Two problems related to steering rack and pinion have been reported for the 1998 Mercury Mystique. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Power steering pump failed after a few days of driving in very heavy rain. Power steering was intermittent and then gone completely. The dealer said the rack&pinion and pump need to be replaced.
The steering has never been able to hold an alignment. I had an check engine light go on and had two service tries before it was fixed. I have had a rotten egg smell and engine pinging for the last 6,000 miles. I only have 10,500 on it now. The dealer will not even try to fix it. I'm trying to get a hold of the district rep to try to switch to another vehicle.