1996 Mercury Mystique Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 185 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1996 Mercury Mystique, 4% of the 185 complaints for this model year. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“We took this car to the dealer in may of 1999 because the throttle seemed to stick, then break free, causing to car to lurc forward into traffic. They kept the car but it would not repeat the problem so they erturned it to us and charged us over $100. Ever since the throttle would sometimes feel rough in about one half to one inch of travel but then would be smooth as silk. In feb we took the car in for the smog check and the service person finished the test and put the car in reverse and it sat still, the engine at idle and it would not move. …”
NHTSA complaint #720107, filed 2000-03“While driving in heavy morning traffic vehicle starts whining, then it stalls. Has to put gear in park to restart. Sometimes the overdrive indicator light comes on. Also, when pulling out in traffic, it doesn't engage in gear immediately, when putting foot on accelerator, it can cause an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #858382, filed 2000-03“Nhtsa recall 97 v 225 000/throttle cable: vehicle experienced separation of throttle cable. Manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that this vehicle was not covered under recall due to VIN. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #880180, filed 2001-02“Air conditioner indicator is not illuminating on dash when lights are turned on. Also, during the first week of purchase problems with accelerator pedal sticking . Consumer was aware that a recall had been issued for that problem, but manufacturer refused to repair due to VIN. Problems with radiator also occurred, and manufacturer refused to repair that problem free of charge because VIN# did not apply to that recall either. Consumer was unable to contact dealer. Dealer was no longer in business. Please provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #891417, filed 2001-06“Consumer was pulling into the driveway. There was tight pulling & grinding noise in the throttle. Vehicle was put in park before pressing down on the throttle again & the cable snapped. Dealer said cable was busted off the accelerator pedal which controlled throttle of the vehicle. Recall #97v22500o. Dealer stated wrong part was put on that was why it broke. Dealer repaired the problem, but fixed it temporarily. Correct cable still needs to be put on to rectify & complete the problem. The traction is now off. …”
NHTSA complaint #868106, filed 2000-08Related recalls
- 97V225000Dec 8, 1997Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the traction control option. The throttle cables were damaged during vehicle assembly leading to fraying…Covers: Mercury Mystique 1995–1996, Ford Contour 1995–1996
Vehicle speed control: 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 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsBody and structure
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