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1989 Mercury TracerProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 16 owner complaints about the 1989 Mercury Tracer, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints163 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem6Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 13, 2017. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1989 Mercury Tracer has problems

16 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling62
Seat belts20
Service brakes, hydraulic20
Electrical system11
Wheels10
Power train10
Suspension10
Tires10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1989 Mercury Tracer recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Front: buckle assembly

Recall 95V-103 · Jun 27, 1995 · 265,000 vehicles

Risk. THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercury.

Best & worst years

1989 vs. every other Tracer year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Tracer median. How we score

'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Tracer owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I AM A SINGLE 66 YR OLD ON A FIXED INCOME, PURCHASED THE THE VEHICLE IN JUNE OF 2000 SINCE THAT DATE I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR, WHEN I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE GETS HOT OR MORE SO WARMED UP IT QUITS WHEREVER IT MAY BE, THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN…
Complaint 734260 · Oct 13, 2000
TRANSMISSION VERY SLUGGISH, NOT ENOUGH POWER TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. WHEN VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED, THE MECHANIC PULLED THE BOLT FROM THE PULLY ON THE CRANKSHAFT AND THE END OF THE CRANKSHAFT FELL OFF.
Complaint 538670 · Jul 21, 1998

Own a 1989 Tracer?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.