1997 Mercury Villager

125 federal complaints (152 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 3 federal investigations · 128 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 11 model years of the Mercury Villager →
Engine
3.0L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
16 city / 21 hwy
Federal complaints
125
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
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.

Fuel system
28
Body & structure
22
Latches & locks
17
Engine & cooling
16
Brakes
12
Air bags
12
Speed control
10
Power train
5
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

0 years old: 10 complaints01 years old: 2 complaints2 years old: 13 complaints3 years old: 9 complaints4 years old: 24 complaints5 years old: 7 complaints56 years old: 7 complaints7 years old: 4 complaints8 years old: 1 complaints9 years old: 1 complaints10 years old: 2 complaints1011 years old: 1 complaints12 years old: 1 complaints13 years old: 1 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 86 of 125 complaints with a usable failure date.

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.

Fuel system

28 complaint records
"THERE IS FUEL LEAKING FROM FUEL TANK. RECALL 00V419.002 HAS BEEN ISSUED. HOWEVER, HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *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 →

Body & structure

22 complaint records
"SLIDING DOOR PANEL FALLS OFF, THERE IS A SPOT ON THE DOOR IF CONSUMER TOUCHES IT THE DOOR POPS OPEN. TIRES ARE BALD, AND AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHES...."- 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 body & structure parts in the directory →

Latches & locks

17 complaint records
"SLIDING DOOR DOES NOT LATCH COMPLETLY WHEN CLOSED. DOOR ALSO OPENS PARTIALY WHILE DRIVING AND DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON. *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 latches & locks 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.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA00014
opened May 2000
closed Jan 2001Vehicle Speed ControlFUEL 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 2002StructureUNEXPECTED OPENING ON SLIDING DOOR
There is no summary currently available
EA99015
opened Jun 1999
closed Apr 2001Vehicle Speed ControlFUEL 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,...

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.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
00V419002Fuel System, GasolineVEHICLE 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
97V184001Electrical SystemVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMOTIVE BATTERIES SUPPLIED BY GNB TECHNOLOGIES. THESE BATTERIES HAVE A DEFECTIVE NEGATIVE POST THAT CAN CAUSE ACID LEAKAGE AND RELATED CORROSION DAMAGE.Normally free
96V203000Fuel System, GasolineTHE FOUR RUBBER FUEL LINE CONNECTOR HOSES THAT ARE SUPPLIED TO FORD WITH THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. THESE HOSES CAN DEVELOP CRACKS OR SPLITS RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE.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.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2001025
2001-02-09
Fuel System39,378On 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,...
1997190
1997-10-30
Electrical355THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH DEFECTIVE BATTERIES. THE BATTERIES MAY HAVE NEGATIVE TERMINALS THAT COULD FRACTURE CAUSING ACID LEAKAGE AND RELATED CORROSION DAMAGE WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN ENGINE FIRE OR BATTERY EXPLOSION.
1996166
1996-10-21
Fuel System272THE FOUR SHORT RUBBER JUMPER HOSES ATTACHED TO THE FUEL TANK MAY DEVELOP CRACKS OR SPLITS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE POTENTIALLY COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

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.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
042107
Dec 2004
Power TrainGENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
04217
Nov 2004
Power TrainGENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
03148
Jul 2003
Power TrainNEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT
02208
Oct 2002
EquipmentCLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH
02176
Sep 2002
Exterior LightingLAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
0214
Jan 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME 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 CoolingENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT
01194
Oct 2001
Electrical SystemTHIS 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 TrainBRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB
01156
Aug 2001
VisibilitySOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC
01157
Aug 2001
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
14757
Mar 2001
Power TrainINFORMATION ON SERVICING THE FORWARD CLUTCH. *TT
981614
Apr 2000
Exterior LightingMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0120, P0510,P0731,P0732 AND/OR P0733 STORED IN MEMORY WITH NO DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS PRESENT. YD
8316
Mar 2000
EquipmentSOME 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 TrainINFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS
7922
Jan 2000
Power TrainBE 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 TrainINFORMATION REGARDING THE SERVICING OF THE FORWARD CLUTCH, WHICH HAS BEEN REPLACED BY THREE INDIVIDUAL PARTS. *MJS
99222
Oct 1999
Electrical SystemSUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT
13368
Oct 1999
Vehicle Speed ControlADDRESSING AN INTERMITTENT CONDITION WHERE THE SPEED CONTROL WILL NOT SET OR MAY DISENGAGE WHILE DRIVING. *TT
7264
Oct 1999
Vehicle Speed ControlEXHIBITING AN INTERMITTENT CONDITION WHERE THE SPEED CONTROL WILL NOT SET OR MAY DISENGAGE WHILE DRIVING. *TT
99194
Sep 1999
Service BrakesINFORMATION FOR SERVICING AND DIAGNOSING BRAKE VIBRATION, BRAKE INSPECTION, AND BRAKE FRICTION MATERIAL REPLACEMENT. *TT
99195
Sep 1999
EquipmentSERVICE INFORMATION FOR MUSTY AND MILDEW TYPE ODORS COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING / HEATING SYSTEM. *TT
99196
Sep 1999
EquipmentINFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT
6995
Sep 1999
Air BagsSUBJECT REGARDING A FLASHING AIR BAG WARNING LAMP INDICATING A FAULT IN THE SYSTEM. *TT
13179
Sep 1999
Air BagsINFORMATION REGARDING SRS SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS, AIR BAG WARNING INDICATION. *MJS
99139
Jun 1999
Exterior LightingCONDITIONS WITH THE BRAKE LAMPS INADVERTENTLY DISABLING THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *TT
99129
Jun 1999
EquipmentEXPERIENCING 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 OtherINFORMATION DESIGNED TO AID IN THE DIAGNOSIS, TESTING AND REPAIR OF NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) CONCERNS. *TT
991210
Jun 1999
Unknown Or OtherFORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A PRIVATE LABELED MATERIAL TO BE USED FOR IRON PARTICLE / ACID RAIN SERVICE REPAIRS. *TT
99103
Jun 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingON 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.
6390
Jun 1999
Air BagsSUBJECT REGARDING AIR BAG SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS. *TT
12806
Jun 1999
Air BagsSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FLASHING AIR BAG WARNING LAMP INDICATING A FAULT IN THE SYSTEM. *TT
99816
May 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingFORD 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
StructureSUBJECT REGARDING DOOR TRIM PANEL REPLACEMENT - SERVICE TIP. *TT
996018
May 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingBRIEF INFORMATION REGARDING EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS. *TT
12623
Mar 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingINFORMATION REGARDING EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR) SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS. *TT
98259
Dec 1998
Unknown Or OtherSOME VINYL COVERED ITEMS SUCH AS DASH PANELS, DOOR TRIM PANELS, CONSOLES, ETC., MAY EXHIBIT A SMALL DENT, SCUFF, ABRASION AND/ OR DISCOLORATION RESULTING FROM ASSEMBLY, TRANSIT, DEALER PREP AND/OR CUSTOMER USAGE. *YC
98236
Nov 1998
StructureINTERMITTENT SELF-ACTIVATION OF THE POWER DOOR LOCKS MAY OCCUR ON SOME VEHICLES. *YC
98225
Nov 1998
StructureINTERMITTENT SELF-ACTIVATION OF THE POWER DOOR LOCKS MAY OCCUR ON SOME VEHICLES. *YC
12081
Nov 1998
Electrical SystemSOME 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
12121
Nov 1998
SuspensionSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A NOISE CONCERN (S) FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION WHEN DRIVING ON ROUGH ROADS OR DURING A LEFT TURN. *MJS
5051
Nov 1998
StructureREPEAT MESSAGE REGARDING POWER DOOR LOCKS SELF-LOCKING / ERRATIC OPERATION. *TT
985094
Nov 1998
Unknown Or OtherSOME VEHICLES MAY DISPLAY DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 34, OR P0325 (MIL DTC 0304) WHEN TESTING THE ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM. *TT
985142
Nov 1998
SuspensionSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A NOISE CONCERN(S) FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION WHEN DRIVING ON ROUGH ROADS OR DURING A LEFT TURN. *TT
982010
Oct 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingEXPERIENCING A " BUZZING " OR " RATTLING " NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *YC
982012
Oct 1998
StructureINTERMITTENT SELF-ACTIVATION OF THE POWER DOOR LOCKS MAY OCCUR ON SOME VEHICLES. *YC
982015
Oct 1998
Exterior LightingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE ( DTC ) 32. *YC
982016
Oct 1998
EquipmentEXPERIENCING LOW OR NO A/C PERFORMANCE IN HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. *YC
98-4816
Sep 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingCONCERNS WITH EGR FLOW MALFUNCTION. *TT
98-4814
Sep 1998
StructureSOME 1996-1998 VILLAGERS EXHIBIT INTERMITTENT SELF-ACTIVATION OF POWER DOOR LOCKS. *AK
98-4815
Sep 1998
StructureSOME 1996-1998 VILLAGERS EXHIBIT INTERMITTENT SELF-ACTIVATION OF POWER DOOR LOCKS. *AK
98161
Aug 1998
Power TrainWHINING NOISE FROM TRANSAXLE ON LIGHT ACCELERATION, TIP-IN ACCELERATION BETWEEN 40-64 KM/H (25-40 MPH)
98154
Aug 1998
Service BrakesREAR BRAKES ARE BINDING OR OVERHEATING AFTER HAVING BEEN SERVICED. YD
4661
Aug 1998
Electrical SystemSOME VEHICLES WITH ANALOG INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS MAY EXHIBIT A CONCERN OF A FLUCTUATING OR JUMPING TACHOMETER INDICATOR NEEDLE. *TT
11778
Aug 1998
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES WITH ANALOG INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS MAY EXHIBIT A CONCERN OF A FLUCTUATING OR JUMPING TACHOMETER INDICATOR NEEDLE. *TT
9888
Apr 1998
Power TrainINFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC
9852
Apr 1998
TiresINFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC
11528
Apr 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SURGE UNDER CERTAIN DECELERATION CONDITIONS, ENGINE STALLING DURING TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENT, OR AN EXCESSIVE SULFUR-TYPE ODOR FROM THE EXHAUST AT TIMES. *TT
9864
Mar 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingINFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT
985A5
Mar 1998
Service BrakesHUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT FROM ROTUNDA IS NOW APPROVED FOR WARRANTY AND SERVICE USE. *YC

Showing 60 of 128 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.

  1. 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.
  2. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  3. Close every door, hood, and tailgate gently, once.A door that needs a slam or springs back is the latch complaint on this vehicle. It is the kind of fault a seller has learned to hide by slamming.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 →