1986 Merkur XR4TI Problems
- Complaints
- 7filed 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
- 19 mpgcombined, 2.3L 4-cyl RWD · 17 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Merkur XR4TI (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 1986 Merkur XR4TI. The part named most often is exterior lighting, with 3 complaints (43% of the total), followed by electrical system (2) and engine cooling (2). Of all complaints, 1 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.
- Exterior lighting3 43%
- Electrical system2 29%
- Engine cooling2 29%
- Equipment1 14%
- Fuel system1 14%
Example complaints
Exterior lighting: “I own or have owned 5 different XR4TI's. All were bought used, but some were less than 3 years old. In all cases, the hazard light switch has failed. Its basic design is prone to failure because the plastic gets brittle and even has a burned look to it. Ford should either recall, or offer replacement at a reasonable price.”
NHTSA complaint #703258, filed 1999-02Electrical system: “I understand an ignition module is supposed to last the lifetime of a car. Mine failed at about 44,000 miles, if I'm not mistaken. Fortunately no one was hurt; the car stalled as we were pulling out of a parking lot. Still there clearly is a problem, and you need to address it.”
NHTSA complaint #734083, filed 2000-10Engine cooling: “While driving exhaust manifold cracked and let fumes into vehicle, consumer replaced manifold, and it cracked again. This was owner's third Merkur, and on each ones exhaust manifold cracked. Also, vehicle had A/C lines run directly over turbo, and excessive heat caused A/C line to burst, releasing r12 freon in the environment. This has happened to everyone as well. Consumer felt it was poor design by manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #860498, filed 2000-04Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1986 Merkur XR4TI 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XR4Ti RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| XR4Ti RWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
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 Merkur XR4TI 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 Merkur XR4TI.
Other model years of the Merkur XR4TI
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 5 | — | 0 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 7 | — | 0 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 7 | — | 0 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1986 Merkur XR4TI have?
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 1986 Merkur XR4TI as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Merkur XR4TI is reported most often?
Exterior lighting is named most often, in 3 complaints (43% of the total), followed by electrical system with 2.
Has the 1986 Merkur XR4TI 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 Merkur XR4TI get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Merkur XR4TI (XR4Ti, 2.3L 4-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 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 31, 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.