RoadVitals

1992 Mercury Tracer

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
24
Latest Jun 22, 2020
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jun 2, 1994
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
7
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 24 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1992 Mercury Tracer, most frequently naming the electrical, seat belts and fuel system categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 63 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical625.0%
  • Seat belts416.7%
  • Fuel system416.7%
  • Steering28.3%
  • Tires & wheels28.3%
  • Driver assistance14.2%
  • Transmission14.2%
  • Engine14.2%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
94E019000

SUSPENSION:FRONT

Jun 2, 1994
919 units potentially affected
The defect: THE OFFSET TOE ADJUSTING PIN CAN FRACTURE UNDER CONDITIONS SUCH AS TORSIONAL LOADS, FLEXING MOTION, IMPACT LOADS, AND OVERTORQUING.
The risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL ANDAN ACCIDENT.
The 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 ASSEMBLY. OWNER OR INSTALLER INQUIRIES CONCERNING THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN SHOULD CONTACT DANA SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-248-9606.
DANA CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov
92V103000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Jul 13, 1992
43,000 units potentially affected
The defect: THE STOP LAMP SWITCHES COULD INTERMITTENTLY MALFUNCTION RESULTING IN THE STOP LAMPS NOT ILLUMINATING WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED.
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN FOLLOWING MOTORISTS NOT BEINGSIGNALED THAT THE VEHICLE IS BRAKING, AND COULD RESULT IN A COLLISION.
The remedy: REPLACE THE FAULTY STOP LAMP SWITCHES.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA94002ClosedEngineering Analysis

FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE

Opened Jan 28, 1994
Closed Jan 31, 1995

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 24
Fuel system
Filed Jun 22, 2020

AFTER 27 YEARS THE RUBBER FUEL FILLER PIPE ON THE CAR CRACKED AND BEGAN LEAKING FUEL. THE FUEL FILLER PIPE WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW FUEL FILLER PIPE FROM FORD MOTORCRAFT, PART #KFL-22, FOCZ-9324-AA. THE NEW FUEL FILLER PIPE LASTED ONLY 6 MONTHS BEFORE CRACKING AND SPILLING GAS ON MY DRIVEWAY CREATING A HAZARDOUS SITUATION. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED WITH A NEW THIRD PARTY [NOT FORD] FUEL FILLER PIPE. I'M BRINGING THIS TO YOUR ATTENTION BECAUSE NUMEROUS AUTO REPAIR WEB SITES HAVE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING DEFECTIVE REPLACEMENT FORD FUEL FILLER PIPES [ALL FORD MODELS]. FUEL FILLER PIPES SHOULD LAST MORE THEN 6 MONTHS. FORD'S REPLACEMENT FUEL FILLER PIPES ARE DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR REPLACEMENT BY FORD TO PREVENT A VERY HAZARDOUS SITUATION SHOULD A VEHICLE BE PARKED IN A GARAGE, I.E., NEAR A WATER HEATER OR OTHER IGNITION SOURCE, CREATING A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION. THE LEAK FROM THE FUEL FILLER PIPE OCCURS WHETHER OR NOT THE VEHICLE IS PARKED OR MOVING WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS MORE THEN 3/4'S FULL. THE PIPE DETERIORATES FROM THE OUTSIDE WITH CRACKS RUNNING THE LENGTH OF THE PIPE. THE NYLON WEBBING ON THE INSIDE OF THE PIPE DOES NOT PREVENT IT FROM LEAKING. THE ATTACHED PHOTO SHOWS THE DEFECTIVE PIPE, BUT THE HUNDREDS OF HAIRLINE CRACKS IN THE PIPE CANNOT BE SEEN IN THE PHOTO BECAUSE OF PHOTO RESOLUTION. THE PIPE HAS ONLY BEEN IN USE ON THE CAR FOR JUST SIX MONTHS. I USE 91 OCTANE GASOLINE IN THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID
11330208
Incident
Jun 15, 2020
Mileage
298,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 31, 2003

ON MY DAUGHTERS 1992 MERCURY TRACER, THE IGNITION SWITCH ENGAGED THE ENGINE STARTER AND BEGAN SMOKING WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND WHEN NO-ONE WAS IN THE CAR. I AM NOW FACED WITH $800.00 IN REPAIR BILLS FOR A DEFECTIVE FORD MOTOR COMPANY PART THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. *LA

NHTSA ID
10045203
Incident
Oct 30, 2003
Mileage
80,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Feb 1, 2001

TREAD SEPARATION DISCOVERED ACCIDENTALLY PER INSPECTION FOR DRIVEABIITY CONCERN. *AK (DOT NUMBER: W2R4 TIRESIZE: P195/60R14)

NHTSA ID
740268
Incident
Jan 29, 2001
Fuel system
Filed Dec 14, 2000
Fire reported

FUEL PUMP FAILED RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE CAR. NLM

NHTSA ID
558581
Seat belts
Filed Sep 4, 2000
Crash reported1 injury reported

THE SHOULDER HARNESS PULLED FROM TRACK ON IMPACT , THE DRIVER'S HEAD STRUCK THE WINDSHEILD AND RECEVIED CONTUSIONS TO NECK AND HEAD FROM THE LOOSE END OF THE HARNESS

NHTSA ID
730144
Incident
Feb 17, 2000
Electrical
Filed Jun 15, 2000
Fire reported

STARTER SHORTED OUT, CAUSING A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

NHTSA ID
863615
Engine
Filed Jun 11, 1999

EXHAUST VALVE BROKE EVERY YEAR, CAUSING REAR END TO OVERHEAT AND BURN THE TRUNK. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ID
839506
Incident
Jan 1, 1996
Driver assistance
Filed Apr 12, 1999

THREE OCCASIONS OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION.

NHTSA ID
544908
Incident
Apr 23, 1992

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

03148

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT

02208

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH

02176

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ

0214

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT

01194

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THIS ARITLCE IS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON REPLACEMENT OF OLD STYLE HOOD LAMP SWITCH TO THE RVISED MECHANICAL HOOD LAMP SWITCH. *TT

01181

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercury Tracer by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2003010—
2002010—
2001010—
2000210—
1999201155.0
1998441145.5
19971422262.7
1996120044.3
1995963152.8
1994651053.1
1993621152.6
1992Viewing242161.5
1991603159.2
1990200—
1989161046.5
1988213161.3
1987010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.