1989 Mercury Tracer problems
The Mercury Tracer is an automobile manufactured and marketed by Ford's Mercury division for model years 1987 through 1999, over three generations in three- and five-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and five-door station wagon configurations.
The first generation was marketed as a subcompact; the two succeeding generations were sold in the compact segment. All three generations derived from the Mazda 323/Protegé.
After 1999, Mercury ended sales of the Tracer; while the Ford Escort was later replaced by the Ford Focus, Mercury exited the compact segment. A planned Tracer fourth generation was projected for 2012, cancelled by the closure of the Mercury brand at the end of 2010.
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Common 1989 Mercury Tracer problems
The Mercury Tracer, produced from 1988 to 1999, is known to have several common problems, particularly in the first generation (1988-1989). Here are some of the issues encountered by Mercury Tracer owners:
- Oil leaks from valve cover gasket: The Mercury Tracer's first generation is prone to oil leaks from the valve cover gasket. This issue can result in a decrease in engine performance and potential damage to other engine components if not addressed promptly.
- Fuel pump failures: The fuel pump in the Mercury Tracer can fail, leading to problems with starting the car or maintaining a consistent engine speed. This issue can be particularly problematic in situations where the car is needed for daily transportation.
- Ignition module failures: The ignition module in the Mercury Tracer can fail, causing issues with starting the car or maintaining a consistent engine speed. This issue can be particularly problematic in situations where the car is needed for daily transportation.
- Transmission problems: The second generation of the Mercury Tracer (1991-1996) is known to have transmission problems, including slipping and hard shifting. These issues can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potential damage to other transmission components if not addressed promptly.
- Faulty distributor cap and rotor: The second generation of the Mercury Tracer (1991-1996) can experience faulty distributor caps and rotors, leading to misfires and decreased engine performance.
- Stalling or rough idle caused by vacuum leaks: The second generation of the Mercury Tracer (1991-1996) can experience stalling or rough idle caused by vacuum leaks. These issues can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potential damage to other engine components if not addressed promptly.
- Ignition switch failures: The third generation of the Mercury Tracer (1997-1999) is known to have ignition switch failures, leading to stalling or no start. This issue can be particularly problematic in situations where the car is needed for daily transportation.
- Alternator failures: The third generation of the Mercury Tracer (1997-1999) can experience alternator failures, resulting in battery drain or a dead battery.
- Intake manifold gasket leaks: The third generation of the Mercury Tracer (1997-1999) is known to have intake manifold gasket leaks, causing coolant loss and overheating.
- Timing belt failure: The 1.6-liter engine in the Mercury Tracer can experience timing belt failure, leading to engine damage. This issue can be particularly problematic in situations where the car is needed for daily transportation.
- Oil leaks from camshaft seals: The 1.6-liter engine in the Mercury Tracer can experience oil leaks from camshaft seals, leading to decreased engine performance and potential damage to other engine components if not addressed promptly.
- Overheating caused by faulty thermostat: The 1.6-liter engine in the Mercury Tracer can experience overheating caused by a faulty thermostat, leading to potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Cracked cylinder heads: The 1.8-liter engine in the Mercury Tracer can experience cracked cylinder heads, leading to coolant loss and overheating.
- Oil leaks from valve cover gasket: The 1.8-liter engine in the Mercury Tracer can experience oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, leading to decreased engine performance and potential damage to other engine components if not addressed promptly.
- Faulty camshaft position sensor: The 1.8-liter engine in the Mercury Tracer can experience faulty camshaft position sensors, leading to stalling or rough running.
- Oil leaks from rear main seal: The 2.0-liter engine in the Mercury Tracer can experience oil leaks from the rear main seal, leading to decreased engine performance and potential damage to other engine components if not addressed promptly.
- Misfires caused by faulty ignition coil: The 2.0-liter engine in the Mercury Tracer can experience misfires caused by faulty ignition coils, leading to decreased engine performance and potential damage to other engine components if not addressed promptly.
- Stalling or rough idle caused by faulty idle air control valve: The 2.0-liter engine in the Mercury Tracer can experience stalling or rough idle caused by faulty idle air control valves, leading to decreased fuel efficiency and potential damage to other engine components if not addressed promptly.
Is a 1998 Mercury Tracer a good car?
The Tracer has been Mercury's bread-and-butter car for years. Think of it as the car that brings consumers into the Mercury family. The Tracer's low price, decent reliability and above average crash test scores have consistently offered recent college grads and young families an attractive set of American wheels.
What is the Ford version of the Mercury Tracer?
Mercury Tracer | Second generation (1991–1996)
While remaining a counterpart of the Ford Laser, the redesign also made it a Mercury counterpart of the American Ford Escort (alongside the renamed Mazda Protegé sedan).
How much is a 1998 Mercury Tracer worth?
The value of a used 1998 Mercury Tracer ranges from $165 to $779, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
How many miles do Mercury cars last?
Taken care of your car can easily go 200,000 miles but there will be repairs along the way.
Who makes Mercury Tracer?
Ford
The Mercury Tracer is an automobile manufactured and marketed by Ford's Mercury division for model years 1987-1999, over three generations in three- and five-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and five-door station wagon configurations.
What are symptoms of a bad fuel pump?
If your car is experiencing any of these bad fuel pump symptoms, bring it in for a vehicle checkup!
- The car won't start. ...
- The car sputters or dies while driving. ...
- The engine surges while driving. ...
- You hear whining in the backseat. ...
- You notice lower gas mileage.
Which Mercury engines are made in China?
Implementing an industry-first transverse flux motor technology, yielding high torque with optimum efficiency. Some manufacturing is in Fond du Lac, while 40-60 HP engines are made in China. Smaller engines are Tohatsus that have been rebadged.
Is Mercury made by Ford?
Ford completely phased out the Mercury brand in 2011, as the company refocused its marketing and engineering efforts solely on the Ford and Lincoln brands.
1989 Mercury Tracer car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercury Tracer problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Mercury Tracer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Mercury Tracer complaints
The NHTSA has received 20 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Mercury Tracer.
2017-08-13
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-01
- VIN: 3MABM1354KR
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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 BELIEVE THERE WAS A RECALL WITH THE IGNITION MODULE, ROTOR AND MAGNET SET. IS THAT TRUE?
2001-12-30
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3MABM1258KR
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THEY HAVE A LEAP SEAT BELT IN THE BACK ONLY. *AK
2000-10-13
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-01
- VIN: 3MABM1357KR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I AM A SINGLE 66 YR OLD ON A FIXED INCOME, PURCHASED THE THE VEHICLE IN JUNE OF 2000 SINCE THAT DATE I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR, WHEN I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE GETS HOT OR MORE SO WARMED UP IT QUITS WHEREVER IT MAY BE, THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN INTERSECTIONS AND ALSO THE EXPRESSWAYS. I ALSO HAVE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC SEVERAL TIMES AND NOW HAVE SPENT OVER $600.00 NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM MAY BE, AFTER READING THE ARTICLE IN THIS WEEKS ISSUE OF THE OAKLAND PRESS IN REQUARDS TO FORD PRODUCTS THAT WOULD CERTANLY PINPOINT MY PROBLEM.. IF YOU COULD PLEASE HELP ME ON THIS ISSUE I WOULD GREATLY APPERICATE IT.. LUCILLE ROBBS*AK
2000-10-13
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-01
- VIN: 3MABM1357KR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I AM A SINGLE 66 YR OLD ON A FIXED INCOME, PURCHASED THE THE VECHILE IN JUNE OF 2000 SINCE THAT DATE I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR, WHEN I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE GETS HOT OR MORE SO WARMED UP IT QUITS WHEREVER IT MAY BE, THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN INTERSECTIONS AND ALSO THE EXPRESSWAYS. I ALSO HAVE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC SEVERAL TIMES AND NOW HAVE SPENT OVER $600.00 NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM MAY BE, AFTER READING THE ARTICLE IN THIS WEEKS ISSUE OF THE OAKLAND PRESS IN REQUARDS TO FORD PRODUCTS THAT WOULD CERTANLY PINPOINT MY PROBLEM.. IF YOU COULD PLEASE HELP ME ON THIS ISSUE I WOULD GREATLY APPERICATE IT.. LUCILLE ROBBS
1999-10-15
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-05
- VIN: 3MABM1254KR
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE FAILED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED USED WITH 14,700 MILES. THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURED ON APRIL 5, 1998, TRAVELING 65 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARINGS SEIZED AND THE WHEEL FELL INWARD PULLING THE CAR SEVERELY TO THE RIGHT. THIS NEARLY CAUSED A COLLISION WITH A SEMI IN THE NEXT LANE. BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT REAR BEARING ASSEMBLIES FAILED ON MAY 5, 1999; AGAIN THE LEFT REAR TIRE TIPPED IN. THE RIGHT REAR FAILED AS WELL. BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED AGAIN ON 10-6-99. ON ALL OCCASIONS NEW BEARINGS AND SEALS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. MY SISTER OWNS A 1989 MERCURY TRACER AS WELL AND HER BEARINGS HAVE FAILED THREE TO FOUR TIMES. I HAVE HAD TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS REPAIR MY BEARINGS. MY SISTER HAS HAD AT LEAST THREE SEPARATE MECHANICS REPAIR. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY ARE NOT INTERESTED IN PROVIDING A SAFE PRODUCT. THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE OF AN EXPRESS WARRANTY BUT DESIGNING PRODUCTS THAT ARE FIT FOR THEIR INTENDED USES AND WILL NOT INJURY PEOPLE. I HAVE LOCATED THREE NHTSA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS THAT MIGHT RELATE: BC3130890301 (ITEM SB005908) AND 90-12-5 (ITEM SB014830) AND 90-19-9 (ITEM SB017139). THIS IS A DANGEROUS DEFECTIVE PRODUCT DESIGN BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY.
1999-07-28
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: AT 64,000 MILES THE ENGINE FAILED, OIL LEAKING IN PISTONS, THE WHOLE ENGINE WAS REPLACE. *YC
1999-06-16
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-04
- VIN: 3MABM1151KR
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I AM HAVING A VERY HARD TIME WITH THIS I CANNOT GET COMPLIANCE FROM THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THIS PART OR WHAT I SHOULD DO OR WHO I SHOULD TALK TO. MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN WORKING SINCE THIS PART WENT AND CANNOT GET ANY HELP. IT HAS BEEN TOWED THREE TIMES AND NO ONE CAN SEEM TO HELP ME. I JUST TOW IT FROM PLACE TO PLACE AND THE PART WAS SUPPOSSED TO BE ORDERED IN FEBURARY AND I HAVENT RECEIVED NOTHING YET. IF I COULD JUST KNOW WHO TO TALK TO IT MIGHT HELP ME SOME. CARS SHOULD NOT BE MADE IF THE PARTS CANNOT BE FOUND FOR THEM. WHAT SHOULD I DO? PLEASE HELP ME I LOVE THAT CAR. I TRIED TO ORDER THIS PART AND IT WAS ON ORDER FROM FEBURARY TILL JUNE AND NOTHING FROM NO ONE. WHY IS THINGS BUILT IF THEY CANNOT BE FIXED? I REFUSE TO GIVE UP. JUST GIVE ME SOME NUMBERS IF YOU CANNOT HELP ME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND PATIENCE. LISA MITCHELL. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED IN SUMMARY. *AK
1999-02-14
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3MABMLLSXAR
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
1998-07-21
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-01
- VIN: 3MABM1254KR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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.
1996-07-29
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-29
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRE.
1996-04-23
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-19
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FAPP919OKW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE UNDER THE HOOD ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE, ELECTRICAL SHORT, SAW SMOKE. *AK
1996-04-23
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-23
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: PARKED VEHICLE ON LOT LATER VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. *AK
1995-12-26
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: EXCESSIVE WEAR BRAKE SHOES/PADS REPLACING REPEATEDLY W/LOW MILEAGE ACCUMULATION. MASTER CYLINDER ALSO FAILS REPLACED (4) TIMES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
1995-12-26
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: EXCESSIVE WEAR BRAKE SHOES/PADS REPLACING REPEATEDLY W/LOW MILEAGE ACCUMULATION. MASTER CYLINDER ALSO FAILS REPLACED (4) TIMES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
1995-12-26
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: EXCESSIVE WEAR BRAKE SHOES/PADS REPLACING REPEATEDLY W/LOW MILEAGE ACCUMULATION. MASTER CYLINDER ALSO FAILS REPLACED (4) TIMES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
1995-11-13
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-05
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE CAME OFF THE VEHICLE WHEN CAR WAS IN DRIVE. TT
1995-08-31
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-15
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE FAILURE, FAILURE OF MASTER CYLINDER, SURGE WHILE DRIVING, PEDAL FADED. TT
1995-05-02
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-04
- VIN: 3MABM1159KR
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: RIGHT BACK TIRE CAME COMPLETELY OFF, LEFT WAS BREAKING OFF AT THE AXLE, REPAIR BOTH SIDE. TT
1995-01-26
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-26
- VIN: 3MABM1151KR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EXHAUST SYSTEM REPLACED. *SKD
1995-01-26
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-11-01
- VIN: 3MABM1151KR
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: REAR STRUTS REPLACED.
1989 Mercury Tracer recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1989 Mercury Tracer.
1995-06-27
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THAT LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Mercury Tracer problems:
Q&A: Mercury Tracer 1989 - Fuel Pump Relay, Inertia Switch, and ...
https://www.justanswer.com/mercury/2u2zo-89-mercury-tracer-jumped-key-turned-1-6-fuel-pump-relay-inertia.html
Dec 1, 2009 ... What causes no power to it otherwise when key turned to on position? - Answered by a verified Mercury Mechanic.
Common problems on 1.9L 2nd gen Escorts? | FEOA Forums
https://www.feoa.net/threads/common-problems-on-1-9l-2nd-gen-escorts.63667/
Sep 30, 2009 ... I bought a 95 5 spd LX Escort tonight. I didn't see a FAQ sticky so I'm wondering what are common problems for these cars and warning signs ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting a 1989 Mercury Tracer that Suddenly Died ...
https://www.justanswer.com/mercury/32jhl-1989-mercury-tracer-died-suddenly-when-try-start.html
Jan 28, 2010 ... You should only have 28 to 36 psi of fuel pressure, you may have a faulty fuel pressure regulator and its just pushing fuel past the injectors.
T-5 transmission on 1.8l? - MX-5 Miata Forum
https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=218868
... common problems with the miata engine but whats perfect... ... 1989-1994 Ford Laser TX3 (Australian Market) ... 1991-1996 Mercury Tracer LTS 1994- ...
1989 Mercury Tracer junkyard find - Autoblog
https://www.autoblog.com/2018/06/05/junkyard-gem-1989-mercury-tracer-3-door-hatchback/
Jun 5, 2018 ... One of the few US-market Mercury cars that had no corresponding Ford twin, this 1989 Mercury Tracer was an Australian Mazda built in Mexico.
Other years of Mercury Tracer
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