MYRModel Year Report

1998 Mercury Tracer

▲ Better than typical
1998 Mercury Tracer
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:27:52.244Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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, 1998 highlighted. 1987: 0 complaints 1987 1988: 21 complaints 1989: 16 complaints 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 1998 1999: 20 complaints 1999 2000: 2 complaints 2001: 0 complaints 2002: 0 complaints 2002 2003: 0 complaints 2003
1998: 44 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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.

AIR BAGS 11%

11% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF HER 1998 MERCURY TRACER AND COLLIDED HEAD ON INTO A GUARDRAIL. NEITHER OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *NM THE ENTIRE FRONT END WAS SMASHED INTO THE ENGINE. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20050318

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A 20-25 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSE UNKNOWN.*AK *SLC

NHTSA ODI report, 20020128

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, RESULTING IN MINOR INJURIES. *AK *ML

NHTSA ODI report, 20000620

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

THE HORN STARTED BLOWING ON ITS ON.*JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030221

SUSPENSION 7%

7% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 7%

7% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20010419 — DP (closed 20011101)

AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT

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

1998 Mercury Tracer — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04E048000 (seat belts) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

● 1991 ● 1993 ● 1994

WORST YEARS

■ 1997 ◆ 1995 ● 1994

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1998 Mercury Tracer reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Mercury Tracer is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Mercury Tracer?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 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.