1997 Mercury Tracer Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1997 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
- Airbags4730.1%
- Engine2113.5%
- Electrical1912.2%
- Brakes127.7%
- Suspension117.1%
- Visibility95.8%
- Tires & wheels95.8%
- Driver assistance53.2%
- Interior & seats53.2%
- Seat belts42.6%
- Fuel system42.6%
- Steering31.9%
- Powertrain (other)21.3%
- Body & structure21.3%
- Exterior lighting10.6%
- Heating & air conditioning10.6%
- Other / unspecified10.6%
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
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE HAD TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO GET IT CHECKED BY A COMPUTER AT A LOCAL SERVICE PARTS SHOP. WHEN WE CAME BACK WE STOPPED MY CAR AND IT WAS NOT RUNNING, IGNITION OFF. ABOUT AN HOUR LATER WE HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND ITS AIR BAGS HAD GONE OFF, BREAKING MY CAR'S WINDSHIELD AND OBVIOUSLY MAKING A MESS IN MY CAR. THIS CONCERNS ME SINCE MY HUSBAND AND I HAD JUST BEEN IN THE CAR A WHILE AGO AND COULD HAVE CAUSED INJURY TO US WITHOUT CAUSE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY TRACER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 02V323000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE). THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BRUISES TO HER HANDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 171,437. UPDATED 01-15-08. *KB UPDATED *JB
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY TRACER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE CONTACT PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HE LIFTED THE HOOD AND NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. HE EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A JUNKYARD. THE CONTACT LATER SOLD THE VEHICLE TO THE JUNKYARD FOR $100. THE DEALER STATED THAT BECAUSE HE NO LONGER OWNED THE VEHICLE, THEY COULD NOT INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 78,000. UPDATED 04/16/08 *BF UPDATED 04/16/08 *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY TRACER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE INTO THE MEDIAN TO AVOID ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND THE CYLINDER HEAD WAS BLOWN. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THEY STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. . THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CYLINDER HEAD IN THE ENGINE FAILED AND CAUSED HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND THE WARRANTY COMPANY STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO HONOR THE WARRANTY TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE WARRANTY INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. THE FAILURE ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. ON OCTOBER 8, 2007, THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING COOLANT. AFTER THREE HOURS OF INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS STILL UNDETERMINED. THE DEALER ADVISED HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK IN A FEW DAYS. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN LOSING SPEED AND THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THROUGH ANOTHER COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE WARRANTY COMPANY, BUT THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR WORK. THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THIS WAS BECAUSE SHE REPORTED THE DEALER TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 91,698. THE FUEL GAUGE WAS INOPERATIVE. THE AC DID NOT BLOW OUT COLD AIR, THE FRONT BRAKES WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 12/12/07
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE HORN SUDDENLY GOES OFF AND WON'T STOP UNTIL THE FUSE IS PULLED-ESPECIALLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. I HAVE HAD TO DISCONNECT THE HORN FUSE AND DRIVE AROUND WITH NO HORN FOR A YEAR NOW DUE TO THIS MALFUNCTION. MUCH TIME AND MONEY WAS SPENT TRYING TO FIND OUT THE PROBLEM AND WAS FINALLY TOLD THAT I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE AIRBAG/HORN UNIT, AT A COST OF $600.00. *AK
WHILE DRIVING DOWN AT SPEED OF 65-70 MPH, THE CAR CEASED TO ACCELORATE. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, ONCE THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED IT WOULD NO LONGER CRANK. TODAY WHEN I WENT TO CLEAN IT OUT (HAPPENED AT NIGHT)I SAW THAT A HOLE WAS BURNED THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE PASSENGER SIDE DASH BOARD. ALSO I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE/FIRE RESIDUE ON THE WINDSHIELD COMING FROM THE DEFROST VENTS. BEFORE ANY OF THIS HAPPENED THE AIRBAG LIGTS WERE COMING ON AND THERE WAS A BURNT PLASTIC SMELL AND A SCENT OF AMMONIA SMELL COMING FROM GOD-KNOWS-WHERE. WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD EVERYTHING LOOKED NORMAL. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GO TO WORK FOR 2 DAYS NOW. PLEASE TELL ME IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT I CAN DO. THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY TRACER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE INTO THE MEDIAN TO AVOID ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND THE CYLINDER HEAD WAS BLOWN. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THEY STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. . THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CYLINDER HEAD IN THE ENGINE FAILED AND CAUSED HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND THE WARRANTY COMPANY STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO HONOR THE WARRANTY TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE WARRANTY INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. THE FAILURE ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. ON OCTOBER 8, 2007, THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING COOLANT. AFTER THREE HOURS OF INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS STILL UNDETERMINED. THE DEALER ADVISED HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK IN A FEW DAYS. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN LOSING SPEED AND THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THROUGH ANOTHER COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE WARRANTY COMPANY, BUT THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR WORK. THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THIS WAS BECAUSE SHE REPORTED THE DEALER TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 91,698. THE FUEL GAUGE WAS INOPERATIVE. THE AC DID NOT BLOW OUT COLD AIR, THE FRONT BRAKES WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 12/12/07
UPON INSPECTION THE TIRE HAD UNEVEN WEAR AND THERE WAS A CRACK DOWN THE CENTER OF THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WHICH WAS CAUSING NOISE WHILE DRIVNG OVER 35 MPH (BF GOODRICH ADVANTAGE PLUS 185/65/14 DOTBF76TU1135). NLM
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
1997 MERCURY TRACER TRIO VIN [XXX] MY WIFE AND I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM WANTED AUTO SALES IN WORLEY IDAHO. MY WE HAVE A ONE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. WE HEARD A NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. MY WIFE THOUGHT WE WERE BOTTOMING OUT. I CAME TO DISCOVER THAT BOTH REAR FACTORY STRUTS THE COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN NEAR THE BOTTOM OF THE STRUT HOUSING. IT LOOKS LIKE THE METAL HAS JUST FRACTURED AND FAILED. THE COILS MATERIAL MUST BE DEFECTIVE AND NOT UP TO SPECS FROM FORD THIS IS CLEARLY A FORD DEFECT. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN FOR US WITH A ONE YEAR OLD IN THE CAR. WE ARE NOT HAPPY IF THIS COULD COST THE DEATH OF A CHILD BECAUSE OF A UNSAFE CONDITION. THE CAR IS NOT NEW BUT THE SPRINGS SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE CAR NOT BREAK LIKE THIS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR
1-CAR SEEMED TO BOTTOM OUT IN THE REAR WHEN 4 OCCUPANTS WERE IN CAR, ALSO SCRAPING NOISE. 2-CHECKED CAR AND FOUND CONTACT-COIL SPRINGS RUBBING AGAINST CAR, APPEARED TO BE OUT OF THE HOLDER. CHECKED AND FOUND BOTH REAR SPRINGS BROKEN. SPRINGS PROVIDE VEHICLE STABILITY, CONTROL AND HANDLING. 3-REPLACED BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS, I HAVE BOTH OLD SPRINGS. INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLATION OF NEW SPRINGS HAVE THE SPRINGS INSTALLED 180 DEGREES FROM THE POSITION OF THE OLD SPRINGS. TIGHT COILS UP, OEM WAS TIGHT COILS DOWN. *NM
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEATER CORE LEAKED FLUID ONTO THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WHICH BURNED THE CIRCUIT BOARD THAT CONTROLLED THE AIR BAGS. *AK
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE CONSUMER'S DRIVEWAY WHEN BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS DESTROYED BY MOISTURE INTRUSION INTO THE AIR BAG MODULE AND CONNECTORS. AS A RESULT OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT THE WINDSHIELD THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED AND THE DASHBOARD WAS DESTROYED. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFUSED TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *AK THE CONSUMER LATER LEARNED OF A RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE INTRUSION WAS CAUSED BY A PIN HOLE LEAK IN THE HEATER CORE THEREFORE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER INTENDS TO PURSE THE MATTER FURTHER. *NM
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING FELT SEVERE VIBRATION AND LOUD NOISE AT ALL SPEEDS AND CAR PULLING TO THE RIGHT HARD. VIBRATION BECAME WORSE ABOUT 8 MILES LATER, CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND ALMOST RAN OFF THE ROAD. THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. PULLED OVER, PUT THE SPARE ON. PEP BOYS REPLACED BOTH FRONT TIRES, THE OTHER TIRE HAD TREAD FAILURE ALSO. PEP BOYS REFUSED TO GIVE ME THE DEFECTIVE TIRES. *TR
SI, P185/65R14, DOT UNKNOWN, REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT WITH 7000 MILES ON A 1997 MERCURY, TRACER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THERE WAS VIBRATION AND A LOUD NOISE. LONG PIECE OF TREAD HAD COME OFF LEFT REAR TIRE. DID MAJOR DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.*AK
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. AIR BAG MONITOR WATER SHIELD REPLACED.*JB *TS
WHILE MAKING A U TURN AND APPLYING BRAKES TO STOP, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD, JUMPED A CURB AND HIT A POLE.*JB THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *JG
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS CAR IS A FORD MERCURY TRACER, 1997, VIN #1MELM10P2VW6246 THERE WAS A SMELL OF BURNING ACID AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF SMOKE. ABOUT TWO HOURS LATER THE CAR BURST IN FLAMES WE LOST THE ENTIRE INTERIOR. *JB
WHILE DRIVING AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND VEHICLE STALLED. DRIVER GOT THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE DASHBOARD. *AK *NM
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT KEEPS GETTING STUCK, AND WOULD LOCK CONSUMER IN SEAT. ALSO REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT BUCKLE WILL NOT LATCH. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALER, BUT DEALER WILL NOT FIX IT. *AK
WHEN TRYING TO APPLY THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE THE SEAT BELT BROKE.DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD FIX THE SEAT BELT AT OWNER'S COST. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY TRACER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE INTO THE MEDIAN TO AVOID ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND THE CYLINDER HEAD WAS BLOWN. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THEY STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. . THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CYLINDER HEAD IN THE ENGINE FAILED AND CAUSED HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND THE WARRANTY COMPANY STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO HONOR THE WARRANTY TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE WARRANTY INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. THE FAILURE ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. ON OCTOBER 8, 2007, THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING COOLANT. AFTER THREE HOURS OF INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS STILL UNDETERMINED. THE DEALER ADVISED HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK IN A FEW DAYS. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN LOSING SPEED AND THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THROUGH ANOTHER COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE WARRANTY COMPANY, BUT THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR WORK. THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THIS WAS BECAUSE SHE REPORTED THE DEALER TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 91,698. THE FUEL GAUGE WAS INOPERATIVE. THE AC DID NOT BLOW OUT COLD AIR, THE FRONT BRAKES WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 12/12/07
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH CONSUMER SMELLED FUEL. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. THEN, NOTICED THAT FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. IT WAS TAKEN TO A GARAGE FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
STEERING, SHIMMERING LIKE THE FRONT END WAS OUT OF LINE, SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON AND WENT OFF 2 TIMES THIRD TIME WENT TO DIXIE AND SET UP TO HAVE IT CHECK SINCE THE LIGHT STAYED ON THIS TIME AND DID NOT GO BACK OFF. SEATBELT, WILL NOT LATCH AT TIMES I HAVE TO KEEP TRYING TO PRESS IN THE RELEASE BUTTON FOR IT TO FINALLY LOCK. AT TIMES WOULD COME OFF WHILE DRIVING. DIXIE SET UP AN APPOINTMENT 1 WEEK AFTER I WENT THERE TO HAVE ALL OF THE ABOVE CHECKED.DATE DIXIE MOTORS LOOKED AT CAR JULY 24,1998. KEEPED CAR ABOUT 7 HRS. TOLD ME THEY CLEANED SEATBELT, DID NOT TELL ME WHAT WAS WRONG WITH STERRING AND THE ONLY THING FIXED WAS SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT. ON JULY 30,1998 3 DAYS AFTER BRINGING MY CAR IN TO BE FIX THE STEERING GRAB TO RIGHT COMING OUT OF CURVE AND SEATBELT CAME OFF WHEN THE CAR HIT A POLE. INJURING MY ARM,NECK AND LOWER BACK. ALL HAVE HEALED EXCEPT MY ARM. CALL A FORD REPERSENTIVE THEY HAD THE CLAIM DIVIONS CALL ME. I WENT TO BRUMFIELD FORD IN AMITE SINCE I DO NOT TRUST THE DIXIE MOTOR. MR RAFF CALLED DIXIE MOTORS LAST WEEK THEY TOLD HIM I HAVE NEVER BROUGHT MY CAR IN TO BE SERVICE. I SHOWED MR. RAFF THE WORKORDER PAPER 42094 CUSTOMER#35145, HE DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THEY SAID I DID NOT BRING THE CAR THERE. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO ANYMORE, I HAVE A NEW CAR I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU JANELLE NEGROTTO( DOT NUMBER: AP7JJKUU TIRE SIZE: P185/65R14 )
DESIGN OF THE STEERING CAUSED CONSUMER'S HAND TO GET STUCK WHILE TURNING RESULTING IN FRACTURED FINGER AND INJURY.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
SPEEDOMETER FAILED, REPLACEMENT OF THE CABLE DID NOT RECTIFY FAILURE. MJS
FRONT SEAL LEAKING AT 36,000 MILE OF WEAR; ASKING NHTSA TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFROMATION ON THIS CONDITION. *AK
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
A FEW MONTHS BEFORE AUGUST OF 2001 I NOTICED THE PAINT ON THE HOOD OF MY VAN STARTING TO PEEL.I BROUGHT MY VAN IN TO GET FIXED ON AUG.23, 2001 AND THEY SAID FORD WAS GOING TO CALL THEM BACK TO TELL ME IF THIS WAS COVERED UNDER OUR WARRANTY.IT WAS NOT, BUT I FEEL THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE PAINT. ONLY THE HOOD IS PEELING, NOTHING ELSE.I HAVE HUGE CIRCLES OF PAINT MISSING-PROBABLY ABOUT 10 INCHES IN DIAMETER.IT LOOKS AWFUL!*AK
CONSUMER CRAMPED UP IN 1997 MERCURY TRACER. *PH THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT WIDE ENOUGH AND THE REAR WINDOWS WERE DESIGNED NOT TO ROLL ALL THE WAY DOWN. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEADLIGHT COVERS HAVE YELLOWED OVER TIME, ALSO TINY CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED. THIS MAKES THEM INEFFECTIVE AT NIGHT.*AK WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEAD LIGHTS WERE SO FAINT THAT HE CAN GET MORE ILLUMINATION ON THE ROAD FROM THE VEHICLE TRAVELING BEHIND HIM THAN FROM HIS OWN HEAD LIGHTS. CONSUMER STATED THAT THESE KINDS OF HEAD LIGHTS ARE A SAFETY HAZARD. *YH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY TRACER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE INTO THE MEDIAN TO AVOID ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND THE CYLINDER HEAD WAS BLOWN. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THEY STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. . THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CYLINDER HEAD IN THE ENGINE FAILED AND CAUSED HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND THE WARRANTY COMPANY STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO HONOR THE WARRANTY TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE WARRANTY INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. THE FAILURE ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. ON OCTOBER 8, 2007, THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING COOLANT. AFTER THREE HOURS OF INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS STILL UNDETERMINED. THE DEALER ADVISED HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK IN A FEW DAYS. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN LOSING SPEED AND THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THROUGH ANOTHER COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE WARRANTY COMPANY, BUT THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR WORK. THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THIS WAS BECAUSE SHE REPORTED THE DEALER TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 91,698. THE FUEL GAUGE WAS INOPERATIVE. THE AC DID NOT BLOW OUT COLD AIR, THE FRONT BRAKES WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 12/12/07
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
UPON INSPECTION THE TIRE HAD UNEVEN WEAR AND THERE WAS A CRACK DOWN THE CENTER OF THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WHICH WAS CAUSING NOISE WHILE DRIVNG OVER 35 MPH (BF GOODRICH ADVANTAGE PLUS 185/65/14 DOTBF76TU1135). NLM
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .