37 of the 96 complaints (39%) are about the fuel system.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · fuel system
27
0
0
0
Seat Belts
7
0
0
0
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system
6
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
4
1
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine
4
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine
4
0
0
0
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
3
0
0
0
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
3
0
0
1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor · engine
3
0
0
0
Electrical System › Ignition
3
0
0
0
3 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly97V145000
Filed Sep 3, 1997600 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.9L ENGINES, BUILT AT THE HERMOSILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ARIZONA. CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK NEAR THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IF THE CRACKS GO THROUGH THE FUEL TANK WALL.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENTS. THIS WILL NOT AFFECT HEAT SHIELD LOCATION OR FUNCTION, AS THE ATTACHMENTS ARE INTENDED TO KEEP THE SHIELD IN PLACE UNTIL THE FUEL TANK IS INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSTALLATION, THE FUEL TANK STRAPS RETAIN THE HEAT SHIELD.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly97V144000
Filed Sep 3, 199764,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.9L ENGINES, BUILT AT THE HERMOSILLO OR WAYNE ASSEMBLY PLANTS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN NEVADA, FLORIDA, HAWAII, TEXAS, CALIFORNIA, LOUISIANA, GEORGIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, MISSISSIPPI, OKLAHOMA, ALABAMA AND ARKANSAS. CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK NEAR THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IF THE CRACKS GO THROUGH THE FUEL TANK WALL.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENTS. THIS WILL NOT AFFECT HEAT SHIELD LOCATION OR FUNCTION, AS THE ATTACHMENTS ARE INTENDED TO KEEP THE SHIELD IN PLACE UNTIL THE FUEL TANK IS INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSTALLATION, THE FUEL TANK STRAPS RETAIN THE HEAT SHIELD.
Defect. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE CAN HAVE AN INADEQUATELY WELDED INFLATOR CANISTER.
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THE WELD SEAM CAN SEPARATE, CAUSING THE AIR BAG TO FAIL TO DEPLOY PROPERLY AND HOT GASES TO BE EXPELLED FROM THE BACK OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS CAN RESULT IN AN INCREASED RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY FROM THE HOT GASES AND THE AIR BAG FAILURE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW AIR BAG MODULE.
All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 14, 201445,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCURY TRACER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LEAK ON THE GROUND AND THE FUEL GAUGE DECREASED FROM A FULL TANK TO HALF OF A TANK. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 97V144000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 9, 2012109,600 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCURY TRACER. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN OVERPOWERING FUEL SMELL. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 97V144000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,600.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 3, 2011OH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCURY TRACER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION OR STATIONARY, A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FUEL EMITTED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED AS A RESULT TO A FAULTY HEAT SHIELD BRACKET. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 97V144000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, STORAGE; TANK ASSEMBLY) BUT THE VEHICLE WAS INELIGIBLE FOR REPAIRS DUE TO THE VEHICLE NOT BEING ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Sep 29, 200976,000 milesOK
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCURY TRACER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SINCE THE YEAR 2000, SHE SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE EMANATING FROM THE VEHICLE. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE. SHE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL 97V145000, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE STORAGE TANK ASSEMBLY. SHE WAS ADVISED THAT SINCE HER VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL, SHE WAS INELIGIBLE FOR A FREE REMEDY. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 17, 2009IA
95 TRACER WAGON 9/3/97 THERE WAS A RECALL WITH THE SAME ISSUE I AM NOW HAVING. WE NEVER REC'D ANY NOTIFICATION THERE WAS ANY RECALL. THE FUEL TANK IS LEAKING NEAR THE HEAT SHIELD. A CALL WAS MADE TO STIVERS LAST NIGHT AND WE WERE TOLD NOTHING COULD BE DONE DUE TO THE LENGTH OF YEARS THAT HAD PASSED.BUT WAS TOLD TO CALL FORD MOTOR. A CALL WAS MADE THIS MORNING. WAS TOLD BY FORD MOTOR AT 800-392-3673 THAT MY CAR WAS MADE 1/95 AND THE 64000 THAT WAS RECALLED WERE BETWEEN 4/29/95 AND 10/95. THE CAR HAD BEEN IN FOR PREVIOUS SERVICING AND EVEN THEN NOTHING WAS SAID TO US ABOUT A RECALL. OUR PROBLEM IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS WHAT THE RECALL WAS FOR. AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL MY CAR WAS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD. WE FEEL THAT HEY SHOULD TAKE CARE OF A REPLACEMENT. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys
Filed Jul 20, 200961,607 milesMI
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCURY TRACER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY HESITATED AND LOST ENGINE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER AT A SERVICE STATION AND INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. HE DETECTED THAT THE TIMING BELT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEY REPLACED THE WATER PUMP AND SERPENTINE BELT. IN ADDITION, THE NUMBER FOUR PISTON EXPLODED WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY INOPERABLE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,607 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,722.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jun 25, 2009116,000 milesCA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCURY TRACER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT GASOLINE WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE FOUND A FRACTURE IN THE FUEL TANK. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 97V145000 AND 97V144000, ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 116,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 7, 200983,000 milesCA
FUEL TANK LEAK (STRONG ODOR - NO VISIBLE LEAKAGE) ODOR DETECTABLE IN GARAGE AND OUTSIDE FORD SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL REQUIRED AND WILL NOT CORRECT THE LEAK. *TR
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 22, 2008142,000 milesFL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCURY TRACER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS GAS TANK WAS LEAKING FUEL. HE PARKED HIS VEHICLE AND A PUDDLE OF GAS LEAKED OUT. CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK NEAR THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IF THE CRACKS GO THROUGH THE FUEL TANK WALL. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V144000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 13, 2008135,000 milesCO
THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK HAS CRACKED AS DESCRIBED IN THE CAMPAIGN ID 97V144000. PUTTING IN ANYMORE THAN 3 GALLONS OF GAS IN THE TANK CAUSES IT TO LEAK AND HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. UNFORTUNATELY, THE FORD DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO REPAIR THIS UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY NOT USABLE DUE TO THE LEAKING FUEL AND AT AN ESTIMATED $800 TO REPAIR THIS MANUFACTURERS DEFECT, I AM OUT A VEHICLE FOR AN UNDETERMINED AMOUNT OF TIME. I FEEL THAT IT WAS UNFAIR FOR THIS RECALL NOT TO INCLUDE ALL VEHICLES OF THE SAME GAS TANK DESIGN, WHICH HAS CAUSED THIS FAILURE, TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *TR
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Aug 5, 2008143,296 milesCO
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCURY TRACER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED GASOLINE. HE STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 97V144000 AND 97V145000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY) MENTIONED THE SAME FAILURES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 143,300 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,296. UPDATED 09/24/08. *LJ UPDATED 09/30/08.*JB
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jun 28, 200750,471 milesNY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCURY TRACER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT DETECTED A GAS ODOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK. ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER, RECALL # 97V145000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY) DOES NOT APPLY TO HIS VIN. THE CONTACT FELT THAT HIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,471.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jul 14, 200671,288 milesFL
I SMELLED GASOLINE IN MY GARAGE ON TUESDAY JUNE 11. LAYING BETWEEN THE CARS I FOUND SEVERAL STEADY DRIPS FROM THE FUEL TANK. I PUSHED THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE AND TWO DAYS LATER IT HAD LEAKED TO A LEVEL FOR THE LEAK TO STOP. I CONTACTED FORD/MERC. MOTOR CO. ABOUT THE EXISTING RECALL , NOTES:MERCURY TRACER 97S79,FOR THE POTENTIAL UNITS AFFECTED 64000 VEHICLES. EVEN THOUGH I HAD A SERIOUS POTENTIAL FOR A HOUSE FIRE I WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. I WAS FURTHER TOLD TO GET IT FIXED BY A FOR DEALER AND THEY MAY REVIEW THE DATA IN THE FUTURE. I AM LOOKING FOR IMMEDIATE RELIEF FOR THIS PROBLEM. CAN YOU HELP? *JB
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Aug 16, 200588,000 milesCO
THE PLASTIC GAS TANK ON OUR 1995 MERCURY TRACER CRACKED OPEN. THE SHOP THAT WE TOOK IT TO KNEW OF A RECALL BECAUSE HE OWNED ONE PREVIOUSLY THAT WAS RECALLED FOR THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM. OURS IS NOT UNDER THE RECALL, BUT THE CRACK IS IDENTICAL TO WHAT IS IN RECALLS 97V145000 AND 97V144000. THE HEAT SHIELD THAT IS MOUNTED DIRECTLY TO THE GAS TANK, CRACKED THE TANK AND CAUSED WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN A POTENTIAL FIRE IF WE HAD NOT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS GAS LEAKING ONTO THE ROADWAY. THE REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE, BUT WE FEEL THAT THIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED UNDER THE RECALL. IT IS A 1.9L ENGINE AND WAS BUILT IN MEXICO. *NM
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jun 24, 2005FL
CONSUMER STATES: FUEL TANK VENT HOSE LEAKS WHEN YOU FILL IT UP, WHEN YOU RUN SO LOW IT QUITS LEAKING ,AND IS ON HIGHWAY.*AK *TT *NM
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Mar 13, 2005CA
THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 1.9L ENGINE. THE #4 INTAKE VALVE SEAT DROPS, RESULTING IN THE NEED TO COMPLETELY REPLACE THE CYLINDER HEAD AND ALL ASSOCIATED PARTS. IE... VALVE SEATS, PISTON, PISTON RINGS, ROD BEARINGS AS WELL AS HAVING TO CONDUCT PRESSURE TESTS, HONE THE CYLINDERS & A VARIETY OF OTHER TIME & MONEY CONSUMING ITEMS. *AK
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jul 12, 2004160,000 milesTN
CONSUMER SMELLED GASOLINE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. A RECALL WAS ISSUED. CALLED THE MERCURY MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT VIN NUMBER DID NOT MATCH THE RECALL. *AK
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jun 23, 2004CA
CONSUMER NOTICED LIQUID LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A CRACK INSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. *AK
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Nov 28, 200370,000 milesIA
DEALER DETERMINED THAT A CRACK AT THE SHIELD BRACKET CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE FUEL TANK. RECALL 97V144000 CONCERNING FUEL TANK WAS ISSUED; HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Aug 22, 2003150,000 milesMO
NHTSA RECALL 97-V-144-000 :VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.9L ENGINES, BUILT AT THE HERMOSILLO OR WAYNE ASSEMBLY PLANTS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR IS CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK NEAR THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IF THE CRACKS GO THROUGH THE FUEL TANK WALL. THE CONSUMER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED DUE TO THE VIN. *AK THERE WERE CRACKS AND LEAKS IN THE FUEL LINE AT THE HEAT SHIELD MOUNT. THE TANK WAS REPLACED. *SCC *NLM
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Jul 29, 200356,000 milesCA
HEAT SHIELD ATTATCHMENT IS CRACKED, RESULTING IN GASOLINE LEAK. *AK
Fuel System, Diesel › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jul 14, 2003107,000 milesVA
FUEL TANK IS LEAKING, CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD CATCH ON FIRE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Nov 8, 2002CA
MY DATES/ MILEAGE ARE NOT ACCURATE, BUT INFO OTHERWISE IS CORRECT. DO I NEED ACCIDENT REPORT FOR AIR BAG DATE? I AM SCARRED FROM THE GAS AND THE AIRBAG SEAM THAT RIPPED MY WRISTS OPEN FROM THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE BAGS DURING THIS ACCIDENT. I WAS QUITE INFECTED. ALSO, MY GAS TANK CRACKED A FEW YEARS AGO AND MY EX-BEAU USED BOAT PUTTY FOR PLASTIC BOAT GAS TANKS TO FIX IT UNTIL I COULD HANDLE IT. IT HELD WELL UNTIL NOW AND HAS CRACKED FURTHER IN THE SAME AREA. PUTTY IS NOT HOLDING ANY LONGER. I WAS JUST ABOUT TO REPLACE THE TANK RECENTLY WHEN I HEARD ABOUT THE RECALL. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I AM STILL ELIGIBLE FOR A REPLACEMENT TANK PER THE RECALL OF 1997 AND FOR REPLACEMENT AIR BAGS. AFTER MY ACCIDENT I DID HAVE MY CAR REPAIRED BUT WONDER IF THE SAME YR AND MODEL OF AIRBAG MAY BE INSTALLED. PLEASE ADVISE ASAP. I NEED TO HANDLE MY AIR BAGS & TANK AS I CAN PUT LESS THAN $7 IN GAS AT A TIME OR IT LEAKS AND EATS ASPHALT AWAY ON THE STREET AND IN PARKING SPACES. THE SMELL AND DANGER IS AT A HIGH LEVEL. PLEASE RESPOND QUICKLY.THANKS AGAIN. DT
Seat Belts
Filed Sep 6, 2002AZ
DRIVER'S SIDE MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELT IS STUCK IN MID-POSITION, NOT MOVING FORWARD OR AROUND DRIVER. MANUFACTURE IS CLAIMING NO RESPONSIBILITY OF FAILURE FOR MOTOR BURNING OUT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Aug 5, 2002MD
FUEL LEAKAGES FROM FUEL TANK WHILE VEHICLE PARKED. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jul 8, 2002MA
THERE WAS A SMELL OF FUEL IN INSIDE OF VEHICLE.DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS A MASSIVE LEAK OF FUEL.*AK
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jul 1, 2002IL
WHILE FUELING VEHICLE FUEL BEGAN TO LEAK CONSISTENTLY .DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. CONSUMER FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL 97V145000; HOWEVER, RECALL WAS LIMITED TO STATES WITH A WARM CLIMATES.*AK
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed May 23, 2002TX
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, SMELLED FUEL ON THE OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE CONSUMER STATES FOUND A RECALL ON THE SAME PROBLEM HOWEVER MANUFACTURER STATES VEHICLE DOES NOT MATCH VIN NUMBER.*JB
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater Core
Filed May 22, 2002CA
PURCHASED THE CAR USED, A/C HAS NOT BE OPERATIONAL SINCE-EMITS A FOUL ODOR. CONTINUOUS HEATER CORE LEAKS AND FAILURE, EMITS FOUL ODOR RESEMBLING ANTIFREEZE. CAUSES NAUSEA AND HEADACHES. NOT SURE IF A/C PROBLEMS AND HEATER CORE PROBLEMS ARE RELATED. SPEEDOMETER BOUNCES AROUND AFTER 30MPH IS EXCEEDED. CRUISE CONTROL CUTS OFF WHEN GOING UP AN INCLINE. AUTOMATIC SEATBELTS STICK IN POSITION. BEEP THAT ALERTS WHEN YOU HAVE A KEY IN THE IGNITION AND A DOOR OPEN, BEEPS CONSTANTLY EVEN WHEN NO KEY IS IN IGNITION, CANNOT FIND CAUSE. CIGARETTE LIGHTER DOES NOT WORK, CANNOT FIND CAUSE. AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONER RATTLES. HAVE READ THROUGH THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, AND IT SEEMS AS THOUGH I JUST ABOUT HAVE THEM ALL. CHECKED DATE OF MANUFACTURE FOR FUEL TANK RECALL, ONE MONTH SHORT OF BEING IN RECALL, HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT LEAKAGE. SOMETIMES I DO HAVE A FUEL ODOR IN THE CAR, ESPECIALLY WHEN CAR HAS JUST BEEN FILLED UP. ANY HELP IN THIS MATTER WOULD GREATLY BE APPRECIATED.*AK
Seat Belts
Filed Apr 15, 2002WA
AUTOMATIC DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT HESITATES TO RELEASE AND RETRACTS AFTER ENTERING CAR.*AK *YD
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Feb 22, 2002IL
HOOD WOULD INTERMITTENTLY FAIL TO LATCH OR UNLATCH. DEALER REPLACED LATCH, BUT PROBLEM WAS REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Oct 31, 2001NM
IGNITION FAILS INTERMITTENTLY, PREVENTING CONSUMER FROM USING VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE TO DETERMINE A CAUSE FOR THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS.*AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Sep 8, 2001FL
POTENTIAL FOR FATALIES WAS GREAT AS CAR JUST QUIT AT 65 MPH WITH NO WARNING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF A 3 LANE INTERSTATE. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. BOTH TIMES HEAD JUST BLEW APPARENTLY ALLOWING WATER TO BE SUCKED OUT BOTTOM OF CAR CIRCUMVENTING SENSORS. RADIATOR STILL HAD WATER IN IT.. NO STEAM OR INDICATION CAR WAS HOT. TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS READING NORMAL BOTH TIMES. I HAD MULITPLE MECHANICS REVIEW CAR AND NO ONE CAN FIND PROBLEM. HOWEVER BOTH TIMES WATER SEAPED INTO PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD. AFTER REBUILDING ENGINE AND THEN REPLACING ENGINE WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN AT 91,000 MILES NO ONE COULD EXPLAIN WHY IT HAPPENED OR FIND A PROBLEM WITH COOLING SYSTEM OR ANY OTHER COMPONENT..I FEAR TO DRIVE THIS CAR AGAIN NOT KNOWING WHAT IS CAUSING IT OR WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. *AK
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 5, 2001WI
VEHICLE STALLED OUT AT STOPS AND ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT. DEAELR WILL BE CONTACTED. PLEASE ADD VIN AND ANY OTHER INFORMATION TO COMPLETE THE FORM.*AK
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper
Filed Jul 24, 200180,000 milesVA
WHEN BRAKING AT LOW SPEEDS (UNDER 35 MPH), CALIPER SLIDES ARE STICKING. YOU CAN HEAR A KNOCKING NOISE AND FEEL THEM GRABBING THROUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CALIPER SLIDES WERE ORIGINALLY REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND IT SEEMED TO TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM. APPROX. 1 YEAR LATER THE SAME THING STARTED. THE CALIPER SLIDES WERE THEN GREASED AND THIS SEEMED TO TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM UNTIL APPROX. 1 MORE YEAR LATER. THE CALIPER SLIDES WERE STICKING AGAIN, MAKING CLUNKING NOISES WHEN YOU BRAKE. I WAS TOLD THIS IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NOT REQUIRE REGULAR MAINTENANCE. I WANT TO KNOW WHY THIS IS STILL HAPPENING TO THE CALIPER SLIDES AND WHY THERE IS NOT A RECALL ON THIS IF THE PROBLEM CANNOT BE CORRECTED. *PH *JB **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS**749080
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jul 3, 2001NM
FUEL TANK IS LEAKING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Jun 28, 2001TX
FUEL TANK ASSEMBLE DEVELOPED CRACKS NEAR HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT, RESULTING INTO A FUEL LEAKAGE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jun 27, 2001NM
SMELLED A GAS ODOR WHILE IN VEHICLE. ALSO, FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING, IT HAD A CRACK IN THE FRONT PART. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED HAD TO ORDER FUEL TANK. *AK
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed May 10, 2001CA
WHEN I BOUGHT THE MERCURY TRACER BACK IN 1996, I WAS VERY EXCITED, BUT AFTER THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNING THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE GAS TANKS, AT WHICH TIME I TOOK THE CAR IN TO BE CHECKED. SOON AFTER THAT I BEGAN TO HAVE MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AT WHICH TIME IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, THE KEY SWITHCH STOP WORKING MEANING THE SWITCH WOULD NOT TURN TO OFF POSITION, THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT LOCK, THE ELECTRIC SEATBELT STOP WORKING A FEW MONTHS AFTER HOLIDAY FORD SAID THEY FIXED IT. EVERY YEAR FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE BRAKED FIXED(ROTERS). THE JUST LAST YEAR THE HEATING SYSTEM WENT OUT, THE RADIATOR HAD A SMALL LEAK AND IT . I DON'T GO ON MAJOR TRIPS, I HAVE KEPT THE CAR UP WITH REGULAR MAINTENANCE FOR HAVING THIS CAR FOR SIX YEARS I HAVE HAD ALL THESE PROBLEMS AND MABY A FEW MORE, I WILL SIT DOWN AND WRITE LIST. THEN HERE IT IS 2001 AND THE MORTOR JUST DIED WITHOUT WARNING, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET GETTING READY TO TURN THE CORNER AND THE MOTOR JUST STARTED SHAKING AND THE BRAKES PARTIALLY FAILED, IT WAS WEIRD BECAUSE ONE MINUET IT WAS WORKING FINE AND THE NEXT THING I KNOW IT JUST BEGAN TO SHAKE. I WAS TOLD BY A MACHANIC THAT THE CAR WILL NEED A NEW MOTOR. I HAVE FRIENDS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR CAR FOR 15-20 YEARS AND THE MOTOR IS STILL WORKING, SO WHY DID MY MOTOR JUST DIE OUT. THE CAR HAD OIL AND EVERYTHING ELSE THAT IS SUPPOSE TO KEEP IT IN SHAPE, I TRULY BELIEVE THIS CAR WAS A LEMON TO BEGIN WITH, PLEASE HELP.
Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 21, 2001IL
TRAVELING 40MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE MADE A "U" TURN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE. TRACER HIT DRIVER'S REAR, AND AIR BAGS FAILEDTO DEPLOY. EMERGENCY ROOM TREATMENT AND RELEASED.*AK
Power Train
Filed Jan 20, 2001CA
SPEEDOMERT IS ERRATIC ABOVE 55 MPH - UNABLE TO DETERMINE ACTUAL SPEED. SPEEDOMETER INDICATOR JUMPS HIGHER AND LOWER.*AK
Seat Belts
Filed Jan 17, 2001CT
AUTOMATIC SEATBELT STUCK IN FORWARD POSITION. *AK
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 17, 2001NV
COOLING FAN MOTOR REPLACED. *CJ
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Filed Dec 28, 2000MO
DRIVER'S SEATBELT STUCK MIDWAY IN OVERHEAD TRACK. *AK THE TRACK WAS REPLACED. *YH
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Filed Dec 28, 2000MO
DRIVER'S SEATBELT STUCK IN OVERHEAD TRACK. ALSO, AIRBAG COVER LOOKED LIKE IT WAS READY TO POP OFF, AND AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON/OFF. *AK THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRACK AND CHECKED THE AIR BAG. *YH
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Oct 23, 2000CA
WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD STALL/ CUT OFF. WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON PANEL. VEHICLE WILL START BACK UP ON ITS OWN. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM . SERVICE MANAGER SHOULD BE NOTIFIED. *AK
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Oct 4, 2000FL
HAS TO REPLACE PLASTIC TANK W/NEW METAL TANK COST OVER $450
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Sep 16, 2000FL
IN MAY OF 2000, THE ORIGINAL PLASTIC FUEL TANK, IN MY 18 YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER'S MERCURY TRACER, CRACKED IT WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW METAL TANK. THE COST WAS $457.96, WHICH MY DAUGHTER PAID OUT OF HER POCKET. I WOULD LIKE TO NOW IF SHE IS ELIGIBLE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF THE REPLAIR SINCE IT WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2000MD
WHILE DRIVNIG ABOUT 60/65 VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT ANY KIND OF WARNING. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE TIMING BELT WAS REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE.*AK
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Aug 30, 2000FL
THE GAS TANK DEVELOPED A CRACK NEAR THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT, GAS LEAKAGE DUE TO CRACK, RECALL (97V-144) IS BEING DENIED FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. *MJS
Complaints 1-50 of 96, newest first, reproduced as filed.
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Sep 3, 1997. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.