Fuel systemPart report

1997 Mercury Tracer Fuel system Problems

Complaints: 4about this part
Share: 3%of 142 total for the year
Median mileage: 66,474miles
Trend: Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the fuel system of the 1997 Mercury Tracer, 3% of the 142 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,474 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 consumer noticed a fuel smell at the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (9/11/01) who indicated that the smell was residual oil from the last oil change. On 3/4/03 the vehicle had a 24 point safety inspection at which time the technician indicated that the fuel tank had a leak due to a split in the seam at the top of the tank.”

NHTSA complaint #10011812, filed 2003-03, 41,249 miles

“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

“While driving 20 MPH consumer smelled fuel. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Then, noticed that fluid was leaking from underneath the vehicle. It was taken to a garage for inspection, and mechanic determined that the fuel tank was cracked and needed to be replaced.”

NHTSA complaint #10097803, filed 2004-10

Fuel system: other model years

Year	Complaints	Share of year
1999	1	5%
1998	1	2%
1997	4	3%
1996	1	8%
1995	40	42%
1994	5	8%
1993	10	16%
1992	4	17%
1991	14	23%

Other parts of the 1997 Mercury Tracer

Air bags
47 complaints Electrical system
22 complaints Engine cooling
21 complaints Brakes
11 complaints Suspension
11 complaints Other or unknown
9 complaints Tires
9 complaints Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaints Vehicle speed control
5 complaints Seat belts
4 complaints Steering
3 complaints Equipment
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1997 Mercury Tracer

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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