Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1991 Mercury Capri sits mid-pack among Capri years: 33 NHTSA complaints, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (6), transmission (6), and airbags (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
33
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6 | 18% | new |
| Transmission | 6 | 18% | new |
| Airbags | 5 | 15% | new |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 4 | 12% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 9% | new |
| Fuel System | 2 | 6% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 3% | new |
| Other | 1 | 3% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE AIR BAG MODULES DO NOT MEET THE FORD SPECIFICATIONS FOR HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE PERFORMANCE.
Consequence
AT HIGH AMBIENT INTERIOR VEHICLE TEMPERATURES ABOVE140 DEGREES, THE AIR BAG MAY TEAR AND MALFUNCTION UPON DEPLOYMENT.
Remedy
REPLACE THE AIR BAG MODULES WITH MODULES THAT MEET SPECIFICATIONS.
Defect
THE RUBBER TUBE THAT CONNECTS THE TRANSMISSION TO THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER (IN THE RADIATOR) MAY DISCONNECT CAUSING DISCHARGE OF FLUID.
Consequence
DISCHARGED TRANSMISSION FLUID MAY STRIKE THE EXHAUSTMANIFOLD OR THE EXHAUST PIPE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
INSTALL REVISED LINE AND CLAMPS TO IMPROVE LINE RETENTION TO THE TRANSMISSION.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ON THE FIRST OCCASION CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE TRANSMISSION OIL LEAKED OUT OF THE CAR AND THE SECOND TIME CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE, NO ONE WAS HURT . PLEASE DESCRIBE .*AK CONSUMER STATES EACH TIME THE SAME AREA HAS BEEN AFFECTED; OIL HOSE TO COOLER IN FRONT OF ENGINE. *SLC”
“I HAVE TAKEN CAR OFF ROAD. TWO FORD DEALERS AND TWO INDEPENDENT SERVICE PROVIDERS HAVE TOLD ME UNLESS IT STALLS WHILE THEY HAVE IT THEY CAN NOT FIX IT- IT IS A SENSOR OR SOMETHING WHICH DOESN'T SHOW ON THE COMPUTER CODE SELF CHECK SCAN. THE CAR IS WORTHLESS AS I NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL STALL AND…”
“VEHICLE COLLIDED HEAD-ON WITH A POLE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 60MPH. CONSUMER STATES THAT DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG "EXPLODED", CRACKING THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, AND CAUSING INJURY TO DRIVER'S HEAD, CHIN, AND NECK.*AK”
“VEHICLE HAS HAD THREE BATTERS AND FAN BELTS, WITH THE LAST BELT FAILING 300 MILES AFTER INSTALLATION. OWNER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF RECALL FOR REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE ALTERNATOR PULLEY AND BELT THAT CAUSES SLIPPAGE, AND BELT AND BATTERY FAILURE.”
“THE CONVERTIBLE TOP REAR WINDOW IS FOGGING CAN'T SEE CONSUMER SAID THERE IS A RECALL ON THE SIDE OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP IS COMING APART CAN'T FIND RECALL . TT”
It is close to typical for the Capri: 33 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (6 complaints), transmission (6 complaints), airbags (5 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Mercury Capri. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.