Lemon Law Center

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.

Corrective Action

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.

Recall Notes

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.

2000 Mercury Mystique

Component

Equipment:Other:Labels

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. an incorrect label was installed on the driver side rear door. this label contains instructions for the activation of the childproof safety locks.

Corrective Action

the operator of the vehicle may believe the childproof safety lock was activated when it was not, potentially allowing the door to be opened from the inside.

Recall Notes

owners will be provided with a replacement label and installation instructions.

2000 Mercury Mystique

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Consequence of Defect

certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain ford, daimlerchrysler, and jeep passenger vehicles. these brake cylinders were sold under the brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. only products that were manufactured from july 27, 2005 through january 17, 2006 (date codes 0529 through 0602) are subject to this recall. when subject to very cold temperatures, an internal seal in the master cylinder could lose flexibility and may cause brake fluid to leak.

Corrective Action

loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

affinia (brake parts, inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. the recall began on march 20, 2006. owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.

2000 Mercury Mystique

Component

Seat Belts

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and mini vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. the buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load bearing requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."

Corrective Action

in the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect the date code on certain seat belt buckles of your vehicle and replace all seat belt buckles that fall within the suspect date code range. owner notification began october 26, 2000. 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.

1999 Mercury Mystique

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

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.

Recall Notes

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.

1999 Mercury Mystique

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

1999 Mercury Mystique

Component

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles built with automatic transmissions which utilize a park/lock solenoid. it is possible to rotate the ignition key to the lock position and remove the key without the shift lever and transmission being in park. these vehicles do not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 114, "theft protection."

Corrective Action

this could result in a crash and possible personal injury.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect these vehicles. vehicles that have units with ignition keys removable in gear positions other than park, will have the steering column replaced.

1998 Mercury Mystique

Component

Electrical System

Consequence of Defect

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 subsequent terminal relaxation, result in an open circuit condition.

Corrective Action

the open circuit could lead to electrical arcing that could melt the connector housing material creasing the potential for a fire.

Recall Notes

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.

1998 Mercury Mystique

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

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.

Recall Notes

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.

1998 Mercury Mystique

Component

Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Switch

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connector can experience heat damage as a result of overheating.

Corrective Action

the damage could result in distortion of the terminal causing an open circuit in the instrument panel illumination, parking lamp, and tail lamp circuits.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a headlamp switch wiring connector containing bronze terminals and an inspection, and replacement if necessary, of the headlamp switch.

1998 Mercury Mystique

Component

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Floor Shift

Consequence of Defect

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.

Corrective Action

this condition can result in incorrect gear selection.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control.

1998 Mercury Mystique

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

1998 Mercury Mystique

Component

Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs

Consequence of Defect

this is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: 1998 ford contour/mercury mystique passenger vehicles built at the kansas city assembly plant. the front coil springs could potentially fracture due to corrosion.

Corrective Action

some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.

Recall Notes

ford is extending the warranty for front coil spring replacement for the front coil springs for 10 years from original date of sale of a vehicle or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.

1998 Mercury Mystique

Component

Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the air bag sensor wiring pigtail insulation can become brittle and crack over time due to accumulation of water in the pigtail protective convolute in combination with high underhood temperatures related to the routing of the wiring pigtail near the radiator. this can result in environmental stress cracking of the insulation.

Corrective Action

in some cases, the air bag warning light can illuminate and the air bag supplemental restraint system disabled.

Recall Notes

dealers will install air bag sensors with revised wiring insulation. in addition, vehicles which have the air bag warning light illuminated will have a new air bag diagnostic monitor installed.

1998 Mercury Mystique

Component

Vehicle Speed Control

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the accelerator cable may have been manufactured with a burr on or near the end of the cable sleeve interior. this burr could fray the core wire resulting in the accelerator not returning to idle when the accelerator is released.

Corrective Action

this condition can result in the throttle sticking, binding, or causing high engine rpm.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a revised accelerator cable that has a flared conduit sleeve end and molded on end fitting.

1998 Mercury Mystique

Component

Exterior Lighting:Headlights

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the text and/or graphics for the vehicle headlamp aiming instructions provided in the owner guides are not sufficiently clear. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Corrective Action

if the headlamp assemblies are replaced, customers may be confused by the aiming instructions provided in the owner guides causing the headlamps to be improperly aimed.

Recall Notes

owner guides containing revised aiming instructions will be mailed to owners of these vehicles.

1998 Mercury Mystique

Component

Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles built at the kansas city assembly plant and originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin, and the district of columbia. the front coil springs may fracture as a result of corrosion in high corrosion environments. depending on the location of the fracture, a broken spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire.

Corrective Action

some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.

Recall Notes

dealers will install spring catcher brackets. owner notification began october 23, 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 1-866-436-7332.

1997 Mercury Mystique

Component

Electrical System

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

the open circuit could lead to electrical arcing that could melt the connector housing material creasing the potential for a fire.

Recall Notes

1997 Mercury Mystique

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

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.

Recall Notes

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.

1997 Mercury Mystique

Component

Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Switch

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connector can experience heat damage as a result of overheating.

Corrective Action

the damage could result in distortion of the terminal causing an open circuit in the instrument panel illumination, parking lamp, and tail lamp circuits.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a headlamp switch wiring connector containing bronze terminals and an inspection, and replacement if necessary, of the headlamp switch.

1997 Mercury Mystique

Component

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Floor Shift

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

this condition can result in incorrect gear selection.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control.

1997 Mercury Mystique

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

1997 Mercury Mystique

Component

Visibility:Defroster/Defogger System:Windshield:Controls/Wiring

Consequence of Defect

this is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: 1995-1997 ford contour and mercury mystique vehicles. the heater blower resistor could overheat causing the attached electrical connector to melt.

Corrective Action

this could create the potential for a fire.

Recall Notes

ford will provide additional warranty coverage for the heater blower switch for 10 years from original date of sale of the vehicle or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness free of charge.

1996 Mercury Mystique

Component

Electrical System

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

the open circuit could lead to electrical arcing that could melt the connector housing material creasing the potential for a fire.

Recall Notes

1996 Mercury Mystique

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

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.

Recall Notes

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.

1996 Mercury Mystique

Component

Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Switch

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connector can experience heat damage as a result of overheating.

Corrective Action

the damage could result in distortion of the terminal causing an open circuit in the instrument panel illumination, parking lamp, and tail lamp circuits.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a headlamp switch wiring connector containing bronze terminals and an inspection, and replacement if necessary, of the headlamp switch.

1996 Mercury Mystique

Component

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Floor Shift

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

this condition can result in incorrect gear selection.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control.

1996 Mercury Mystique

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

1996 Mercury Mystique

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: 1995 passenger vehicles equipped with the 2.0l and 2.5l engines, and 1996 vehicles equipped with 2.5l engines. tightening of the engine cooling fan motor bearings, up to and including motor stall, can result in increased motor torque and higher than normal motor current and accompanying high motor temperatures.

Corrective Action

overheating of the cooling fan motor due to excessive current can result in smoke and odors from bearing grease, insulation and other internal motor components. if electrical current continues to be applied to the motor, internal motor components could ignite possibly igniting other engine compartment components.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a positive temperature coefficient device in-line with each fan motor. ford will also extend the warranty on the engine cooling fan assembly to a total of 8 years of service or 100,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever occurs first. if the vehicle already has more than 100,000 miles, this coverage will last until july 31, 2001.

1996 Mercury Mystique

Component

Vehicle Speed Control:Cables

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the traction control option. the throttle cables were damaged during vehicle assembly leading to fraying or separation of the throttle cable.

Corrective Action

this condition could prevent the engine from returning to idle.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the throttle cable with a revised design that is less susceptible to bending or kinking during installation.

1996 Mercury Mystique

Component

Visibility:Defroster/Defogger System:Windshield:Controls/Wiring

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

this could create the potential for a fire.

Recall Notes

1996 Mercury Mystique

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the fuel filler pipe vent hose may have less than the intended level of ozone resistance, which could result in the hose becoming brittle and cracking.

Corrective Action

a cracked hose could result in fuel leakage when the vehicle is being fueled.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a fuel filler vent hose contacting the appropriate blend of pvc and nitrile rubber.

1995 Mercury Mystique

Component

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Floor Shift

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

this condition can result in incorrect gear selection.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control.

1995 Mercury Mystique

Component

Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage

Consequence of Defect

cracks have been found in the front safety belt outboard anchor tabs due to a combination of hydrogen embrittlement of the tab and stress introduced during attachment of the anchor tab to the seat frame. this does not conform with the requirements of fmvss no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."

Corrective Action

consequence of non-compliance: a fracture or separation in this area would reduce the load that the anchor and the front safety belt anchorages could sustain, increasing the risk of injury in a vehicle collisoin.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect and install an anchor tab reinforcement or replacement of the complete front seat belt assembly if an anchor tab is found to have fractured.

1995 Mercury Mystique

Component

Visibility:Windshield

Consequence of Defect

the glass tempering process on the right hand rear door windows was not correctly performed. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 205, "glazing materials."

Corrective Action

consequence of non-compliance: if the window breaks, the glass fragments of the rear windows exceed the size specifications of fmvss no. 205.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the right rear door glass.

1995 Mercury Mystique

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

1995 Mercury Mystique

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap

Consequence of Defect

the fuel tank filler pipe opening reinforcement, constructed from two separately molded pieces, can leak at the weld.

Corrective Action

fuel leakage can result in a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the fuel tank assemblies with units containing one-piece molded reinforcements.

1995 Mercury Mystique

Component

Air Bags:Frontal

Consequence of Defect

the passenger side air bag has an inflator body that cracked during forming of the curl that retains the igniter plug in the end of the inflator. also the igniter end cap can separate from the inflator.

Corrective Action

the passenger side air bag may not inflate properly resulting in reduced occupant protection in a vehicle accident. if the igniter end cap separates in a frontal collision, hot gases can be released and ignite flammable material or cause burn injuries.

Recall Notes

dealers will remove and replace the passenger side air bag module.

1995 Mercury Mystique

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

1995 Mercury Mystique

Component

Vehicle Speed Control:Cables

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the traction control option. the throttle cables were damaged during vehicle assembly leading to fraying or separation of the throttle cable.

Corrective Action

this condition could prevent the engine from returning to idle.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the throttle cable with a revised design that is less susceptible to bending or kinking during installation.

1995 Mercury Mystique

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap

Consequence of Defect

the fuel tank filler pipe opening reinforcement can leak at the weld.

Corrective Action

fuel leakage can result in a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect and, as appropriate, replace the fuel tanks.

1995 Mercury Mystique

Component

Visibility:Defroster/Defogger System:Windshield:Controls/Wiring

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

this could create the potential for a fire.

Recall Notes

1995 Mercury Mystique

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap

Consequence of Defect

a metal shield on the outside of the plastic fuel filler pipe can develop a static electrical charge during refueling of the vehicle.

Corrective Action

a static charge can discharge and serve as an ignition source for fuel vapors in the area of the filler pipe, resulting in a flash vapor ignition and a vehicle fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect and, if necessary, modify the vehicles by adding a ground strap between the filler pipe shield and the body.