AI Damage1987 Mercury Topaz: common problems
Owners of the 1987 Mercury Topaz filed 16 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 16
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 44% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 25% of all complaints
- 3 Structure 19% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel system 13% of all complaints
- 5 Suspension 13% of all complaints
- 6 Exterior lighting 6% of all complaints
- 7 Powertrain 6% of all complaints
- 8 Seat belts 6% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 7 complaints (44% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 4 complaints (25% of all).
- Structure: 3 complaints (19% of all).
- Fuel system: 2 complaints (13% of all).
- Suspension: 2 complaints (13% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.3 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- automatic, 3-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 16 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 2 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Had vary problems with car you name it it has broke on it , I brought it used and never knew until I started to fix car that the topaz has so many problems, but got to have some thing to drive, this car got more problems and some
Intermittently engine will stall out and die without warning. Dealer has replaced fuel pump/ stepper motor, and problem still exists.
While driving engine check light came on. Then engine died out. Water pump failed or stopped working. Engine did not overheat & failed to restart.
Grill fell off while consumer was driving on two occasions. Yh
Vehicle was parked and fire started. Police saw flames and put them out with fire extinguisher, fire department came to put fire out. Fire marshall stated fire started with the headlights. Burned the rubber bumper/ back to the front passenger tires, and under the hood. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem.
Headlights with plastic cover; the ultra voilet has hazed the cover as if there were cateracts on the cover. Dealer contacted and cannot remedy the problem. Manufacturer aware, but no warranty. Problem still exists. Provide further information.
When rubber bushing gets worn front suspension control arm separates from stablizer bar, causing vehicle to become inoperative; makes wheel fold.
While driving noticed smoke from the dash, then saw flames, no injuries.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 9,040 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 25% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Topaz has 28 complaints (14 years in the data). This year has 16, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1987 Mercury Topaz?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, engine and cooling, structure. Total complaints: 16. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (31%), stalls while driving (19%), headlights and tail lights (13%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1987 Mercury Topaz?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1987 Mercury Topaz from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1987 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.