Most common 1998 Mercury Tracer problems
Share of the 44 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercury Tracer complaints by model year
Best Tracer years: 1996, 1999. Years to avoid: 1997, 1995. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1998 Mercury Tracer:
Air bag non-deployment
What 1998 Mercury Tracer owners say
Suspension
Rear coil spring fractured, without provocation, in my 1998 Mercury Tracer sedan. After speaking to 3 different independent shops and 2 different Ford service departments, it was absolutely clear that Ford/Mercury has a known material defect that they have chosen to ignore. Everyone concedes that these springs are failing at absurd rates but fomo co policy is to deny everything (despite what their own service technicians are admitting) catastrophic failures while driving frequently result in tire blowouts... This problem occurs throughout the taurus/sable, escort/Tracer, and topaz/contour car lines... I still have the shattered spring in my possession, fomoco expressed zero interest when I contacted them...
The rear coil springs broke on my 1998 Mercury Tracer. When seeking a repair, I understand that this is a well documented problem with Ford/Mercury models of this size (escort/Tracer/tempo). With rear springs broken, one can observe the rear tires of a car with these springs broken come off the road. With Ford well aware of this design flaw in these autos, there ought to be a recall of these vehicles. I have only 47,700 miles on this car; I have now replaced a busted crankshaft pulley and the resistor associated with circulation system which could have started a fire. All of these problems are well documented and Ford should address these flaws.
Engine & cooling
The rear coil springs broke on my 1998 Mercury Tracer. When seeking a repair, I understand that this is a well documented problem with Ford/Mercury models of this size (escort/Tracer/tempo). With rear springs broken, one can observe the rear tires of a car with these springs broken come off the road. With Ford well aware of this design flaw in these autos, there ought to be a recall of these vehicles. I have only 47,700 miles on this car; I have now replaced a busted crankshaft pulley and the resistor associated with circulation system which could have started a fire. All of these problems are well documented and Ford should address these flaws.
Temperature gauge never once read above normal, was traveling, heard a noise in engine, slowed down and vechicle shut down. I believe thermostat May be defective, there was also damage to the cylinder head. Something is wrong with the engine cooling system when something like this happens because it was full of coolant and oil was full and had just been changed. I have alway had all maintanance done on time, this shouldn't happen at 45,000 miles on any vehicle.
Electrical system
Had parked vehicle. Noticed vehicle making noises prior to being parked. Dashboard panel lights came on. Lifted hood & got flashlight. Returned & vehicle was engulfed in flames around the starter & dashboard area. Put flames out w/fire extinguisher. Vehicle towed to dealer. Informed fire was near rubber boot. What caused fire not found.
On December 11, 2004 I was out shopping and I got in the car and it would not start I left it sit there over night and went back the next day and it started. I have had 3 machanicks look at it and none of them know why it did it.
1998 Mercury Tracer engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 24 / 34 / 28 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 31 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Mercury Tracer a good car?
Based on 44 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Tracer rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Tracer at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Mercury Tracer?
The suspension — 11 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about rear › springs. Next are the engine & cooling (8) and electrical system (6).
How many recalls does the 1998 Mercury Tracer have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Mercury Tracer. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercury Tracer?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1996 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997 and 1995. See the full Mercury Tracer years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Mercury Tracer problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 83,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.