1997 Mercury Tracer
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Tracer › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Mercury Tracer. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1997 Mercury Tracer. Newest first.
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 f7cz54611b09aac. the seat belt assemblies exhibit a no-lock condition which does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, seat belt assemblies.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate protection to the seat occupant, which may increase the risk of personal injury.
Remedy
Trw will notify the customers who purchased the replacement seat belt assemblies free of charge. the recall began on august 27, 2004.
On certain passenger vehicles, the integrated air bag monitor (iabm) can be contaminated with water or other liquids and could experience internal electrical shorting.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This may, in turn, cause the air bag readiness light to illuminate and in very rare occurrences, air bag deployment, melted wiring, or fire may occur.
Remedy
Dealers will install the shield over the iabm and apply nyogel grease to the connector. owner notification began february 11, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Owner complaints
142 complaints15 involved a crash17 involved a fire17 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension › Rear
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…
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
- Air bags › Frontal
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…
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
- Tires
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
- Engine and engine cooling
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…
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system · Service brakes, hydraulic
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…
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
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
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…
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
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
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
- Suspension › Rear › Springs
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.…
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
Rpm's lower and stall car-took to shop in 2004 told plug/wire misfire and vacuum leak. Paid almost $200. One week later started again. Car vibrates badly when brake applied, both back springs have given out, crankshaft/pulley wobbles badly, has snapped serpentine belt, replaced belt tensioner and…
Rpm's lower and stall car-took to shop in 2004 told plug/wire misfire and vacuum leak. Paid almost $200. One week later started again. Car vibrates badly when brake applied, both back springs have given out, crankshaft/pulley wobbles badly, has snapped serpentine belt, replaced belt tensioner and belt, snapped again one month later, replaced belt again, but has only been two months. Car sways in lane due to bad back springs. Car makes vibrating noise under hood when parked at an idle. Tie rod replaced two times. This car has less than 70,000 miles on it and all problems, including a blown radiator, and unexplained wear on brakes all started at about 40,000 miles. This car has been one problem after another. I also have a problem with the seatbelts locking too tightly for no reason. I would also like to add that I am the 2ND owner of this car; however, the 1ST owner was an older family member that drove to and from work.*ak
- Electrical system › Horn
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
- Fuel system, diesel › Storage › Tank assembly
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
- Air bags › Frontal
The consumer's vehicle hit another vehicle's bumper at an impact of 35 mph, and neither frontal air bag deployed. the dealer was notified. *ak the consumer was informed that the vehicle had been wrecked before. *sc
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
02V323000/integrated air bag monitor contamination. This vehicle had been recalled for this defect. The work was done in 2003. Now the problem has resurfaced and the dealer wants the owner to pay 4000.00 to correct the problem that should have been corrected when the recall was originally issued. provide further details. *jb
- Structure
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
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
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…
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
- Structure › Body › Hood
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…
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
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
About 2-3 years ago,we had problems starting with our power door locks.they are possessed. They lock and unlock all by themselves.i have had our van in 3 times for this to be fixed. They replace a part, and say it IS fixed, but it isn't. *Ak
- Air bags · Equipment › Electrical
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…
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.
- Air bags · Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
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
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Heater core leaked fluid onto the computer system which burned the circuit board that controlled the air bags. *ak
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil springs
My 1997 mercury tracer failed the pa state inspection due to both rear suspension springs being broken. a review of the technical service bulletin for this vehicle indicates that this failure has happened to other like vehicles but there should be no resulting operational concern. why then did…
My 1997 mercury tracer failed the pa state inspection due to both rear suspension springs being broken. a review of the technical service bulletin for this vehicle indicates that this failure has happened to other like vehicles but there should be no resulting operational concern. why then did the state inspection fail the vehicle? what course of action can I take to get reimbursed for the replacement of both rear springs? *la
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
Problems with air bag monitor on 1997 mercury tracer.*mr the consumer stated an ammonia type smell began to emit from the vehicle, soon after, there was a burnt plastic odor also emitting from the vehicle and moments later the air bag and check engine lights illuminated on the dashboard and…
Problems with air bag monitor on 1997 mercury tracer.*mr the consumer stated an ammonia type smell began to emit from the vehicle, soon after, there was a burnt plastic odor also emitting from the vehicle and moments later the air bag and check engine lights illuminated on the dashboard and finally the vehicle ceased to continue functioning while the vehicle became smoky. the vehicle was towed to a dealership where the consumer was informed there was a recall on the air bag sensor/control module, recall #02v323000. *jb *nm
- Air bags
Two weeks ago my car (a 1997 mercury tracer) was involved in an car accident in kingman, (4 hours north west of phoenix). The cause of the accident was the fault of the air bags suddenly deploying without cause, causing extensive damage to my car. I then notified my insurance company and it was…
Two weeks ago my car (a 1997 mercury tracer) was involved in an car accident in kingman, (4 hours north west of phoenix). The cause of the accident was the fault of the air bags suddenly deploying without cause, causing extensive damage to my car. I then notified my insurance company and it was towed to a repair shop here in kingman. Later the next day while the repair shop was doing their investigation into the cause, the car burst into flames from the air bag compartment. a couple days later the insurance company notified me that there was a recall from ford motor company of which I was never notified. Then confirming that to me that my car was in fact totaled, and they wished to remove the car from the repair shop. earlier last week I sent an email to ford motors telling of my disgust of the company because I was never notified on such a serious issue. On friday 11/14 I received a call from ford motors customer service asking for more information about the accident. At this time I am waiting for a response back from, what I assume, IS their legal department. *la
- Electrical system › Horn
Horn does not work . Dealer notified , but claimed vehicle had no warranty. *Ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Driving on I-20 eastbound. smelled ammonia, then smelled burnt plastic, airbag light illuminated, check engine light illuminated, interior light flickered off and on, car began to decrease speed despite pressing on the gas pedal. was able to get car into the emergency lane before it completely…
Driving on I-20 eastbound. smelled ammonia, then smelled burnt plastic, airbag light illuminated, check engine light illuminated, interior light flickered off and on, car began to decrease speed despite pressing on the gas pedal. was able to get car into the emergency lane before it completely stopped moving. hole burnt into passenger area from underneath dash area. defrost area warped and burnt, bottom of windshield (glass part) burnt.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Water intrusion into airbag monitor
By letter of december 6, 2002, ford notified the agency that it would conduct a safety recall on all 1997 ford escort and mercury tracer vehicles.ford found that electrical shorting of the integrated air bag monitor (iabm)due to liquid intrusion of water or engine coolant can occur in the subject vehicles.ford and…
By letter of december 6, 2002, ford notified the agency that it would conduct a safety recall on all 1997 ford escort and mercury tracer vehicles.ford found that electrical shorting of the integrated air bag monitor (iabm)due to liquid intrusion of water or engine coolant can occur in the subject vehicles.ford and lincoln mercury dealers will install a protective shield over the iabm and apply nyogel grease to it's electrical connector.see ford's december 6, 2002 defect and noncompliance information report for details.
- Integrated air bag monitor water
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.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10009870Trw vehicle safety systems, inc. IS recalling certain service replacement seatbelt retractors (driver's side front retractor in gray) manufactured in december 2002 and sold as a service replacement part between december 2002 and july 2004.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10004886Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457 or p1442 or a check fuel cap lamp illuminated with dtc p0457 for the evaporative emission system.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10003194Idle vibration on vehicles equipped with 2.0L spi or zetec engine only.
- 10002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
- 6092004Brief information regarding transmission fluid.
- 6091978Some vehicles may exhibit a malfunction indicator light on with a diagnostic trouble code p1744.
- 6091974Vehicles may exhibit transmission and / or malfunction indicator lamp on concerns relating to the diagnosis and replacement of the transmission ranger sensor (trs).
- 6091913Concerns with lack of heat / thermostat contamination.
- 6090586Information regarding brake caliper pin corrosion. *Mjs
- 6090426Information regarding brake caliper pin corrosion. *Mjs
- 6090277Concerns with a malfunction indicator light on with a diagnostic trouble code p1744.
- 6090273Some vehicles may exhibit transmission and / or mil on concerns relating to the diagnosis and replacement of the transmission range sensor.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090085Service information for musty and mildew type odors coming from the air conditioning / heating system.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 636089Some vehicles equipped with the 2.0L spi engine may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) p0300 through p0304 stored.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area.
- 627927Some vehicles may exhibit vacuum or air leaks in the intake manifold and / or engine system causing diagnostic trouble codes p0171 and or p0174.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 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.
- 615541Some vehicles may exhibit malfunction indicator light on, stall at tip-in from idle, engine hesitation, and / or surge caused by the mass air flow (maf) sensor.
- 615540Subject regarding the ngs fuel economy test.
- 615477This bulletin mentions that for all vehicles with antilock brake module concerns that require a module replacement, the technician must call for approval before removing and / or replacing the module.
- 615454Brief information stating that the ngs fuel economy test on some vehicles may not function properly.
- 615385Information concerning click noise from front calipers during brake application.
- 615335Some vehicles may exhibit a hard start / long crank, cold start stall, cold rough idle concern.
- 615270Some vehicles may exhibit brief spark knock on acceleration during hot weather once the engine has thoroughly warmed up.
- 613790The workshop manual reference to transmission fluid temperature sensor resistance IS incorrect. This bulletin list the correct resistance.
- 613789Information on the different types of remote keyless entry systems.
- 613779Some vehicles may exhibit concerns created by water ingestion into the integrated relay control module (ircm).
Every Mercury Tracer model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.