VehicleVerdict

1993 Mercury Tracer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 114 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.2 times the median Tracer year — the 1993 model ranks #3 of 17 Tracer years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 20 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (15), brakes (13), and fuel system (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

114

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

20

Injuries

3

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other Tracer years?

Tracer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 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, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tracer years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Mercury Tracer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1513%
Brakes1311%
Transmission1211%
Fuel System1211%
Steering1110%
Speed Control109%
Seat Belts76%
Suspension76%
Body & Structure76%
Visibility & Wipers44%
Engine44%
Latches & Locks44%
Other33%
Airbags22%
Seats11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Lighting11%

Does the 1993 Mercury Tracer have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“1993 MERCURY TRACER, 1.9L SOHC. IGNITION CAUGHT ON FIRE. BURNT UP EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE STARTER, IGNITION SWITCH, START SAFETY SWITCH. THIS CAUSED SMOKE IN THE CAB AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THEN WHEN I PULLED THE KEY OUT AND WENT TO UNHOOKED THE BATTERY CABLE THE CAR TRIED TO START ITSELF.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 15, 2004 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1993 MERCURY TRACER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 15, 2002 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING SMOKE STARTING COMING OUT OF THE AIR VENTS. WHEN VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT FUEL PUMP SHORTED OUT THE WIRE HARNESS, WHICH CAUSED A FIRE. FUEL PUMP AND WIRE HARNESS WAS REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 14, 2000 · fire

“I HAVE A 1.8 ENGINE AND I NEEDED IT TO BE REBUILT. I DID NOT PUT ANY MILES ON THE ENGINE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION DECIDED TO DIE. THIS CAR IS AN IMPOSSIBLE CAR TO GET PARTS FOR. IF I CAN GET THE PARTS, THE BOOK OR THE COMPUTER GIVES ME THE WRONG PART AND CANNOT FIND A REPLACEMENT PART. I NEED A PARTS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 15, 2003

“TWO BOLTS HOLD THE FRONT AXLE IN PLACE. TWO ON EACH SIDE. THESE '!@#$% BOLTS ARE .43 INCHES IN DIAMETER AND ARE THREADED 20 TPI. (THESE DO NOT CONFORM TO ANY STANDARD BOLT I COULD FIND IN THE LITERATURE, METRIC OR SAE). THESE FOUR BOLTS ARE FITTED WITH CASTELATED NUTS, A VERY GOOD IDEA. HOWEVER,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 29, 2006

1993 Mercury Tracer — common questions

Is the 1993 Mercury Tracer reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 114 complaints put the 1993 model at #3 of 17 Tracer years. It is one of the Tracer years to avoid.

What are the most common 1993 Tracer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (15 complaints), brakes (13 complaints), fuel system (12 complaints).

Does the 1993 Mercury Tracer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1993 Mercury Tracer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1993 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.