Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1998 Mercury TRACER: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

44 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

83,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1998 model year. Data updated: . 7 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags:Frontal is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 44 complaints (11.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Transmission and shifting49.1%
Braking behavior49.1%
Steering behavior36.8%
Engine operation12.3%
Fuel system concerns12.3%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags:Frontal
5
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
5
Electrical System:Horn
4
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
3
Suspension:Rear:Springs
3
Electrical System:Starter Assembly
2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
2
Structure:Body
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags:Frontal5
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline5
Electrical System:Horn4
Power Train:Automatic Transmission3
Suspension:Rear:Springs3
Electrical System:Starter Assembly2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System2
Structure:Body2

Air Bags:Frontal: 5; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 5; Electrical System:Horn: 4; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 3; Suspension:Rear:Springs: 3; Electrical System:Starter Assembly: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System: 2; Structure:Body: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
1
75,000 to 99,999
3
100,000 to 149,999
1
150,000 and above
2
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9991
75,000 to 99,9993
100,000 to 149,9991
150,000 and above2

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 3; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 2

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 37 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1998
4
1999
8
2000
5
2001
9
2002
5
2003
3
2004
4
2005
4
2007
1
2010
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19984
19998
20005
20019
20025
20033
20044
20054
20071
20101

1998: 4; 1999: 8; 2000: 5; 2001: 9; 2002: 5; 2003: 3; 2004: 4; 2005: 4; 2007: 1; 2010: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags:Frontal leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 4 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10008969 · 2003-02-21 (February 21, 2003)

THE HORN STARTED BLOWING ON ITS ON.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10008969 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10038293 · 2003-09-05 (September 5, 2003)

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A RIGHT TIE ROD AND A RIGHT COIL SPRING. HE HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS REAL DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVEN. MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS CALL. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND REPLACED THE DAMAGED PARTS WITH THE WARRANTY. VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 30000 MILES. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10038293 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10040296 · 2003-09-22 (September 22, 2003)

DURING A VEHICLE INSPECTION REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE AND WERE REPLACED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10040296 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10058486 · 2004-02-19 (February 19, 2004)

THE REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE ON MY 1998 MERCURY TRACER. WHEN SEEKING A REPAIR, I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITH FORD/MERCURY MODELS OF THIS SIZE (ESCORT/TRACER/TEMPO). WITH REAR SPRINGS BROKEN, ONE CAN OBSERVE THE REAR TIRES OF A CAR WITH THESE SPRINGS BROKEN COME OFF THE ROAD. WITH FORD WELL AWARE OF THIS DESIGN FLAW IN THESE AUTOS, THERE OUGHT TO BE A RECALL OF THESE VEHICLES. I HAVE ONLY 47,700 MILES ON THIS CAR; I HAVE NOW REPLACED A BUSTED CRANKSHAFT PULLEY AND THE RESISTOR ASSOCIATED WITH CIRCULATION SYSTEM WHIC…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10058486 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10068951 · 2004-01-15 (January 15, 2004)

HOLE IN MY BLOCK WITH OIL LEAK AND VALVE GASKETS SO BAD I TURNED THE CAR IN.

Owner-reported narrative. 78,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10068951 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10102929 · 2004-12-14 (December 14, 2004)

WHILE DRIVING THE HORN STARTED BLOWING AND I HAD TO TAKE THE FUES OUT TO STOP IT. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 150,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10102929 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10102930 · 2004-12-14 (December 14, 2004)

ON DECEMBER 11, 2004 I WAS OUT SHOPPING AND I GOT IN THE CAR AND IT WOULD NOT START I LEFT IT SIT THERE OVER NIGHT AND WENT BACK THE NEXT DAY AND IT STARTED. I HAVE HAD 3 MACHANICKS LOOK AT IT AND NONE OF THEM KNOW WHY IT DID IT.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 150,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10102930 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10113740 · 2005-03-02 (March 2, 2005)

WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF HER 1998 MERCURY TRACER AND COLLIDED HEAD ON INTO A GUARDRAIL. NEITHER OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *NM THE ENTIRE FRONT END WAS SMASHED INTO THE ENGINE. *SC *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10113740 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

44 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

15.9%Usable mileage7 / 44 records
81.8%Valid incident date36 / 44 records
100.0%Valid filing date44 / 44 records
81.8%Ordered incident and filing dates36 / 44 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component19871988198919901991199219931994199519961997199819992000
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

58.3%
ODI 483161

WHEN GAS TANK IS FILLED THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE HAS A GASOLINE ODOR. *SD

Look up ODI 483161 at NHTSA ↗

28.3%
ODI 829479

THERE WAS A GAS SMELL AROUND THE CAR AND IN THE GARAGE, DEALER CONTACTED AND STATED A HOLE FOUND IN THE GAS TANK. REPAIR WORK DONE AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. *AK

Look up ODI 829479 at NHTSA ↗

58.1%
ODI 536413

SPEEDOMETER CABLES MAKES NOISE AS IT TURNS AND THE NEEDLE SHAKES.

Look up ODI 536413 at NHTSA ↗

46.1%
ODI 10201084 · 87,000 mi

I HAVE A 97 VILLAGER AND A 94 TRACER SW. I WAS REVIEWING MY RECEIPTS FOR A RECALL FOR THE FILLER PIPE VENT HOSE ON MY VILLAGER FROM 6/2001. IT WAS FIXED THEN. IT SEEMS SAME PART IS NOW LEAKING IN OUR TRACER. IT IS DANGEROUS WHEN DOING A FILL UP FOR IT LEAKS. UPDATED 01-16-08. *KB UPDATED *JB

Look up ODI 10201084 at NHTSA ↗

2829.2%
ODI 10029742 · 150,000 mi

NHTSA RECALL 97-V-144-000 :VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.9L ENGINES, BUILT AT THE HERMOSILLO OR WAYNE ASSEMBLY PLANTS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR IS CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK NEAR THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IF THE CRACKS GO THROUGH THE FUEL TANK WALL. THE CONSUMER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED DUE TO THE VIN. *AK THERE WERE CRACKS AND LEAKS IN THE FUEL LINE AT THE HEAT SHIELD MOUNT. THE TANK WAS REPLACED. *SCC *NLM

Look up ODI 10029742 at NHTSA ↗

18.3%
ODI 10027207 · 40,809 mi

VEHICLE HAD A FUEL LEAK WHICH WAS CAUSED BY A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK NEAR THE EXHAUST.*AK

Look up ODI 10027207 at NHTSA ↗

21.4%
ODI 10011812 · 41,249 mi

THE CONSUMER NOTICED A FUEL SMELL AT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (9/11/01) WHO INDICATED THAT THE SMELL WAS RESIDUAL OIL FROM THE LAST OIL CHANGE. ON 3/4/03 THE VEHICLE HAD A 24 POINT SAFETY INSPECTION AT WHICH TIME THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THE FUEL TANK HAD A LEAK DUE TO A SPLIT IN THE SEAM AT THE TOP OF THE TANK. *JB *NLM

Look up ODI 10011812 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.6%
ODI 872192

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

Look up ODI 872192 at NHTSA ↗

710.6%
ODI 10254268 · 67,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCURY TRACER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE CONTACT STRUCK A POLE HEAD ON. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKES WERE FAULTY AND HAD BEEN REPAIRED PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 94V218000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). THE VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE DEALER AND THEY ARE CHARGING $300 JUST TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND $5,400 FOR THE R…

Look up ODI 10254268 at NHTSA ↗

22.1%
ODI 863827

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD TRAVELING 40MPH, AND FOLLOWING BEHIND OTHER VEHICLES GOING TO THE BEACH, SOMEONE PULLED OUT IN FRONT AND STOPPED SHORT, CAUSING A CHAIN REACTION. CONSUMER REARENDED THE BACK OF A TRAILER, AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE, AND WAS INJURED. *AK *ML

Look up ODI 863827 at NHTSA ↗

325.0%
ODI 817788

WHEN DRIVING ON ANY ROAD CONDITION A VIBRATING NOISE COMES FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG. THE PASSANGER'S SIDE AIRBAG HAS BEEN REPLACED, AND 3 TO 4 DAYS LATER THE VIBRATION STARTED AGAIN. *AK

Look up ODI 817788 at NHTSA ↗

149.9%
ODI 10010020

WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, CONSUMER WAS INJURED. *JB

Look up ODI 10010020 at NHTSA ↗

511.4%
ODI 10113740

WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF HER 1998 MERCURY TRACER AND COLLIDED HEAD ON INTO A GUARDRAIL. NEITHER OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *NM THE ENTIRE FRONT END WAS SMASHED INTO THE ENGINE. *SC *JB

Look up ODI 10113740 at NHTSA ↗

15.0%
ODI 8010801

WHILE TRAVELING 40-45 MPH AND AS A RESULT OF A REAR END COLLISION, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT ANY TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Look up ODI 8010801 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

14.8%
ODI 523748

SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSED ACCIDENT.

Look up ODI 523748 at NHTSA ↗

318.8%
ODI 505133

VEHICLE FIRE.

Look up ODI 505133 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

35.0%
ODI 807929

DRIVING ABOUT 15 MILES W/WARM ENGINE, VEHICLE SUDDENLY, W/O WARNING, DIED ON INTERSTATE, COULD NOT GET VEHICLE TO START, TRIED TO START, NOTHING TURNED OVER, LIGHTS & RADIO STILL WORKING. *AK

Look up ODI 807929 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

23.2%
ODI 485929

ENGINE RUNS ROUGH, CAUSES STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT END TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY.

Look up ODI 485929 at NHTSA ↗

34.5%
ODI 536730

ENGINE STALLS DAILY ON FREEWAYS.

Look up ODI 536730 at NHTSA ↗

66.3%
ODI 10114009

THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 1.9L ENGINE. THE #4 INTAKE VALVE SEAT DROPS, RESULTING IN THE NEED TO COMPLETELY REPLACE THE CYLINDER HEAD AND ALL ASSOCIATED PARTS. IE... VALVE SEATS, PISTON, PISTON RINGS, ROD BEARINGS AS WELL AS HAVING TO CONDUCT PRESSURE TESTS, HONE THE CYLINDERS & A VARIETY OF OTHER TIME & MONEY CONSUMING ITEMS. *AK

Look up ODI 10114009 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

96.3%
ODI 700946

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 CLEA…

Look up ODI 700946 at NHTSA ↗

511.4%
ODI 547893

AT 2,795 MILES THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. AT 4,162 MILES VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION ON TWO OCCASIONS. ONE INCIDENT RESULTED IN HITTING A LIGHT POLE. *YC

Look up ODI 547893 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Vehicle Speed Control
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

29.5%
ODI 806266

WHILE BACKING UP TO LOAD PERSONS INTO VEHICLE, WITHOUT WARNING, VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND STRUCK A BUILDING, INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED IT. *AK

Look up ODI 806266 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.7%
ODI 757220

CAR WILL NOT REMAIN AT SPEED FOR MORE THAN 25 SECONDS. *AK

Look up ODI 757220 at NHTSA ↗

14.2%
ODI 544908

THREE OCCASIONS OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION.

Look up ODI 544908 at NHTSA ↗

812.9%
ODI 10633490

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

Look up ODI 10633490 at NHTSA ↗

57.6%
ODI 484064

SUDDEN ACCELERATION, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. *AK

Look up ODI 484064 at NHTSA ↗

55.2%
ODI 762160

PURCHASED THE CAR USED, A/C HAS NOT BE OPERATIONAL SINCE-EMITS A FOUL ODOR. CONTINUOUS HEATER CORE LEAKS AND FAILURE, EMITS FOUL ODOR RESEMBLING ANTIFREEZE. CAUSES NAUSEA AND HEADACHES. NOT SURE IF A/C PROBLEMS AND HEATER CORE PROBLEMS ARE RELATED. SPEEDOMETER BOUNCES AROUND AFTER 30MPH IS EXCEEDED. CRUISE CONTROL CUTS OFF WHEN GOING UP AN INCLINE. AUTOMATIC SEATBELTS STICK IN POSITION. BEEP THAT ALERTS WHEN YOU HAVE A KEY IN THE IGNITION AND A DOOR OPEN, BEEPS CONSTANTLY EVEN WHEN NO KEY IS IN IGNITION, CANNOT FIND CAUSE. CIGARETTE LIG…

Look up ODI 762160 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

32.1%
ODI 10007369 · 51,000 mi

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. AIR BAG MONITOR WATER SHIELD REPLACED.*JB *TS

Look up ODI 10007369 at NHTSA ↗

24.5%
ODI 10311877 · 82,000 mi

SPEEDS UP ON ITS OWN WHEN DRIVING AND WHEN STOPPED AT LIGHTS. OCCURS EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT. MOST OF ALL IN THE WINTER TIME. TRIED TO REPAIRED IT AT STATION BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. *TR

Look up ODI 10311877 at NHTSA ↗

15.0%
ODI 565386

WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP WITH A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE. (THE CONSUMER'S FOOT WOULD BE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL) THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE HAS ALMOST HAD ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS. *SLC *SCC

Look up ODI 565386 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.6%
ODI 10633490

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

Look up ODI 10633490 at NHTSA ↗

34.5%
ODI 10010112

THE WARNING INDICATOR INTERMITTENTLY FLASHES 5 TIMES PAUSE 1 TIME AND THEN REPEATS.*JB

Look up ODI 10010112 at NHTSA ↗

22.1%
ODI 769469

MY DATES/ MILEAGE ARE NOT ACCURATE, BUT INFO OTHERWISE IS CORRECT. DO I NEED ACCIDENT REPORT FOR AIR BAG DATE? I AM SCARRED FROM THE GAS AND THE AIRBAG SEAM THAT RIPPED MY WRISTS OPEN FROM THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE BAGS DURING THIS ACCIDENT. I WAS QUITE INFECTED. ALSO, MY GAS TANK CRACKED A FEW YEARS AGO AND MY EX-BEAU USED BOAT PUTTY FOR PLASTIC BOAT GAS TANKS TO FIX IT UNTIL I COULD HANDLE IT. IT HELD WELL UNTIL NOW AND HAS CRACKED FURTHER IN THE SAME AREA. PUTTY IS NOT HOLDING ANY LONGER. I WAS JUST ABOUT TO REPLACE THE TANK RECENTLY WHEN…

Look up ODI 769469 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

2014.1%
ODI 10009936 · 53,201 mi

THE HORN CONTINUOUSLY BLEW, CONSUMER HAD TO DISCONNECT THE FUSE TO STOP THE HORN FROM BLOWING. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THE THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE AIR BAG MONITOR. 8JB

Look up ODI 10009936 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

15.0%
ODI 10028971

WE BOUGHT A 1999 MERCURY TRACER USED CAR ON 04/2000, LATER THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED VIBRATING BADLY, THIS VIBRATION CAN BE FELT THRU OUT THE CAR. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIR 8 TIMES. THE SERVICE MANAGER NOW SAYS THAT THIS VIBRATION IS NORMAL. WHEN WE TOOK IT BACK SAT IN THE CAR AND SAID THAT HE WOULD NOT DRIVE THAT CAR VIBRATING LIKE THAT AND HE WOULD NOT EXPECT US TO. . I ASKED IF IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE, HE SAID HE COULD NOT ANSWER THAT. MY CONCERN IS, WITH THIS SEVERE VIBRATION IS THE STEERING COLUMN GOING TO DISCONNECT OR LOCKUP AND CAU…

Look up ODI 10028971 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

29.5%
ODI 509245

NOSE OF CRANK BROKE.

Look up ODI 509245 at NHTSA ↗

16.3%
ODI 538670

TRANSMISSION VERY SLUGGISH, NOT ENOUGH POWER TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. WHEN VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED, THE MECHANIC PULLED THE BOLT FROM THE PULLY ON THE CRANKSHAFT AND THE END OF THE CRANKSHAFT FELL OFF.

Look up ODI 538670 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

46.7%
ODI 503999

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. *SD

Look up ODI 503999 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.6%
ODI 502256

BRAKE PEDAL SEEMS SOFT, ALSO BRAKES MAKE NOISE.

Look up ODI 502256 at NHTSA ↗

23.0%
ODI 827717

ENGINE PULLEY SEPARATED, CAUSNG THE BELT TO TEAR, RESULTING IN VEHICLE STALLING UNEXPECTEDLY, AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 827717 at NHTSA ↗

55.2%
ODI 751893

POTENTIAL FOR FATALIES WAS GREAT AS CAR JUST QUIT AT 65 MPH WITH NO WARNING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF A 3 LANE INTERSTATE. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. BOTH TIMES HEAD JUST BLEW APPARENTLY ALLOWING WATER TO BE SUCKED OUT BOTTOM OF CAR CIRCUMVENTING SENSORS. RADIATOR STILL HAD WATER IN IT.. NO STEAM OR INDICATION CAR WAS HOT. TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS READING NORMAL BOTH TIMES. I HAD MULITPLE MECHANICS REVIEW CAR AND NO ONE CAN FIND PROBLEM. HOWEVER BOTH TIMES WATER SEAPED INTO PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD. AFTER REBUILDING ENGINE AND THEN REPLACING ENGINE …

Look up ODI 751893 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

96.3%
ODI 10004956

I BEGAN HAVING ENGINE TROUBLE LAST JULY. WHJEN I TURNED THE INGNITION THE ENGINE BEGAN TO BUCKLE AND MAKE A LOUD NOISE. I WOULD HAVE TO ATTEMPT STARTING IT A FEW TIMES TO GET A CLEAN START. THEN THE ENGINE WOULD MAKE A TAPPING NOISE AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER - THEY SAID IT WAS A DIRTY CYLINDER AND THAT IT NEEDED TO BE CLEANED. THEY CLEANED IT BUT A FEW MONTHS LATER THE SAME STRING OF EVENTS OCCURRED -- BUT THE ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF BEFORE I COULD GET IT TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER TOOK THE CAR ANYWAY -- THEY…

Look up ODI 10004956 at NHTSA ↗

12.3%
ODI 882341

OIL DIPSTICK KEPT 'POPPING' UP AND SQUIRTING OIL ON ENGINE. *AK

Look up ODI 882341 at NHTSA ↗

15.0%
ODI 10065030 · 70,000 mi

VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED DUE TO A MECHANICAL FAILURE, AND ENGINE MUST BE REPLACED. *AK

Look up ODI 10065030 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seat Belts
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

711.7%
ODI 511488

MOTORIZED SEAT BELT LOCKED UP.

Look up ODI 511488 at NHTSA ↗

28.3%
ODI 812538

THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT JAMMED HALF WAY IN THE RETRACTOR. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPAIRED. *AK

Look up ODI 812538 at NHTSA ↗

23.2%
ODI 8016782

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

Look up ODI 8016782 at NHTSA ↗

34.5%
ODI 719843

MY TRACER'S MOTOR BELT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE HAS FAILED.....NOW I AM A VALET ATT. AT A RESORT CASINO FOR 5 YEARS AND THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MOST TRACERS I RUN ACROSS.....THIS IS A SAFTEY ISSUE BECAUSE THE BELT IS LEFT VIRTUALLY UNUSABLE..I HAVE A TEEN DRVER AS WELL AS MY WIFE AND MYSELF AND I WOULD LIKE THEM TO HAVE THE UTMOST SAFTEY WHILE DRIVING...AND MY DEALER SEEMS TO IGNORE THAT FACT..$500.00 IS A LITTE PRICEY FO MY BUDGET...AND FOR A PART THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIFETIME OF A VEHICLE...MY CAR IS WELL MAINTAINEDAND I FEEL THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE…

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88.3%
ODI 549190

MOTORBELT BECAME STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. MANUFACTURER RECALL ON OTHER VEHICLE'S BUT NOT CONSUMERS MAKE. NLM

Look up ODI 549190 at NHTSA ↗

216.7%
ODI 547346

DRIVERS SIDE MOTOR BELT FAILED. NLM

Look up ODI 547346 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

212.5%
ODI 11014936 · 90,000 mi

THERE IS A STALLING PROBLEM, EVEN WHEN DRIVING! THE WERE A NUMBER OF TIMES THAT I HAD TO BE PUSHED OF A MAIN ROAD. IT TOOK HOURS TO RESTART. IF I WAIT OVER 10 HOURS, MOST TIMES THE CAR WILL RESTART. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE IN THE IGNITION MODULE AND /OR THE MAGNET AND/OR THE ROTOR. I HAVE SPENT NEARLY $2,300.00 REPLACING PARTS. THE CAR STILL STALLS OUT EVEN WHEN DRIVING! IT IS POSSIBLE THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE DISTRIBUTOR OR THE IGNITION MODULE. THE CONTACTS TO THE RELAY IN THE FUSE BOX WERE CLEANED BUT IT STILL STALLS RANDOMLY. I …

Look up ODI 11014936 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

23.2%
ODI 10070768 · 28,500 mi

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 CA…

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11.5%
ODI 715884

NO SUMMARY

Look up ODI 715884 at NHTSA ↗

22.1%
ODI 558949

DOME LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON WHEN DOOR IS OPENED, ACCESS HEADLINER, WIRING REPAIRED. *CJ

Look up ODI 558949 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

96.3%
ODI 531049

REQUESTING INFORMATION OF ANY RECALLS.

Look up ODI 531049 at NHTSA ↗

24.5%
ODI 10068951 · 78,000 mi

HOLE IN MY BLOCK WITH OIL LEAK AND VALVE GASKETS SO BAD I TURNED THE CAR IN.

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15.0%
ODI 723851

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 723851 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Electrical System:HornToo few reports for a range150,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10102929 · 150,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE HORN STARTED BLOWING AND I HAD TO TAKE THE FUES OUT TO STOP IT. *AK

Look up ODI 10102929 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic TransmissionToo few reports for a range132,482 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10190503 · 132,482 mi

WHILE I AM ON THE FOOT BRAKE SLOWING DOWN, CAR SUDDENLY REVS, SHIFTS INTO GEAR AND ACCELERATES. I AM UNABLE TO HOLD BACK THE VEHICLE EVEN WHEN PUSHING AS HARD AS I CAN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I HAVE TO KNOCK THE SHIFT LEVER INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP.*AK

Look up ODI 10190503 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension:Rear:SpringsToo few reports for a range83,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10124980 · 83,000 mi

REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURED, WITHOUT PROVOCATION, IN MY 1998 MERCURY TRACER SEDAN. AFTER SPEAKING TO 3 DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT SHOPS AND 2 DIFFERENT FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENTS, IT WAS ABSOLUTELY CLEAR THAT FORD/MERCURY HAS A KNOWN MATERIAL DEFECT THAT THEY HAVE CHOSEN TO IGNORE. EVERYONE CONCEDES THAT THESE SPRINGS ARE FAILING AT ABSURD RATES BUT FOMO CO POLICY IS TO DENY EVERYTHING (DESPITE WHAT THEIR OWN SERVICE TECHNICIANS ARE ADMITTING) CATASTROPHIC FAILURES WHILE DRIVING FREQUENTLY RESULT IN TIRE BLOWOUTS... THIS PROBLEM OCCURS THROUGHOUT TH…

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Electrical System:Starter AssemblyToo few reports for a range150,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10102930 · 150,000 mi

ON DECEMBER 11, 2004 I WAS OUT SHOPPING AND I GOT IN THE CAR AND IT WOULD NOT START I LEFT IT SIT THERE OVER NIGHT AND WENT BACK THE NEXT DAY AND IT STARTED. I HAVE HAD 3 MACHANICKS LOOK AT IT AND NONE OF THEM KNOW WHY IT DID IT.*AK

Look up ODI 10102930 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 29 reports

1999: 9 complaints · 2000: 2 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
1999589
2000122
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
19991460
2000200

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentAir Bags:FrontalEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineElectrical System:HornPower Train:Automatic TransmissionSuspension:Rear:SpringsElectrical System:Starter AssemblyEngine And Engine Cooling:Cooling SystemStructure:Body
Air Bags:Frontal—0000000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline0—000000
Electrical System:Horn00—00000
Power Train:Automatic Transmission000—0000
Suspension:Rear:Springs0000—000
Electrical System:Starter Assembly00000—00
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System000000—0
Structure:Body0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

5 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 4.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 132,482 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10190503 · 132,482 mi

WHILE I AM ON THE FOOT BRAKE SLOWING DOWN, CAR SUDDENLY REVS, SHIFTS INTO GEAR AND ACCELERATES. I AM UNABLE TO HOLD BACK THE VEHICLE EVEN WHEN PUSHING AS HARD AS I CAN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I HAVE TO KNOCK THE SHIFT LEVER INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP.*AK

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ODI 531653

CALIPER SEALS FAILED, CAUSING FLUID LOSS AS WELL AS BRAKE FAILURE. ALSO, MASTER CYLINDER FAILED.

Look up ODI 531653 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

2 mentions · 4.5% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 741050

MANY TIMES CAR IN SHOP FOR SQUEALING STEERING WHEEL NOISE WHEN TURNING A FAR RIGHT, RATTLING NOISE, GRINDING NOISE FROM ENGINE, RALLTING NOISE FROM DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR JAM, GAS-PIL/EXHAUST SMELL COMING THRU WHEN AC/DEFROST ON, BRAKES SQUEALING EVEN AFTER NEW BRAKE PADS, MANY TIMES I WAS TOLD THAT SOMETHING MAYBE COMING LOOSE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT BREAKS BEFORE THEY CAN FIX IT. JUST RECENTLY AS OF 2-6-01 FORD FACTORY GUY TOLD ME I WAS IMAGINING THINGS. HE ALONG WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THERE ISN'T A PROBLEM, AND WILL HAV…

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ODI 898220

TRANSMISSION FAILS TO SHIFT PROPERLY INTO GEARS, THIS CAUSES VEHICLE TO JERK AND SHIFT HARD INTO GEARS, SOMETIMES WOULD FLUTTER WHEN DRIVING AT 50-55MPH.*AK CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO NUMEROUS DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.*SLC

Look up ODI 898220 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 2.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 150,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10102930 · 150,000 mi

ON DECEMBER 11, 2004 I WAS OUT SHOPPING AND I GOT IN THE CAR AND IT WOULD NOT START I LEFT IT SIT THERE OVER NIGHT AND WENT BACK THE NEXT DAY AND IT STARTED. I HAVE HAD 3 MACHANICKS LOOK AT IT AND NONE OF THEM KNOW WHY IT DID IT.*AK

Look up ODI 10102930 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 2.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 554484

ENGINE STALLS AT SLOW SPEEDS AND WHILE TAKING CORNERS WITH THE CLUTCH ENGAGED. NLM

Look up ODI 554484 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 2.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 741050

MANY TIMES CAR IN SHOP FOR SQUEALING STEERING WHEEL NOISE WHEN TURNING A FAR RIGHT, RATTLING NOISE, GRINDING NOISE FROM ENGINE, RALLTING NOISE FROM DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR JAM, GAS-PIL/EXHAUST SMELL COMING THRU WHEN AC/DEFROST ON, BRAKES SQUEALING EVEN AFTER NEW BRAKE PADS, MANY TIMES I WAS TOLD THAT SOMETHING MAYBE COMING LOOSE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT BREAKS BEFORE THEY CAN FIX IT. JUST RECENTLY AS OF 2-6-01 FORD FACTORY GUY TOLD ME I WAS IMAGINING THINGS. HE ALONG WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THERE ISN'T A PROBLEM, AND WILL HAV…

Look up ODI 741050 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b