The contact owns a 1995 Mercury Tracer. The contact stated that since the year 2000, she smelled a strong odor of gasoline emanating from the vehicle. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a vehicle fire. She notified the manufacturer in reference to recall 97V145000, fuel system, gasoline storage tank assembly. She was advised that since her vehicle identification number was excluded from the recall, she was ineligible for a free remedy. No repairs were made. The failure mileage was 76,000 and the current mileage was 88,000.

- Sapulpa, OK, USA

The contact owns a 1995 Mercury Tracer. The contact stated that gasoline was leaking from the vehicle. Upon further inspection, he found a fracture in the fuel tank. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id numbers 97V145000 and 97V144000, although the failures were identical. The failure and current mileages were less than 116,000.

- Rialta, CA, USA

The contact owns a 1995 Mercury Tracer. While driving 30 mph, the contact smelled gasoline. He stated that NHTSA campaign id numbers 97V144000 and 97V145000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly) mentioned the same failures. The vehicle has not been diagnosed. The VIN was unknown. The current mileage was 143,300 and failure mileage was 143,296. Updated 09/24/08. Updated 09/30/08.

- Centinial, CO, USA

The contact owns a 1995 Mercury Tracer. While driving 65 mph, the contact detected a gas odor inside and outside the vehicle. The mechanic stated that there was a crack in the fuel tank. According to the manufacturer, recall # 97V145000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly) does not apply to his VIN. The contact felt that his vehicle should be included in the recall. The current and failure mileages were 50,471.

- New York, NY, USA

I smelled gasoline in my garage on Tuesday June 11. Laying between the cars I found several steady drips from the fuel tank. I pushed the car out of the garage and two days later it had leaked to a level for the leak to stop. I contacted Ford/merc. Motor co. About the existing recall, notes:Mercury Tracer 97S79, for the potential units affected 64000 vehicles. Even though I had a serious potential for a house fire I was told that my VIN did not qualify for the recall. I was further told to get it fixed by a for dealer and they may review the data in the future. I am looking for immediate relief for this problem. Can you help?

- Orl., FL, USA

The plastic gas tank on our 1995 Mercury Tracer cracked open. The shop that we took it to knew of a recall because he owned one previously that was recalled for this specific problem. Ours is not under the recall, but the crack is identical to what is in recalls 97V145000 and 97V144000. The heat shield that is mounted directly to the gas tank, cracked the tank and caused what could have been a potential fire if we had not noticed that there was gas leaking onto the roadway. The repairs have been made, but we feel that this vehicle should have been included under the recall. It is a 1.9L engine and was built in Mexico.

- Littleton, CO, USA

Consumer states: Fuel tank vent hose leaks when you fill it up, when you run so low it quits leaking, and is on highway.

- Palm Bay, FL, USA

Dealer determined that a crack at the shield bracket caused fuel to leak from the fuel tank. Recall 97V144000 concerning fuel tank was issued; however, this vehicle was not covered under recall due to VIN.

- Davenport, IA, USA

NHTSA recall 97-V-144-000 :vehicle description: Passenger vehicles equipped with 1.9L engines, built at the hermosillo or wayne assembly plants and originally sold or is currently registered in cracks can develop in the fuel tank near the heat shield attachment, resulting in fuel leakage if the cracks go through the fuel tank wall. The consumer had the same problem, however this vehicle was not recalled due to the VIN. There were cracks and leaks in the fuel line at the heat shield mount. The tank was replaced.

- Platte City, MO, USA

My dates/ mileage are not accurate, but info otherwise is correct. Do I need accident report for air bag date? I am scarred from the gas and the airbag seam that ripped my wrists open from the deployment of the bags during this accident. I was quite infected. Also, my gas tank cracked a few years ago and my ex-beau used boat putty for plastic boat gas tanks to fix it until I could handle it. It held well until now and has cracked further in the same area. Putty is not holding any longer. I was just about to replace the tank recently when I heard about the recall. I would like to know if I am still eligible for a replacement tank per the recall of 1997 and for replacement air bags. After my accident I did have my car repaired but wonder if the same yr and model of airbag may be installed. Please advise asap. I need to handle my air bags & tank as I can put less than $7 in gas at a time or it leaks and eats asphalt away on the street and in parking spaces. The smell and danger is at a high level. Please respond quickly.thanks again.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

Fuel leakages from fuel tank while vehicle parked. Dealer and manufacturer were notifed. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Baltimore County, MD, USA

There was a smell of fuel in inside of vehicle.dealer was notified, and mechanic stated there was a massive leak of fuel.

- Summerville, MA, USA

While fueling vehicle fuel began to leak consistently.dealer has been notified. Consumer found out there was a recall 97V145000; however, recall was limited to states with a warm climates.

- Stokiea, IL, USA

Consumer states while driving vehicle, smelled fuel on the outside of vehicle consumer states found a recall on the same problem however manufacturer states vehicle does not match VIN number.

- Little Elm, TX, USA

Purchased the car used, A/C has not be operational since-emits a foul odor. Continuous heater core leaks and failure, emits foul odor resembling antifreeze. Causes nausea and headaches. Not sure if A/C problems and heater core problems are related. Speedometer bounces around after 30mph is exceeded. Cruise control cuts off when going up an incline. Automatic seatbelts stick in position. Beep that alerts when you have a key in the ignition and a door open, beeps constantly even when no key is in ignition, cannot find cause. Cigarette lighter does not work, cannot find cause. Automatic belt tensioner rattles. Have read through the consumer complaints, and it seems as though I just about have them all. Checked date of manufacture for fuel tank recall, one month short of being in recall, have concerns about leakage. Sometimes I do have a fuel odor in the car, especially when car has just been filled up. Any help in this matter would greatly be appreciated.

- Tehachapi, CA, USA

Fuel tank is leaking.

- Holloman Afb, NM, USA

Smelled a gas odor while in vehicle. Also, fuel tank was leaking, it had a crack in the front part. Contacted dealer, and dealer stated had to order fuel tank.

- Radium Springs, NM, USA

When I bought the Mercury Tracer back in 1996, I was very excited, but after the first year of owning the vehicle there was a recall on the gas tanks, at which time I took the car in to be checked. Soon after that I began to have many problems with the car. The electrical system failed at which time it was covered under warranty, the key swithch stop working meaning the switch would not turn to off position, the door locks would not lock, the electric seatbelt stop working a few months after holiday Ford said they fixed it. Every year for the past 3 years I have had to have the braked fixed(roters). The just last year the heating system went out, the radiator had a small leak and it. I don't go on major trips, I have kept the car up with regular maintenance for having this car for six years I have had all these problems and maby a few more, I will sit down and write list. Then here it is 2001 and the mortor just died without warning, I was driving down the street getting ready to turn the corner and the motor just started shaking and the brakes partially failed, it was weird because one minuet it was working fine and the next thing I know it just began to shake. I was told by a machanic that the car will need a new motor. I have friends who have had their car for 15-20 years and the motor is still working, so why did my motor just die out. The car had oil and everything else that is suppose to keep it in shape, I truly believe this car was a lemon to begin with, please help.

- Delano, CA, USA

Has to replace plastic tank w/new metal tank cost over $450

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

In may of 2000, the original plastic fuel tank, in my 18 year-old daughter's Mercury Tracer, cracked it was replaced with a new metal tank. The cost was $457.96, which my daughter paid out of her pocket. I would like to now if she is eligible to be reimbursed for the cost of the replair since it was a manufacturer defect.

- Clearwater, FL, USA