VehicleVerdict

1999 Mercury Tracer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1999 Mercury Tracer sits mid-pack among Tracer years: 32 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 22, with a single recall and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (7), brakes (6), and transmission (3), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

32

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Tracer years?

Tracer NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 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, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tracer years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Mercury Tracer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System722%
Brakes619%
Transmission39%
Airbags39%
Suspension26%
Lighting26%
Steering13%
Body & Structure13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Engine13%
Fuel System13%
Other13%
Seat Belts13%
Speed Control13%

Does the 1999 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.

“PARKED INTO A PARKING LOT TRYING TO PUT IN REVERSE AND WON'T GO INTO GEAR RIGHT AWAY WHEN IT DID GO IN REVERSE IT JERKED AND AS A RESULT HIT A WALL. COULN'T GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGINITION WHEN IN PARKED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 28, 1999 · crash

“WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP WITH A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE. (THE CONSUMER'S FOOT WOULD BE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL) THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE HAS ALMOST HAD ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS. *SLC *SCC ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

“PARKED INTO A PARKING LOT TRYING TO PUT IN REVERSE AND WON'T GO INTO GEAR RIGHT AWAY WHEN IT DID GO IN REVERSE IT JERKED AND AS A RESULT HIT A WALL. COULN'T GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGINITION WHEN IN PARKED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 28, 1999 · crash

“WHILE TRAVELING 40-45 MPH AND AS A RESULT OF A REAR END COLLISION, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT ANY TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · crash

“WE BOUGHT A 1999 MERCURY TRACER BRAND NEW ON 03-09-99, 6 MONTHS LATER THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED VIBRATING BADLY, THIS VIBRATION CAN BE FELT THRU OUT THE CAR. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIR 4 TIMES. THE SERVICE MANAGER PETE SOLIC NOW SAYS THAT THIS VIBRATION IS NORMAL. WHEN WE TOOK IT BACK THE 3RD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 25, 1999 · crash · fire

1999 Mercury Tracer — common questions

Is the 1999 Mercury Tracer reliable?

It is close to typical for the Tracer: 32 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 1999 Tracer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (7 complaints), brakes (6 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 1999 Mercury Tracer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Mercury Tracer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 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.