1996 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 1996 Mercury Tracer problems
The Mercury Tracer, a compact car produced by Ford Motor Company, has been known to have several common problems, particularly in the second generation (1991-1996).
To address transmission problems in the Tracer, it's essential to diagnose the exact cause of the issue, which typically involves a transmission fluid and filter change, a transmission flush, or replacement of the damaged component.
Another common issue that Tracer owners have reported is engine problems, which have been the most significant source of complaints for this model.
To address engine problems in the Tracer, it's essential to diagnose the exact cause of the issue, which typically involves replacing the damaged component or repairing the faulty sensor.
The Tracer's drivetrain has also been a source of complaints, with some owners reporting power train issues, including difficulty accelerating or a loss of power.
To address drivetrain problems in the Tracer, it's essential to diagnose the exact cause of the issue, which typically involves replacing the damaged component or repairing the faulty sensor.
In conclusion, the Mercury Tracer has several common problems, particularly in the second generation (1991-1996), including transmission problems, engine issues, and drivetrain problems. These issues can be caused by various factors, including worn components, low fluid levels, faulty sensors, and clogged filters. To address these problems, it's essential to diagnose the exact cause of the issue and use high-quality replacement parts that are designed specifically for the Tracer. Regular maintenance, such as checking and changing fluids and filters, can help prevent these issues and other related problems.
Is a Mercury Tracer a good car?
Vehicle overview
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. After a major redesign in 1997, the Tracer has seen only minor upgrades in '98 and '99.
What is the Mercury Tracer equivalent to?
The Mercury Tracer is an American counterpart of the Australian-market Ford Laser KE, sold in Japan, Asia, and South Africa. While sharing a slightly different body, the Laser shared a common chassis with the front-wheel drive Mazda 323, designated the Mazda BF platform.
What is the value of a 1997 Mercury Tracer?
The value of a used 1997 Mercury Tracer ranges from $141 to $635, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
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).
What is the Mercury Tracer equivalent to?
The Mercury Tracer is an American counterpart of the Australian-market Ford Laser KE, sold in Japan, Asia, and South Africa. While sharing a slightly different body, the Laser shared a common chassis with the front-wheel drive Mazda 323, designated the Mazda BF platform.
What is the value of a 1997 Mercury Tracer?
The value of a used 1997 Mercury Tracer ranges from $141 to $635, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
How much horsepower does a 1988 Mercury Tracer have?
Specifications for Mercury Tracer 4-door 1.6 Automatic, 72hp, 1988.
What year did they stop making Mercury Mariners?
2011
The 2011 model year was the last for the Mercury brand. The Mariner has a roomy interior and great visibility out of the large windows. Handling is relatively nimble.
1996 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:
- Air bags problems
- Steering problems
- Seat belts problems
- Seats problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Mercury Tracer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1996 Mercury Tracer complaints
The NHTSA has received 19 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Mercury Tracer.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-02-07
- VIN: 1MESM15J4TW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND THE NOISE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE ENGINE SEAT, CYLINDER HEAD, AND HEAD GASKET WHICH CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 3/28/2006 - *NM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3MASM15J0SR
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: VEHICLE HAD A FUEL LEAK WHICH WAS CAUSED BY A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK NEAR THE EXHAUST.*AK
STEERING,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-22
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3MESM10JXTR
- Components: STEERING,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING DRIVING 55 MPH CONSUMER LOST CONTROL AND WENT INTO A DITCH. AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY AND EXPLODE. CONTACT DEALER, AND DEALER HAS NOT RESPONDED.*AK CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT SEAT BELT CAME LOOSE.*JB
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-02
- VIN: 4M2DV11WSTD
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHIN 5 YEARS OF MANUFACTURING AND 2 YEARS OF USED PURCHASE?*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-01
- VIN: 1MEFM15J0TW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RETRACTOR ON DRIVER'S SIDE LOCKS UP, AND WHEN DOOR IS OPENED IT SLIDES QUICKLY BACK. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THIS VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 45 MPH, AND FORNTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-01
- VIN: 3MESM10J9TR
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVERS SIDE MOTORBELT FAILED. NLM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-01
- VIN: 3MESM10J9TR
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SPEEDOMETER DIAL ASSEMBLY FAILED. NLM
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1MESM15J2TW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVERS SIDE MOTOR BELT FAILED. NLM
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-25
- Number Of Injuries: 5
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3MESM10J7TR
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: ON 6-25-99 WE WERE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. WE WERE AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN ANOTHER DRIVER REAR-ENDED US GOING ABOUT 35-40MILES PER HOUR. AT IMPACT BOTH FRONT SEATS LATCH BROKE AND THE SEATS SLID BACK AND RESTED IN THE LAPS OF MY 3 CHILDREN SEATED IN THE BACK. THE DRIVERS SEAT ALSO SEEMED TO BECOME UNBOLTED AND TWISTED BEFORE IT SLID BACK HITTING MY 10 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER BETWEEN THE EYES. AT SUCH A HIGH RATE OF SPEED I WOULD HAVE EXPECTED THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY AND THEY DID NOT. OUR CAR SLID ONE CITY BLOCK AT IMPACT. THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED AND THE REAR DOORS JAMMED. I HAD TO LEAN AND PULL ON THE FRONT SEATS TO PULL MY CHILDREN FROM THE BACK SEATS. THIS WAS ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT FOR MY 3AND 1 YEAR OLDS BECAUSE THEY WERE LOCKED IN CHILD SAFETY SEATS. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FALSE DEPLOYMENT ON TWO OCCASIONS.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION RESULTING IN VEHICLE COLLISION.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-18
- VIN: 1MESM15J8TW
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S DOORS WOULD POP & GRIND WHENEVER THEY ARE OPENED. AIR COMES THROUGH THE WINDOW. TOOK TO DEALER 4 TIMES & GOING FOR 5TH TIME. PROBLEM GETTING WORSE. DOORS ARE HARDER TO OPEN. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-27
- Number Of Injuries: 4
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3MESM10J8TR
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DURING A REAR END COLLISION BOTH FRONT BUCKET SEATS SLID BACK AND THEN FELL BACK INTO ARECLINE DPOSITION ON TOP OF THE PASSENGERS IN THE REAR SEAT, CAUSING THEM TO HIT THEIR HEADS ON THE FRONT SEATS.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-01
- VIN: 1MELM6538TK
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING FAILED.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-01
- VIN: 1MELM6538TK
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING FAILED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-01
- VIN: 3MESM1OJ7TR
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING PUMP MAKES NOISE WHEN TURNING.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF PASSENGER'S AIRBAG, CAUSING INJURY.
Negative 1996 Mercury Tracer car reviews
Positive 1996 Mercury Tracer car reviews
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I purchased my 1995 Merc Tracer as a demonstrator with 12000 miles in August 1995. I drove that car for 11 years and 120000 miles. In fact, I would probably still be driving it if the head gaskets had not gone on it. Even when they did, I was still able to get almost 30000 additional miles out of it. This little car is the epitome of a 'workhorse'! I wish I still had mine (as much as I love my 2008 GMC Sierra PU).
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You've done a lot of repair on this car, but that's because it was sitting for 3 years in your grandparents' driveway. Once you got it fixed up, it was great. You love the gas mileage, and it has great acceleration and braking. It got you where you needed to go, and even allowed for some traveling. You don't regret having it or repairing it. It's a great car!
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I bought this car as a second car because I drive a lot and my other car tends to burn a lot of fuel. I was hoping for cheap and reliable transportation, and this car has certainly lived up to those expectations. It has only had one major problem, which was mostly my fault. The fuel economy is outstanding, and while the stereo is a little weak, it's nothing that a cheap upgrade won't fix.
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Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I bought the LTS model with the 1.8 liter engine brand new back in 1992 and it has been amazing! I've only had to perform normal vehicle maintenance like changing the oil, battery, and tires, but other than that, it's been smooth sailing. Even after all these years, it's still running great with only 93,000 miles on it. I've owned at least ten other cars of many makes and models, but this one is definitely the best of them all!
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The '93 LTS was my very first car and I got an amazing deal for under five grand. It was in fantastic condition, with power locks, windows, mirrors, sunroof, alloys, a spoiler, and a five-speed transmission. I drove it for a month before the transmission failed, but a neighbor helped me fix it by rebuilding the transmission. After that, the car ran flawlessly for 15,000 miles until I decided to replace it with a '99 Olds Alero in October 2002. Unfortunately, I had to sell it the following year and it was later wrecked and destroyed by an irresponsible driver. It was such a shame because the car was in great shape and it was so much fun to drive, especially on mountain roads.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Mercury Tracer problems:
1997 Mercury Tracer Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
... known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1997 Mercury Tracer ... common issues based on car owner complaints ... 1996 Mercury Tracer problems. (5).
What's Wrong with the Mercury Tracer?
24 complaints. Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com. 241 service bulletins. Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems ...
Mercury Tracer Questions - Transmission Problems BIG TIME! Shifts ...
Feb 23, 2008 ... Transmission Problems BIG TIME! Shifts then won't shift! HELP PLEASE! - I have a 1993 Mercury Tracer wagon, 4 cylinder (smallest one) and I ...
1998 Mercury Tracer turns over but will not start | FEOA Forums
Dec 15, 2012 ... ... common problem and I have had them fail at a young age. If the ... 2nd Gen 1991-1996 1.9L SOHC · atto Jun 7, 2013 · 1994 Mercury Tracer Ignition ...
Mercury Tracer Q&A: 97 Station Wagon Fuel Pressure Cranking
Aug 4, 2009 ... 2 OBD Codes: P:1744 & P1443, neither problem should deter the car from starting? Is there a sensor I should check? Is it common to have 40psi of ...
Other years of Mercury Tracer
Are you having problems with your 1996 Mercury Tracer?
Giuseppe Schmidt 2025-02-08
Over the 11 years I've had this car, the biggest issue I faced was when the engine broke down at around 100,000 miles. However, besides that, it has been quite reliable. Although the transmission is a little shabby and doesn't shift when it should, the wagon has taken all the punishment I've dealt it. In general, this car isn't too bad and can certainly handle a lot of wear and tear.
Cristian Lindgren 2024-11-29
This vehicle requires frequent maintenance, which can add up over time. It even needed a new engine at 72,000 miles. To avoid unexpected expenses, I would suggest considering an extended warranty.
Oral Kirlin 2024-11-25
If you're considering purchasing a Merc that is more than 3 years old, I would advise against it. While I had no problems for the first few years, my car eventually started to experience issues after about 5 years of regular usage and maintenance. Although the Tracer is affordable, I had to replace a timing belt and the airbag partially detonated, causing an embarrassing squeak on long turns. However, if you're on a tight budget, the Tracer may still be a viable option for you. That being said, if you have other options available, it may be worth investing in a higher quality car to get the most value for your money.
Edmund Schulist 2024-10-20
I purchased my Tracer in 1995 and always took it to the dealership for servicing. Unfortunately, they made some mistakes with my brakes and transmission. Despite informing them of transmission issues while the car was under warranty, they told me nothing was wrong with it for two years. Just a week before they informed me that I would have to pay $3000 to replace the transmission, they still claimed that nothing was wrong with it. Eventually, I took it to a mechanic who rebuilt it for $1500. Even though I had informed FordMercury about the transmission problems while the car was under warranty, they refused to help pay for the repairs. Additionally, I had an alternator break at around 50k miles. Despite these issues, I would say that the car's biggest problem has been its manufacturer, FordMercury.
Marcelino Dickinson 2024-08-23
Economical car that drives and corners well. It has a fast pick up and a good turn radius. The sporty design for a sedan is a nice touch. Although some parts wore out sooner than expected for the amount of wear and tear on the engine, the interior is comfortable. It is a great value for all the extra features, including cruise control, automatic windows and locks, sunroof, and air conditioning.