I am the 2nd owner of my 1998 Mercury Mystique. I purchased the vehicle in 2004. It has a computer defect that gives a false reading for the check engine light. This car qualified for the NJ lemon law because of this problem with its 1st owner. However, that owner was too kind to do anything about it. The previous owner gave me a file filled with service information from the date he purchased the vehicle, brand new in December 1997. Shortly after his purchase he had the vehicle back to the dealer for the check engine light. He had it back a couple more times for the same thing and they always fixed it. Obviously, they put a band-aid on a major defect. I noticed the light was on when I first purchased the vehicle. The former owner said he had it checked and was told not to pay attention to it. Well, since then I have been told at inspection that it has to be fixed every time. So it goes to my mechanic who wills repair/replace the necessary parts per that day's computer reading. Within a few weeks (occasionally months) the light goes on again. Previous to this years inspection (December 31st) I had my friend look it over and he replaced the valve/sensor that was defected (per that days computer reading). Well, right before inspection the check engine light went back on. And of course, since it was on, it failed again. I mentioned to the inspector that it had a history of this problem. I asked if there was any recourse and he told me to look into the NJ waiver program. I called the motor vehicle commission to learn about the waiver program. I understand to be considered, the repair cost has to be about $400 or more. Some time ago the repair costs limit was about $250 or more. Well, for the repair I had done before this last inspection, it cost me about $250 again. I believe that for these reasons I should qualify for a vehicle waiver for the emissions inspection of my vehicle.

- Westmont, NJ, USA

The contact owns a 1998 Mercury Mystique. The contact took her vehicle to a mechanic because the blower motor resistor failed. The mechanic stated that her fuse box melted, which caused the blower motor to fail. She called the manufacturer and a representative stated that her VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 01V230000 (electrical system), although the failures were identical. The contact would be responsible for the repair costs. She is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. The failure and current mileages were 114,708.

- Minneapolis, MN, USA

Vehicle instrument panel went hay-wire, car starting hesitating, and slamming from gear to gear. Took to a service center that advised me that it had a bad sensor. Paid close to $800 to have replaced. Car started with more electrical issues within the next couple of days. (ie: Lights would not go on, etc) took back to service center that then advised that the wiring harness on the car was malfunctioning and causes the electrical system to short circuit. The wiring harness would have to be replaced and wiring on car would have to be redone costing close to $3000. They also advised that this car is not safe to drive, that it would be just a matter of time before this car would catch fire. Did not have $$ to make repair, continued to drive car having no other option with a baby, and young child that need to be taken to school, etc. While driving on the interstate days later, the car went from 75 mph to 10 mph like hitting a wall. Almost got rear-ended and had to exit, driving home at 10 mph the whole way.

- Wesley Chapel, FL, USA

The contact states there is a NHTSA recall campaign #01V230000 concerning the electrical system. This vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to VIN. The vehicle has not been repaired because it was too expensive

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

While driving down the road, I noticed smoke coming out of the dash. I pull over to the side of the road, opened the hood and the first thing I saw was fire coming from behind the glove compartment. The car caught fire and burned just five after I pulled over. No warning lights, looked at temp gauge and everything was fine before the fire. Called 911 at 5:44 pm, fire dept came and put out the fire. This was on the interstate.

- Crystal Springs , MS, USA