1989 Mercury Tracer
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 21 |
| 1989 | 16 |
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 60 |
| 1992 | 24 |
| 1993 | 62 |
| 1994 | 66 |
| 1995 | 96 |
| 1996 | 12 |
| 1997 | 142 |
| 1998 | 44 |
| 1999 | 20 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 0 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 16 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19961114
PARKED VEHICLE ON LOT LATER VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960423
2 of 16 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
2 of 16 total reports mention: seat belts.
1 of 16 total reports mentions: wheels.
1 of 16 total reports mentions: tires.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
WORST YEARS
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.