The trunk reflector plastic pegs broke and I've seen this on other tracers as well. We are unable to find another. If we were to go to a used car parts lot, most likely, they would break before we could pop one off. We are forced to use tape to hold it in place. The auto repair shop said that part couldn't be ordered anymore. Yes, this is an old car, but still, we should be able to drive on the freeway without our trunk reflector blowing off and causing an accident. The driver rear tail light is doing the same thing too. The light works, but the plastic fittings break and the light could blow off as well--but it is mostly intact at this time and I'm pretty sure I can buy another, however, at this time our tape does run from most of the reflector to the light as well. I just think they should make a trunk reflector that doesn't blow off. I don't care how old the car is.
The worst 1999 Mercury Tracer problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical6
- Brakes5
- Airbags3
- Lights2
- Suspension2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical6
- Brakes5
- Airbags3
- Lights2
- Suspension2
- Transmission2
- Acceleration1
- Body1
- Engine1
- Fuel system1
- Seat belts1
- Steering1
- Tires1
- Visibility1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Defect investigations
Air bag non-deployment
DP01001
Technical service bulletins for the 1999 Mercury Tracer 85
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair
- General (PCM) power train control module programming procedures
- General power train control module (PCM) programming procedures
- Trw vehicle safety systems, inc
- Inoperative electric rear window defroster (heated backlite) grid lines, integral antenna concerns
- Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCS) P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457 or...
- Remote keyless entry (RKE) - service tips
- Idle vibration on vehicles equipped with 2.0L spi or zetec engine only
- New transmission cooler flusher - service tips
- Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457,...
1999 Mercury Tracer fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 22-24 | 31-34 | 25-28 |
What 1999 Mercury Tracer owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury tracer. The contact stated that the horn continues to fail. The horn has been replaced on numerous occasions. For the most recent replacement, the wiring connected to the air bag burned. The dealer wired a separate button for the contact to push in order to activate the horn. This remedy did not work properly and enabled the vehicle's alarm system. The contact does not know if the air bags are fully operable. The manufacturer has not responded. The current mileage was 100,605 and the failure mileage was unknown.
Broken rear springs.
Had to replace both headlamp electrical connectors, due to melting from excess heat.
The front plastic headlight lens are deteriorating, conditions are causing poor visibility while driving at night. Both lens was replaced and repaired by a local repair shop. The dealer was not notified. *nm...the two headlight lens became yellow and discolored. They did not provide adequate visibility at night. Replaced headlights at cost of $317.oo, including pennsylvania state tax.
The engine stalled when the consumer attempted to start it .the consumer took the vehicle to the shop for an inspection and results showed that a new ignition switch was needed.
Vehicle would not start. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the engine failed due to a mechanical failure, and engine must be replaced.
We bought a 1999 mercury tracer used car on 04/2000, later the steering wheel started vibrating badly, this vibration can be felt thru out the car. The car has been in for repair 8 times. The service manager now says that this vibration is normal. When we took it back sat in the car and said that he would not drive that car vibrating like that and he would not expect us to. . I asked if it was safe to drive, he said he could not answer that. My concern is, with this severe vibration is the steering column going to disconnect or lockup and cause severe bodily harm. If this problem is "normal" then why isn't the consumer warned about this in their advertisements.from reading other the federal safety agency reports I see that other individuals have had steering problems due to lockup and breakage after reporting unusual vibrations in the steering column and engine. Tha last month my car broke down completed. I took to the midas and the manager said me the was all motor mounts and two front axxels, then I fixed did he told me it was everithing. And then I tooked because I'm still have the same problem then I tooked back to midas they checked for the four time then he told me the was the trasmission problem. I'm stiil have a problem.
When slowing down and coming to a complete stop with a bump in the road, the vehicle would accelerate. (the consumer's foot would be on the brake pedal) the dealer could not find the problem. The consumer stated that she has almost had accidents because of this. *slc
While traveling 40-45 MPH and as a result of a rear end collision, air bags did not deploy at any time. Please provide further information.
Compare the 1999 Mercury Tracer
Other model years
Questions about the 1999 Mercury Tracer
Is the 1999 Mercury Tracer reliable?
Owners have filed 20 complaints about the 1999 Mercury Tracer, fewer than a typical Tracer model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Mercury Tracer?
Electrical system, with 6 complaints. Next is brakes (5).
How many recalls does the 1999 Mercury Tracer have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Mercury Tracer have the most electrical problems?
The Mercury Tracer model years with the most electrical complaints are 1997 (22 complaints) and 1991 (17 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Mercury Tracer get?
Official estimates for the 1999 Mercury Tracer range from 25 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22-24 city and 31-34 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1999 Mercury Tracer?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history