1999 Mercury Mystique

Introduction

The 1999 Mercury Mystique is a mid-size sedan that offers a comfortable ride and a spacious interior. It is available with a variety of engine and transmission options, including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission, a 2.5-liter V6 engine with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission, and a 3.0-liter V6 engine with a four-speed automatic transmission. The Mystique is praised for its smooth handling, responsive steering, and well-equipped interior. However, it is also known for its lack of power, particularly with the four-cylinder engine, and its somewhat bland styling.

Engine

2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder

• Intake manifold gasket failure: Symptoms include coolant leaks, overheating, and white smoke from the exhaust. Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Timing belt failure: Symptoms include a loss of power, a rattling noise from the engine, and an illuminated check engine light. Solution: Replace the timing belt. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+

2.5-Liter V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure: Symptoms include coolant leaks, overheating, and white smoke from the exhaust. Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets: Symptoms include an oil leak from the top of the engine. Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Power steering pump failure: Symptoms include a whining noise from the power steering pump, difficulty steering, and a loss of power steering fluid. Solution: Replace the power steering pump. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+

3.0-Liter V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure: Symptoms include coolant leaks, overheating, and white smoke from the exhaust. Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Head gasket failure: Symptoms include coolant leaks, overheating, and white smoke from the exhaust. Solution: Replace the head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $1500+

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Clutch failure: Symptoms include slipping gears, difficulty shifting, and a burning smell. Solution: Replace the clutch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+

Four-Speed Automatic

• Transmission slipping: Symptoms include a loss of power, a delay in shifting gears, and a whining noise from the transmission. Solution: Replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+

Suspension

• Strut failure: Symptoms include a clunking noise from the suspension, a loss of stability, and uneven tire wear. Solution: Replace the struts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
• Sway bar link failure: Symptoms include a rattling noise from the suspension, a loss of stability, and uneven tire wear. Solution: Replace the sway bar links. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Electrical

• Alternator failure: Symptoms include a dimming of the lights, a loss of power, and a battery that is not charging. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
• Starter failure: Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the engine, a loss of power, and a dead battery. Solution: Replace the starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Exterior

• Rust: Symptoms include bubbling or peeling paint, rust spots, and holes in the body panels. Solution: Repair or replace the rusted panels. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies widely depending on the extent of the damage.
• Door lock actuator failure: Symptoms include difficulty locking or unlocking the doors, a buzzing noise from the door locks, and a dead battery. Solution: Replace the door lock actuator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Interior

• Power window failure: Symptoms include a window that does not open or close properly, a clicking noise from the window motor, and a blown fuse. Solution: Replace the window motor or window switch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Climate control failure: Symptoms include a lack of heat or air conditioning, a fan that does not work, and a blown fuse. Solution: Replace the climate control module or fan motor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Summary

The 1999 Mercury Mystique is a generally reliable vehicle, but it is not without its issues. The most common problems include intake manifold gasket failure, oil leaks, and transmission slipping. The severity of these issues can vary depending on the specific engine and transmission option. The cost to fix these issues can also vary widely. Overall, the Mystique is a good choice for a mid-size sedan, but it is important to be aware of the potential problems that it may have.