1988 Mercury Tracer Problems
- Complaints
- 21filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 27 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 24 city / 32 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1988 Mercury Tracer (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints for the 1988 Mercury Tracer. The part named most often is seat belts, with 7 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine cooling (3) and transmission and drivetrain (3). Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Seat belts complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns covering the buckle assembly and 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Seat belts7 33%
- Engine cooling3 14%
- Brakes2 9.5%
- Vehicle speed control2 9.5%
- Electrical system1 4.8%
- Exterior lighting1 4.8%
- Seats1 4.8%
- Wheels1 4.8%
Example complaints
Seat belts: “This vehicle experienced the same exact problems as mentioned in manufacturer's recall 5577, seat belt retractor locked up at low belt pullout rates, which discouraged seat belt use. Dealership has advised consumer that this particular vehicle was not part of the recall due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #864435, filed 2000-06Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1988 Mercury Tracer version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracer FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Tracer FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 22 | 26 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Tracer Wagon FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Tracer Wagon FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 22 | 26 | 24 | $2,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 95V103011Jun 27, 1995Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Mercury Tracer 1987–1989, Ford Festiva 1988–1991
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.
- 89V085000May 22, 1989Seat belts › Front › RetractorCovers: Mercury Tracer 1988
Some lap shoulder belt retractors were built with certain out of tolerance components.
- 87V092000Jun 15, 1987Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and capCovers: Mercury Tracer 1988
Incorrect fuel filler neck attachment screws were used to attach the neck to the rear quarter panels.
Recall details for the 1988 Mercury Tracer → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE89037Seatbelt retractor jamsClosed · Jan 30, 1989
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1988 Mercury Tracer.
Other model years of the Mercury Tracer
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 20 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 28 | — | Stable |
| 1998 | 44 | 83,000 | 0 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 142 | 73,546 | 1 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 12 | 50,620 | 0 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 1995 | 96 | 85,500 | 3 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 66 | 77,000 | 1 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 62 | 101,500 | 0 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 24 | 189,000 | 1 | — | 26 | — | Falling |
| 1991 | 60 | 119,384 | 2 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 16 | 90,000 | 1 | — | 27 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 21 | — | 3 | — | 27 | — | Stable |
All Mercury Tracer model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1988 Mercury Tracer have?
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints for the 1988 Mercury Tracer as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1988 Mercury Tracer is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 7 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 3.
Has the 1988 Mercury Tracer been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1988 Mercury Tracer get?
The EPA rates the 1988 Mercury Tracer (Tracer, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 24 city and 32 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.