1996 Mercury Tracer: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Mercury Tracer: 0 recalls, 12 owner complaints and up to 30 mpg combined.
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Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 10 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Seat belts (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seats (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1996 Mercury Tracer has 12 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 11 Tracer model years for complaints (well below the 48 average). Complaints peaked in 1997 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 50,619 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (96 complaints, 3 recalls), 1997 (142 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 35 | 30 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 22 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Mercury Tracer.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Mercury Tracer have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1996 Mercury Tracer. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1996 Mercury Tracer problems?
Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are seat belts (4), airbags (3), steering (2).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Mercury Tracer get?
EPA ratings run up to 30 mpg combined (1.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Mercury Tracer repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.