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.
1990 Mercury Topaz problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 67 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median Topaz year — the 1990 model ranks #4 of 14 Topaz years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 23 reports (34% of the total).
67
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
3
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
11
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1990 compare to other Topaz years?
What are the most common 1990 Mercury Topaz problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 23 | 34% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 9 | 13% | — flat |
| Brakes | 6 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 6 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 6 | 9% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Transmission | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | new |
Does the 1990 Mercury Topaz have recalls?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.
Consequence
INFLATOR COMPONENT SEPARATION ALLOWS HOT COMBUSTION GASES TO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURIES TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Remedy
REPLACE AIR BAG MODULES CONTAINING POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE INFLATORS.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE STARTED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 7774/IGNITION SWITCH. FORD ADVISED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. *AK”
“BROTHER HAD DRIVEN THE CAR TO GET IT WASHED. THEN DROVE TO A RESTUARANT, AND THE CAR STARTED SMOKING AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. *AK”
“WHENEVER ENGINE IS COLD ACCELERATOR PEDAL GETS STUCK. NEEDS TO PRESS VERY HARD IN ORDER FOR IT TO CATCH. TOOK TO DEALER & MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM WHICH OCCURS FREQUENTLY, BUT INTERMITTENTLY. *AK”
“ARRIVING HOME, WAS PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY STEERING WHEEL FELT FUNNY, THE ENTIRE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL FELL OVER, TOOK TO DEALER, INFORMED TIE ROD BROKE, WAS REPAIRED, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK”
“APPLIED BRAKES, HEARD NOISE IN REAR AS IF SOMETHING WAS LOOSE; FEEL OF BRAKES PULLING; OWNER WILL PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. *AK”
1990 Mercury Topaz — common questions
Is the 1990 Mercury Topaz reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 67 complaints put the 1990 model at #4 of 14 Topaz years. It is one of the Topaz years to avoid.
What are the most common 1990 Topaz problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (23 complaints), engine (9 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).
Does the 1990 Mercury Topaz have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Mercury Topaz. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1990 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.