VehicleVerdict

1992 Mercury Tracer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 26 complaints on file for the 1992 Mercury Tracer — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

26

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Tracer years?

Tracer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 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, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tracer years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Mercury Tracer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System831%
Seat Belts519%
Fuel System415%
Steering28%
Tires & Wheels28%
Transmission14%
Engine14%
Lighting14%
Speed Control14%
Suspension14%

Does the 1992 Mercury Tracer have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

94E019000SuspensionJune 2, 1994 · 919 units

Defect

THE OFFSET TOE ADJUSTING PIN CAN FRACTURE UNDER CONDITIONS SUCH AS TORSIONAL LOADS, FLEXING MOTION, IMPACT LOADS, AND OVERTORQUING.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL ANDAN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DANA WILL PAY FOR REPLACEMENT AND LABOR COSTS OF THE ADJUSTMENT PIN WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE INSTALLING FACILITY AND THE VEHICLE OWNER. THESE PINS SHOULD BE REPLACED BY A FORD ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT PIN ASSEMBLY. OWNER OR INSTALLER INQUIRIES CONCERNING THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN SHOULD CONTACT DANA SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-248-9606.

92V103000LightingJuly 13, 1992 · 43,000 units

Defect

THE STOP LAMP SWITCHES COULD INTERMITTENTLY MALFUNCTION RESULTING IN THE STOP LAMPS NOT ILLUMINATING WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN FOLLOWING MOTORISTS NOT BEINGSIGNALED THAT THE VEHICLE IS BRAKING, AND COULD RESULT IN A COLLISION.

Remedy

REPLACE THE FAULTY STOP LAMP SWITCHES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ON MY DAUGHTERS 1992 MERCURY TRACER, THE IGNITION SWITCH ENGAGED THE ENGINE STARTER AND BEGAN SMOKING WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND WHEN NO-ONE WAS IN THE CAR. I AM NOW FACED WITH $800.00 IN REPAIR BILLS FOR A DEFECTIVE FORD MOTOR COMPANY PART THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 30, 2003

“THE SHOULDER HARNESS PULLED FROM TRACK ON IMPACT , THE DRIVER'S HEAD STRUCK THE WINDSHEILD AND RECEVIED CONTUSIONS TO NECK AND HEAD FROM THE LOOSE END OF THE HARNESS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · February 17, 2000 · crash

“THERE WAS A GAS SMELL AROUND THE CAR AND IN THE GARAGE, DEALER CONTACTED AND STATED A HOLE FOUND IN THE GAS TANK. REPAIR WORK DONE AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 26, 1998

“TREAD SEPARATION DISCOVERED ACCIDENTALLY PER INSPECTION FOR DRIVEABIITY CONCERN. *AK (DOT NUMBER: W2R4 TIRESIZE: P195/60R14)”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 29, 2001

“POWER STEERING HAS BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER; MAKES SQUEAKING NOISE WHILE MAKING TURNS, AT ANY TIME WHEN TURNING WHEELS; MOSTLY, HAPPENS AT LOW SPEEDS. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 15, 1994

1992 Mercury Tracer — common questions

Is the 1992 Mercury Tracer reliable?

The record is thin — 26 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1992 Tracer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (8 complaints), seat belts (5 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints).

Does the 1992 Mercury Tracer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Mercury Tracer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 Mercury Tracer under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.