1997 Mercury Mystique Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 1997 Mercury Mystique. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Electrical systemCovers: Mercury Mystique 1996–1998, Ford Contour 1996–1998, Mercury Cougar 1999
Reported issue: On certain my 1996-1998 passenger vehicles built at the kansas city, cuautitlan assembly plants or on my 1999 passenger vehcles built at the automotive alliance international assembly plants, the rough surface of the heater blower resistor's stainless steel blades can damage the copper surface of the wiring harness connector. The damage could, over time, cause increased resistance in the connector and, due to…
Possible consequence: The open circuit could lead to electrical arcing that could melt the connector housing material creasing the potential for a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness. Owner notification began august 29, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation componentsCovers: Mercury Mystique 1996–2000, Ford Contour 1996–2000, Mercury Cougar 1999–2000
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles not equipped with the anti-lock braking system (abs). A pressure conscious reducing valve (pcrv) in the rear brakes may be subject to corrosion and result in malfunction, when operated in areas that use salt compounds on the roadway for de-icing or dust control.
Possible consequence: If both pcrv's malfunction, vehicle handling could be adversely affected during braking as a result of the rear wheels locking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install improved pcrv's in the rear brake system. This recall was expanded in september 2000 to include 1999 and 2000 ford contour, mercury mystique and cougar vehicles.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › SwitchCovers: Mercury Mystique 1996–1998, Ford Contour 1996–1998
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connector can experience heat damage as a result of overheating.
Possible consequence: The damage could result in distortion of the terminal causing an open circuit in the instrument panel illumination, parking lamp, and tail lamp circuits.
Remedy: Dealers will install a headlamp switch wiring connector containing bronze terminals and an inspection, and replacement if necessary, of the headlamp switch.
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shiftCovers: Mercury Mystique 1995–1998, Ford Contour 1995–1998
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The floor shift automatic transmission control can be damaged if subjected to certain interior cleaning products. The gear position indicator can deteriorate and not correctly indicate the actual gear position.
Possible consequence: This condition can result in incorrect gear selection.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control.
← 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.