VehicleVerdict

Mercury Tracer years to avoid

The Mercury Tracer years to avoid are 1997, 1995, 1993, 1994, 1991, 1998 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2003 is the cleanest year on record.

754

Total complaints

12

Recall campaigns

1987–2003

Years covered

6

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

Tracer years to avoid

YearWhyComplaints
1997High complaint rate181
1995High complaint rate126
1993High complaint rate114
1994High complaint rate81
1991High complaint rate76
1998High complaint rate57

Every Tracer year

YearComplaintsRecalls
200301
200201
200101
200021
1999321
1998avoid571
1997avoid1812
1996150
1995avoid1263
1994avoid811
1993avoid1141
1992262
1991avoid763
199020
1989201
1988223
198701

Common questions

What are the worst Mercury Tracer years?

Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Tracer years to avoid are 1997, 1995, 1993, 1994, 1991, 1998. The cleanest year on record is 2003.

What is the best year for the Mercury Tracer?

By complaint volume, 2003 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Tracer years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Mercury Tracer have?

Across all model years, the Tracer has 12 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 754 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.