2000 Mercury Mystique

The 2000 Mercury Mystique was a mid-size sedan offering a comfortable ride and decent fuel economy. Engine options included a 2.0L inline-4 Zetec engine producing 130 hp and 135 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5L Duratec V6 engine producing 170 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciated the Mystique’s smooth handling and relatively spacious interior for its class. Common complaints revolved around reliability issues, particularly with certain engine and transmission components, as well as some electrical problems.

Engine

2.0L Zetec I4

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, often from the valve cover gasket or rear main seal, leading to oil consumption and potential engine damage if not addressed. Visible oil drips may be present.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket or rear main seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+ (valve cover gasket), $300 - $800+ (rear main seal, due to labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks from the thermostat housing, radiator, or hoses.
  • Solution: Replace the thermostat housing, radiator, or hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $100+ (hoses), $50 - $200+ (thermostat housing), $200 - $500+ (radiator).
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5L Duratec V6

• Vacuum Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor acceleration, and decreased fuel economy, often due to deteriorated vacuum hoses.
  • Solution: Replace the vacuum hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $100+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Coil Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough running, and a check engine light indicating a cylinder misfire.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ignition coil.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+ per coil
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Slipping or Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips between gears, shifts hard, or fails to shift properly.
  • Solution: Often requires a transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Ball Joints and Control Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Poor handling and tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the worn ball joints and control arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per side.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken Coil Springs
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one side.
  • Solution: Replace the broken coil springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per side.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows failing to operate, often due to a faulty window motor or regulator.
  • Solution: Replace the window motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per window.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dimming lights, car dying.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABS Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: ABS light illuminated on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ABS sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the rocker panels, wheel wells, and undercarriage.
  • Solution: Cut out rust and replace the rusted panel.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$2000+ per panel
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric detaching from the roof.
  • Solution: Replace or re-glue the headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks not working when pressing the keyfob or door lock button.
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2000 Mercury Mystique, while offering a comfortable driving experience, is prone to a range of issues primarily concerning the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. Engine oil leaks and coolant leaks are common, and the automatic transmission can suffer from slipping issues. Electrical issues include power window and ABS sensor failures. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others, such as transmission rebuilds, can be costly. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to maintaining the vehicle’s reliability.