TroubleAtlas Score
MERCURY TRACER (1988–1999): Technical Data, DTC & Service Schedule
Built 1988–1999 · all production years covered on this single page
1.9L I4 • Gasoline
1999
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TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Mercury Tracer (1988–1999) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair costn/a
Parts & repairability7.3
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & supportn/a
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Mercury Tracer (1988–1999) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Mercury Tracer (1988–1999) is powered by a 1.9L I4 engine. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (18)
NHTSA 95V103011
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Date: 27/06/1995
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
NHTSA 95V103011
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Date: 27/06/1995
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
NHTSA 89V085000
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Date: 22/05/1989
SOME LAP SHOULDER BELT RETRACTORS WERE BUILT WITH CERTAIN OUT OF TOLERANCE COMPONENTS.
NHTSA 92V117000
Fuel System, Gasoline
Date: 19/08/1992
FATIGUE CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE SOLDER JOINT BETWEEN THE FUEL RETURN TUBE AND THE FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK.
NHTSA 87V092000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe And Cap
Date: 15/06/1987
INCORRECT FUEL FILLER NECK ATTACHMENT SCREWS WERE USED TO ATTACH THE NECK TO THE REAR QUARTER PANELS.
NHTSA 93V057000
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module
Date: 15/04/1993
THE ROLL PINS SECURING THE IGNITION LOCK IN THE STEERING COLUMN HOUSING CAN SEPARATE OR MOVE OUT OF POSITION.
NHTSA 92V103000
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Date: 13/07/1992
THE STOP LAMP SWITCHES COULD INTERMITTENTLY MALFUNCTION RESULTING IN THE STOP LAMPS NOT ILLUMINATING WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED.
NHTSA 04E048000
Seat Belts › Front
Date: 12/07/2004
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 …
NHTSA 04E048000
Seat Belts › Front
Date: 12/07/2004
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 …
NHTSA 04E048000
Seat Belts › Front
Date: 12/07/2004
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 …
NHTSA 94V218000
Air Bags › Frontal
Date: 10/11/1994
THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE CAN HAVE AN INADEQUATELY WELDED INFLATOR CANISTER.
NHTSA 94V218000
Air Bags › Frontal
Date: 10/11/1994
THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE CAN HAVE AN INADEQUATELY WELDED INFLATOR CANISTER.
NHTSA 02V323000
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive
Date: 09/12/2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR (IABM) CAN BE CONTAMINATED WITH WATER OR OTHER LIQUIDS AND COULD EXPERIENCE INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SHORTING.
NHTSA 97V145000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Date: 03/09/1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.9L ENGINES, BUILT AT THE HERMOSILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ARIZONA. CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK NEAR THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IF THE CRACKS GO TH…
NHTSA 97V144000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Date: 03/09/1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.9L ENGINES, BUILT AT THE HERMOSILLO OR WAYNE ASSEMBLY PLANTS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN NEVADA, FLORIDA, HAWAII, TEXAS, CALIFORNIA, LOUISIANA, GEORGIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, MISSISSIPPI, OKLAHOMA, ALABAMA AND …
NHTSA 94E019000
Suspension › Front
Date: 02/06/1994
THE OFFSET TOE ADJUSTING PIN CAN FRACTURE UNDER CONDITIONS SUCH AS TORSIONAL LOADS, FLEXING MOTION, IMPACT LOADS, AND OVERTORQUING.
NHTSA 94E019000
Suspension › Front
Date: 02/06/1994
THE OFFSET TOE ADJUSTING PIN CAN FRACTURE UNDER CONDITIONS SUCH AS TORSIONAL LOADS, FLEXING MOTION, IMPACT LOADS, AND OVERTORQUING.
NHTSA 94E019000
Suspension › Front
Date: 02/06/1994
THE OFFSET TOE ADJUSTING PIN CAN FRACTURE UNDER CONDITIONS SUCH AS TORSIONAL LOADS, FLEXING MOTION, IMPACT LOADS, AND OVERTORQUING.
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
53 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
412 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Mercury Tracer across model years 1988–1999. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
45 crash reports 41 fires 51 injuries 3 deaths
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 199758
Model year 199155
Model year 199553
Model year 199453
Model year 199349
Model year 199845
Model year 199224
Model year 198823
Most reported components (all years)
Fuel System64
Gasoline59
Electrical System58
Air Bags53
Engine And Engine Cooling52
Seat Belts49
Sample reports
THEY HAVE A LEAP SEAT BELT IN THE BACK ONLY. *AK (MY 1989)
THE ENGINE STALLED WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO START IT .THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOP FOR AN INSPECTION AND RESULTS SHOWED THAT A NEW IGNITION SWITCH WAS NEEDED. *JB (MY 1999)
ENGINE FAILED AFTER COMPLETE TUNEUP. *YH (MY 1998)
ENGINE FAILED AFTER COMPLETE TUNEUP. *YH (MY 1998)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1988–1999.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Mercury Tracer have any safety recalls?
Yes — 18 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: SEAT BELTS:FRONT, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE, FUEL SYSTEM. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Mercury Tracer?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Mercury Tracer?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Mercury Tracer?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are engine problems common on the Mercury Tracer?
Yes — 58 of 344 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “THERE IS A STALLING PROBLEM, EVEN WHEN DRIVING! THE WERE A NUMBER OF TIMES THAT I HAD TO BE PUSHED OF A MAIN ROAD. IT TOOK HOURS TO RESTART. IF I WAIT OVER 10 HOURS, MOST TIMES THE CAR WILL RESTART. …” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are electrical problems common on the Mercury Tracer?
Yes — 59 of 344 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSED SMOKE TO COME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN, WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are fuel system problems common on the Mercury Tracer?
Yes — 60 of 344 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the fuel system. One owner reported: “TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MERCURY TRACER. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH FUEL AND PARKED IN THE GARAGE, THE CONTACT SMELLED A FUEL ODOR AND NOTICED FUEL LEAKING ONTO THE GARAGE FLOOR. ALL AMERICA…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Mercury Tracer (1988–1999)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Mercury Tracer (1988–1999) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Mercury Tracer (1988–1999) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Considering buying a Mercury Tracer (1988–1999)? Use this guide to check expected maintenance costs, the most reported fault codes and parts availability on the market. Real data, zero commercial estimates.