1997 Mercury Mystique Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 18%of 71 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 122,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Mercury Mystique, 18% of the 71 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 122,500 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.
“Dt: the wiring harness and the blower resistor was fixed which were on recall. On 4-22-05 and on 5-06-05 while the car was being driven on the highway, the car gave a ticking noise. Then the car gave a puff of blue and black smoke and the car stopped. After the mechanic looked at the car, the mechanic said the engine was gone. The car underwent regular check ups and oil changes. There were no indications that the engine was having any problems or malfunctions. The engine has not been repaired. The cost for replacing was more than the consumer can afford.”
NHTSA complaint #10120999, filed 2005-05, 80,000 miles“Apparently ford/merc in their ultimate wisdom placed the catalytiv converter in the exhaust manifold. The mechanic indicated that they all seem to plug up around 140,000 to 170,000 km. The labour alone is over $600.00 plus the parts are very expensive and both the front and rear need to be replaced or the car will start to lose power. So I have a vehicle that up until now ran well and had good gas milage. Now it is worth $2500.00 dollars on a trade in but the repairs are $ 2600.00 so the car is actually a total right off. Everything else works. …”
NHTSA complaint #10071363, filed 2004-01, 165,000 miles“This is the second time the oil seals have failed since I got this car just over a year ago. I don't drive it enough for it to be a problem that I have started. I only drive from my house to the subway which is about 6 blocks away. I don't think I should have to pay to get this recurring problem fixed and still have to pay a car note when the car is sitting in my backyard!”
NHTSA complaint #763202, filed 2002-06“Engine check light came on, independent service station detected possible problem with thermostat. Dealer replaced sensor, charged $211.00. Two days later light came on again. Dealer detected thermostat, had to order part and replaced. Two weeks later temperature 20 degrees, car took over 30 minutes to heat up and ice formed on the inside of the windshield. Will take car back to the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #715795, filed 1999-12“While driving, the engine became hot and the engine check light illuminated, then the vehicle stalled. The speed sensor and EGR valve was replaced, however the vehicle continued continued to experience problems.”
NHTSA complaint #8001452, filed 2002-10Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Mercury Mystique
12 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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