1991 Mercury Tracer
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
33% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE PARKED, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE BECAUSE OF WIRING PROBLEMS IN THE FRONT END. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960304
WHILE PARKED, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE BECAUSE OF WIRING PROBLEMS IN THE FRONT END. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960304
INADEQUATE REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUEL PUMP FUSE RECALL. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19941223
21% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and fuel pump.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
(1) SHOULDER BELT WOULD NOT MOVE TO DRIVING POSITION, COOLANT FAN WOULD NOT RUN WHEN NEEDED WITH ENGINE RUNNING ONLY WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF, OIL LIGHT STAYED ON AND ALTERNATELY FLASHED WITH THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050822
THERE WAS A FATIGUE FRACTURE IN FUEL TANK AND FUEL WAS LEAKING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020910
16% of complaints: seat belts — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing webbing and retractor.
CRASH INJURY11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
FIRE8% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and pedal/hand lever(motorcycle).
SAFETY TIMELINE
FATIGUE CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE SOLDER JOINT BETWEEN THE FUEL RETURN TUBE AND THE FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK.
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW FUEL PUMP SENDING ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 92V117000 — check if this car was fixed
THE ROLL PINS SECURING THE IGNITION LOCK IN THE STEERING COLUMN HOUSING CAN SEPARATE OR MOVE OUT OF POSITION.
Remedy: IF ONE OR BOTH OF THE ROLL PINS ARE MISSING OR NOT FULLY INSERTED, THE IGNITION LOCK HOUSING WILL BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE DOOR-LOCKS AND THE LIFTGATE OR DECK-LID LOCKS SO THAT KEY COMPATIBILITY IS
Campaign 93V057000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE
THE OFFSET TOE ADJUSTING PIN CAN FRACTURE UNDER CONDITIONS SUCH AS TORSIONAL LOADS, FLEXING MOTION, IMPACT LOADS, AND OVERTORQUING.
Remedy: DANA WILL PAY FOR REPLACEMENT AND LABOR COSTS OF THE ADJUSTMENT PIN WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE INSTALLING FACILITY AND THE VEHICLE OWNER. THESE PINS SHOULD BE REPLACED BY A FORD ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT PIN ASSE
Campaign 94E019000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1991 Mercury Tracer — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 92V117000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V057000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 94E019000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1991 Mercury Tracer reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Mercury Tracer is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Mercury Tracer?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Mercury Tracer have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.