VehicleVerdict

1997 Mercury Tracer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 181 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 8.2 times the median Tracer year — the 1997 model ranks #1 of 17 Tracer years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 21 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 49 reports (27% of the total).

181

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

19

Crash-involved

26

Fires reported

21

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Tracer years?

Tracer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 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, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tracer years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Mercury Tracer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags4927%
Electrical System2916%
Engine2313%
Brakes158%
Suspension127%
Tires & Wheels116%
Visibility & Wipers95%
Other95%
Speed Control53%
Seat Belts42%
Fuel System42%
Steering32%
Lighting21%
Body & Structure21%
Transmission21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 1997 Mercury Tracer have recalls?

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

04E048000Seat BeltsJuly 12, 2004 · 388 units

Defect

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.

02V323000AirbagsDecember 9, 2002 · 396,217 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR (IABM) CAN BE CONTAMINATED WITH WATER OR OTHER LIQUIDS AND COULD EXPERIENCE INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SHORTING.

Consequence

THIS MAY, IN TURN, CAUSE THE AIR BAG READINESS LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE AND IN VERY RARE OCCURRENCES, AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, MELTED WIRING, OR FIRE MAY OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE SHIELD OVER THE IABM AND APPLY NYOGEL GREASE TO THE CONNECTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“02V323000/INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR CONTAMINATION. THIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS DEFECT. THE WORK WAS DONE IN 2003. NOW THE PROBLEM HAS RESURFACED AND THE DEALER WANTS THE OWNER TO PAY 4000.00 TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED WHEN THE RECALL WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 7, 2004 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING, A WIRE HARNESS FIRE OCCURRED IN THE VEHICLE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND A MECHANIC SERVICED THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED A SHORTAGE IN WIRE HARNESS AGAIN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. CONSUMER REMOVED THE CONNECTION TO BATTERY TO PREVENT A DRAINAGE OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · fire

“WHILE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED FOR 12 HOURS WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 10, 1998 · fire

“RETAINING PINS THAT HOLD BRAKE PADS IN PLACE ARE LOOSE, CAUSING CONTACT TO THE WHEEL, AND EVENTUAL SEPARATION. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK MORE SPECIFICALLY THE RETAINING CLIPS THAT HOLD THE RETAINING PINS IN THE FRONT BRAKE ASSEMBLY SNAP AND FLY OFF OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE PINS CONTACT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 1, 1999

“HEARD FOR QUITE A WHILE A "CRACKING NOISE" IN THE REAR, ESPECIALLY WHEN BREAKING, BUT ALSO DURING SHARP TURNS. GARAGE LOOKED AT IT AT 60K MILES AND REPORTED BOTH REAR SPRINGS BROKEN. ACCORDING TO GARAGE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ESCORT/TRACER. RECEIVED ADVICE NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR, PARTS WERE ORDERED,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 1, 2001

1997 Mercury Tracer — common questions

Is the 1997 Mercury Tracer reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 181 complaints put the 1997 model at #1 of 17 Tracer years. It is one of the Tracer years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 Tracer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (49 complaints), electrical system (29 complaints), engine (23 complaints).

Does the 1997 Mercury Tracer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Mercury Tracer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Mercury Tracer under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations 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.