VehicleVerdict

1987 Mercury Topaz problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 28 complaints on file for the 1987 Mercury Topaz — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

28

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

4

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other Topaz years?

Topaz NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted106 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 13 complaints1985: 5 complaints1986: 13 complaints1987: 28 complaints1988: 28 complaints1989: 57 complaints1990: 67 complaints1991: 59 complaints1992: 92 complaints1993: 98 complaints1994: 106 complaints1995: 13 complaints1998: 1 complaints
Topaz NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Topaz years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Mercury Topaz problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System725%
Engine621%
Body & Structure311%
Fuel System27%
Suspension27%
Other27%
Transmission14%
Lighting14%
Seat Belts14%
Steering14%
Tires & Wheels14%
Brakes14%

Does the 1987 Mercury Topaz have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E064000Fuel SystemAugust 27, 2007 · 34,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.

Consequence

A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.

Remedy

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND FIRE STARTED. POLICE SAW FLAMES AND PUT THEM OUT WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER, FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME TO PUT FIRE OUT. FIRE MARSHALL STATED FIRE STARTED WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. BURNED THE RUBBER BUMPER/ BACK TO THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRES, AND UNDER THE HOOD. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 30, 1998 · fire

“HAD VARY PROBLEMS WITH CAR YOU NAME IT IT HAS BROKE ON IT , I BROUGHT IT USED AND NEVER KNEW UNTIL I STARTED TO FIX CAR THAT THE TOPAZ HAS SO MANY PROBLEMS, BUT GOT TO HAVE SOME THING TO DRIVE, THIS CAR GOT MORE PROBLEMS AND SOME”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 15, 2001

“HAD VARY PROBLEMS WITH CAR YOU NAME IT IT HAS BROKE ON IT , I BROUGHT IT USED AND NEVER KNEW UNTIL I STARTED TO FIX CAR THAT THE TOPAZ HAS SO MANY PROBLEMS, BUT GOT TO HAVE SOME THING TO DRIVE, THIS CAR GOT MORE PROBLEMS AND SOME”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 15, 2001

“HAD VARY PROBLEMS WITH CAR YOU NAME IT IT HAS BROKE ON IT , I BROUGHT IT USED AND NEVER KNEW UNTIL I STARTED TO FIX CAR THAT THE TOPAZ HAS SO MANY PROBLEMS, BUT GOT TO HAVE SOME THING TO DRIVE, THIS CAR GOT MORE PROBLEMS AND SOME”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 15, 2001

“HAD VARY PROBLEMS WITH CAR YOU NAME IT IT HAS BROKE ON IT , I BROUGHT IT USED AND NEVER KNEW UNTIL I STARTED TO FIX CAR THAT THE TOPAZ HAS SO MANY PROBLEMS, BUT GOT TO HAVE SOME THING TO DRIVE, THIS CAR GOT MORE PROBLEMS AND SOME”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 15, 2001

1987 Mercury Topaz — common questions

Is the 1987 Mercury Topaz reliable?

The record is thin — 28 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1987 Topaz problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints), body & structure (3 complaints).

Does the 1987 Mercury Topaz have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1987 Mercury Topaz. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Mercury Topaz under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mercury Topaz years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Topaz years to avoid are 1994, 1993, 1992, 1990, 1991, 1989. The cleanest record among Topaz years belongs to 1998.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.