1997 Mercury Tracer Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 8%of 142 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,698miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Mercury Tracer, 8% of the 142 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,698 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 1997 Mercury Tracer. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, she lost control of the vehicle and drove into the median to avoid oncoming traffic. The engine shut off and the cylinder head was blown. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure; however, they stated that the engine needed to be rebuilt. . The contact stated that the cylinder head in the engine failed and caused her to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle has not been repaired. The dealer and the warranty company stated that they were unable to honor the warranty to repair the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10208138, filed 2007-11, 91,698 miles“Retaining pins that hold brake pads in place are loose, causing contact to the wheel, and eventual separation. Dealer has been notified. More specifically the retaining clips that hold the retaining pins in the front brake assembly snap and fly off of the vehicle when the pins contact the wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #866149, filed 2000-07“Brakes were grinding and squeaking. To stop the vehicle the pedal had to be pushed all the way to the floor. Contacted the dealer and they denied the service. Found the vehicle was under another VIN #. Repair work still cannot be done because the warranty has expired.”
NHTSA complaint #831231, filed 1998-11“Upon inspection the tire had uneven wear and there was a crack down the center of the right rear tire which was causing noise while drivng over 35 MPH (bf goodrich advantage plus 185/65/14 dotbf76tu1135). Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #559922, filed 2001-02“When applying the brakes pedal stiffens and the vehicle takes longer to slow down. There is also a vibration that occurs during brake application. Dealer replaced pads, and problem still exists. Has been to dealer 6 or 7 times.”
NHTSA complaint #847977, filed 1999-09Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Mercury Tracer
47 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsEngine cooling
21 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsTires
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Mercury Tracer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology