1989 Mercury Tracer

○ Not enough data
1989 Mercury Tracer
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:56:31.294Z

Only 16 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 16 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, 1989 highlighted. 1987: 0 complaints 1987 1988: 21 complaints 1989: 16 complaints 1989 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
1989: 16 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 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 of 16 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE FIRE.

NHTSA ODI report, 19961114

PARKED VEHICLE ON LOT LATER VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960423

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

2 of 16 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.

SEAT BELTS

2 of 16 total reports mention: seat belts.

WHEELS

1 of 16 total reports mentions: wheels.

TIRES

1 of 16 total reports mentions: tires.

SAFETY TIMELINE

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

1989 Mercury Tracer — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 95V103011 (seat belts) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1998 ● 1991 ● 1993

WORST YEARS

■ 1997 ◆ 1995 ● 1994

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1989 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 1989 Mercury Tracer?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Mercury Tracer have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

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