Engine
1.8L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 57 of 62 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
14 complaint records1 fire report
"ANY TIME THE VEHICLE IS IN NEUTRAL OR PARK WITH THE IGNITION ON OR OFF THE STARTER ENGAGES. DEALER WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT PROBLEM. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Power train
12 complaint records
"CONSUMER TRIED TO MOVE THE PAWL FROM PARK TO REVERSE, THE PAWL DID NOT GO ANYWHERE, AND THE TRANSMISSION BROKE DOWN. MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE CONTACTED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Fuel system
12 complaint records2 fire reports1 crash report
"THE FUEL TANK CRACKED IN AREA WHERE IT'S BOLTED TO VEHICLE. IT'S MADE OF PLASTIC & IS LEAKING FUEL. WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA94002 opened Jan 1994 | closed Jan 1995 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE There is no summary currently available |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995031 1995-02-21 | Electrical | 64,538 | 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... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03148 Jul 2003 | Power Train | NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 02208 Oct 2002 | Equipment | CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH | |
| 02176 Sep 2002 | Exterior Lighting | LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ | |
| 0214 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT | |
| 01194 Oct 2001 | Electrical System | THIS ARITLCE IS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON REPLACEMENT OF OLD STYLE HOOD LAMP SWITCH TO THE RVISED MECHANICAL HOOD LAMP SWITCH. *TT |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01181 Sep 2001 | Power Train | BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB | |
| 01156 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC | |
| 01157 Aug 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC | |
| 14993 Jun 2001 | Suspension | SOME VEHICLES PRODUCED THROUGH JULY 1999 MAY EXHIBIT REAR SUSPENSION SPRING FAILURE WITH NO RESULTING OPERATIONAL CONCERN. *TT | |
| 00187 Sep 2000 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | SUBJECT PERTAINING TO REVISED DOOR LATCH SWITCH SERVICE PROCEDURE. *JB | |
| 00124 Jun 2000 | Seat Belts | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES REVISED PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE WORKSHOP MANUAL AND THE ELECTRICAL AND VACCUM TROUBLESHOOTING MANUAL (EVTM). *TT | |
| 001204 Jun 2000 | Seat Belts | SUBJECT REGARDING PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM SERVICE INFORMATION. *TT | |
| 0015 Jan 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS | |
| 7369 Nov 1999 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT GRINDING NOISE, OR GREATER THAN NORMAL BRAKE ROUGHNESS, WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES IMMEDIATELY AFTER INSTALLING MOTORCRAFT FRONT BRAKE PAD PART NUMBER BR-18 (XU2Z-2V001-RA). *T | |
| 99222 Oct 1999 | Electrical System | SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT | |
| 13421 Oct 1999 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT GRINDING NOISES, OR GREATER THAN NORMAL BRAKE ROUGHNESS WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES IMMEDIATELY AFTER INSTALLING MOTORCRAFT BR-18 FRONT BRAKE PAD. *TT | |
| 99194 Sep 1999 | Service Brakes | INFORMATION FOR SERVICING AND DIAGNOSING BRAKE VIBRATION, BRAKE INSPECTION, AND BRAKE FRICTION MATERIAL REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 99196 Sep 1999 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT | |
| 99152 Jul 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT | |
| 6562 Jul 1999 | Seat Belts | BRIEF INFORMATION ON PASSIVE RESTRAINT (MOTORIZED SEATBELT) SYSTEMS. *TT | |
| 12925 Jul 1999 | Seat Belts | ENGINEERING IS REVIEWING PASSIVE RESTRAINT (MOTORIZED SEATBELT) SYSTEMS IN CERTAIN VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 99139 Jun 1999 | Exterior Lighting | CONDITIONS WITH THE BRAKE LAMPS INADVERTENTLY DISABLING THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *TT | |
| 99129 Jun 1999 | Equipment | EXPERIENCING A WHINE / BUZZ TYPE NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO ON VEHICLES WITH AN IN-TANK ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP. *TT | |
| 99816 May 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT | |
| 98246 Dec 1998 | Electrical System | FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC | |
| 982310 Nov 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MASS AIR FLOW (MAF)- SENSOR CONTAMINATION- SERVICE TIP. *AK | |
| 982010 Oct 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXPERIENCING A " BUZZING " OR " RATTLING " NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *YC | |
| 11769 Aug 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT BRIEF SPARK KNOCK ON ACCELERATION DURING HOT WEATHER ONCE THE ENGINE HAS THOROUGHLY WARMED UP. *TT | |
| 9888 Apr 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC | |
| 9852 Apr 1998 | Tires | INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC | |
| 9873 Apr 1998 | Equipment | EXPERIENCING A WHINING / BUZZING NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO. *TT | |
| 9874 Apr 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC | |
| 9864 Mar 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 985A5 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT FROM ROTUNDA IS NOW APPROVED FOR WARRANTY AND SERVICE USE. *YC | |
| 985A11 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | SERVICE TIP INFORMATION REGARDING ELIMINATION OF SANDING ROTORS AND DRUMS. *YC | |
| 985A15 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | A REVISED MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE BOOSTER IS AVAILABLE FOR SERVICE ON NON-ABS VEHICLES TO FURTHER IMPROVE BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND TRAVEL. *YC | |
| 985A19 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | THE FRONT BRAKES MAY HAVE A PERSISTENT SQUEAL DURING BRAKING AT SPEEDS BELOW 56 KM/H (35 MPH). *TT | |
| 985A12 Mar 1998 | Equipment | RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR TOWING BEHIND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 985A14 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | A KNOCKING NOISE PROPORTIONAL TO WHEEL ROTATION MAY BE HEARD FROM THE FRONT BRAKES DURING GENTLE BRAKING. *TT | |
| 9845 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | AVAILABILITY OF HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT. *YC | |
| 9848 Mar 1998 | Equipment | ANNOUNCING THE FORD OEM AIR CONDITIONING RETROFIT KIT AVAILABILITY. *YC | |
| 9814 Jan 1998 | Service Brakes | SUBJECT REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT. *TT | |
| 97111097234 Nov 1997 | Electrical System | VEHICLES EXHIBITING A "SQUEAKING" OR "CHIRPING" FROM THE BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW BLOWER MOTOR SPEEDS. *YC | |
| BC2361970501 May 1997 | Unknown Or Other | AUTHORIZED WARRANTY PART REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE PADS TO CORRECT EXCESSIVE BRAKE NOISE. *TW | |
| 9768 Mar 1997 | Unknown Or Other | FUEL ECONOMY- CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS VERSUS VEHICLE USAGE. *JD | |
| 97610 Mar 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BLOWER MOTOR- "CHIRPING" OR "SQUEAKING" FROM BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW SPEEDS. *JD | |
| 97511 Mar 1997 | Power Train | FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD | |
| 9743 Feb 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BLOWER MOTOR- "CHIRP" OR "SQUEAK" FROM BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW SPEEDS. *JD | |
| 9732 Feb 1997 | Service Brakes | BRAKES- FRONT BRAKE "SQUEAL" BELOW 56 KM/H (35 MPH)- VEHICLE WITH 14 INCH WHEELS. *JD | |
| BC3550972301 Jan 1997 | Service Brakes | FRONT BRAKE SQUEAL/NOISE DURING LIGHT BRAKE APPLICATIONS BELOW 35 MPH, REPLACE THE PADS/SHIMS KIT. *JD | |
| BC1016797230 Jan 1997 | Service Brakes | FRONT BRAKE SQUEAL/NOISE DURING LIGHT BRAKIE APPLICATIONS BELOW 35 MPH, REPLACE THE PADS/SHIMS KIT. *JD | |
| 962516 Dec 1996 | Power Train | AXKE LEAKS - FLUID LEAKS FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE AT AXLE SHAFTS - NEW DESIGN REPLACEMENT CV JOINT BOOTS. *TW | |
| 96246 Nov 1996 | Electrical System | WIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *TW | |
| BC0678961025 Oct 1996 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON AODE/4R7W TRANSMISSION MAIN CONTROL & CASE REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 96222 Oct 1996 | Service Brakes | BRAKES - ELIMINATION OF SANDING ROTORS AND DRUMS - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| 96225 Oct 1996 | Fuel System | MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR - REPLACEMENT AS AN ASSEMBLY - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| 95212 Oct 1995 | Service Brakes | THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE BECAUSE IT MAY BE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE RUBBER MATERIAL USED IN THE DISC BRAKE SYSTEM. | |
| 95174 Aug 1995 | Structure | DOOR-GLOVE COMPARTMENT-IMPROVED LOCK ASSEMBLY AVAILABLE-PROBES THROUGH 7/1/94 AND ESCORT/TRACERS BUILT THROUGH 9/6/94 *SD | |
| 95153 Jul 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TEMPERATURE GAUGE - FLUCTUATING AND /OR INACCURATE HIGH READINGS. *SD | |
| BC2210950601 Jun 1995 | Power Train | UNKNOWN |
Showing 60 of 76 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Mercury Tracer →