VehicleVerdict

1989 Mercury Tracer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 20 complaints on file for the 1989 Mercury Tracer — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

20

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Tracer years?

Tracer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted181 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 22 complaints1989: 20 complaints1990: 2 complaints1991: 76 complaints1992: 26 complaints1993: 114 complaints1994: 81 complaints1995: 126 complaints1996: 15 complaints1997: 181 complaints1998: 57 complaints1999: 32 complaints2000: 2 complaints2001: 0 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 0 complaints
Tracer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tracer years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Mercury Tracer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine735%
Brakes420%
Seat Belts210%
Other210%
Tires & Wheels210%
Suspension15%
Transmission15%
Electrical System15%

Does the 1989 Mercury Tracer have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

95V103011Seat BeltsJune 27, 1995 · 265,000 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 1, 1998

“EXCESSIVE WEAR BRAKE SHOES/PADS REPLACING REPEATEDLY W/LOW MILEAGE ACCUMULATION. MASTER CYLINDER ALSO FAILS REPLACED (4) TIMES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 1, 2016

1989 Mercury Tracer — common questions

Is the 1989 Mercury Tracer reliable?

The record is thin — 20 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1989 Tracer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (7 complaints), brakes (4 complaints), tires & wheels (2 complaints).

Does the 1989 Mercury Tracer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Mercury Tracer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mercury Tracer years should you avoid?

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

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.