1997 Mercury Mystique Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 13%of 71 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 Mercury Mystique, 13% of the 71 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,500 miles. 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.
“Car had a recall associated with exterior lights when my parents owned it about five years ago. The parking lights stopped operating. Per suggestion of ford took car to dealership and paid $85 for an evaluation. They indicated I had two open wires and the estimated repair cost would exceed $2,000 to replace the wiring harness.”
NHTSA complaint #10182996, filed 2007-02, 65,000 miles“The turn signal failure to operate properly poses a problem to the driver of the vehicle and other drivers in that it does not signal at the time it is flashing on the indicator on the dash of the automobile. We were charged by the dealer for work on this signal and it has never been corrected. We were charged $167.92 for work to replace a multi function switch. We feel this is a hazard that needs to be corrected by the dealer or manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #732653, filed 2000-09“The contact stated while traveling various speeds, the overdrive activated on and off. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, where a certified mechanic determined that either the inside or outside sensor of the automatic transmission was faulty. There was a NHTSA recall #98v233000, regarding the powertrain: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift. The manufacturer was contacted and determined that the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. Also, the clock light on the insrument panel went permanently out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10173033, filed 2006-11, 94,000 miles“Consumer stated the tail lights and interior lights did not work. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and was told there was a recall # 99v103000 concerning headlight switch/wiring harness defect. But because of the mileage on the vehicle it could not be repaired under the recall. She wanted to know why, she did not think this was fair. Consumer spoke with three other mechanics whom stated the mileage shouldn't have anything to do with the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10034407, filed 2003-09“Consumer had received recall 99v703000 notice before on wiring harness failure that afected headlights. Problem had happened again. But, dealer refused to repair, and consumer had received a notice on brakes as well.”
NHTSA complaint #894578, filed 2001-08Related recalls
- 99V103000May 5, 1999Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connector can experience heat damage as a result of…Covers: Mercury Mystique 1996–1998, Ford Contour 1996–1998
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Mercury Mystique
13 complaintsBrakes
12 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 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