MYRModel Year Report

1997 Mercury Tracer

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1997 Mercury Tracer
RENDERED 2026-09-16T02:24:43.623Z

This year had more than double the complaints 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercury Tracer Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 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 1997 1998: 44 complaints 1998 1999: 20 complaints 2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 0 complaints 2002: 0 complaints 2002 2003: 0 complaints 2003
1997: 142 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

AIR BAGS 34%

34% of complaints: air bags — 48 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED. *JB FOUR DAYS AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER. RECALL# 02V323000 SCC

NHTSA ODI report, 20030404

HORN BLOWS CONTINUOUSLY. PULLED FUSE TO STOP. TOLD BY DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT NEED TO REPLACE ENTIRE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY TO RECTIFY. *NLM

NHTSA ODI report, 20030315

WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, CONSUMER WAS INJURED. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030306

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 15%

15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED FOR 12 HOURS WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19980922

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15%

15% of complaints: electrical system — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and interior/under dash.

FIRE INJURY
SERVICE BRAKES 11%

11% of complaints: service brakes — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

SUSPENSION 8%

8% of complaints: suspension — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing springs and coil springs.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 1997 — complaint volume: 142
I 20020130 — PE (closed 20020610)

INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR WATER

I 20020610 — EA (closed 20021211)

WATER INTRUSION INTO AIRBAG MONITOR

R 20030211 — air bags

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR (IABM) CAN BE CONTAMINATED WITH WATER OR OTHER LIQUIDS AND COULD EXPERIENCE INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SHORTING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE SHIELD OVER THE IABM AND APPLY NYOGEL GREASE TO THE CONNECTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREE

Campaign 02V323000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20040827 — seat belts

CERTAIN TRW DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS MANUFACTURED ON DECEMBER 6 AND 9, 2002, FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1997 FORD ESCORT 4-DOOR AND STATION WAGON PLATFORM VEHICLES, FORD'S P/N F7CZ54611B09A

Remedy: TRW WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 27, 2004.

Campaign 04E048000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Mercury Tracer — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (48 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 02V323000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 04E048000 (seat belts) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1998 ● 1991 ● 1993

WORST YEARS

◆ 1995 ● 1994 ● 1993

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1997 Mercury Tracer reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Mercury Tracer is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mercury Tracer?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Mercury Tracer have?

2 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.