1998 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 1998 Mercury Tracer problems
The Mercury Tracer, produced between 1987 and 2003, has been known to have several common problems. The 1998 model, in particular, has received a significant number of complaints from owners, mostly related to engine issues.
- Engine Issues: The 1998 Mercury Tracer has had eight complaints about engine problems, making it the most common issue for this model year. Some of these issues include grinding or roaring sounds from the wheels, engine/transmission sensors shorting out, and cylinder misfires. These problems can lead to decreased performance and fuel efficiency, as well as potentially dangerous situations if the engine stalls or fails while driving.
- Electrical Issues: The 1998 Mercury Tracer has also had four complaints about electrical problems. These issues can range from minor inconveniences, such as interior lighting malfunctions, to more serious problems, like ignition system failures. In some cases, these issues can prevent the car from starting or cause the engine to stall while driving.
- Starting Problems: One specific issue that has been reported by several owners is the car not starting, even though the fuel pump is working and there is spark at the spark plugs. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty ignition components, clogged fuel injectors, or problems with the engine control module (ECM).
- Steering and Brakes: The 1998 Mercury Tracer has had two complaints each about steering and brakes. These issues can range from minor problems, such as difficult steering or squeaky brakes, to more serious issues, like complete brake failure or steering system malfunctions. These problems can significantly impact the safety and drivability of the vehicle.
- Cooling System: The 1998 Mercury Tracer has had one complaint about the cooling system. Overheating can lead to engine damage and decreased performance, as well as pose a safety risk if the engine temperature becomes too high while driving.
In summary, the 1998 Mercury Tracer has several common problems, mostly related to the engine and electrical systems. These issues can range from minor inconveniences to serious safety concerns. It is important for owners to be aware of these issues and address them promptly to ensure the safe and reliable operation of their vehicle.
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.
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 gas mileage for a 1998 Mercury Tracer LS?
30 mpg and a great runner! Was this review helpful? Was this review helpful?
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 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 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).
1998 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:
- Suspension problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Mercury Tracer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1998 Mercury Tracer
The NHTSA has received 51 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Mercury Tracer. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Mercury Tracer vehicles.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-18
- VIN: 1MEFM10P7WW
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-05-10
- VIN: 1MEFM13P4WW
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-30
- VIN: 1MEFM13PXWW
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE, AND THE DEALER DISCOVERED THE REAR PASSENGER STRUT BROKE. INSIDE THE STRUT WAS A PIECE OF RUBBER. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. *AK
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-08
- VIN: 4M2ZU54E3WU
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: AFTER ONLY OWNING MY VEHICLE FOR 8 MONTHS, AND BEING TOLD IT WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION, IN A MATTER OF 3 DAYS, MANY PROBLEMS OCCURRED. MY 4WD LIGHTS BEGAN FLASHING, ALONG WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. WHEN ACCELERATING UPHILL, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE RAISES TO HIGH IN A MATTER OF SECONDS AND THE CHECK GAUGE LIGHT COMES ON. THE CAR BEGAN DYING, THE IDLE DROPPING AT SLOW SPEEDS, AND EVEN DIED IN MID DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, LEAVING ME TO VEER TOWARDS THE EDGE OF THE ROAD WITH NO POWER STEERING. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP, THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO HONOR MY EXTENDED WARRANTY, I PAID $1200 FOR. MY ESTIMATE CAME UP TO ALMOST $3000 WITH THE WARRANTY ONLY OPTING TO COVER $ 300. THE PROBLEMS AS DESCRIBED BY THE MECHANIC WERE: THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR: $680, SLACK IN BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS (NEED REPLACING): $625, ELECTRICAL AND RELATED REPAIRS: $ 215, SENSOR FOR FRONT AND REAR INTERNAL FAILURE $ 700, T/CASE MOTOR $725. I COME TO FIND OUT THAT THE 4WD ON MY VEHICLE PURCHASED ONLY FOR THAT REASON WITH WINTER COMING DOESN'T EVEN WORK, THE WHOLE THING NEEDS REBUILT. I'VE NEVER EVEN USED IT. I PAID ALL I COULD $900, AND GOT THE CAR BACK JUST TO HAVE IT RESPONDING THE SAME WAY, VIRTUALLY UN-DRIVABLE. AFTER VIEWING SEVERAL WEBSITES, THE FORD/MERCURY WEBSITE LISTED NO RECALLS AND COMPLAINTS FOR MY VEHICLE, BUT ALLDATA.COM LISTED THE THROTTLE POSITION, AND THE SAME 4WD PROBLEMS I'M HAVING; PLUS MINOR ONES I FAILED TO MENTION TO THE MECHANIC, SUCH AS THE REAR SEAT POSITIONING WILL NOT RECLINE, WHISTLING FROM THE WHEEL WELL ETC... I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN MY FINDINGS, AND FIND MY SELF IN QUESTION AS TO KEEP THE PIECE OF JUNK, OR BUY A NEW CAR. DID I GET SCREWED BY THE DEALER WHO SOLD IT TO ME, ALONG WITH MY "FAKE" EXTENDED WARRANTY? IS THERE ANY POSSIBILITY THE MANUFACTURER CAN PARTAKE IN THE REPAIRS? I ALREADY KNOW SIMILAR PROBLEMS ARE HAPPENING TO OTHER OWNERS OF THE 1998 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-17
- VIN: 4M2ZV1111WD
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TWICE WHEN WE HAVE STARTED TO BRAKE, THE ENGINE HAS SPEEDED UP TO VERY HIGH RPMS. ON SAT. 9/17/05 AS I TRIED TO STOP THE ENGINE REVVED SO HIGH THAT I COULD NOT STOP THE VANS FORWARD PROGRESS WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. I ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME BUT WAS ABLE TO SQUEEZE BY. VERY SCARY. MY WIFE HAD IT HAPPEN WHEN SHE WAS ON AN ICY ROAD AS SHE STARTED TO BRAKE THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING UP. THE ONLY THING THAT WILL WORK IN THIS SITUATION IS TO TRY & SHIFT IT INTO NEUTRAL BUT IT HAPPENS SO FAST THERE ISN'T MUCH TIME TO REACT. IF IT HAPPENS IN THE RIGHT SITUATION IT COULD BE VERY DISASTROUS. *NM
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-15
- VIN: 1MEFM10P2WW
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DT : TRUNK LATCH WAS FAULTY. TRUCK LATCH HAD A SENSOR IN IT THAT WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE NOT TO RUN. THE PART THEY REPLACED WAS CALLED A TRUNK LATCH. IT WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE TO DECELERATE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THE TRUNK LID WAS CLOSED BUT THE SENSOR INSIDE OF IT WAS FAULTY BECAUSE IT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL EVEN THOUGH THE LID WAS CLOSED. THE SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE.*AK *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-01
- VIN: 1MEFM66L4WK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT ON 1998 MERCURY MYSTIQUE ALTERNATOR FAILED. THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED IN OCTOBER 1, 2002. CURRENTLY, AGAIN THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED THE FIRST TIME THE ALTERNATOR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY AND THE MILEAGE WAS 64,965 MILES ON THE CAR. CURRENTLY. 3 YEARS LATER THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS AT THE PRIVATE MECHANIC TO BE FIXED. THE ALTERNATOR THAT WAS REPLACED IN 2002 WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY EITHER. THE OWNER WAS DRIVING THE DIED. THE OWNER HAD TO PAY $700.00 FOR THE REPAIR BILL ON THE FIRST ALTERNATOR. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-30
- VIN: 1MEFM13P4WW
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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 THE TAURUS/SABLE, ESCORT/TRACER, AND TOPAZ/CONTOUR CAR LINES... I STILL HAVE THE SHATTERED SPRING IN MY POSSESSION, FOMOCO EXPRESSED ZERO INTEREST WHEN I CONTACTED THEM...
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-15
- VIN: 4M2ZU55P1WU
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DT: A BROKEN ROD UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT ALLOWED THE SEAT TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH. IT FELT LIKE THE SEAT MAY BREAK COMPLETELY AND CAUSE THE SEAT TO COLLAPSE BACKWARDS. A SEAT BOLT RECALL WAS DONE IN 2003. *NM CONSUMER BOUGHT A NEW SEAT TRACK AND PUT IT ON THEMSELVES.*SB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1MEFM13P0WW
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-08
- VIN: 1MEFM10P7WW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE HORN STARTED BLOWING AND I HAD TO TAKE THE FUES OUT TO STOP IT. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-11
- VIN: 1MEFM10P7WW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-16
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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 WHICH COULD HAVE STARTED A FIRE. ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS ARE WELL DOCUMENTED AND FORD SHOULD ADDRESS THESE FLAWS.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-15
- VIN: 1MEFM10P2WW
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: HOLE IN MY BLOCK WITH OIL LEAK AND VALVE GASKETS SO BAD I TURNED THE CAR IN.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1MEFM10P4WW
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: DURING A VEHICLE INSPECTION REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE AND WERE REPLACED. *AK
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-27
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-12
- VIN: 1MEFM10P8WW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE HORN STARTED BLOWING ON ITS ON.*JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-16
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEATBELT WILL NOT LATCH INTO BUCKLE, CAUSING IT TO BE USELESS IN EVENT OF A CRASH. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-28
- VIN: 1MESM13PWW6
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE STOPPING AT SPOT LIGHT AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE SURGED WHILE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. DEALER WAS CONTACTED.*AK CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO HAVE THE COMPUTER AND TRANSMISSION FUNCTIONS CHECKED. TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED AND ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE. *JG
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3MEFM15PXWR
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT FIRST TIME 2 NEW TIRES WERE NEEDED AT 19,022 MILES, MECHANIC SAID NO PROBLEM WITH REAR SUSPENSION, PROBLEM DUE TO LACK OF ROTATION, SECOND TIME 4 NEW TIRES WERE NEEDED AT 26,851 MILES MECHANIC SAID PROBLEM WITH STRUTS AND COILS FOR EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR. REPEATED COMPLAINTS TO FORD DEALER IGNORED. *YD
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3MEFM15PXWR
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT FIRST TIME 2 NEW TIRES WERE NEEDED AT 19,022 MILES, MECHANIC SAID NO PROBLEM WITH REAR SUSPENSION, PROBLEM DUE TO LACK OF ROTATION, SECOND TIME 4 NEW TIRES WERE NEEDED AT 26,851 MILES MECHANIC SAID PROBLEM WITH STRUTS AND COILS FOR EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR. REPEATED COMPLAINTS TO FORD DEALER IGNORED. *YD
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-17
- VIN: 3MELM15P7WR
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: BROKEN REAR COIL SPRINGS AT VERY LOW MILEAGE,COULD HAVE CAUSED TIRE BLOWOUTS,SERIOUS ACCIDENT.*AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-17
- VIN: 3MELM15P7WR
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: BROKEN REAR COIL SPRINGS AT VERY LOW MILEAGE, COULD HAVE CAUSED BLOWOUTS, SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-25
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A 20-25 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSE UNKNOWN.*AK *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-19
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILED AFTER COMPLETE TUNEUP. *YH
1998 Mercury Tracer recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1998 Mercury Tracer.
- 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.
Negative 1998 Mercury Tracer car reviews
Positive 1998 Mercury Tracer car reviews
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This has been a great car. It's fantastic on mileage, easy to service, and handles well in snow.
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I don't understand why some people tend to underestimate American models when compared to foreign ones. This car is quite zippy for a 110hp engine and has given me no problems other than routine maintenance. The parts are also very affordable. I bought it at 35k and now at 80k, it's still solid as a rock - a perfect car for a road trip. If you have a kid going to college, this would make a great graduation gift.
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I've had my Tracer LS Sport for almost a year now, and I'm happy to say that I haven't had any issues with it. It performs well for a car that isn't designed to be a high-performance vehicle. It gets me where I need to go, and it does so reliably.
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You've owned this car since it was new and it's been a great little car! It has a 5 speed manual and runs like it's new, with excellent AC and being very quick for an older car. Last week, you got an impressive 38 mpg on the interstate, even while driving 5 mph over the speed limit. Although you've had to replace the clutch, CV joints, and alternator twice, it still runs great. In fact, it stacks right up there with Hondas and Toyotas in terms of quality.
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You've found yourself a great, dependable car that won't give you any unexpected surprises!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Mercury Tracer problems:
1998 Mercury Tracer Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Top 1998 Mercury Tracer Problems · Car won't start due to oil contamination in distributor · Valve Seats on Cylinder Head May Fall Out and Cause Rough Running/ ...
1998 Mercury Tracer turns over but will not start | FEOA Forums
Dec 15, 2012 ... I suppose the problem could be a bad crank sensor, the reason I suggested checking the timing belt is because it's a pretty common problem and I ...
I have a huge problem. My 1998 Mercury Tracer LS is not starting. I ...
Aug 6, 2009 ... The most common cause for a no start in this engine is a timing belt problem. If you can remove the upper timing cover to expose the cam gear ...
What's Wrong with the Mercury Tracer?
The Tracer ranks 4th in reliability out of 14 Mercury models. Owners have made 24 complaints complaints over 10 model years, mostly about engine issues.
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 ...
Other years of Mercury Tracer
Are you having problems with your 1998 Mercury Tracer?
Soledad Runte 2024-09-10
The Tracer has one issue that seems to persist, which is heavy vibration when stopped at a light in drive. However, most auto mechanics say that it's just the nature of the beast! Changing out the motor mount helps a little, but overall, it's not too bad for a little runabout. Although the vibration is bad, it has excellent gas mileage and handles well. If you're tall, getting in and out of it can be a bit of a challenge. Remember to test drive it with the A/C on and see if the vibration changes your mind about buying it.
Ariel Halvorson 2024-07-09
The car was in almost mint condition when I bought it used, except for the higher mileage. I only have two minor gripes about the car: firstly, the inside is quite small, leaving little room for drinks or anything else. Secondly, there seems to be a slight transmission problem where it hesitates and jerks into 2nd gear, but this only happens occasionally and is mild. It only occurs when shifting from 1st to 2nd. Overall, it's a decent car.
Davion Pagac 2024-07-09
The 1997 Mercury Tracer is a significant improvement from its 1.9-liter predecessor. While Mazda offered the 1.8-liter in the past, the 2.0-liter has proven to be the best option. Although there are minor issues with the air conditioning and the Purge Flow Sensor, the car provides a comfortable ride and can achieve up to 34mpg on the highway. I recommend the Trio edition for added features that enhance the car's resale value.
Clifford Fay 2024-05-08
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with the Tracer. I purchased the 4DR LS model nearly 10 years ago and it has been an absolute pleasure to own. Despite living in the harsh Minnesota climate and on a gravel road, it has over 220K miles on it and has only needed a few expected repairs, nothing major. When my partner and I bought this car as newlyweds, we never expected it to be so incredibly reliable. The maintenance and repairs were affordable and easy to do myself. I do wish that the 2010 Tracer had the same reliability as the 1997 model, but overall it's been a great car. The only downside is that the inside build quality could be better and the cup holders could be more useful. Thanks for reading!
Austen Jerde 2024-01-09
I purchased my Mercury Tracer 97 with 18,000 miles. Unfortunately, after about a year and a half, I had to have some engine work done which ended up being quite costly. Then, another year later, I had to replace the transmission at 50,000 miles. If you are considering purchasing a car, I would recommend avoiding Ford cars. In my experience, the Tracer did not meet my expectations and I have decided to sell it and purchase a car that will last longer.