MYRModel Year Report

1996 Mercury Tracer

○ Not enough data
1996 Mercury Tracer
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:42:19.402Z

Only 12 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 12 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, 1996 highlighted. 1988: 21 complaints 1988 1989: 16 complaints 1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 61 complaints 1992: 24 complaints 1992 1993: 63 complaints 1994: 67 complaints 1994 1995: 96 complaints 1996: 12 complaints 1996 1997: 142 complaints 1998: 44 complaints 1998 1999: 20 complaints 2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 0 complaints 2002: 0 complaints 2002 2003: 0 complaints 2003
1996: 12 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19870
198821
198916
19902
199161
199224
199363
199467
199596
199612
1997142
199844
199920
20002
20010
20020
20030

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 12 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SEAT BELTS

4 of 12 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.

CRASH INJURY
AIR BAGS

3 of 12 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

THIS VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 45 MPH, AND FORNTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20001030

SEATS

2 of 12 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing recliner.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ON 6-25-99 WE WERE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. WE WERE AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN ANOTHER DRIVER REAR-ENDED US GOING ABOUT 35-40MILES PER HOUR.

NHTSA ODI report, 19990708

DURING A REAR END COLLISION BOTH FRONT BUCKET SEATS SLID BACK AND THEN FELL BACK INTO ARECLINE DPOSITION ON TOP OF THE PASSENGERS IN THE REAR SEAT, CAUSING THEM TO HIT THEIR HEADS ON THE FRONT SEATS.

NHTSA ODI report, 19971211

STEERING

2 of 12 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing pump and hydraulic power assist system.

CRASH INJURY
STRUCTURE

1 of 12 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing door.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Mercury Tracer — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seats issues (2 reports on file for this year).
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 1996 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 1996 Mercury Tracer?

The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Mercury Tracer have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.