1999 Mercury Tracer: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 20 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2004

recalls

owner complaints

fire reports

typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest Tracer years (#7 of 8 by complaints, age-adjusted)2 fire reports

Common problems Recalls Other years FAQ

Common problems

Computed from 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 20 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.

Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)4 complaints

Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)2 complaints

Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)2 complaints

Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)2 complaints

Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)2 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)1 complaint

“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury tracer. The contact stated that the horn continues to fail. The horn has been replaced on numerous occasions. For the most recent replacement, the wiring connected to the air bag burned. The dealer wired a separate button for the contact to push in order to activate the horn. This remedy did not work properly and enabled the vehicle's alarm system. The contact does not know if the air bags are fully operable. The manufacturer has not responded. The current mileage was 100,605 and the failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2007

“The front plastic headlight lens are deteriorating, conditions are causing poor visibility while driving at night. Both lens was replaced and repaired by a local repair shop. The dealer was not notified. *nm...the two headlight lens became yellow and discolored. They did not provide adequate visibility at night. Replaced headlights at cost of $317.oo, including pennsylvania state tax. *ak”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2005

“The engine stalled when the consumer attempted to start it .the consumer took the vehicle to the shop for an inspection and results showed that a new ignition switch was needed. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2004

Show 7 more owner reports

“Consumer took vehicle to a tire company, and left front tire was flat he put vehicle on rack, and noticed that all four tires were separating on sidewall. Kelly, springfield, p17565r14. *ak”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2001

“Parked into a parking lot trying to put in reverse and won't go into gear right away when it did go in reverse it jerked and as a result hit a wall. Couln't get the key out of the iginition when in parked.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 1999

“While driving at 65mph steering wheel locked up, resulting in a collision. Vehicle was totaled. Dealer has been notified. *ak”Owner report · Steering · Jun 1999

“When slowing down and coming to a complete stop with a bump in the road, the vehicle would accelerate. (the consumer's foot would be on the brake pedal) the dealer could not find the problem. The consumer stated that she has almost had accidents because of this. *slc *scc”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control

“Vehicle was sold new, however was previously owned and wrecked, the air bag sensors were missing from previous accident (sold fraudulently). *mjs”Owner report · Air Bags

“Vehicle would not start. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the engine failed due to a mechanical failure, and engine must be replaced. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling

“While traveling 40-45 mph and as a result of a rear end collision, air bags did not deploy at any time. Please provide further information. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags

When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 1 campaign

SEAT BELTS:FRONT04E048000 · Jul 2004

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.

How other years compare

1997142 complaints · 2 recalls 199844 complaints · 1 recalls 1999 (this page)20 complaints · 1 recalls

Check your exact Tracer by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1999 Mercury Tracer reliable?

NHTSA has 20 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1999 Mercury Tracer. The most complained-about area is electrical system.

Does the 1999 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.