MYRModel Year Report

1988 Mercury Tracer

○ Not enough data
1988 Mercury Tracer
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:56:32.098Z

Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercury Tracer Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1987: 0 complaints 1987 1988: 21 complaints 1988 1989: 16 complaints 1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 60 complaints 1992: 24 complaints 1993: 62 complaints 1993 1994: 66 complaints 1995: 96 complaints 1996: 12 complaints 1996 1997: 142 complaints 1998: 44 complaints 1999: 20 complaints 1999 2000: 2 complaints 2001: 0 complaints 2002: 0 complaints 2002 2003: 0 complaints 2003
1988: 21 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19870
198821
198916
19902
199160
199224
199362
199466
199596
199612
1997142
199844
199920
20002
20010
20020
20030

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 21 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SEAT BELTS

5 of 21 total reports mention: seat belts.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 of 21 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

CRASH
POWER TRAIN

2 of 21 total reports mention: power train.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER SISTER WAS DRIVING CAR AND THE REAR AXLE BROKE AND THE LEFT REAR WHEEL CAME OFF, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT/ROLLOVER. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19950620

THE AXLE BROKE ON THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE REAR WHEEL TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE AND OVERTURN A NUMBER OF TIMES. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950609

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

WHEELS

1 of 21 total reports mentions: wheels.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19870528 — fuel system, gasoline

INCORRECT FUEL FILLER NECK ATTACHMENT SCREWS WERE USED TO ATTACH THE NECK TO THE REAR QUARTER PANELS.

Remedy: REPLACE INCORRECT SCREWS WITH NEW BOLT/WASHER ASSEMBLIES.

Campaign 87V092000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19890130 — PE (closed 19890525)

SEATBELT RETRACTOR JAMS

R 19890919 — seat belts

SOME LAP SHOULDER BELT RETRACTORS WERE BUILT WITH CERTAIN OUT OF TOLERANCE COMPONENTS.

Remedy: REPLACE FRONT LAP SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLIES, AS NECESSARY.

Campaign 89V085000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19960424 — seat belts

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE

Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES A

Campaign 95V103011 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Mercury Tracer — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 87V092000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 89V085000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 95V103011 (seat belts) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1998 ● 1991 ● 1993

WORST YEARS

■ 1997 ◆ 1995 ● 1994

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1988 Mercury Tracer reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1988 Mercury Tracer?

The most-reported component is seat belts:front:retractor, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Mercury Tracer have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.