, 7% of the 185 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,032 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While traveling on the highway and without prior warning the steering wheel bounce off her knee and landed in the passenger side. The dealership is aware of the problem. Ts the vehicle was not responding well to steering. As consumer let go, the wheel fell off.”
NHTSA complaint #8021918, filed 2002-10, 86,032 miles“I replaced the alternator last summer and I had to replace it again this summer. I had to replace my tail lights twice the brakes is always giving me problems. The window on the drivers side doesnt roll down. When it rain the floors get wet. I have a hard time putting it into gear and taking it out of gear. It stalls to cut on and drives really rough.I had to replace the tires numerous times.the speedometer went out and the temperture gauge as well.the AC dosent work and it takes a while for the heat to warm up car.something need to be done about this.”
NHTSA complaint #10070271, filed 2004-01“I experienced loss of power steering while driving my vehicle in wet conditions. I have this problem not been addressed to my satisfaction by my dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #708254, filed 1999-07“We have had a problem with this car since we bought it. First it was the driveshaft while we were traveling then it was the paint starting to crack, then it was the power steering going out when it was raining. Dealership had no idea what was wrong. Just found out when my husband took A/C switch out that it was burned. Called dealership when it first happenned even though we still had an extended warranty and wanted money out of us. We couldn't afford it. Please see if any of these are defects to where a dealer in west palm beach can correct the problem at no cost. …”
NHTSA complaint #706965, filed 1999-05“The car has had a history of suspension, linkage and bearing failures since it was purchased. Mercury dealers and manufacturers have not been helpful. The mechanics at the dealer explained to me off the record that these cars have a history of front end failures however, the dealer and the manufacturer refuse to acknowledge it. You are invited to test drive the car and experience the vibration and poor handling to assit you in your investigation.”
NHTSA complaint #731487, filed 2000-09Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Mercury Mystique
47 complaintsEngine cooling
41 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
30 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
19 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsFuel system
14 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 31, 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