1988 Mercury Tracer
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.
- Complaints
- 21
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 21 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 21 |
| 1989 | 16 |
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 61 |
| 1992 | 24 |
| 1993 | 63 |
| 1994 | 67 |
| 1995 | 96 |
| 1996 | 12 |
| 1997 | 142 |
| 1998 | 44 |
| 1999 | 20 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 0 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 21 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seat belts
7 of 21 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor and webbing.
Power train
3 of 21 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing axle assembly.
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-20
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, 1995-06-09
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Vehicle speed control
2 of 21 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Service brakes
2 of 21 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1987-05-28Fuel system, gasoline87V092000 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.
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1989-01-30Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-25 Seatbelt retractor jams
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1989-09-19Seat belts89V085000 Some lap shoulder belt retractors were built with certain out of tolerance components.
Remedy: Replace front lap shoulder belt assemblies, as necessary.
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1996-04-24Seat belts95V103011 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
1988 Mercury Tracer — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 87V092000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 89V085000 · Seat belts
- Recall 95V103011 · Seat belts
Other years of this model
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, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1988 Mercury Tracer have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.