1998 Mercury Tracer
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.
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.
25% of complaints: suspension — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing springs and coil springs.
23% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and cooling system.
14% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and starter assembly.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
HAD PARKED VEHICLE. NOTICED VEHICLE MAKING NOISES PRIOR TO BEING PARKED. DASHBOARD PANEL LIGHTS CAME ON. LIFTED HOOD & GOT FLASHLIGHT. RETURNED & VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AROUND THE STARTER & DASHBOARD AREA.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990405
THE HORN STARTED BLOWING ON ITS ON.*JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030221
11% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
9% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveshaft.
SAFETY TIMELINE
AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT
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 suspension issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04E048000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 suspension, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Mercury Tracer have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.