MotorDeets

1991 Mercury Topaz: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1991 Mercury Topaz: 1 recall, 40 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
40owner complaints
0mention a crash
23best combined mpg
1991 Mercury Topaz
Photo: Cutlass · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Electrical Vehicle recall #96V071000 · 1996 · 7,900,000 vehicles

What's wrong: The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.

Why it matters: This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.

The fix: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 9 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical12
Seat belts8
Brakes (hydraulic)8
Engine & cooling6
Fuel system5
Speed control / throttle4
Seats1
Transmission & drivetrain1

What owners describe

The 1991 Mercury Topaz has 40 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 7 Topaz model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 41). Complaints peaked in 1996 (14 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 25,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1990 (48 complaints, 1 recalls), 1992 (62 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.3 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive192923Regular
2.3 L 4-cylAutomatic 3-spdFront-Wheel Drive192421Regular
2.3 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive192621Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1991 Mercury Topaz.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1991 Mercury Topaz manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1991 Mercury Topaz manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1991 Mercury Topaz manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1991 Mercury Topaz manual

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FAQ

Does the 1991 Mercury Topaz have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1991 Mercury Topaz. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1991 Mercury Topaz problems?

Owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (12), seat belts (8), brakes (hydraulic) (8).

What gas mileage does the 1991 Mercury Topaz get?

EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.3 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1991 Mercury Topaz repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Topaz years

1990199119921993199419951998