Mercury Tracer recalls

10 official safety recalls for the Mercury Tracer from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

  1. Air bag monitor may short if contaminated

    Reported December 9, 2002Model years 1997NHTSA campaign 02V323000396,217 vehicles affected

    Water or other liquids can contaminate the air bag monitor and cause an electrical short. The readiness light may come on; in rare cases, an air bag may deploy, wiring may melt or a fire may occur. Dealers will fit a shield and apply grease to the connector. The remedy is free.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
    Defect
    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR (IABM) CAN BE CONTAMINATED WITH WATER OR OTHER LIQUIDS AND COULD EXPERIENCE INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SHORTING.
    Consequence
    THIS MAY, IN TURN, CAUSE THE AIR BAG READINESS LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE AND IN VERY RARE OCCURRENCES, AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, MELTED WIRING, OR FIRE MAY OCCUR.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE SHIELD OVER THE IABM AND APPLY NYOGEL GREASE TO THE CONNECTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
    Notes
    CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

  2. Fuel tank may crack near heat shield attachment

    Reported September 3, 1997Model years 1995NHTSA campaign 97V145000600 vehicles affected

    Cracks may form in the fuel tank and allow fuel to leak, which could cause a fire if it reaches an ignition source. Dealers will remove the heat shield attachments; the tank straps retain the heat shield after installation.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
    Defect
    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 THROUGH THE FUEL TANK WALL.
    Consequence
    FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENTS. THIS WILL NOT AFFECT HEAT SHIELD LOCATION OR FUNCTION, AS THE ATTACHMENTS ARE INTENDED TO KEEP THE SHIELD IN PLACE UNTIL THE FUEL TANK IS INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSTALLATION, THE FUEL TANK STRAPS RETAIN THE HEAT SHIELD.
    Notes
    OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN SEPTEMBER 30, 1997.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

  3. Fuel tank may crack near heat shield attachment

    Reported September 3, 1997Model years 1995NHTSA campaign 97V14400064,000 vehicles affected

    Cracks may form in the fuel tank and allow fuel to leak, which could cause a fire if it reaches an ignition source. Dealers will remove the heat shield attachments; the tank straps retain the heat shield after installation.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
    Defect
    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 ARKANSAS. CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK NEAR THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IF THE CRACKS GO THROUGH THE FUEL TANK WALL.
    Consequence
    FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENTS. THIS WILL NOT AFFECT HEAT SHIELD LOCATION OR FUNCTION, AS THE ATTACHMENTS ARE INTENDED TO KEEP THE SHIELD IN PLACE UNTIL THE FUEL TANK IS INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSTALLATION, THE FUEL TANK STRAPS RETAIN THE HEAT SHIELD.
    Notes
    OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN SEPTEMBER 30, 1997.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

  4. Front seat belt buckle buttons may break

    Reported June 27, 1995Model years 1987–1989NHTSA campaign 95V103011265,000 vehicles affected

    A release button can break, allowing pieces into the buckle and causing it to work improperly. The seat belt may not protect an occupant adequately in a crash. Check both buckles; a dealer will repair or replace a faulty buckle free of charge. A remedy for buttons that are not broken is being developed.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy
    OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THAT LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: INTERIOR; SEAT BELTS; BELT BUCKLES.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SAFETY BELTS MADE BY TAKATA CORPORATION.NOTE: THE 1987 THROUGH 1989 4-DOOR MERCURY TRACERS INVOLVED IN THIS RECALLCAMPAIGN WERE ONLY SOLD IN CANADA. NO TRACERS SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES ARE INVOLVED.NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

  5. Driver air bag inflator weld may separate

    Reported November 10, 1994Model years 1994–1995NHTSA campaign 94V218000240 vehicles affected

    An inadequate weld on the driver air bag inflator canister may separate in a collision. The air bag may not deploy properly, and hot gases could escape from behind the steering wheel, increasing injury risk. Dealers will install a new air bag module.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
    Defect
    THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE CAN HAVE AN INADEQUATELY WELDED INFLATOR CANISTER.
    Consequence
    IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THE WELD SEAM CAN SEPARATE, CAUSING THE AIR BAG TO FAIL TO DEPLOY PROPERLY AND HOT GASES TO BE EXPELLED FROM THE BACK OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS CAN RESULT IN AN INCREASED RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY FROM THE HOT GASES AND THE AIR BAG FAILURE.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW AIR BAG MODULE.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: INTERIOR SYSTEMS; PASSIVE RESTRAINT; AIR BAG; DRIVER SIDE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT, PLEASE CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINSTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

  6. Ignition lock pins may move out of position

    Reported April 15, 1993Model years 1991NHTSA campaign 93V05700091,000 vehicles affected

    Pins securing the ignition lock may move or come out, allowing the lock to disengage and the steering column to lock, which could cause loss of vehicle control. The ignition lock housing and related locks will be replaced if a pin is missing or misplaced; otherwise, a sleeve will be fitted to keep the pins in place.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
    Defect
    THE ROLL PINS SECURING THE IGNITION LOCK IN THE STEERING COLUMN HOUSING CAN SEPARATE OR MOVE OUT OF POSITION.
    Consequence
    THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER MAY DISENGAGE FROM THESTEERING COLUMN HOUSING WHICH COULD CAUSE THE STEERING COLUMN TO LOCK UP,RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.
    Remedy
    IF ONE OR BOTH OF THE ROLL PINS ARE MISSING OR NOT FULLY INSERTED, THE IGNITION LOCK HOUSING WILL BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE DOOR-LOCKS AND THE LIFTGATE OR DECK-LID LOCKS SO THAT KEY COMPATIBILITY IS MAINTAINED. IF BOTH PINS ARE PRESENT AND FULLY INSERTED, A PLASTIC SNAP-ON SLEEVE WILL BE INSTALLED AS A PRECAUTION TO PREVENT THE ROLL PINS FROM COMING OUT.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: STEERING.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

  7. Fuel pump solder joint may crack

    Reported August 19, 1992Model years 1991NHTSA campaign 92V11700022,000 vehicles affected

    A solder joint at the fuel pump sending unit may crack, allowing fuel vapour to escape or a small amount of fuel to leak. Leaking fuel could catch fire if exposed to an ignition source. Install a new fuel pump sending assembly.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    SHOULD A CRACK DEVELOP, FUEL VAPOR CAN ESCAPE FROM THETANK WHEN THE TANK IS FULL, AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE CRACK.FUEL LEAKS CAN RESULT IN FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
    Remedy
    INSTALL A NEW FUEL PUMP SENDING ASSEMBLY.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: FUEL SYSTEM.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FUEL PUMP SENDINGASSEMBLIES PRODUCED BY FORD ELECTRICAL AND FUEL HANDLING DIVISION (FEHD).

  8. Stop lamp switch may fail

    Reported July 13, 1992Model years 1992NHTSA campaign 92V10300043,000 vehicles affected

    The stop lamp switch may malfunction, leaving the brake lights off when braking and making it harder for following drivers to tell the vehicle is slowing. Replace the faulty switch.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
    Defect
    THE STOP LAMP SWITCHES COULD INTERMITTENTLY MALFUNCTION RESULTING IN THE STOP LAMPS NOT ILLUMINATING WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED.
    Consequence
    THIS COULD RESULT IN FOLLOWING MOTORISTS NOT BEINGSIGNALED THAT THE VEHICLE IS BRAKING, AND COULD RESULT IN A COLLISION.
    Remedy
    REPLACE THE FAULTY STOP LAMP SWITCHES.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: STOP LAMPS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

  9. Front seat belt retractors may lock

    Reported May 22, 1989Model years 1988NHTSA campaign 89V08500066,300 vehicles affected

    Out-of-tolerance parts may cause front lap-shoulder belt retractors to lock when the belt is pulled out slowly, which could discourage seat belt use. Front belt assemblies will be replaced as necessary.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
    Defect
    SOME LAP SHOULDER BELT RETRACTORS WERE BUILT WITH CERTAIN OUT OF TOLERANCE COMPONENTS.
    Consequence
    RETRACTORS MAY LOCK AT LOW BELT PULL OUT RATES, THISCOULD DISCOURAGE SEAT BELT USAGE.
    Remedy
    REPLACE FRONT LAP SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLIES, AS NECESSARY.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: FRONT LAP SHOULDER BELTS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

  10. Fuel filler neck screws may cause a rattle

    Reported June 15, 1987Model years 1988NHTSA campaign 87V092000191 vehicles affected

    Incorrect screws attaching the fuel filler neck to the body may allow a rattle between the filler pipe and surrounding structure. The screws will be replaced with bolt and washer assemblies.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
    Defect
    INCORRECT FUEL FILLER NECK ATTACHMENT SCREWS WERE USED TO ATTACH THE NECK TO THE REAR QUARTER PANELS.
    Consequence
    THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A RATTLE BETWEEN THE FUELFILLER PIPE AND THE SURROUNDING BODY STRUCTURE.
    Remedy
    REPLACE INCORRECT SCREWS WITH NEW BOLT/WASHER ASSEMBLIES.
    Notes
    SYSTEM: FUEL FILLER NECK SCREWS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

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