1998 Mercury Tracer Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 9%of 44 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 132,482miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Mercury Tracer, 9% of the 44 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 132,482 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.
“While I am on the foot brake slowing down, car suddenly revs, shifts into gear and accelerates. I am unable to hold back the vehicle even when pushing as hard as I can on the brake pedal. I have to knock the shift lever into neutral to stop.”
NHTSA complaint #10190503, filed 2007-05, 132,482 miles“The rear coil springs broke on my 1998 Mercury Tracer. When seeking a repair, I understand that this is a well documented problem with ford/Mercury models of this size (escort/Tracer/tempo). With rear springs broken, one can observe the rear tires of a car with these springs broken come off the road. With ford well aware of this design flaw in these autos, there ought to be a recall of these vehicles. I have only 47,700 miles on this car; I have now replaced a busted crankshaft pulley and the resistor associated with circulation system which could have started a fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #10058486, filed 2004-02“While stopping at spot light and without any indication vehicle surged while brakes were depressed. Dealer was contacted. Consumer took vehicle to have the computer and transmission functions checked. Transmission was serviced and adjustments were made.”
NHTSA complaint #8004888, filed 2002-03“Transmission fails to shift properly into gears, this causes vehicle to jerk and shift hard into gears, sometimes would flutter when driving at 50-55mph. Consumer stated vehicle has been to numerous dealership for the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #898220, filed 2001-10Related service bulletins
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 2 | 10% |
| 1998 | 4 | 9% |
| 1997 | 2 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 8% |
| 1995 | 5 | 5% |
| 1994 | 5 | 8% |
| 1993 | 8 | 13% |
| 1992 | 1 | 4% |
| 1991 | 5 | 8% |
| 1989 | 1 | 6% |
| 1988 | 3 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1998 Mercury Tracer
11 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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