AI Damage1992 Mercury Tracer: common problems
Owners of the 1992 Mercury Tracer filed 24 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and seat belts. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 24
- involving a crash
- 2
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 29% of all complaints
- 2 Seat belts 17% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel system 13% of all complaints
- 4 Steering 8% of all complaints
- 5 Tires 8% of all complaints
- 6 Engine and cooling 4% of all complaints
- 7 Exterior lighting 4% of all complaints
- 8 Fuel/propulsion system 4% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 7 complaints (29% of all).
- Seat belts: 4 complaints (17% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Fuel system: 3 complaints (13% of all).
- Steering: 2 complaints (8% of all).
- Tires: 2 complaints (8% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 1.8 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- 1.9 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 24 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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
Driving vehicle at speed 55mph, had no control over steering, vehicle flip over, driver side tire was flat. Tt
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.
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.
Tread separation discovered accidentally per inspection for driveabiity concern. (dot number: w2r4 tiresize: p195/60r14)
Fuel pump failed resulting in an electrical fire in the car. Nlm
Starter shorted out, causing a fire in the engine compartment. Dealer has not been contacted.
Transmission failed to engage into appropiate gear and "slipped" into neutral almost causing an accident.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 7,585 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 21% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Tracer has 41 complaints (14 years in the data). This year has 24, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Seat belts. Belt pretensioners after airbag deployment, SRS codes.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1992 Mercury Tracer?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, seat belts, fuel system. Total complaints: 24. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (33%), fuel system, fuel smell (8%), seat belts (8%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1992 Mercury Tracer?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1992 Mercury Tracer from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1992 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.