1998 Mercury Tracer: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 44 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is suspension (26% of complaints); the 1999 model year looks 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 44 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Speeds up on its own when driving and when stopped at lights. Occurs every time I drive it. Most of all in the winter time. Tried to repaired it at station but was unable to do so. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2010
“While I am on the foot brake slowing down, car suddenly revs, shifts into gear and accelerates. I am unable to hold back the vehicle even when pushing as hard as I can on the brake pedal. I have to knock the shift lever into neutral to stop.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · May 2007
“Dt: the contact took vehicle to dealer for regular maintenance, and the dealer discovered the rear passenger strut broke. Inside the strut was a piece of rubber. No repairs have been made. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dt : trunk latch was faulty. Truck latch had a sensor in it that will cause the vehicle not to run. The part they replaced was called a trunk latch. It will cause the engine to decelerate while driving down the highway. The trunk lid was closed but the sensor inside of it was faulty because it caused the engine to fail even though the lid was closed. The sensor has been replaced twice.*ak *nm”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Jun 2005
“While driving 70 mph the consumer lost control of her 1998 mercury tracer and collided head on into a guardrail. Neither of the frontal air bags deployed. *nm the entire front end was smashed into the engine. *sc *jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2005
“On december 11, 2004 I was out shopping and I got in the car and it would not start I left it sit there over night and went back the next day and it started. I have had 3 machanicks look at it and none of them know why it did it.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2004
“The rear coil springs broke on my 1998 mercury tracer. When seeking a repair, I understand that this is a well documented problem with ford/mercury models of this size (escort/tracer/tempo). With rear springs broken, one can observe the rear tires of a car with these springs broken come off the road. With ford well aware of this design flaw in these autos, there ought to be a recall of these vehicles. I have only 47,700 miles on this car; I have now replaced a busted crankshaft pulley and the resistor associated with circulation system which could have started a fire. All of these problems are well documented and ford should address these flaws.”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2004
“Consumer complained about having problems with a right tie rod and a right coil spring. He had taken vehicle to a repair shop and was told by a mechanic what was wrong with the vehicle. Vehicle was real dangerous to be driven. Manufacturer was not contacted at the time of this call. Dealer was contacted and replaced the damaged parts with the warranty. Vehicle had less than 30000 miles. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2003
“While stopping at spot light and without any indication vehicle surged while brakes were depressed. Dealer was contacted.*ak consumer took vehicle to have the computer and transmission functions checked. Transmission was serviced and adjustments were made. *jg”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2002
“Vehicle was involved in a 20-25 mph frontal collision in which the driver and passenger air bags did not deploy, cause unknown.*ak *slc”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1998 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
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 1998 Mercury Tracer reliable?
NHTSA has 44 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1998 Mercury Tracer. The most complained-about area is suspension (26% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Mercury Tracer problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 83,000 miles or less.
Does the 1998 Mercury Tracer have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has 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.