1997 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 1997 Mercury Tracer problems
The 1997 Mercury Tracer is known for a few common problems, primarily related to the engine and transmission. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on complaints from owners of this car:
- Engine Issues: The Tracer ranks 4th in reliability out of 14 Mercury models, with 24 complaints made over 10 model years, mostly about engine issues. Some owners have reported a grinding, roaring sound from the wheel, which may be due to a problem with the wheel bearings or the differential. Others have reported engine misfires, which can be caused by faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or other ignition system components.
- Transmission Sensors Short Out: Some owners have reported that the engine/transmission sensors in their Tracer have shorted out, causing the car to have trouble starting or shifting gears. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including moisture intrusion, faulty wiring, or a problem with the sensors themselves.
- Ignition System Failure: Some owners have reported that the ignition system in their Tracer has failed, causing the car to have trouble starting or running. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty ignition coils, spark plugs, or other ignition system components.
- Cylinder Misfire: Some owners have reported that their Tracer has experienced a cylinder misfire, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or other ignition system components.
- Car Won't Start: Some owners have reported that their Tracer won't start, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including a dead battery, a faulty starter motor, or a problem with the ignition system.
- Low Idle: Some owners have reported that their Tracer has a low idle, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including a dirty or faulty throttle body, a vacuum leak, or a problem with the idle control system.
In addition to these issues, some owners have reported problems with the brakes, steering, and cooling system in their Tracer. However, these issues are less common than the engine and transmission problems reported by other owners.
One owner of a 1997 Mercury Tracer reported having trouble with the automatic transmission, specifically with the car slipping in first gear while starting. This issue was resolved by replacing the transmission filter and flushing the transmission fluid.
Another owner of a 1997 Mercury Tracer reported having trouble with the engine, specifically with the car blowing the head gasket on cylinder one and burning coolant. This issue was resolved by replacing the head gasket and checking the head for warping.
Overall, the 1997 Mercury Tracer is known for a few common problems related to the engine and transmission. However, many owners have reported that the car is reliable and easy to maintain, with good fuel economy and plenty of cargo space.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
1997 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
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Mercury Tracer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1997 Mercury Tracer
The NHTSA has received 159 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Mercury Tracer. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1997 Mercury Tracer vehicles.
2010-10-11
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-10
- VIN: 1MELM13P6VW
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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
2010-07-19
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-25
- VIN: 1MELM13P4VW
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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
2010-06-22
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-19
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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
2008-03-18
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MELM15PXVW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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
2007-11-07
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-08
- VIN: 1MELM13P7VW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 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
2007-08-31
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-08-30
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1MELM13P0VW
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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
2006-05-10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-02-10
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MELM10P2VW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
2006-02-28
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-02-27
- VIN: 1MELM13P7VW
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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
2005-04-06
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-18
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 3MELM15P7VR
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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
2005-03-26
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-01
- VIN: 1MELM13P1VW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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
2004-12-21
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-22
- VIN: 1MELM13P6VW
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER CORE LEAKED FLUID ONTO THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WHICH BURNED THE CIRCUIT BOARD THAT CONTROLLED THE AIR BAGS. *AK
2004-11-30
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1MELM13P5VW
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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
2004-11-19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-19
- VIN: 1MELM13P9VW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
2004-10-26
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-20
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
- Summary: 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
2004-09-07
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-07
- Fire: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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
2004-08-12
VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-12
- VIN: 1MELM13P4VW
- Components: VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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
2004-07-03
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-23
- VIN: 4M2DV1113VD
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 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
2004-07-03
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-01
- VIN: 4M2DV1113VD
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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
2004-04-29
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-01
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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
2004-01-15
AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MELM13P2VW
- Components: AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 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.
2003-12-07
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-05
- VIN: 1MELM13PXVW
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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
2003-11-19
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-14
- VIN: 1MELM13P2VW
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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
2003-11-18
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MELM13P7VW
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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
2003-11-17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-17
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HORN DOES NOT WORK . DEALER NOTIFIED , BUT CLAIMED VEHICLE HAD NO WARRANTY. *AK
2003-09-23
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-14
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MELM13P2VW
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
1997 Mercury Tracer recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1997 Mercury Tracer.
2004-07-12
- Manufacturer: TRW OCCUPANT SAFETY SYSTEMS
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
2002-12-09
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR (IABM) CAN BE CONTAMINATED WITH WATER OR OTHER LIQUIDS AND COULD EXPERIENCE INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SHORTING.
- Consequence: 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Mercury Tracer problems:
1997 Mercury Tracer Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1997-mercury-tracer/problems
Problem with your 1997 Mercury Tracer? Our list of 6 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1997 Mercury Tracer.
Mercury Tracer Questions - Transmission Problems BIG TIME! Shifts ...
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t7947_ds258751
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 ...
Mercury Tracer Q&A: 97 Station Wagon Fuel Pressure Cranking
https://www.justanswer.com/mercury/2dfb7-97-mercury-tracer-2-0l-station-wagon-fuel-pressure-cranking.html
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 ...
1998 Mercury Tracer turns over but will not start | FEOA Forums
https://www.feoa.net/threads/1998-mercury-tracer-turns-over-but-will-not-start.80751/
Dec 15, 2012 ... ... common problem and I have had them fail at a young age. ... Hey there, I have a 1994 Mercury Tracer ... Its a 1997 mercury tracer wagon auto trans.
Q&A: 1997 Mercury Tracer AC Troubleshooting - Condenser ...
https://www.justanswer.com/mercury/3w1cq-1997-mercury-tracer-air-conditioning-just-quit.html
Aug 16, 2010 ... Hello and welcome to JA, the WOT,wide open throttle relay, was a common source of this problem, this relay is contained within the CCRM, ...
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