RoadVitals

1993 Mercury Tracer Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
62
Latest Sep 16, 2014
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
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.
14

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1993 Mercury Tracer, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1993 MERCURY TRACER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE THREE INJURIES REPORTED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. MAILED 10/16/14*LJUPDATED 11/13/14*LJ UPDATED 4/29/2015 *JS

NHTSA ID 10633490 · filed Sep 16, 2014

VEHICLE TOWED BACK TO DEALER TWICE. THE SECOND TIME THE DEALER CHARGED $300 FOR BRAKE REPAIR. VEHICLE IS NOW AT ANOTHER REPAIR SHOP FOR SAME PROBLEM, INCLUDING AXLE DAMAGE. *AK

NHTSA ID 741348 · filed Feb 22, 2001
All 13 reports naming brakes

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING SMOKE STARTING COMING OUT OF THE AIR VENTS. WHEN VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT FUEL PUMP SHORTED OUT THE WIRE HARNESS, WHICH CAUSED A FIRE. FUEL PUMP AND WIRE HARNESS WAS REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE.*AK

NHTSA ID 871303 · filed Sep 22, 2000

WHILE SITTING IN VEHICLE WITH THE IGNITION RUNNING ABOUT 3 GALLONS OF FUEL LEAKED FROM THE SEAM OF THE FUEL TANK. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. FUEL TANK WILL BE REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE FUEL TANK WAS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. VEHICLE HAS SAME FUEL TANK AS TRACERS RECALLED FOR 97S80-FUEL TANK HEAT SHIELD MODIFICATION. *AK *ML

NHTSA ID 863833 · filed Jun 20, 2000
All 10 reports naming fuel system

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1993 MERCURY TRACER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE THREE INJURIES REPORTED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. MAILED 10/16/14*LJUPDATED 11/13/14*LJ UPDATED 4/29/2015 *JS

NHTSA ID 10633490 · filed Sep 16, 2014

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT KEEPS LIGHTING UP ON THE DASH PANEL. THIS CAUSES HORN NOT TO WORK BECAUSE AIR BAG IS HAVING A PROBLEM. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. CUSTOMER SAYS THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN TRADED FOR NEW. *YH

NHTSA ID 872192 · filed Oct 4, 2000
All 9 reports naming driver assistance

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1993 MERCURY TRACER, 1.9L SOHC. IGNITION CAUGHT ON FIRE. BURNT UP EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE STARTER, IGNITION SWITCH, START SAFETY SWITCH. THIS CAUSED SMOKE IN THE CAB AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THEN WHEN I PULLED THE KEY OUT AND WENT TO UNHOOKED THE BATTERY CABLE THE CAR TRIED TO START ITSELF.*AK

NHTSA ID 10060774 · filed Mar 8, 2004

I HAVE A 1.8 ENGINE AND I NEEDED IT TO BE REBUILT. I DID NOT PUT ANY MILES ON THE ENGINE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION DECIDED TO DIE. THIS CAR IS AN IMPOSSIBLE CAR TO GET PARTS FOR. IF I CAN GET THE PARTS, THE BOOK OR THE COMPUTER GIVES ME THE WRONG PART AND CANNOT FIND A REPLACEMENT PART. I NEED A PARTS BOOK AND WHATEVER TO REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION AND IT CAN NOT BE FOUND. WHERE CAN I FIND PARTS THAT DO NOT COST ME THREE TIMES THE AMOUNT THAN OTHER CARS. THIS CAR HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A PAIN FOR ME.

NHTSA ID 10070768 · filed Jan 15, 2004
All 9 reports naming electrical

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TWO BOLTS HOLD THE FRONT AXLE IN PLACE. TWO ON EACH SIDE. THESE '!@#$% BOLTS ARE .43 INCHES IN DIAMETER AND ARE THREADED 20 TPI. (THESE DO NOT CONFORM TO ANY STANDARD BOLT I COULD FIND IN THE LITERATURE, METRIC OR SAE). THESE FOUR BOLTS ARE FITTED WITH CASTELATED NUTS, A VERY GOOD IDEA. HOWEVER, THE BOLT HAD NO HOLE DRILLED FOR THE NECESSARY COTTER PIN. ON MY VEHICLE, THE NUT LOOSENED AND FELL OFF. THE BOLT EVENTUALLY WORKED ITSELF UP AND OUT OF THE HOLE. I WAS GOING 65 MPH ON THE US 5 FREEWAY AND SLOWLY TURNING ON TO THE 405 FREEWAY. THE STEERING OF THE CAR WAS LOST. I ALMOST HIT TWO ADJACENT CARS. THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WAS POINTING SIDEWAYS, PIVOTING ABOUT THE REMAINING BOLT. HOW I GOT THE CAR STOPPED WITHOUT DAMAGE,I DON"T KNOW. 1. WHY NOBODY IN 13 YEARS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM OF THE MISSING COTTER KEY HOLE. ASK FORD. 2.WHY IN THE YEAR 2007 DOES FORD NOT SELL REPLACEMENT BOLTS OR NUTS, AS THESE ARE '!@#$% PARTS. 3.AS THIS WAS A LEMON RECALL AUTOMOBILE; WHY NOT MAKE THE CORRECTION AT THAT TIME? 4. UPON LOOKING AT THE DAMAGE . I NOTICED THAT THE REMAINING BOLTS (3) WERE VERY LOOSE. IN ADDITION TO THE AXLE BOLTS BEING LOOSE, I NOTICED THAT THE 4 BOLTS THAT HOLD THE POWER STEERING TO THE FIRE WALL WERE LOOSE. 5. I FEEL THAT THE STEERING AND BRAKES ON A CAR ARE IMPORTANT. ENOUGH SAID. 6. AN AUTOMOBILE GETS ONLY ONE CHANCE TO KILL OR HURT ME. I GAVE THE CAR AWAY AFTER MAKING REPAIRS. NO MORE FORDS FOR ME. *JB *TR

NHTSA ID 10197093 · filed Jul 20, 2007

NONE

NHTSA ID 704644 · filed Mar 19, 1999
All 8 reports naming steering

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN RIGHT, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE FROM REAR END. MECHANIC DETERMINED BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN IN THE SAME PLACE.*AK

NHTSA ID 8015110 · filed Jul 30, 2002

OWNER STATES THAT HER REAR SPRINGS WERE BROKEN ASLO STRUTS WERE DEFECTIVE.OWNER FURTHER NOTES THAT THEIR WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN RECALL.OWNER IS VERY CONCERNED FRO SAFETY

NHTSA ID 813211 · filed Jun 17, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 MERCURY TRACER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TWO BOLTS THAT HOLD THE FRONT AXLE IN PLACE DID NOT HAVE THE HOLE DRILLED IN THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE CASLATED NUT AND THE CUTTER PIN. THE BOLT SIZE WAS IRREGULAR AND NO ONE WAS ABLE TO REPLACE THE BOLT THAT WAS .034 INCHES IN DIAMETER. ONCE THE BOLT DRIFTED OFF, IT WOULD LOOSEN, DROP OFF INTO THE ROAD, AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO TAILSPIN. HE STATED THAT HIS FINGERS WERE ABLE TO REACH AND TWIST THE BOLTS. IN ADDITION, THE BOLTS ON THE POWER STEERING DETACHED. HE STATED THAT THERE SHOULD BE A TOTAL OF FOUR BOLTS TO SUPPORT THE AXLE, BUT THERE WERE NOT. THE ORIGINAL DESIGN WAS LABELED AS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED IN THE ASSEMBLY LINE OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER DOES NOT NEED TO BE NOTIFIED. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

NHTSA ID 10211176 · filed Dec 7, 2007

I HAVE A 1.8 ENGINE AND I NEEDED IT TO BE REBUILT. I DID NOT PUT ANY MILES ON THE ENGINE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION DECIDED TO DIE. THIS CAR IS AN IMPOSSIBLE CAR TO GET PARTS FOR. IF I CAN GET THE PARTS, THE BOOK OR THE COMPUTER GIVES ME THE WRONG PART AND CANNOT FIND A REPLACEMENT PART. I NEED A PARTS BOOK AND WHATEVER TO REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION AND IT CAN NOT BE FOUND. WHERE CAN I FIND PARTS THAT DO NOT COST ME THREE TIMES THE AMOUNT THAN OTHER CARS. THIS CAR HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A PAIN FOR ME.

NHTSA ID 10070768 · filed Jan 15, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MOTOR SEAT BELT WOULD STICK MIDWAY AND LOCK UP, AND WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN, LEAVING OCCUPANT UNRESTRAINED . DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME.*AK

NHTSA ID 8016782 · filed Aug 20, 2002

FAILURE OF ALL SEATBELTS CAUSED INJURIES WHICH INCLUDE BLINDNESS AND BRAIN DAMAGE.

NHTSA ID 733969 · filed Oct 10, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE A 1.8 ENGINE AND I NEEDED IT TO BE REBUILT. I DID NOT PUT ANY MILES ON THE ENGINE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION DECIDED TO DIE. THIS CAR IS AN IMPOSSIBLE CAR TO GET PARTS FOR. IF I CAN GET THE PARTS, THE BOOK OR THE COMPUTER GIVES ME THE WRONG PART AND CANNOT FIND A REPLACEMENT PART. I NEED A PARTS BOOK AND WHATEVER TO REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION AND IT CAN NOT BE FOUND. WHERE CAN I FIND PARTS THAT DO NOT COST ME THREE TIMES THE AMOUNT THAN OTHER CARS. THIS CAR HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A PAIN FOR ME.

NHTSA ID 10070768 · filed Jan 15, 2004

WHEN IT RAINS THE AUTOMATIC LOCKS UNLOCK ON THEIR OWN ON ALL FOUR DOORS. WHEN VEHICLE IS PARKED AND DOORS ARE LOCKED, UPON REENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE AUTOMATIC LOCKS UNLOCK ON THEIR OWN. *AK

NHTSA ID 809888 · filed Apr 2, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 25-30 MPH HOOD LATCH BROKE, CAUSING HOOD TO FLEW UP INTO WINDSHIELD. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS

NHTSA ID 890895 · filed Jun 21, 2001

THE HOOD SAFETY LATCH DISCONNECTED, CAUSING THE HOOD TO OPEN DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.*AK

NHTSA ID 802555 · filed Sep 17, 1996

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE A 1.8 ENGINE AND I NEEDED IT TO BE REBUILT. I DID NOT PUT ANY MILES ON THE ENGINE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION DECIDED TO DIE. THIS CAR IS AN IMPOSSIBLE CAR TO GET PARTS FOR. IF I CAN GET THE PARTS, THE BOOK OR THE COMPUTER GIVES ME THE WRONG PART AND CANNOT FIND A REPLACEMENT PART. I NEED A PARTS BOOK AND WHATEVER TO REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION AND IT CAN NOT BE FOUND. WHERE CAN I FIND PARTS THAT DO NOT COST ME THREE TIMES THE AMOUNT THAN OTHER CARS. THIS CAR HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A PAIN FOR ME.

NHTSA ID 10070768 · filed Jan 15, 2004

OIL PAN GASKET REPLACED DUE TO LEAK.

NHTSA ID 502256 · filed Feb 15, 1996

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE REGULATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, ONCE IN JULY OF 93, ONCE IN 95. THE REGULATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED A THIRD TIME. THE WINDOW WILL NOT ROLL UP OR DOWN. THE REGULATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED BY DEALER AT ALL TIMES. *AK

NHTSA ID 819625 · filed Dec 2, 1997

THE WINDOW ON DRIVER'S SIDE WILL NOT ROLL UP ALL THE WAY. TAKEN TO DEALER 4 TIMES SINCE NOVEMBER OF 93. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK

NHTSA ID 815524 · filed Sep 12, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER TRIED TO MOVE THE PAWL FROM PARK TO REVERSE, THE PAWL DID NOT GO ANYWHERE, AND THE TRANSMISSION BROKE DOWN. MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE CONTACTED. *AK

NHTSA ID 824500 · filed Jun 19, 1998

CLUTCH FAILED.

NHTSA ID 512512 · filed Dec 11, 1996

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1993 MERCURY TRACER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE THREE INJURIES REPORTED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. MAILED 10/16/14*LJUPDATED 11/13/14*LJ UPDATED 4/29/2015 *JS

NHTSA ID 10633490 · filed Sep 16, 2014

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT KEEPS LIGHTING UP ON THE DASH PANEL. THIS CAUSES HORN NOT TO WORK BECAUSE AIR BAG IS HAVING A PROBLEM. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. CUSTOMER SAYS THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN TRADED FOR NEW. *YH

NHTSA ID 872192 · filed Oct 4, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AFTER HEARING A FLAPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE TIRES WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE TIRES HAD SEPARATED. *JB

NHTSA ID 10017602 · filed Apr 25, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .