Mercury Tracer coil spring problems

Filed Oct 11, 2010 · Suspension · 181,675 miles · ID

1997 mercury tracer trio VIN [xxx] my wife and I bought this car from wanted auto sales in worley idaho. My we have a one year old daughter. We heard a noise from the rear of the car. My wife thought we were bottoming out. I came to discover that both rear factory struts the coil springs were broken near the bottom of the strut housing. It looks like the metal has just fractured and failed. The coils material must be defective and not up to specs from ford this is clearly a ford defect. This is a huge safety concern for us with a one year old in the car. We are not happy if this could cost the death of a child because of a unsafe condition. The car is not new but the springs should last the life of the car not break like this. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Feb 28, 2006 · Suspension · 139,000 miles · CT

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.

Filed Jun 10, 2005 · Suspension · 83,000 miles · NY

Rear coil spring fractured, without provocation, in my 1998 mercury tracer sedan. After speaking to 3 different independent shops and 2 different ford service departments, it was absolutely clear that ford/mercury has a known material defect that they have chosen to ignore. Everyone concedes that these springs are failing at absurd rates but fomo co policy is to deny everything (despite what their own service technicians are admitting) catastrophic failures while driving frequently result in tire blowouts... This problem occurs throughout the taurus/sable, escort/tracer, and topaz/contour car lines... I still have the shattered spring in my possession, fomoco expressed zero interest when I contacted them...

Filed Feb 19, 2004 · Engine, Suspension · MO

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. All of these problems are well documented and ford should address these flaws.

Filed Sep 22, 2003 · Suspension · NY

During a vehicle inspection rear coil springs broke and were replaced.

Filed Sep 5, 2003 · Steering, Suspension · IL

Consumer complained about having problems with a right tie rod and a right coil spring. He had taken vehicle to a repair shop and was told by a mechanic what was wrong with the vehicle. Vehicle was real dangerous to be driven. Manufacturer was not contacted at the time of this call. Dealer was contacted and replaced the damaged parts with the warranty. Vehicle had less than 30000 miles.

Filed Jul 30, 2002 · Suspension · VA

While driving consumer was not able to turn right, there was a loud noise from rear end. Mechanic determined both rear coil springs were broken in the same place.

Filed Feb 2, 2002 · Suspension · MA

Broken rear coil springs at very low mileage,could have caused tire blowouts,serious accident.

Filed Feb 2, 2002 · Suspension · MA

Broken rear coil springs at very low mileage, could have caused blowouts, serious accident.

Filed May 30, 2001 · Suspension · MO

Both rear coil springs were rusted and broken near bottom.