1990 Mercury Topaz

Introduction

The 1990 Mercury Topaz is a mid-size sedan that was offered with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The base engine was a 2.3-liter four-cylinder that produced 98 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine was a 3.0-liter V6 that produced 140 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Topaz was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and affordable price. However, it was also criticized for its lack of power and poor fuel economy.

Engine

2.3-liter Four-Cylinder

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, engine misfire
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, engine misfire
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0-liter V6

• No Issues Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises, slipping clutch
  • Solution: Replace clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, loss of power, transmission fluid leak
  • Solution: Replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise over bumps, uneven tire wear, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball joint failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise over bumps, uneven tire wear, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, electrical system failure
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t start, clicking noise when starting
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Exterior body panels rusting
  • Solution: Remove rust and repaint
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Trim fading
  • Description/Symptoms: Exterior trim fading or peeling
  • Solution: Replace trim
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power window failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows not working
  • Solution: Replace power window motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard cracks
  • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard cracking or peeling
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1990 Mercury Topaz is a reliable and affordable mid-size sedan that is well-suited for families and commuters. However, it is not without its problems. The most common issues with the Topaz include intake manifold gasket failure, head gasket failure, clutch failure, transmission slipping, strut failure, alternator failure, starter failure, rust, and trim fading. While these issues can be expensive to fix, they are not uncommon for vehicles of this age and mileage. Overall, the Topaz is a good value for the money and is worth considering if you are looking for a used mid-size sedan.