One problem related to radiator has been reported for the 1998 Mercury Tracer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Temperature gauge never once read above normal, was traveling, heard a noise in engine, slowed down and vechicle shut down. I believe thermostat may be defective, there was also damage to the cylinder head. Something is wrong with the engine cooling system when something like this happens because it was full of coolant and oil was full and had just been changed. I have alway had all maintanance done on time, this shouldn't happen at 45,000 miles on any vehicle.