Engine
3.0L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 289 of 367 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 44 of 367 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
101 complaint records4 fire reports4 crash reports
"IFOLD IS WARPING, CAUSING BOLTS TO SHEAR OFF. MECHANIC SAYS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT IN THE PARTS.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Fuel system
83 complaint records1 fire report
"WNEN FUEL TANK IS FILLED GASOLINE SPILLS FROM GAS TANK. CONSUMER SMELLED GASOLINE EARLY ON, AND NOTIFIED DEALERSHIP. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →
Brakes
54 complaint records4 crash reports
"WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THERE IS A NOISE, TOOK TO DEALER WHO SAID THAT NEEDED A BRAKE KIT, THE KIT IS ON ORDER . *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA00014 opened May 2000 | closed Jan 2001 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL TANK VENT HOSE LEAKAGE PERIODIC EXPOSURE TO LIQUID GASOLINE MAY RESULT IN EXTRACTION OF ANTIDEGRADANTS FROM THE SUBJECT FUEL TANK VENT HOSE.HOSES WHICH HAVE SUFFERED LOSS OF ANTIDEGRADANTS CAN DEVELOP CRACKS IN AREAS OF HIGH STRAIN.FUEL MAY SPRAY OR DRIP FROM CRACKED VENT HOSES... |
| SQ00008 opened May 2000 | closed Apr 2002 | Structure | UNEXPECTED OPENING ON SLIDING DOOR There is no summary currently available |
| PE99077 opened Dec 1999 | closed May 2000 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL TANK VENT HOSE LEAKAGE There is no summary currently available |
| EA99015 opened Jun 1999 | closed Apr 2001 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL RAIL HOSE FITTING LEAKAGE THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSING REPORT COVERS 1993-1998 MERCURY VILLAGER AND NISSAN QUEST MINIVANS.THESE TWO MINIVANS SHARE A COMMON BODY PLATFORM AND POWER TRAIN.BASED ON THE LOW NUMBER OF REPORTED INCIDENTS AND THE ABSENCE OF A DEMONSTRABLE FAILURE TREND,... |
| PE99013 opened Feb 1999 | closed Jun 1999 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL RAIL HOSE FITTING LEAKAGE SINCE SEPTEMBER 1998, ODI HAS RECEIVED SEVEN COMPLAINTS OF FUEL ODOR OR LEAKAGE IN 1994 THROUGH 1995 MERCURY VILLAGER VEHICLES.FOUR OF THE LEAKS HAVE BEEN TRACED TO A SHORT SECTION OF HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE FUEL SUPPLY TUBE TO THE REAR OF THE FUEL... |
Show 1 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA96005 opened May 1996 | closed May 1997 | Electrical System | BATTERY EXPLOSIONS A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00V419002 | Fuel System, Gasoline | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE FUEL TANK VENT HOSE ALLOWS AIR TO VENT FROM THE FUEL TANK DURING REFUELING. CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE VENT HOSE. | Normally free |
| 96V253003 | Exterior Lighting | THE REAR LAMP SOCKET MAY NOT ILLUMINATE BECAUSE THE METAL CAN IN THE LAMP SOCKET MOVES OR SEPARATES FROM THE PLASTIC SOCKET HOUSING. | Normally free |
| 96V089001 | Seats | AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION CONDITION IN THE SEAT CABLE ROLLER PULLEY ASSEMBLY CAN ALLOW THE CABLE THAT CONNECTS THE SEAT ADJUST LEVER TO THE LATCH TO BE PINCHED IN THE ROLLER ASSEMBLY. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001025 2001-02-09 | Fuel System | 39,378 | On certain vehicles, cracks could develop in the fuel vent hose. If (1) the fuel tank is overfilled, not allowing excess fuel in the vent hose to flow back into the tank, (2) the vehicle is driven only a short distance after refueling and,... |
| 1997012 1997-01-21 | Lights And Instruments | 11,193 | A REAR LAMP ON THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE BECAUSE THE METAL CAN IN THE LAMP SOCKET MOVES OR SEPARATES FROM THE PLASTIC SOCKET HOUSING. THIS CAN RESULT IN THE STOP/TAIL COMBINATION LAMP OR THE TURN SIGNAL LAMP NOT FUNCTIONING. |
| 1996103 1996-07-11 | Seats And Restraints | 543 | THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 207 - ANCHORAGE OF SEATS AND 210 - SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES. CERTAIN SEAT ANCHORAGES ARE ATTACHED TO THE THIRD SEAT. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03148 Jul 2003 | Power Train | NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 02208 Oct 2002 | Equipment | CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH | |
| 02176 Sep 2002 | Exterior Lighting | LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ | |
| 0214 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT | |
| 01246 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01194 Oct 2001 | Electrical System | THIS ARITLCE IS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON REPLACEMENT OF OLD STYLE HOOD LAMP SWITCH TO THE RVISED MECHANICAL HOOD LAMP SWITCH. *TT | |
| 01181 Sep 2001 | Power Train | BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB | |
| 01156 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC | |
| 01157 Aug 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC | |
| 14757 Mar 2001 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON SERVICING THE FORWARD CLUTCH. *TT | |
| 8316 Mar 2000 | Equipment | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH COMPACT DISC CHANGER MAY EXHIBIT A 6 DISC CD CHANGER THAT IS NOT EJECTING THE MAGAZINE OR IS NOT RESPONDING TO COMMAND FROM THE RADIO. | |
| 0015 Jan 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS | |
| 7922 Jan 2000 | Power Train | BE AWARE THAT THE F6XZ-7A360-AA FORWARD CLUTCH ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN REPLACED BY 3 INDIVIDUAL PARTS. XF5Z-7A360-AA(DRUM), XF5Z-7A398-AA (PLANETARY) AND F3XY-7B066-F (PRESSURE PLATE). | |
| 13760 Jan 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING THE SERVICING OF THE FORWARD CLUTCH, WHICH HAS BEEN REPLACED BY THREE INDIVIDUAL PARTS. *MJS | |
| 99222 Oct 1999 | Electrical System | SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT | |
| 13368 Oct 1999 | Vehicle Speed Control | ADDRESSING AN INTERMITTENT CONDITION WHERE THE SPEED CONTROL WILL NOT SET OR MAY DISENGAGE WHILE DRIVING. *TT | |
| 7264 Oct 1999 | Vehicle Speed Control | EXHIBITING AN INTERMITTENT CONDITION WHERE THE SPEED CONTROL WILL NOT SET OR MAY DISENGAGE WHILE DRIVING. *TT | |
| 99194 Sep 1999 | Service Brakes | INFORMATION FOR SERVICING AND DIAGNOSING BRAKE VIBRATION, BRAKE INSPECTION, AND BRAKE FRICTION MATERIAL REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 99195 Sep 1999 | Equipment | SERVICE INFORMATION FOR MUSTY AND MILDEW TYPE ODORS COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING / HEATING SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 99196 Sep 1999 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT | |
| 99139 Jun 1999 | Exterior Lighting | CONDITIONS WITH THE BRAKE LAMPS INADVERTENTLY DISABLING THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *TT | |
| 99129 Jun 1999 | Equipment | EXPERIENCING A WHINE / BUZZ TYPE NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO ON VEHICLES WITH AN IN-TANK ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP. *TT | |
| 99111 Jun 1999 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION DESIGNED TO AID IN THE DIAGNOSIS, TESTING AND REPAIR OF NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) CONCERNS. *TT | |
| 99103 Jun 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ON SOME VEHICLES THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP MAY ILLUMINATE AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES 32, 35, P0400, P0402, P1400, P1401, P1402 OR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP 0302, 0305, 0306, 0514, 1005 MAY BE STORED INDICATING A MALFUNCTION IN THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) SYSTEM. | |
| 99816 May 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT | |
| 99-8-15 May 1999 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING DOOR TRIM PANEL REPLACEMENT - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 996018 May 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BRIEF INFORMATION REGARDING EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS. *TT | |
| 5858 Mar 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY SHORTAGE. *TT | |
| 12623 Mar 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR) SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS. *TT | |
| 12534 Mar 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING SHORTAGE OF NEW TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLIES. *TT | |
| 98L20 Dec 1998 | Unknown Or Other | SPECIAL FIELD ACTION REGARDING REVISED WARANTY INFORMATION. *TT | |
| 12081 Nov 1998 | Electrical System | SOME VEHICLES MAY DISPLAY DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) 34, OR PO325 (MIL DTC 0304) WHEN TESTING THE ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM, INDICATING A FAULT WITH THE ENGINE KNOCK SENSOR CIRCUIT. *MJS | |
| 985094 Nov 1998 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES MAY DISPLAY DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 34, OR P0325 (MIL DTC 0304) WHEN TESTING THE ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 982015 Oct 1998 | Exterior Lighting | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE ( DTC ) 32. *YC | |
| 982016 Oct 1998 | Equipment | EXPERIENCING LOW OR NO A/C PERFORMANCE IN HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. *YC | |
| 98-4816 Sep 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CONCERNS WITH EGR FLOW MALFUNCTION. *TT | |
| 98161 Aug 1998 | Power Train | WHINING NOISE FROM TRANSAXLE ON LIGHT ACCELERATION, TIP-IN ACCELERATION BETWEEN 40-64 KM/H (25-40 MPH) | |
| 98154 Aug 1998 | Service Brakes | REAR BRAKES ARE BINDING OR OVERHEATING AFTER HAVING BEEN SERVICED. YD | |
| 4661 Aug 1998 | Electrical System | SOME VEHICLES WITH ANALOG INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS MAY EXHIBIT A CONCERN OF A FLUCTUATING OR JUMPING TACHOMETER INDICATOR NEEDLE. *TT | |
| 11778 Aug 1998 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES WITH ANALOG INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS MAY EXHIBIT A CONCERN OF A FLUCTUATING OR JUMPING TACHOMETER INDICATOR NEEDLE. *TT | |
| 9888 Apr 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC | |
| 9852 Apr 1998 | Tires | INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC | |
| 985A5 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT FROM ROTUNDA IS NOW APPROVED FOR WARRANTY AND SERVICE USE. *YC | |
| 985A11 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | SERVICE TIP INFORMATION REGARDING ELIMINATION OF SANDING ROTORS AND DRUMS. *YC | |
| 985A13 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE. *YC | |
| 985A33 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | THE REAR BRAKES MAY BIND OR OVERHEAT AFTER HAVING BEEN RECENTLY SERVICED. *YC | |
| 985A49 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | EXPERIENCING A SQUEALING OR GRINDING NOISE FROM EITHER THE FRONT OR REAR BRAKES WHEN THE CUSTOMER LIGHTLY APPLIES THE BRAKES. *TT | |
| 9845 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | AVAILABILITY OF HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT. *YC | |
| 983114 Feb 1998 | Structure | THIS BULLETIN MENTIONS THE TWO DIFFERENT CYLINDERS AVAILABLE FOR REPLACEMENT LIFTGATE SUPPORT CYLINDERS. *TT | |
| 983072 Feb 1998 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT ABS WARNING LAMP CONCERN AND TROUBLE CODES 41/ 45/ 55/ 63 MAY BE RETRIEVED DURING A QUICK TEST. *TT | |
| 9811312 Feb 1998 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN ILLUMINATED ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) WARNING LAMP AND TROUBLE CODES 41/45/55/63. *TT | |
| 9814 Jan 1998 | Service Brakes | SUBJECT REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT. *TT | |
| 97111097234 Nov 1997 | Electrical System | VEHICLES EXHIBITING A "SQUEAKING" OR "CHIRPING" FROM THE BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW BLOWER MOTOR SPEEDS. *YC | |
| BC2235970501 May 1997 | Structure | SHEET METAL DISTORTION AROUND THE AREA OF THE REAR WIPER SHAFT. *TW | |
| BC2290970501 May 1997 | Visibility | FRONT DOOR WINDOW BINDING WHILE TRAVELING UP OR DOWN. *TW | |
| BC2304970501 May 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EGR FUNCTION TESTING. *TW | |
| BC2361970501 May 1997 | Unknown Or Other | AUTHORIZED WARRANTY PART REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE PADS TO CORRECT EXCESSIVE BRAKE NOISE. *TW | |
| BC2443970501 May 1997 | Unknown Or Other | INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO MANUALLY CLEAR CODES FROM MEMORY AFTER AN ABS BRAKE REPAIR. *TW | |
| 9768 Mar 1997 | Unknown Or Other | FUEL ECONOMY- CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS VERSUS VEHICLE USAGE. *JD | |
| 97610 Mar 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BLOWER MOTOR- "CHIRPING" OR "SQUEAKING" FROM BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW SPEEDS. *JD |
Showing 60 of 121 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Mercury Villager →