VehicleVerdict

1998 Mercury Tracer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 57 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median Tracer year — the 1998 model ranks #6 of 17 Tracer years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (12), engine (11), and electrical system (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

57

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Tracer years?

Tracer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 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, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tracer years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Mercury Tracer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1221%
Engine1119%
Electrical System611%
Airbags59%
Transmission47%
Brakes47%
Steering35%
Body & Structure35%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Other24%
Speed Control24%
Tires & Wheels12%
Latches & Locks12%
Fuel System12%

Does the 1998 Mercury Tracer have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CONSUMER STATED THAT FIRST TIME 2 NEW TIRES WERE NEEDED AT 19,022 MILES, MECHANIC SAID NO PROBLEM WITH REAR SUSPENSION, PROBLEM DUE TO LACK OF ROTATION, SECOND TIME 4 NEW TIRES WERE NEEDED AT 26,851 MILES MECHANIC SAID PROBLEM WITH STRUTS AND COILS FOR EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR. REPEATED COMPLAINTS TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension

“TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEVER ONCE READ ABOVE NORMAL, WAS TRAVELING, HEARD A NOISE IN ENGINE, SLOWED DOWN AND VECHICLE SHUT DOWN. I BELIEVE THERMOSTAT MAY BE DEFECTIVE, THERE WAS ALSO DAMAGE TO THE CYLINDER HEAD. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM WHEN SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPENS BECAUSE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 7, 1999

“HAD PARKED VEHICLE. NOTICED VEHICLE MAKING NOISES PRIOR TO BEING PARKED. DASHBOARD PANEL LIGHTS CAME ON. LIFTED HOOD & GOT FLASHLIGHT. RETURNED & VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AROUND THE STARTER & DASHBOARD AREA. PUT FLAMES OUT W/FIRE EXTINGUISHER. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. INFORMED FIRE WAS NEAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 28, 1998 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF HER 1998 MERCURY TRACER AND COLLIDED HEAD ON INTO A GUARDRAIL. NEITHER OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *NM THE ENTIRE FRONT END WAS SMASHED INTO THE ENGINE. *SC *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 1, 2005 · crash

“WHILE STOPPING AT SPOT LIGHT AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE SURGED WHILE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. DEALER WAS CONTACTED.*AK CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO HAVE THE COMPUTER AND TRANSMISSION FUNCTIONS CHECKED. TRANSMISSION WAS SERVICED AND ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE. *JG ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 28, 2002

1998 Mercury Tracer — common questions

Is the 1998 Mercury Tracer reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 57 complaints put the 1998 model at #6 of 17 Tracer years. It is one of the Tracer years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 Tracer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (12 complaints), engine (11 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).

Does the 1998 Mercury Tracer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Mercury Tracer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 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.