1997 Mercury Tracer Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 8%of 142 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Mercury Tracer, 8% of the 142 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,500 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.
“1-car seemed to bottom out in the rear when 4 occupants were in car, also scraping noise. 2-checked car and found contact-coil springs rubbing against car, appeared to be out of the holder. Checked and found both rear springs broken. Springs provide vehicle stability, control and handling. 3-replaced both rear coil springs, I have both old springs. Instructions for installation of new springs have the springs installed 180 degrees from the position of the old springs. Tight coils up, oem was tight coils down.”
NHTSA complaint #10151381, filed 2006-02, 139,000 miles“My 1997 Mercury Tracer failed the pa state inspection due to both rear suspension springs being broken. A review of the technical service bulletin for this vehicle indicates that this failure has happened to other like vehicles but there should be no resulting operational concern. Why then did the state inspection fail the vehicle? What course of action can I take to get reimbursed for the replacement of both rear springs?”
NHTSA complaint #10049337, filed 2003-12“Heard for quite a while a cracking noise in the rear, especially when breaking, but also during sharp turns. Garage looked at it at 60k miles and reported both rear springs broken. According to garage a common problem with escort/Tracer. Received advice not to drive the car, parts were ordered, which took 2 weeks. According to a dealer there is a shortage in springs, due to high demand”
NHTSA complaint #750245, filed 2001-08“Consumer stated while driving, there was a cracking/squeaking noise and vehicle was handling loose/unstable, when vehicle was in for a 60,000 mile maintenance consumer was informed by dealership that the rear coils springs were broken.”
NHTSA complaint #564110, filed 2002-01“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 2001-02Suspension: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Mercury Tracer
47 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsEngine cooling
21 complaintsBrakes
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