1986 Mercury Topaz Problems
- Complaints
- 9filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 2.3L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Mercury Topaz (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 1986 Mercury Topaz. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 3 complaints (33% of the total), followed by brakes (2) and electrical system (2). Of all complaints, 2 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling3 33%
- Brakes2 22%
- Electrical system2 22%
- Steering2 22%
- Equipment1 11%
- Exterior lighting1 11%
- Fuel system1 11%
Example complaints
Brakes: “Sudden application of foot brake causes right front brake to lock. No braking on other 3 wheels. Able to stop only by using hand brake and steering to avoid collision. Replaced brakes to no effect.”
NHTSA complaint #723572, filed 2000-06Electrical system: “When driving vehicle became very hot and stalled out dut to the tfi ignition module being too close and mounted on the side of the distributor. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #861487, filed 2000-05Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1986 Mercury Topaz version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topaz FWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Topaz FWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Topaz FWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Topaz FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl · diesel | 5-speed manual | 31 | 39 | 34 | $2,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1986 Mercury Topaz in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1986 Mercury Topaz.
Other model years of the Mercury Topaz
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 63 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 71 | 97,365 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 62 | 33,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 40 | 25,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 48 | — | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 46 | 94,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 21 | 147,256 | 2 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 16 | 110,000 | 0 | — | 22 | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 9 | — | 0 | — | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 5 | — | 3 | — | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 10 | — | 5 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
All Mercury Topaz model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1986 Mercury Topaz have?
NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 1986 Mercury Topaz as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Mercury Topaz is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 3 complaints (33% of the total), followed by brakes with 2.
Has the 1986 Mercury Topaz been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1986 Mercury Topaz get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Mercury Topaz (Topaz, 2.3L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 21 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.