Defect
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
1989 Mercury Topaz problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 57 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Topaz year — the 1989 model ranks #6 of 14 Topaz years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 16 reports (28% of the total).
57
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
3
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
5
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1989 compare to other Topaz years?
What are the most common 1989 Mercury Topaz problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 16 | 28% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 10 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 7 | 12% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 6 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 4 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Other | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Airbags | 1 | 2% | new |
Does the 1989 Mercury Topaz have recalls?
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“15-20 MINUTES AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. UNDER INVESTIGATIONS AT THIS TIME. *AK”
“CONSUMER KEPT HEARING LOUD NOISES WHEN SHIFTING. WENT TO 4 DIFFERENT MECHANICS, COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM UNTIL THE FOURTH MECHANIC SAID THE NOISE WAS COMING BECAUSE THERE WERE 2 BROKEN MOTOR MOUNTS. *AK”
“DRIVER'S SIDE MOTORIZED SEAT BELT FAILS WITH BELT IN THE FULL FORWARD POSITION. THIS LEAVES THE DRIVER WITHOUT ANY RESTRAINT BEING AVAILABLE. THIS MEANS THE DRIVER CAN EASILY SUSTAIN FAR GREATER INJURIES IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. *AK”
“VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE PAST FIVE MPH WITH APPLICATION OF GAS PEDAL. DEALER STATED VEHCLE NEEDED NEW TRANSMISSION. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”
“VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE PAST FIVE MPH WITH APPLICATION OF GAS PEDAL. DEALER STATED VEHCLE NEEDED NEW TRANSMISSION. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”
1989 Mercury Topaz — common questions
Is the 1989 Mercury Topaz reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 57 complaints put the 1989 model at #6 of 14 Topaz years. It is one of the Topaz years to avoid.
What are the most common 1989 Topaz problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (16 complaints), engine (10 complaints), seat belts (7 complaints).
Does the 1989 Mercury Topaz have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Mercury Topaz. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1989 Mercury Topaz under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 3 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.