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 Recalls
Recalls on record Updated July 2026
The 1991 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 59 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
Complaints by component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
1fires
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
5fires
SEAT BELTS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2fires
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Total complaints59
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.
“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.…”
“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”
“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”
“Vehicle would stall in traffic after stopping. Normally in the middle of an intersection. Thermostat was binding, causing it to stall. Dealer's diagnostic machine wasn't reading what problem could have been. *ak *slc”
“Vehicle caught fire due to defective ignition switch. A recall has been issued on the vehicle's make/model. However, the consumer was not notified prior to the fire. Dealer has refused to reimburse for or replace car. *ak *ml”
“Front passenger's restraint would not retract. Dealer has not been notified. *ak *ml”
“Seat belt latch would get stuck in the buckle, once released, the belts may or maynot reconnect. After awhile the belts do not connect at all/ become inoperative. *ak”
“When starting the vehicle up and applying the accelerator, the throttle keeps getting stuck. *ak”
Defect investigations
Investigation DP96002 Opened 1996-01-11 · closed 1996-01-19
REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
Investigation PE96005 Opened 1996-01-19 · closed 1996-05-28
REAR BRK ADJUSTER FAILURE
1984 - 1991 FORD TEMPO/MERCURY TOPAZ
Investigation PE96033 Opened 1996-05-02 · closed 1996-09-30
ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES
IN DECEMBER 1995, FORD RECALLED 119,313 VEHICLES IN CANADA TO REMEDY THE SUBJECT CONDITION IN CERTAIN 1992-95 TAURUS, SABLE, TEMPO, TOPAZ AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES.FORD IS AWARE OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS OCCURRING IN NORTHERN REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES, BUT MAINTAINS THAT THE FREQUENCIES DO NOT WARRANT A FINDING OF AN…
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 1991 Mercury Topaz as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.