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1989 Mercury Tracer 2dr Hatchback 5MT

All Mercury Tracer trims (1988–1990) → All Mercury Tracer generations →
1989 Mercury Tracer – exterior Unverified
Photo: Mercury Tracer 5dr by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the first generation (1988–1990); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
  1. Photo: Mercury Tracer 5dr by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Photo: MercuryTracer232 by dave_7, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Photo: 1987 Mercury Tracer - Flickr - dave 7 by dave_7 from Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Photo: Mercury Tracer 5-door by Accord14, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  5. Photo: WhiteMercuryTracer by Ryanandlenny, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1989 Mercury Tracer 2dr Hatchback 5MT is an 84-hp inline-4 hatchback with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $8,971 MSRP and is rated at 27 mpg combined.

It makes 84 horsepower. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway (27 mpg combined).

The Tracer measures 162.0 inches long on a 94.7-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,205 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeHatchback
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$8,971 ($23,513 *)
Engine
Engine Type1.6L Mazda B6 SOHC inline-4, fuel injected, naturally aspirated
Horsepower84 hp
ValvetrainSOHC
Bore and Stroke78.0 x 83.6
Injection TypeFuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City24 MPG
Highway32 MPG
Combined27 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tank Capacity11 gal
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front13 in
Wheels Rear13 in
Dimensions & Weight
Length162 in
Width65.2 in
Height53 in
Wheelbase94.7 in
Cargo Volume14 ft³
Curb Weight2,205 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front38 in
Headroom Rear37 in
Legroom Front41 in
Legroom Rear34 in
Shoulder Room Front51 in
Shoulder Room Rear51 in
Hip Room Front52 in
Hip Room Rear52 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Similar cars

Rivals to the 1989 Mercury Tracer 2dr Hatchback 5MT with similar size, power and price from around the same years.

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1989 Mercury TRACER. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jun 27, 1995 · SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THAT LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

NHTSA campaign 95V103011

16 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1989 Mercury TRACER

Owner Complaints

16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1989 Mercury TRACER (3 a fire). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine And Engine Cooling6
Hydraulic2
Seat Belts2
Service Brakes2
Unknown Or Other2
Electrical System1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Aug 13, 2017 · Unknown Or Other
“THERE IS A STALLING PROBLEM, EVEN WHEN DRIVING! THE WERE A NUMBER OF TIMES THAT I HAD TO BE PUSHED OF A MAIN ROAD. IT TOOK HOURS TO RESTART. IF I WAIT OVER 10 HOURS, MOST TIMES THE CAR WILL RESTART…”
Dec 30, 2001 · Seat Belts
“THEY HAVE A LEAP SEAT BELT IN THE BACK ONLY. *AK”
Oct 13, 2000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“I AM A SINGLE 66 YR OLD ON A FIXED INCOME, PURCHASED THE THE VEHICLE IN JUNE OF 2000 SINCE THAT DATE I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR, WHEN I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE GETS…”
Oct 15, 1999 · Power Train
“THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE FAILED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED USED WITH 14,700 MILES. THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURED ON APRIL 5, 1998, TRAVELING 65 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. THE LEFT…”
Jul 28, 1999 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“AT 64,000 MILES THE ENGINE FAILED, OIL LEAKING IN PISTONS, THE WHOLE ENGINE WAS REPLACE. *YC”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1989 MERCURY TRACER. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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