Two problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 1997 Mercury Mystique. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving the vehicle approximately 35mph, the timing belt broke & hit upper cover. The belt melted on engine. Took to mechanic. Problem only detected when engine is cold.
Crankshaft dampner/pulley failed causing vehicle to loose power steering in wet weather,resulting in vehicle collision and brain injury.