1997 Mercury Tracer: fire, smoke or burning smell

9 of the 142 complaints about the 1997 Mercury Tracer describe fire, smoke or burning smell.

owner complaints: 9
of this car's complaints: 6%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 17 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year

1998
1
1997
9
1995
1
1994
3
1993
1
1991
4
1990
1

What owners say

Filed Mar 18, 2008 · Engine · 78,000 miles · KY · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mercury tracer. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the contact pulled to the side of the road. He lifted the hood and noticed flames coming from the engine. He extinguished the fire and had the vehicle towed to a junkyard. The contact later sold the vehicle to the junkyard for $100. The dealer stated that because he no longer owned the vehicle, they could not investigate the failure. The failure and current mileages were 78,000. Updated 04/16/08 *bf updated 04/16/08

Filed May 10, 2006 · Electrical · 19,000 miles · 00 · fire · 2 injuries

This car is a ford mercury tracer, 1997, VIN #1melm10p2vw6246 there was a smell of burning acid and a small amount of smoke. About two hours later the car burst in flames we lost the entire interior.

Filed Apr 6, 2005 · Airbags, Electrical · 60,000 miles · FL · fire

While driving air bag light illuminated and vehicle stalled. Driver got the vehicle to the side of the road and vehicle caught on fire under the dashboard. *ak

Filed Nov 18, 2003 · Airbags · 119,800 miles · AZ · fire · 1 injury

Two weeks ago my car (a 1997 mercury tracer) was involved in an car accident in kingman, (4 hours north west of phoenix). The cause of the accident was the fault of the air bags suddenly deploying without cause, causing extensive damage to my car. I then notified my insurance company and it was towed to a repair shop here in kingman. Later the next day while the repair shop was doing their investigation into the cause, the car burst into flames from the air bag compartment. A couple days later the insurance company notified me that there was a recall from ford motor company of which I was never notified. Then confirming that to me that my car was in fact totaled, and they wished to remove the car from the repair shop. Earlier last week I sent an email to ford motors telling of my disgust of the company because I was never notified on such a serious issue. On friday 11/14 I received a call from ford motors customer service asking for more information about the accident. At this time I am waiting for a response back from, what I assume, is their legal department.

Filed Jul 25, 2003 · Airbags · TX · fire

While traveling about 5 MPH inside of a parking lot and without prior warning the vehicle shutdown. The consumer had seen smoke coming out of the vents, then the vehicle had caught on fire. *ak the inspector stated the fire stemmed from a short. *scc the consumer received a recall regarding the air bag module/sensor.

Filed Jan 17, 2002 · Airbags, Electrical · LA · fire

The airbag light illuminated, and the vehicle began smoking and then caught on fire.*jb(claim#18-0629-945)

Filed Dec 31, 2001 · Electrical · LA · fire

Air bag light illuminated, vehicle started smoking and caught on fire, claim 18-0629-945.

Filed Oct 10, 2001 · Airbags · FL

Airbag light keeps flashing, and there is a beeping sound. Also there was smoke coming from passenger's side airbag compartment. Consumer disconnected battery.

Filed Sep 22, 1998 · Engine · TN · fire

While the vehicle has been parked for 12 hours when it caught on fire for no apparent reason. No prior problems with the vehicle. Currently at the dealer. Cause unknown. Please provide details.