1989 Mercury Topaz Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 28%of 46 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the electrical system of the 1989 Mercury Topaz, 28% of the 46 complaints for this model year. 3 a fire, according to the filers. 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.
“While driving vehicle & noticed an odor inside vehicle. The battery light flashed on. At home checked under hood. Noticed smoke coming from wire harness near the alternator. The plastic wire harness had melted down. Was able to drive vehicle to repair shop. The mechanic replaced the wire harness & the alternator due to being shorted out.”
NHTSA complaint #855237, filed 2000-02“Received letter from manufacturer for ignition switch sept.1996. Had recall work done, had alternator and wiring harness put in dec. 1996. Inside was a warning label stating that alternator could cause fire.”
NHTSA complaint #806877, filed 1996-12“While driving vehicle smoke came from under the hood and the wiring to the alternator burned up. The alternator has been replaced (5) times. Needs to be replaced again.”
NHTSA complaint #803963, filed 1996-10Related recalls
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.Covers: Mercury Topaz 1988–1993, Ford Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993 +12 more
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 7 | 11% |
| 1993 | 13 | 18% |
| 1992 | 11 | 18% |
| 1991 | 12 | 30% |
| 1990 | 21 | 44% |
| 1989 | 13 | 28% |
| 1988 | 7 | 33% |
| 1987 | 7 | 44% |
| 1986 | 2 | 22% |
| 1985 | 1 | 20% |
| 1984 | 7 | 70% |
Other parts of the 1989 Mercury Topaz
10 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Mercury Topaz
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology