Mercury Tracer engine failure problems

Filed Nov 7, 2007 · Brakes, Engine · 91,698 miles · NV

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mercury tracer. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, she lost control of the vehicle and drove into the median to avoid oncoming traffic. The engine shut off and the cylinder head was blown. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure; however, they stated that the engine needed to be rebuilt. . The contact stated that the cylinder head in the engine failed and caused her to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle has not been repaired. The dealer and the warranty company stated that they were unable to honor the warranty to repair the vehicle. The warranty information is available if needed. The failure also caused damage to the front driver and passenger side tires. There were no injuries. On october 8, 2007, the contact drove to the dealer because the vehicle was leaking coolant. After three hours of inspecting the vehicle, the cause of the failure was still undetermined. The dealer advised her to bring the vehicle back in a few days. A couple of days later, while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle began losing speed and the engine failed. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer and they stated that the engine failed. The vehicle has an extended warranty through another company. The vehicle was inspected by the warranty company, but they refused to pay for the repair work. The dealer refused to perform the repair. The contact believed that this was because she reported the dealer to the better business bureau. The current and failure mileages were 91,698. The fuel gauge was inoperative. The AC did not blow out cold air, the front brakes were replaced. Updated 12/12/07

Filed Feb 21, 2006 · Engine · 60,430 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine made a loud knocking noise. The contact immediately turned off the engine and the noise stopped. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop for inspection. The mechanic replaced the engine seat, cylinder head, and head gasket which corrected the problem. Updated 3/28/2006 -

Filed Mar 26, 2004 · Engine · 70,000 miles · LA

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.

Filed Dec 28, 2001 · Engine · CA

Engine failed after complete tuneup.

Filed Dec 28, 2001 · Engine · CA

Engine failed after complete tuneup.

Filed Aug 6, 2001 · Engine · OR

Engine blew up in rush hour traffic - huge safety concerns for other tracer drivers, no light indicator, no gauge warning, etc.- car has been maintained, just blew up- nothing to indicate reason. Should consider recalling tracers for investigation of engine.

Filed Jul 31, 2001 · Engine · OR

Engine failed in rush hour traffic on freeway with family in car- no light, no gauge indicator, no history of problems with the car- huge safety hazard, absolutely did not know it would happen. Ford is, thus far, unresponsive.

Filed Jul 24, 2001 · Engine · OR

While traveling on the freeway, the car engine blew up (at maximum freeway speed) and after making it to the side of the road, discovered that the engine was completely blown. There was no warning, no light, no nothing- stranded the family in mid traffic during rush hour at an extremely dangerous section of freeway- car is 3 years old and should have warned us with lights or something- we need it repaired. Very potential dangerous situation, hopefully it won't happen to anyone else. Ford needs to look into this pronto. Our warranty has expired but this should be taken care of as a safety issue.

Filed May 22, 2000 · Engine · CA

Engine valve fell off the engine and caused engine failure. Dealer / manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that it was not covered under recalls, and all repairs would be at consumer's cost.

Filed Aug 11, 1999 · Engine · MI

At 2,795 miles the engine was replaced. At 4,162 miles vehicle experienced sudden acceleration on two occasions. One incident resulted in hitting a light pole.