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 Recalls
Recalls on record Updated July 2026
The 1990 Mercury Topaz has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 7,900,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 67 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
Complaints by component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
5fires
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
1fires
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
2fires
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
Total complaints67
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.
“Vehicle stalled 7 times at various speeds. Vehicle was taken to dealer 5 times, ignition module was replaced twice, multi-function switch once ,and starter once.*ak”
“Vehicle stalled 7 times at various speeds. Vehicle was taken to dealer 5 times, ignition module was replaced twice, multi-function switch once ,and starter once.*ak”
“Vehicle stalled 7 times at various speeds. Vehicle was taken to dealer 5 times, ignition module was replaced twice, multi-function switch once ,and starter once.*ak”
“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”
“Copies of form o.m.b. No. 2127-0008 sent via us mail, and e-mail to: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov”
“Right headlight lense cover came off while driving. Nm”
“Idles to fast ,beyond high idle ,uncontrolable speed while driving”
Defect investigations
Investigation DP96002 Opened 1996-01-11 · closed 1996-01-19
REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
Investigation EA90008 Opened 1989-12-27 · closed 1991-12-31
FAILED PASSIVE RESTRAINT
WE HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS REPORTS WHICH ALLEGE A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM.ADDITIONAL REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED TO RESTRAIN/ADEQUATELY PROTECT THE OCCUPANT DURING AN ACCIDENT
Investigation PE96005 Opened 1996-01-19 · closed 1996-05-28
REAR BRK ADJUSTER FAILURE
1984 - 1991 FORD TEMPO/MERCURY TOPAZ
Sources & methodology
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1990 Mercury Topaz as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.