Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1992 Mercury Tracer
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
830.8%
0 crashes, 4 fires · median 80,000 mi
Seat Belts
519.2%
2 crashes, 0 fires
Fuel & Propulsion
415.4%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 298,000 mi
Tires
27.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Steering
27.7%
Lights
13.8%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
13.8%
Suspension
13.8%
Transmission & Drivetrain
13.8%
Engine & Cooling
13.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 1995peak 2Jun 2020
NHTSA investigations into the 1992 Mercury Tracer
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA94002Opened 28 Jan 1994Closed 31 Jan 1995VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE
Recalls on the 1992 Mercury Tracer
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
94E019000
SUSPENSION:FRONT
THE OFFSET TOE ADJUSTING PIN CAN FRACTURE UNDER CONDITIONS SUCH AS TORSIONAL LOADS, FLEXING MOTION, IMPACT LOADS, AND OVERTORQUING.
Risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL ANDAN ACCIDENT.
92V103000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
THE STOP LAMP SWITCHES COULD INTERMITTENTLY MALFUNCTION RESULTING IN THE STOP LAMPS NOT ILLUMINATING WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN FOLLOWING MOTORISTS NOT BEINGSIGNALED THAT THE VEHICLE IS BRAKING, AND COULD RESULT IN A COLLISION.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199503164,538 units in Canada
Electrical
NOTE: VEHICLES LOCATED IN ONTARIO, QUEBEC AND THE ATLANTIC PROVINCES. THE FUEL PUMP WIRING ASSEMBLY MAY CORRODE DUE TO ROAD SALT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL BRIDGE DEVELOPING BETWEEN THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT AND THE FUEL GAUGE SENDER TERMINALS. THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL SENDER GROUND CIRCUIT TO OVERHEAT THE WIRING AND MELT ITS INSULATION PRIOR TO THE OPENING OF THE FUSE IN THE FUEL PUMP POWER CIRCUIT. THIS WOULD CAUSE SMOKE AND ODOUR AND COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF FUEL DELIVERY TO THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE STOPPING. CORRECTION: A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE FUEL PUMP/SENDER ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT.
Recall 19921183,858 units in Canada
Brakes
VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH STOP LAMP SWITCHES THAT POTENTIALLY COULD INTERMITTENTLY MALFUNCTION AND RESULT IN THE STOP LAMPS NOT ILLUMINATING WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THIS COULD RESULT IN FOLLOWING MOTORISTS NOT BEING SIGNALED THAT THE VEHICLE IS BRAKING, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND STOP LAMP SWITCHES REPLACED IF NECESSARY.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Independen, IAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL PUMP FAILED RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE CAR. NLM
NHTSA complaint #558581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andrews, TXCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
THE SHOULDER HARNESS PULLED FROM TRACK ON IMPACT , THE DRIVER'S HEAD STRUCK THE WINDSHEILD AND RECEVIED CONTUSIONS TO NECK AND HEAD FROM THE LOOSE END OF THE HARNESS
NHTSA complaint #730144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andrews, TXCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
THE SHOULDER HARNESS PULLED FROM TRACK ON IMPACT , THE DRIVER'S HEAD STRUCK THE WINDSHEILD AND RECEVIED CONTUSIONS TO NECK AND HEAD FROM THE LOOSE END OF THE HARNESS
NHTSA complaint #730144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orchid Park, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
STARTER SHORTED OUT, CAUSING A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #863615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHORT CAUSED VEHICLE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #508147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY BATTERY HAD A SHORT WHICH RESULTED IN FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #800297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 298,000 milesTucson, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
AFTER 27 YEARS THE RUBBER FUEL FILLER PIPE ON THE CAR CRACKED AND BEGAN LEAKING FUEL. THE FUEL FILLER PIPE WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW FUEL FILLER PIPE FROM FORD MOTORCRAFT, PART #KFL-22, FOCZ-9324-AA. THE NEW FUEL FILLER PIPE LASTED ONLY 6 MONTHS BEFORE CRACKING AND SPILLING GAS ON MY DRIVEWAY CREATING A HAZARDOUS SITUATION. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED WITH A NEW THIRD PARTY [NOT FORD] FUEL FILLER PIPE. I'M BRINGING THIS TO YOUR ATTENTION BECAUSE NUMEROUS AUTO REPAIR WEB SITES HAVE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING DEFECTIVE REPLACEMENT FORD FUEL FILLER PIPES [ALL FORD MODELS]. FUEL FILLER PIPES SHOULD LAST MORE THEN 6 MONTHS. FORD'S REPLACEMENT FUEL FILLER PIPES ARE DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR REPLACEMENT BY FORD TO PREVENT A VERY HAZARDOUS SITUATION SHOULD A VEHICLE BE PARKED IN A GARAGE, I.E., NEAR A WATER HEATER OR OTHER IGNITION SOURCE, CREATING A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION. THE LEAK FROM THE FUEL FILLER PIPE OCCURS WHETHER OR NOT THE VEHICLE IS PARKED OR MOVING WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS MORE THEN 3/4'S FULL. THE PIPE DETERIORATES FROM THE OUTSIDE WITH CRACKS RUNNING THE LENGTH OF THE PIPE. THE NYLON WEBBING ON THE INSIDE OF THE PIPE DOES NOT PREVENT IT FROM LEAKING. THE ATTACHED PHOTO SHOWS THE DEFECTIVE PIPE, BUT THE HUNDREDS OF HAIRLINE CRACKS IN THE PIPE CANNOT BE SEEN IN THE PHOTO BECAUSE OF PHOTO RESOLUTION. THE PIPE HAS ONLY BEEN IN USE ON THE CAR FOR JUST SIX MONTHS. I USE 91 OCTANE GASOLINE IN THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11330208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBuchanan DAM, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ON MY DAUGHTERS 1992 MERCURY TRACER, THE IGNITION SWITCH ENGAGED THE ENGINE STARTER AND BEGAN SMOKING WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND WHEN NO-ONE WAS IN THE CAR. I AM NOW FACED WITH $800.00 IN REPAIR BILLS FOR A DEFECTIVE FORD MOTOR COMPANY PART THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
NHTSA complaint #10045203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centralia, WA
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TREAD SEPARATION DISCOVERED ACCIDENTALLY PER INSPECTION FOR DRIVEABIITY CONCERN. *AK (DOT NUMBER: W2R4 TIRESIZE: P195/60R14)
NHTSA complaint #740268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Independen, IAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL PUMP FAILED RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE CAR. NLM
NHTSA complaint #558581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andrews, TXCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
THE SHOULDER HARNESS PULLED FROM TRACK ON IMPACT , THE DRIVER'S HEAD STRUCK THE WINDSHEILD AND RECEVIED CONTUSIONS TO NECK AND HEAD FROM THE LOOSE END OF THE HARNESS
NHTSA complaint #730144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andrews, TXCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
THE SHOULDER HARNESS PULLED FROM TRACK ON IMPACT , THE DRIVER'S HEAD STRUCK THE WINDSHEILD AND RECEVIED CONTUSIONS TO NECK AND HEAD FROM THE LOOSE END OF THE HARNESS
NHTSA complaint #730144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orchid Park, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
STARTER SHORTED OUT, CAUSING A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #863615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Antoni, TX
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILED TO ENGAGE INTO APPROPIATE GEAR AND "SLIPPED" INTO NEUTRAL ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #527399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
APO, AE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
EXHAUST VALVE BROKE EVERY YEAR, CAUSING REAR END TO OVERHEAT AND BURN THE TRUNK. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #839506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toledo, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THREE OCCASIONS OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION.
NHTSA complaint #544908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Citrus Heights, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
THERE WAS A GAS SMELL AROUND THE CAR AND IN THE GARAGE, DEALER CONTACTED AND STATED A HOLE FOUND IN THE GAS TANK. REPAIR WORK DONE AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE.
NHTSA complaint #829479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
SEAT BELTS
INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING THE ELECTRIC SHOULDER STRAP MOVES UP AND DOWN CONSTANTLY . ALSO GETS STUCK AND RELEASES AND REPAIRS ISELF. NOW, SHOULDER STRAP MAKES WEIRD NOISES AND IS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #829101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Valle, UT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
SEAT BELT HARNESS DOES NOT SLIDE ON TRACK. LEFT FRONT IS FROZEN 1/2 WAY IN POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #533172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rocky Mount, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
THE BULB OF THE REAR MOUNTED BRAKE LIGHT MELTED THE ASSEMBLY , CAUSING SMOKE INSIDE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #518531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Idaho Falls, ID
SEAT BELTS
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT JAMMED HALF WAY IN THE RETRACTOR. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #812538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHORT CAUSED VEHICLE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #508147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY BATTERY HAD A SHORT WHICH RESULTED IN FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #800297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Freemont, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
DIFFICULTY IN STARTING THE VEHICLE MAKES A GRINDING NOISE. ONCE STARTED CREATED AN INABILITY TO SHUT OFF THE IGINITION.
NHTSA complaint #984148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE, SWITCH WOULD NOT TURN, SMOKE FROM ENGINE, REPLACE LOCK AND SWITCH, STARTER BURNED OUT.
NHTSA complaint #983782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE, SWITCH WOULD NOT TURN, SMOKE FROM ENGINE, REPLACE LOCK AND SWITCH, STARTER BURNED OUT.
NHTSA complaint #983782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grass Vall, CA1 injured
SUSPENSION:REAR
REAR MISALIGNED, CAUSING INCREASING NEED TO HOLD STEERING WHEEL TO MAINTAIN STRAIGHT TRACKING DIRECTION/ REAR TIRE WEAR.
NHTSA complaint #488031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Birmingham, AL
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
POWER STEERING HAS BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER; MAKES SQUEAKING NOISE WHILE MAKING TURNS, AT ANY TIME WHEN TURNING WHEELS; MOSTLY, HAPPENS AT LOW SPEEDS. TT
NHTSA complaint #972722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW York, CACrash
TIRES
DRIVING VEHICLE AT SPEED 55MPH, HAD NO CONTROL OVER STEERING, VEHICLE FLIP OVER, DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. TT
NHTSA complaint #971301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ogden, UT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
WHEN FILLING GAS TANK THERE IS AN OVERFLOW OF GASOLINE WHEN THE GAS TANK IS FULL. TT
NHTSA complaint #969758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Staten ISL, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
ELECTRICAL FIRE IN INSTRUMENT PANEL.
NHTSA complaint #481858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.