1991 Mercury Tracer
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Tracer › 1991
These records cover every 1991 Mercury Tracer. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1991 Mercury Tracer. Newest first.
The offset toe adjusting pin can fracture under conditions such as torsional loads, flexing motion, impact loads, and overtorquing.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This can result in loss of vehicle steering control andan accident.
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.
The roll pins securing the ignition lock in the steering column housing can separate or move out of position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The ignition lock cylinder may disengage from thesteering column housing which could cause the steering column to lock up,resulting in loss of vehicle control and a possible accident.
Remedy
If one or both of the roll pins are missing or not fully inserted, the ignition lock housing will be replaced, along with the door-locks and the liftgate or deck-lid locks so that key compatibility IS maintained. If both pins are present and fully inserted, a plastic snap-on sleeve will be installed as a precaution to prevent the roll pins from coming out.
Fatigue cracks can develop in the solder joint between the fuel return tube and the fuel pump sending unit located at the top of the fuel tank.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Should a crack develop, fuel vapor can escape from thetank when the tank IS full, and a small amount of fuel can leak from the crack.fuel leaks can result in fire when exposed to a source of ignition.
Remedy
Install a new fuel pump sending assembly.
Owner complaints
60 complaints2 involved a crash9 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 1991 mercury tracer. After the vehicle was filled with fuel and parked in the garage, the contact smelled a fuel odor and noticed fuel leaking onto the garage floor. All american ford (3306 bridge ave, point pleasant, nj 08742, (732) 451-3582) was contacted and stated that…
TL* the contact owns a 1991 mercury tracer. After the vehicle was filled with fuel and parked in the garage, the contact smelled a fuel odor and noticed fuel leaking onto the garage floor. All american ford (3306 bridge ave, point pleasant, nj 08742, (732) 451-3582) was contacted and stated that the vehicle was too old and they did not have parts. The vehicle was then taken to all american mazda (575 burnt tavern rd, brick township, nj 08724, (732) 451-6848) where a diagnostic and repair appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 160,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
(1) shoulder belt would not move to driving position, coolant fan would not run when needed with engine running only when the ignition was turned off, oil light stayed on and alternately flashed with the right turn signal indicator. (2) a shorting connector to the fuel pump burned the wire…
(1) shoulder belt would not move to driving position, coolant fan would not run when needed with engine running only when the ignition was turned off, oil light stayed on and alternately flashed with the right turn signal indicator. (2) a shorting connector to the fuel pump burned the wire bundle to the fuel pump in the tank. It also burned wires behind the fuse block and under the dash!!! (3) the connector, harness update, fuel pump/pump assembly, lock ring, were replaced, burned wires were replaced behind the fuse block. the car cannot be driven because there are more burned wires to repair under the dash. updated01/09/06. *Jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
I had to replace two ignition switches on my 1991 mercury 1.9 tracer to the tune of $360.00. the first one they installed, the tumblers fell apart after one day, I had to be towed back to the mechanic to install a second ignition switch. I was informed that ford had a recall on tracer ignition switches. How do I recover my expense? *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline
There was a fatigue fracture in fuel tank and fuel was leaking. Contacted dealer, and the dealer stated that vehicle was not included in recall.*ak
- Vehicle speed control
Car will not remain at speed for more than 25 seconds. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Exterior lighting › Back up lights · Fuel system, gasoline · Interior lighting · Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments · Suspension › Front
Vehicle will leak 2 quarts of oil a week, there IS also a strong gas smell inside of vehicle. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.*ak consumer states when driving over bumps, the muffler bangs against the floor, when stepping on the gas to get some speed, black smoke…
Vehicle will leak 2 quarts of oil a week, there IS also a strong gas smell inside of vehicle. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.*ak consumer states when driving over bumps, the muffler bangs against the floor, when stepping on the gas to get some speed, black smoke comes out of exhaust pipe, when filling fuel tank, fuel pours out. valve cover IS leaking oil. dash lights did not work. struts for the tailgate do not hold the tailgate. third brake light IS inoperative, also dimmer switch was replaced. while driving, vehicle pulls to the right, rpm gauge does not work. consumer wants manufacturer to take vehicle back. *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Consumer smells fuel inside vehicle, there IS a recall, but this vehicle IS not affected due to vin. *Ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
1991 tracer IS nearly identical to 1991 4-door escort and uses the same electrical hardware, per chilton's manuals. there was a recall for ignition switch fires for escorts (nhtsa 96v071000) for models 8/87 to 9/92, but the ford customer service agent denied any knowledge of such a recall and…
1991 tracer IS nearly identical to 1991 4-door escort and uses the same electrical hardware, per chilton's manuals. there was a recall for ignition switch fires for escorts (nhtsa 96v071000) for models 8/87 to 9/92, but the ford customer service agent denied any knowledge of such a recall and there was never one issued by mercury for our particular make. the service reps in indiana and arizona appeared to have familiarity with ignition switch problems but stopped short of offering any recall coverage for the repair..*ak
- Power train › Clutch assembly › Pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
Consumer was traveling about 40 mph on a main street and clutch pedal fell off on his leg, and vehicle went out of control. but he was able to bring vehicle to complete stop. arm of clutch was very small. dealership was aware of problem.*ak the consumer states that this case should investigated. *yh
- Electrical system › Ignition
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission failed. Yh
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Concerned only about gas tank. Drove 33 miles over smooth highway to canal where I fish about every 2 months,no speed bumps, no potholes, no bumps or hits of any kind. Fishing downwind from car smelled gasoline. Filled tank before leaving home, when parked at home had only half tank gas left, found…
Concerned only about gas tank. Drove 33 miles over smooth highway to canal where I fish about every 2 months,no speed bumps, no potholes, no bumps or hits of any kind. Fishing downwind from car smelled gasoline. Filled tank before leaving home, when parked at home had only half tank gas left, found tank leaking from front left mounting bolt at rate of about 1 drop per second. Car has never been hit or bumped, always keep my cars 8=10 years, performing all needed maintenace more often than manual recommends. Driving for 53 years, 35 of it for bell tel., no accidents ever. Know of cars over 20 years old still on road without tanks leaking. Feel that an implied warranty should be in effect here, that I should have the right of expectation that a car I buy new and take 5-star care of should not develop a leaking gas tank without cause.dealer wants $600 for new tank, won't install a used one because of "possible legal liabiliy down the road". Your opinion appreciated. Thank you. mec. *Ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
There IS a recall on this issue for a 1991 mercury tracer, but manufacturer will not fix the problem.
- Electrical system › Ignition
Vehicle would turn on without the key being in ignition. Dealer replaced the ignition switch. *ak
- Power train › Clutch assembly
Transmission problems went out because clutch burned out which caused electrical problems. torque converter had to be replaced due to all the build up trash from the transmission (failure). Mjs
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
The gas tank has separated at the seam, resulting in fuel leakage. manufacturer has been notified.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Car running perfectly fine on the highway, all of a sudden engine cut off. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
I've had 4 heater cores and 3 timing belts replaced, the third just after 50,000 miles. And not warranty coverage because if mileage.
- Seat belts
Shoulder belt track and cable failed, we are having a difficult time getting the parts to fix the problem. The dealer has the parts coming by ordering them for a newer car still under warranty. Ford has a shortage of these parts and IS sending them only for warranty repairs. This makes me believe that there have been a large number of failing parts. We waited to get this repaired due to the cost of the repair. *Ak
- Seat belts
Automatic seat belt on driver's side does not move back and forth on the rail. shoulder belt IS in closed/back position on the rail. The dealer IS not aware of the problem. please provide any further details. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Rear compartment/trunk · Fuel system, other
The car fuel gauge failed first soon after problems began to occur with the car intermittently not starting. After a few days the car would not start upon leaving from my work. The car was towed to a service station where the problem was eventually determined. Removal of the rear seat revealed that…
The car fuel gauge failed first soon after problems began to occur with the car intermittently not starting. After a few days the car would not start upon leaving from my work. The car was towed to a service station where the problem was eventually determined. Removal of the rear seat revealed that the wiring to the fuel pump was severely melted away. The power wires to the fuel pump do not appear to be the main problem however, but the sending unit wires have completely failed and in the process destroyed the other wiring as well. The fuse to the fuel pump has never blown which IS the origional fuse.
- Seat belts › Front › Webbing
When getting into vehicle and trying to use driver's side/passenger's side shoulder belts, shoulder's belts jam and consumer can't get them out. *ak
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Consumer has been experiencing problems with battery. when consumer started vehicle heard a ban, and saw smoke coming from the hood. when she looked underneath saw ashes. the manufacturer has not been contacted. *ak
- Seat belts
Drivers passenger side motorbelt moving inadvertantly causing driver to smell smoke, wiring harness was recalled but consumer did not recieve recall notice therefore was denied service.
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut
Rear lift gate support failed.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel pump wiring shortage
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 3031500Unknown
- 627747This aritlce IS to provide information on replacement of old style hood lamp switch to the rvised mechanical hood lamp switch.
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 622804Some vehicles produced through july 1999 may exhibit rear suspension spring failure with no resulting operational concern.
- 618596Subject pertaining to revised door latch switch service procedure.
- 615270Some vehicles may exhibit brief spark knock on acceleration during hot weather once the engine has thoroughly warmed up.
- 614752Engineering IS reviewing passive restraint (motorized seatbelt) systems in certain vehicles.
- 613910Subject regarding passive restraint system service information.
- 613860This bulletin provides revised passive restraint system information contained in the workshop manual and the electrical and vaccum troubleshooting manual (evtm).
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 610796Some vehicles may exhibit grinding noise, or greater than normal brake roughness, when applying the brakes immediately after installing motorcraft front brake pad part number BR-18 (xu2z-2v001-ra). *T
- 610688Brief information on passive restraint (motorized seatbelt) systems.
- 609692Some vehicles may exhibit grinding noises, or greater than normal brake roughness when applying the brakes immediately after installing motorcraft BR-18 front brake pad.
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 606460Experiencing a whine / buzz type noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio on vehicles with an in-tank electric fuel pump.
- 606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year.
- 603724Mass air flow (maf)- sensor contamination- service tip.
- 601343A new silicone gasket and sealant.
- 601341Experiencing a whining / buzzing noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio.
- 601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system.
- 601290Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance.
- 601269Announcing the ford oem air conditioning retrofit kit availability.
- 601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart.
- 601019The front brakes may have a persistent squeal during braking at speeds below 56 km/h (35 mph).
- 601014A knocking noise proportional to wheel rotation may be heard from the front brakes during gentle braking.
- 601010Recommended guidelines for towing behind recreational vehicles.
- 53660Vehicles exhibiting a "squeaking" or "chirping" from the blower motor at low blower motor speeds.
- 52810Authorized warranty part replacement of brake pads to correct excessive brake noise.
- 51990Blower motor- "chirping" or "squeaking" from blower motor at low speeds.
- 51987Fuel economy- customer expectations versus vehicle usage.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 51658Brakes- front brake "squeal" below 56 km/h (35 mph)- vehicle with 14 inch wheels.
- 51515Front brake squeal/noise during light brakie applications below 35 mph, replace the pads/shims kit.
- 51506Front brake squeal/noise during light brake applications below 35 mph, replace the pads/shims kit.
- 50972Axke leaks - fluid leaks from front of vehicle at axle shafts - new design replacement cv joint boots.
- 50905Wiring - electrical diode identification and service replacements.
- 46478The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable because it may be incompatible with the rubber material used in the disc brake system. If petroleum-based grease IS used to lubricate any part of the disc brake system, it could cause rubber parts to swell if lubricant contacts the rubber material.
Every Mercury Tracer model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.