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.
1991 Mercury Topaz problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 59 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Topaz year — the 1991 model ranks #5 of 14 Topaz years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (13), brakes (11), and seat belts (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
59
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
3
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
10
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1991 compare to other Topaz years?
What are the most common 1991 Mercury Topaz problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 13 | 22% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 11 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 8 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 8 | 14% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 6 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 4 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Does the 1991 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.
“HAD JUST STARTED VEHICLE & LEFT IT PARKED & RUNNING. LEFT FOR A MOMENT. AFTER RETURNING, NOTICED FLAMES AROUND THE EDGES OF THE HOOD. CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT. THEY PUT FLAMES OUT & INFORMED OWNER IT WAS ELECTRICAL WIRING & HARNESS. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK ”
“BRAKE PEDAL GRADUALLY KEPT GOING CLOSER TO FLOOR BOARD WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, REAR BRAKE ADJUSTERS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED, SHOULD AUTOMATICALLY ADJUST FOR WEAR, NO ACCIDENTS..*AK *JB”
“OIL LEAKS OUT OF THE TOP OF THE ENGINE WHEN FIRST DRIVEN, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SMOKE UNTIL OIL IS BURNED OUT. VEHICLE ALSO DIES UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN DRIVING IN HOT WEATHER. THE IGNITION HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE(3) TIMES BY CONSUMER USING REBUILT, NEW AND MANUFACTURED PARTS. *JG”
“LOTS OF PEELING ON THE PAINT. ALSO THE ALTERNATOR WENT OUT THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. I\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'VE HAD SO MUCH FIXED ON THIS CAR ALREADY AND SPENT LOTS OF MONEY. PLEASE ADVISE.”
“I TOOK MY CAR TO HAVE IT SERVICED ON FRIDAY AND THEY SAID I HAD A GAS LEAK WHICH I HADN'T NOTICED. I HAD EVEN SMOKED IN MY CAR ON THE WAY TO THE STATION. WHEN THEY WAS EMPTYING THE GAS TANK SOMETHING SPARKED AND CAUGHT THE CAR ON FIRE WHICH ENDED UP DESTROYING MY CAR AND 3 OTHERS PLUS THE STATION.…”
1991 Mercury Topaz — common questions
Is the 1991 Mercury Topaz reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 59 complaints put the 1991 model at #5 of 14 Topaz years. It is one of the Topaz years to avoid.
What are the most common 1991 Topaz problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (13 complaints), brakes (11 complaints), seat belts (8 complaints).
Does the 1991 Mercury Topaz have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 Mercury Topaz. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1991 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.