RoadVitals

1998 Mercury Villager Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
83
Latest Mar 14, 2018
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
11

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1998 Mercury Villager, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1998 MERCURY VILLAGER PURCHASED USED IN 2003. IDLE THROTTLE BODY FAILED IN 2006, MERCURY DEALER TOOK TWO WEEKS TO FIND THE PART AND REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. IDLE THROTTLE BODY FAILED AGAIN IN EARLY 2007. DEALER TOOK TWO WEEKS AGAIN TO FIND PART AND DID NOT CHARGE ME BUT I HAD TO RENT A CAR AT MY EXPENSE. TODAY 9/30/07 THE SAME SYMPTOM OF THE CAR ACCELERATING TO 1500 RPM INTERMITTENTLY WHILE SITTING STOPPED AT A LIGHT HAS BEGUN AGAIN INSTEAD OF CONSTANT 800 RPM WHEN THIS PART IS WORKING CORRECTLY. I WILL HAVE TO WAIT ON THE DEALER TO FIND A PART AND REPAIR IT AGAIN AT MY INCONVENIENCE AND EXPENSE. HAVE OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE ENGINE EXPERIENCED THE SAME REPEATED SAFETY AND WASTE OF FUEL ISSUE? *TR

NHTSA ID 10204465 · filed Sep 29, 2007

THE VEHICLE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS AUTOMATICALLY LOCK THE DOORS THIS HAS HAPPENED INNUMERABLE OCCASIONS. THIS BEGAN SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE IN 1998, AND CONTINUES TODAY. THE DOORS AR NOT TO LOCK IF THE KEYS ARE IN THE IGNITION, AND THEY DO. THIS HAS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, WHILE IT IS PARKED, WHEN ENTERING, AND EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE INTERIOR DOORS DO NOT OVERRIDE THE LOCKS, AND IN AN EMERGENCY, ONE WOULD BE UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IF THEY WERE TO LOCK. USUALLY THIS OCCURS MOST OFTEN WHEN THE DOORS ARE BEING CLOSED; AND IF THE BATTERY IS UNHOOKED, AND RECONNECTED, IT MAY REMEDY THE SITUATION FOR SEVERAL DAYS. THE REAR AUTOMATIC WINDOWS GO OUT WHEN YOU PRESS THE BUTTONS TO MAKE THEM GO IN, AND THE REAR WIPER STAYS DOWN AS IF THE WINDOW IS UNLOCKED. THAT CAN BE REMEDIED BY UNLOCKING THE WINDOW, AND RELATCHING IT, IT USUALLY STAYS UP FOR 2-3 DAYS. WHEN YOU ATTEMPT TO RETRACT THE REAR WINDOWS, THEY WILL NOT GO IN AUTOMATICALLY. I HAVE CONTACTED PUTNAM LINCOLN MERCURY IN FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS, AND I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO COMPLETE THESE REPAIRS WHICH COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH IF THE DOORS LOCKED SOMEONE IN. IN OTHER NEWS, THE GAS PEDAL IS STICKING ALSO, THIS HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAKE OFF IN THE VEHICLE, AND HAPPENS EVERY TIME. THIS HAS ALSO BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP. *NM

NHTSA ID 10139592 · filed Oct 13, 2005
All 14 reports naming driver assistance

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 2007. SHE STATED THAT THE FUEL FILLER HOSE HAD SEVERAL CRACKS IN IT. THE CRACKS IN THE HOSE CAUSED MAJOR GASOLINE FUMES TO ENTER THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER, 00V419002, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE STORAGE TANK ASSEMBLY HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER HOME WHERE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SUB-FRAME ON THE VEHICLE WAS CRACKED. NO REPAIRS HAD BEEN MADE TO DATE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 189,732.

NHTSA ID 10299634 · filed Jan 13, 2010

THE STRUT TOWER IS RUSTING BAD AND IS ABOUT TO BREAK OFF. IT IS EVERY TIME MY WIFE AND KIDS GO SOME WHERE IT COULD BREAK THROW AND CAUSE MASSIVE DAMAGE AND PUT THEIR LIVES IN DANGER. JUST HOPE IT DOES NOT BREAK ON THE HIGHWAY. *JB

NHTSA ID 10170233 · filed Oct 8, 2006
All 12 reports naming body & structure

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF A NOISE THAT WAS BEING HEARD WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. DEALER MAINTAINED THAT THE BRAKES WERE FINE, YET THE NOISE CONTINUED. IT COULD BE HEARD WHEN VEHICLE WAS GOING AT 35 MPH. *AK

NHTSA ID 10090364 · filed Sep 3, 2004

WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THEY LOCKED UP AND CAUSED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *NLM BOTH FRONT BRAKES LOCKED UP WITHIN LESS THAN A MONTH APART. THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH BOTH REAR BRAKES AND THE LEFT FRONT CALIPER LOCKED UP. *SCC *JB

NHTSA ID 10017946 · filed Jun 26, 2003
All 10 reports naming brakes

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

FUEL LEAK UNDER THE HOOD

NHTSA ID 11079440 · filed Mar 14, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED A STRONG FUEL ODOR IN THE CABIN. THE ODOR WAS PRIMARILY OBSERVED NEAR THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES. WHEN THE HEAT IN THE VEHICLE WAS ACTIVATED, THE ODOR INTENSIFIED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A CERTIFIED MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT THE FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V419002 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,000.

NHTSA ID 10865161 · filed May 16, 2016
All 9 reports naming fuel system

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE VEHICLE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS AUTOMATICALLY LOCK THE DOORS THIS HAS HAPPENED INNUMERABLE OCCASIONS. THIS BEGAN SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE IN 1998, AND CONTINUES TODAY. THE DOORS AR NOT TO LOCK IF THE KEYS ARE IN THE IGNITION, AND THEY DO. THIS HAS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, WHILE IT IS PARKED, WHEN ENTERING, AND EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE INTERIOR DOORS DO NOT OVERRIDE THE LOCKS, AND IN AN EMERGENCY, ONE WOULD BE UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IF THEY WERE TO LOCK. USUALLY THIS OCCURS MOST OFTEN WHEN THE DOORS ARE BEING CLOSED; AND IF THE BATTERY IS UNHOOKED, AND RECONNECTED, IT MAY REMEDY THE SITUATION FOR SEVERAL DAYS. THE REAR AUTOMATIC WINDOWS GO OUT WHEN YOU PRESS THE BUTTONS TO MAKE THEM GO IN, AND THE REAR WIPER STAYS DOWN AS IF THE WINDOW IS UNLOCKED. THAT CAN BE REMEDIED BY UNLOCKING THE WINDOW, AND RELATCHING IT, IT USUALLY STAYS UP FOR 2-3 DAYS. WHEN YOU ATTEMPT TO RETRACT THE REAR WINDOWS, THEY WILL NOT GO IN AUTOMATICALLY. I HAVE CONTACTED PUTNAM LINCOLN MERCURY IN FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS, AND I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO COMPLETE THESE REPAIRS WHICH COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH IF THE DOORS LOCKED SOMEONE IN. IN OTHER NEWS, THE GAS PEDAL IS STICKING ALSO, THIS HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAKE OFF IN THE VEHICLE, AND HAPPENS EVERY TIME. THIS HAS ALSO BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP. *NM

NHTSA ID 10139592 · filed Oct 13, 2005

DT: 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER. THE CONSUMER STATES ALL OF THE DOORS ARE LOCKING ON THEIR OWN. THIS HAS HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE WHY THIS WAS OCCURRING. HE HAS NOT YET CONTACTED MERCURY. THIS STARTED ON AUGUST 15, 2005. THIS ALMOST LOCKED THE CONSUMER'S CHILD IN THE CAR. THIS WA SA KEYLESS ENTRY LOCKING SYSTEM.*AK

NHTSA ID 10136920 · filed Sep 19, 2005
All 9 reports naming interior & seats

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I PARKED MY VAN, 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER ON THE STREET IN FRONT OF MY HOME. TWO DAYS LATER, I NOTICED THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE WAS FLAT. I HAD FOUR NEW TIRES SINCE JAN 2011. WHEN I LIFTED UP THE FRONT RIGHT AND TRIED TO REMOVE THE FR TIRE, IT WOULD NOT COME OFF. AFTER A WHILE, I NOTICED THE STRUT COIL SPRING GOT BROKE, AND THE SHAPE END OF BROKEN COIL SPRING PIERCED THRU. THE INSIDE SIDE WALL OF THE TIRE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VAN,AND BOUGHT NEW. IT HAS `150,000 MILES ON IT. THIS INCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN TURNED OUT BE A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT 70MPG. I DO A LOT OF HIGHWAY DRIVING. BOTH FRONT RIGHT AND LEFT COMPLETE STRUT ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED AND THE FLAT TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH NEW ONE. I TOOK SOME PICTURES AND HAVE THE SHARP END OF BROKEN COIL SPRING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10389919 · filed Mar 12, 2011

1998 MERCURY VILLAGER PARKED. WHEN FAMILY RETURNED TO VAN AND GOT INTO IT, THE FRONT LEFT (DRIVERS) SIDE COIL SPRING SNAPPED. ABLE TO SLOWLY DRIVE VEHICLE TO GARAGE TO REPLACE BOTH SPRINGS. *NM

NHTSA ID 10165762 · filed Aug 17, 2006
All 9 reports naming suspension

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SOMETIMES WHEN I GO FROM A STOP POSITION OR SLOW DOWN AND YOU WANT TO ACCELERATE, YOU PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN AND GET NOTHING, WHEN TAP HARDER ON IT, IT WILL LURCH FORWARD, AND WHIP BACK YOUR PASSENGERS (CHILDREN). IT SEEMS TO OCCUR WHEN HUMIDITY IS HIGHER, REGARDLESS OF SEASON. *TR

NHTSA ID 10315469 · filed Mar 2, 2010

DT: CONTACT PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND EXITED THE VEHICLE AND IT ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE DOOR PULLED THE CONTACT UNDER THE VEHICLE, AND BOTH SETS OF TIRES RAN HER OVER. SHE SUSTAINED A BROKEN PELVIC BONE, A BROKEN HIP, A BROKEN FEMUR, A BROKEN KNEE, A BROKEN ANKLE, AND A BROKEN BACK FROM L1-5. AS A RESULT, SHE SPENT THE SUMMER IN A NURSING HOME. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A MECHANIC FOR THIS PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ID 10142425 · filed Nov 10, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE VEHICLE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS AUTOMATICALLY LOCK THE DOORS THIS HAS HAPPENED INNUMERABLE OCCASIONS. THIS BEGAN SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE IN 1998, AND CONTINUES TODAY. THE DOORS AR NOT TO LOCK IF THE KEYS ARE IN THE IGNITION, AND THEY DO. THIS HAS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, WHILE IT IS PARKED, WHEN ENTERING, AND EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE INTERIOR DOORS DO NOT OVERRIDE THE LOCKS, AND IN AN EMERGENCY, ONE WOULD BE UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IF THEY WERE TO LOCK. USUALLY THIS OCCURS MOST OFTEN WHEN THE DOORS ARE BEING CLOSED; AND IF THE BATTERY IS UNHOOKED, AND RECONNECTED, IT MAY REMEDY THE SITUATION FOR SEVERAL DAYS. THE REAR AUTOMATIC WINDOWS GO OUT WHEN YOU PRESS THE BUTTONS TO MAKE THEM GO IN, AND THE REAR WIPER STAYS DOWN AS IF THE WINDOW IS UNLOCKED. THAT CAN BE REMEDIED BY UNLOCKING THE WINDOW, AND RELATCHING IT, IT USUALLY STAYS UP FOR 2-3 DAYS. WHEN YOU ATTEMPT TO RETRACT THE REAR WINDOWS, THEY WILL NOT GO IN AUTOMATICALLY. I HAVE CONTACTED PUTNAM LINCOLN MERCURY IN FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS, AND I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO COMPLETE THESE REPAIRS WHICH COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH IF THE DOORS LOCKED SOMEONE IN. IN OTHER NEWS, THE GAS PEDAL IS STICKING ALSO, THIS HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAKE OFF IN THE VEHICLE, AND HAPPENS EVERY TIME. THIS HAS ALSO BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP. *NM

NHTSA ID 10139592 · filed Oct 13, 2005

WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE WINDOW HINGES REPLACE WITH ONES THAT WILL NOT OPEN BY THEMSELFS.

NHTSA ID 714209 · filed Nov 2, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I PARKED MY VAN, 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER ON THE STREET IN FRONT OF MY HOME. TWO DAYS LATER, I NOTICED THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE WAS FLAT. I HAD FOUR NEW TIRES SINCE JAN 2011. WHEN I LIFTED UP THE FRONT RIGHT AND TRIED TO REMOVE THE FR TIRE, IT WOULD NOT COME OFF. AFTER A WHILE, I NOTICED THE STRUT COIL SPRING GOT BROKE, AND THE SHAPE END OF BROKEN COIL SPRING PIERCED THRU. THE INSIDE SIDE WALL OF THE TIRE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VAN,AND BOUGHT NEW. IT HAS `150,000 MILES ON IT. THIS INCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN TURNED OUT BE A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT 70MPG. I DO A LOT OF HIGHWAY DRIVING. BOTH FRONT RIGHT AND LEFT COMPLETE STRUT ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED AND THE FLAT TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH NEW ONE. I TOOK SOME PICTURES AND HAVE THE SHARP END OF BROKEN COIL SPRING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10389919 · filed Mar 12, 2011

1998 MERCURY VILLAGER PURCHASED USED IN 2003. IDLE THROTTLE BODY FAILED IN 2006, MERCURY DEALER TOOK TWO WEEKS TO FIND THE PART AND REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. IDLE THROTTLE BODY FAILED AGAIN IN EARLY 2007. DEALER TOOK TWO WEEKS AGAIN TO FIND PART AND DID NOT CHARGE ME BUT I HAD TO RENT A CAR AT MY EXPENSE. TODAY 9/30/07 THE SAME SYMPTOM OF THE CAR ACCELERATING TO 1500 RPM INTERMITTENTLY WHILE SITTING STOPPED AT A LIGHT HAS BEGUN AGAIN INSTEAD OF CONSTANT 800 RPM WHEN THIS PART IS WORKING CORRECTLY. I WILL HAVE TO WAIT ON THE DEALER TO FIND A PART AND REPAIR IT AGAIN AT MY INCONVENIENCE AND EXPENSE. HAVE OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE ENGINE EXPERIENCED THE SAME REPEATED SAFETY AND WASTE OF FUEL ISSUE? *TR

NHTSA ID 10204465 · filed Sep 29, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

GENERAL AMER-G3GO TIRES (NO SIZE) WERE REPLACED AFTER 30,360 MILES, THE FRONT TIRES WORE DOWN ONLY AFTER 9600 MILES. *SLC

NHTSA ID 559129 · filed Jan 22, 2001

PE00 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 70MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A NOISE AND VIBRATIONS. SHE PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND NOTICED THAT FRONT DRIVER'S TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED . FIRESTONE, #WILDERNESS #AT, P23575R15. SHE HAS CONTACTED FIRESTONE, AN DIS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE.*AK

NHTSA ID 870052 · filed Sep 8, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, DUAL FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, CAUSING MY CAR TO LURCH FORWARD INTO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF MINE. VERY LITTLE STRUCTURAL EXTERIOR/INTERIOR DAMAGE WAS DONE TO MY CAR WHICH INDICATED THAT THE AIRBAGS MAY HAVE EITHER CAUSED THE ACCIDENT, OR GONE OFF UNNECESSARILY AT TOO LOW A SPEED. ON THE VERY SAME DAY, A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD MOTOR CO. ARRIVED IN THE MAIL INDICATING THAT THERE IS ALSO A DEFECT IN THE FILLER PIPE VENT HOSE OF MY VEHICLE WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE. DID THIS SOMEHOW CAUSE A MALFUNCTION OF THE AIRBAG SENSORS? OR IS THERE A FUEL LINE IRREGULARITY THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE SUDDEN LURCHING FORWARD OF MY CAR? I HAD NOTICED IN THE WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, SOMEWHAT JERKY ACCELERATION OF MY CAR, BUT THOUGHT IT WAS JUST DUE TO THE COLD WEATHER. ALSO, THERE IS EVIDENCE OF GASOLINE OR OIL HAVING LEAKED FROM CAR ON THE FLOOR OF MY GARAGE. MY HUSBAND AND I ONLY NOTICED THIS WHEN WE RETURNED HOME AFTER THE ACCIDENT, AND OUR CAR WAS NOT PARKED IN ITS USUAL SPOT. I HOPE YOU CAN INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER. I BELIEVE THAT IF AIRBAGS WERE TO GO OFF SPONTANEOUSLY AT A HIGHER SPEED, THEY WOULD MOST CERTAINLY CAUSE A COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR, AND POSSIBLE FATALITIES. ADDITIONALLY, IF ONE'S FOOT IS ACCIDENTALLY RELEASED FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT NOT PLACED ON THE ACCELERATOR, SHOULD THE CAR LURCH OR SURGE FORWARD? I FEEL THAT THE TRAUMA AND SUDDEN DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG MAY HAVE CAUSED ME TO RECOIL AND RELEASE THE BRAKE, THEREBY CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY, WE WERE STOPPED AT A LIGHT, AND MY CHILDREN AND I ONLY SUSTAINED MINOR PHYSICAL INJURIES.*AK

NHTSA ID 741674 · filed Feb 28, 2001

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

NHTSA ID 858153 · filed Mar 8, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

22 MONTH OLD CHILD WAS ABLE TO PULL THE CLASP APART ON BUILT IN CHILD SAFETY SEAT. QCAW

NHTSA ID 539041 · filed Aug 19, 1998

UNDER SIDE OF VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE. WHILE DRIVING FRONT END SQUEALS, SOUNDS LIKE BOTTOM OF VEHICLE IS FALLING APART. ALSO SEAT BELTS ARE DEFECTIVE. DEALER CURRENTLY HAS VEHICLE. CAUSE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 825934 · filed Jul 28, 1998

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER'S 4 YEAR OLD CHILD WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THE LEVER OUT OF THE PARK GEAR WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE. VEHICLE ROLLED ACROSS SEVERAL STREETS BEFORE CRASHING INTO A NEIGHBOR'S TRUCK PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THE STEERING PIN BROKE. *AK

NHTSA ID 10093994 · filed Sep 21, 2004

ENGINE EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, REPLACED FUEL PUMP MODULE AND ENGINE CONTROL MODULE HOWEVER CONTINUED ENGINE POWER LOSS.

NHTSA ID 539046 · filed Aug 17, 1998

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1998 VILLAGER-4 RAPID ACCELERATION SITUATIONS-STARTING TO BRAKE THE ENGINE STARTS REVVING UP TO THE POINT YOU CANNOT HOLD THE CAR WITH THE BRAKE, ONLY BY SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL. SEPT.2005,10/2006, 8/2010 & 12/09/10. CAUSED ACCIDENT ON 12/09 AND TOTALED VEHICLE. FORTUNATE NO INJURIES BUT A VERY SHOOK UP DRIVER TRYING TO GET IT STOPPED. IT DRAGGED HER ACROSS THE INTERSECTION UP ONTO A SIDEWALK AND TOOK HER SEVERAL FEET DOWN THE SIDEWALK BARELY MISSING HOUSES & TREES. ALL THE TIME SHE WAS PUSHING ON THE BRAKE & THE ENGINE WAS RACING & THE TIRES WERE DIGGING UP THE DIRT DRAGGING THE VEHICLE. RAN OVER A TWO FOOT STUMP & THE VAN FINALLY CAME TO A STOP. THE DRIVER WAS VERY SHOOK AND THIS ALL HAPPENED THROUGH NO FAULT OF HERS. THIS PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO NHTSA WHEN THE 9/2005 INCIDENT HAPPENED. THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 4 OR 5 OTHER REPORTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE 98 VILLAGER. THE POWER TRAINS IN THE VILLAGER ARE BUILT BY NISSAN. VERY FORTUNATE THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED OR THAT NO ONE WAS ON THE SIDEWALK AT THE TIME. SOMETHING DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE CHECKED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS INJURED OR KILLED. I HAVE SEVERAL PICTURES OF THIS LAST INCIDENT IF SOMEONE WOULD BE INTERESTED IN SEEING WHAT HAPPENED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10370299 · filed Dec 12, 2010

I HAVE OWNED A 1996 AND 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER. BOTH VEHICLES HAD A FAILURE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE CV BOOT WITH THE EVENTUAL FAILURE OF THE TRANS AXLE CV JOINT. EACH TIME THE TRANSAXLE HAD TO BE REPLACED.*AK

NHTSA ID 10093226 · filed Sep 28, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY HUSBAND USES OUR MERCURY VILLAGER VAN FOR HIS WORK. HE WAS GOING TO A JOB AND WAS TRAVELING WHEN HE STATED THE VAN LOST POWER, THE ENGINE ACTUALLY TURNED ITSELF OFF. HE WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD BEFORE HE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. HE PROCEEDED TO TRY RESTARTING THE VAN. IT DID NOT WORK, SO WE HAD THE VAN TOWED TO OUR HOME. HE CHECK TO SEE IF THE MOTOR WAS TIED UP BUT IT WAS FINE.HE CHANGED BATTERIES, BECAUSE DURING THE EVENT, THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED. AFTER ABOUT 3 HOURS, THE VAN MIRACULOUSLY STARTED. WE HAVE SPOKEN TO A COUPLE THAT HAD THIS HAPPEN TO THEM. THEY STATED THAT IF THE OIL GETS CLOSE TO 1 QUART BELOW LEVEL, THE SENSORS AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. THIS IS DANGEROUS. MY HUSBAND COULD OF BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHEN THE ENGINE TURNED ITSELF OFF. THERE WERE NO ENGINE LIGHTS SIGNIFYING LOW OIL. PLEASE CHECK AND ADVISE. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ID 10342853 · filed Jul 13, 2010

ENGINE EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, REPLACED FUEL PUMP MODULE AND ENGINE CONTROL MODULE HOWEVER CONTINUED ENGINE POWER LOSS.

NHTSA ID 539046 · filed Aug 17, 1998

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND FAILED TO TURN OFF ALTHOUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE AND CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHINGS LOCATED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AGAINST THE STOP LIGHT SWITCH WERE CRACKED INTO PIECES CAUSING THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE PLASTIC BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED BY THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000...UPDATED 09/30/14 *BF UPDATED 2/27/2015 *JS

NHTSA ID 10615095 · filed Jul 21, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AIR CONDITIONER FAILED DUE TO FAILURE OF THE BLOWER MOTOR, HOWEVER CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS.

NHTSA ID 543172 · filed Oct 13, 1998

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .