1997 Mercury Tracer: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 142 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (31% of complaints); the 1998 and 1999 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 142 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“We had taken my vehicle to get it checked by a computer at a local service parts shop. When we came back we stopped my car and it was not running, ignition off. About an hour later we heard a loud noise and its air bags had gone off, breaking my car's windshield and obviously making a mess in my car. This concerns me since my husband and I had just been in the car a while ago and could have caused injury to us without cause. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2010
“While driving felt severe vibration and loud noise at all speeds and car pulling to the right hard. Vibration became worse about 8 miles later, car was not drivable and almost ran off the road. The tread separated from the tire. Pulled over, put the spare on. Pep boys replaced both front tires, the other tire had tread failure also. Pep boys refused to give me the defective tires. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mercury tracer. While driving 5 mph, the air bags deployed without warning. The vehicle was not involved in a crash. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number 02v323000 (air bags:frontal:sensor/control module). The driver sustained bruises to her hands. The vehicle was not towed. The current and failure mileages were 171,437. Updated 01-15-08. *kb updated *jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“1-car seemed to bottom out in the rear when 4 occupants were in car, also scraping noise. 2-checked car and found contact-coil springs rubbing against car, appeared to be out of the holder. Checked and found both rear springs broken. Springs provide vehicle stability, control and handling. 3-replaced both rear coil springs, I have both old springs. Instructions for installation of new springs have the springs installed 180 degrees from the position of the old springs. Tight coils up, oem was tight coils down. *nm”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2006
“This car is a ford mercury tracer, 1997, VIN #1melm10p2vw6246 there was a smell of burning acid and a small amount of smoke. About two hours later the car burst in flames we lost the entire interior. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2006
“The horn suddenly goes off and won't stop until the fuse is pulled-especially in the middle of the night. I have had to disconnect the horn fuse and drive around with no horn for a year now due to this malfunction. Much time and money was spent trying to find out the problem and was finally told that I would have to replace the entire airbag/horn unit, at a cost of $600.00. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2004
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mercury tracer. While driving 70 mph, the vehicle lost power and the contact pulled to the side of the road. He lifted the hood and noticed flames coming from the engine. He extinguished the fire and had the vehicle towed to a junkyard. The contact later sold the vehicle to the junkyard for $100. The dealer stated that because he no longer owned the vehicle, they could not investigate the failure. The failure and current mileages were 78,000. Updated 04/16/08 *bf updated 04/16/08 *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2004
“While driving 20 mph consumer smelled fuel. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Then, noticed that fluid was leaking from underneath the vehicle. It was taken to a garage for inspection, and mechanic determined that the fuel tank was cracked and needed to be replaced. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Sep 2004
“02v323000/integrated air bag monitor contamination. This vehicle had been recalled for this defect. The work was done in 2003. Now the problem has resurfaced and the dealer wants the owner to pay 4000.00 to correct the problem that should have been corrected when the recall was originally issued. Provide further details. *jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2004
“The consumer's vehicle hit another vehicle's bumper at an impact of 35 mph, and neither frontal air bag deployed. The dealer was notified. *ak the consumer was informed that the vehicle had been wrecked before. *sc”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 15 of these complaints and injuries in 17 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
CERTAIN TRW DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS MANUFACTURED ON DECEMBER 6 AND 9, 2002, FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1997 FORD ESCORT 4-DOOR AND STATION WAGON PLATFORM VEHICLES, FORD'S P/N F7CZ54611B09AAC. THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES EXHIBIT A NO-LOCK CONDITION WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.
Remedy: TRW WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 27, 2004.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR (IABM) CAN BE CONTAMINATED WITH WATER OR OTHER LIQUIDS AND COULD EXPERIENCE INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SHORTING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE SHIELD OVER THE IABM AND APPLY NYOGEL GREASE TO THE CONNECTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
How other years compare
Check your exact Tracer by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Mercury Tracer reliable?
NHTSA has 142 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Mercury Tracer. The most complained-about area is air bags (31% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Mercury Tracer problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 73,547 miles or less.
Does the 1997 Mercury Tracer have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.