1998 Mercury Mystique Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 16%of 231 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Mercury Mystique, 16% of the 231 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have had shifting problems with the automatic transmissions on a 1998 Mercury Mystique. From my research this transmission made by a joint venture between mazda and ford has had major problmes. I have had it to the local ford dealer seven times to get it fixed. They thought it was all electrical but now tell me they need to pull the transmission and check three things inside it. The car has been undriveable for three months through this process. I have already spent $650.00 and now the real expensed process starts.”
NHTSA complaint #10033300, filed 2003-08, 60,000 miles“Took my car in october 15, 2003.jim dobson ford in winamac to check my car out and they told me it wasn't an electrical problem with my transmission it was hydrolic or the second speed gear went out. I told them to go ahead and rebuild the transmission. They pulled the transmission out on the 16th. Called them on the 17th. They told me that the mechanic called off sick and that they did not have a chance to open the transmission up to find out exactly what is wrong with it. Mechanic called of again on the 18th and the 20th. Asked them about a loaner car. They said they don't have loaner cars . …”
NHTSA complaint #10071076, filed 2004-01, 89,000 miles“The vehicle experienced problems with it's air bags. The vehicle' also leaked fluid at the transmission joint. The vehicle leaked 2 1/2 qts of transmission fluid in approximately 3 weeks. Since the vehicle was no longer under warranty the dealer refused to assist the consumer.”
NHTSA complaint #10055853, filed 2004-01, 117,116 miles“Failed to go into gear from park, changing gears difficult, did not move in drive, would not go into reverse, engine died while driving 35 m.p.h made loud noise.”
NHTSA complaint #10171231, filed 2006-10, 158,689 miles“I took my car to my mechanic after my check engine light was illuminated -- he told me that the computer indicated torque control slippage -- then took the car to mountain view ford where the service advisor informed me that my transaxle pump needed replacing and that it would cost just over $1000 -- this car only has just over 32000 miles on it and I was also told that my 100000 mile powertrain warranty would not cover it -- this is a defect on the car and should be subject to a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #756361, filed 2002-01Related recalls
- 98V233000Sep 18, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The floor shift automatic transmission control can be damaged if subjected to certain interior cleaning products. The…Covers: Mercury Mystique 1995–1998, Ford Contour 1995–1998
Related service bulletins
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Mercury Mystique
49 complaintsEngine cooling
34 complaintsBrakes
28 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsExterior lighting
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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