RoadVitals

1999 Mercury Villager

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
185
Latest Feb 3, 2015
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Oct 10, 2000
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
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.
14
8 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 185 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1999 Mercury Villager, most frequently naming the driver assistance, brakes and fuel system categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 118 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

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

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
00V292001

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

Oct 10, 2000
67,200 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. ONE OR MORE OF THE FIVE BOLTS THAT MOUNT THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR TO THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY TIGHTENED.
The risk: THERE COULD BE A LOOSENESS IN THE STEERING, WHICH MAY BE ACCOMPANIED BY NOISE OR VIBRATION.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND, IF THE BOLTS ARE MISSING, WILL REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS. ALL BOLTS WILL BE TIGHTENED TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 28, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 00S33View on NHTSA.gov
99V347001

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Dec 10, 1999
41,891 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE TAIL LIGHT SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MOLDED, RESULTING IN THE LOCKING TAB HAVING INSUFFICIENT FORCE TO RETAIN THE BULB.
The risk: IF THE BULB FALLS OUT OF THE SOCKET, THE BRAKE OR TAIL LAMP FUNCTION CANNOT OCCUR.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TAIL LAMP SOCKETS.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 99S36View on NHTSA.gov
99V205001

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

Aug 3, 1999
2,785 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THE FUEL TANK RETENTION STRAP (TWO STRAPS PER VEHICLE) CAN BREAK AT THE SPOT WELDS CAUSING AN UNDERBODY RATTLE.
The risk: THERE IS ALSO A POTENTIAL FOR FUEL TANK SEPARATION OR FUEL LEAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK RETENTION STRAPS.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 99S21View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE04020ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

FAILING HEADLIGHTS

Opened Feb 26, 2004
Closed Jun 24, 2004

NISSAN AND FORD FOUND THAT THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT HEADLIGHT STAINLESS STEEL BULB TERMINALS MAY OVER TIME CAUSE ELEVATED CONTACT RESISTANCE AND OVERHEAT THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HOUSING.THIS CAN RESULT IN A HEADLIGHT FLICKERING, BULB OUTAGE AND HEAT DEFORMATION TO THE HEADLIGHT CONNECTOR.IN APRIL 1999, THE SUPPLIER OF THE HEADLIGHT FOR NISSAN AND FORD CHANGED TO A BULB USING THE STAINLESS STEEL TERMINALS THAT DID NOT MEET ORIGINAL SPECIFICATIONS.ON JULY 17, 2000, THE SUPPLIER BEGAN USING A BULB MEETING THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS.THIS PROBLEM CAN AFFECT INDEPENDENTLY EITHER HEADLIGHT BUT DOES NOT CAUSE SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF BOTH HEADLIGHTS. THE PROBLEM ALSO DOES NOT AFFECT FRONT PARKING LAMPS.AS A RESULT, THE COMPLAINTS TYPICAL REPORT SINGLE FAILURE OF ONE HEADLIGHT.THERE ARE NO CRASHES OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL REPORTED.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 RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 185
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed Feb 3, 2015

WHEN STOPPED AT LIGHT, UPON ACCELERATING WHEN THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN, THE ACCELERATOR IS HARD TO PRESS. IT DOES NOT DEPRESS. YOU HAVE TO EITHER PRESS TOO HARD OR PUMP A FEW TIMES FOR IT TO GET GOING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN YOU ARE TAKING A LEFT TURN ON A SOLID GREEN LIGHT WITHOUT A GREEN ARROW. YOU MAY STALL AND THEN LUNGE FORWARD INTO AN ONCOMING CAR *TR

NHTSA ID
10680956
Incident
Feb 15, 2005
Mileage
40,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngineSeat belts
Filed Aug 17, 2013

TRIED TO SLIGHTLY DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR TO MOVE UP IN TRAFFIC BUT ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK AND HAD TO APPLY MORE FORCE TO DEPRESS ACCELERATOR CAUSING VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD NEARLY CAUSING A COLLISION WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US. REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT EXTEND TO ALLOW IT TO BE PUT ON. *TR

NHTSA ID
10535836
Incident
Aug 1, 2013
Mileage
68,000 mi
Heating & air conditioning
Filed Mar 25, 2011
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY VILLAGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VENTILATION BLOWER WOULD NOT EMIT AIR OR HEAT WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER OR HEATER WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE OWNER AND HE NOTICED THAT THE POWER RESISTOR HAD OVERHEATED AND BURNED AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10392871
Incident
Mar 25, 2009
Driver assistance
Filed Mar 1, 2010
Crash reported

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY VILLAGER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE FORWARD WHENEVER IT CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 140,000.

NHTSA ID
10315176
Incident
Jan 22, 2009
Mileage
140,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Feb 23, 2010

I HAVE A 1999 MERCURY VILLAGER, PERIODICALLY THE GAS PEDAL WILL BE VERY HARD TO PUSH. IT ACTUALLY GOT STUCK ACCELERATING ONCE. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ONLINE AND HAVE FOUND MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SITUATION. I HAVE FOUND THAT MERCURY HAS RECALLED THE MOUNTAINEER (CAMPAIGN # 00V422000) FOR THIS "EXACT" ISSUE BUT HAS TAKEN NO ACTION WITH THE VILLAGER. I HAVE REPLACED THE WHOLE THROTTLE BODY ONCE, SOON AFTER I PURCHASED THE VAN, BUT AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. AS I RECALL IT WAS AT A $600 EXPENSE TO ME. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ID
10312957
Incident
Feb 22, 2010
Mileage
50,000 mi
Fuel systemExterior lighting
Filed Nov 26, 2009

1999 MERCURY VILLAGER MINI VAN PROBLEM HEADLIGHTS KEEP BLOWING OUT, CANNOT USE HIGH BEAMS WITHOUT HEARING SOME CRACKLING ON HIGHBEAM SWITCH WHEN PUTTING ON HIGH BEAMS. I JUST REPLACE THE BULB AND NOT USE HIGHBEAMS. ALSO GAS PEDAL STICKS MOST OF THE TIME WHEN YOU EXCEL ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS DAMP OUT, I STEP ON THE PEDAL AND IT JERKS FORWARD BECAUSE IT'S STUCK WHEN I FEEL IT IS STUCK WHEN EXCELLING FROM STOP I USUALLY STEP ON THE BRAKE THEN THE GAS AND LET OFF THE BRAKE SLOWLY. I HAVE BEEN LUCKY THERE HASN'T BEEN AN ACCIDENT YET. *TR

NHTSA ID
10293666
Incident
Aug 9, 2003
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed Nov 19, 2009

THE 1999 THROUGH 2000 MERCURY VILLAGER VANS HAVE A DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY. MY GAS PETAL STARTED STICKING ON MY VILLAGER VAN LATE LAST YEAR. I FINALLY HAD THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY CLEANED AND THROTTLE CONTROL SENSOR REPLACED IN JANUARY, AFTER SEVERAL FAILED ATTEMPTS BY THE MERCURY DEALERSHIP TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM. I HAD ANOTHER MECHANIC REPLACE THE FAILED THROTTLE BODY CONTROL SENSOR (IN MAY)AFTER ONLY 4 MONTHS (PART WAS GUARANTEED FOR 12 MONTHS) AND THE THROTTLE BODY WAS OK FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND NOW IT'S STICKING AND THE GAS PETAL IS HARD TO DEPRESS. IT IS A MAJOR ACCIDENT HAZARD BECAUSE YOU NEED TO KNOW THAT YOU CAN PULL OUT SAFELY FROM AN INTERSECTION OR ACCELERATE WHEN ENTERING A RAMP ON THE INTERSTATE. WITH THIS PROBLEM YOU HAVE TO PRESS THE GAS PETAL HARDER THAN NORMAL AND THEN YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE GETTING WHIPLASH BECAUSE THE PETAL WILL UNSTICK AND YOU SHOOT FORWARD. OUR CAR HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT CAME ON AND IT WAS ALSO ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROBLEM. FROM THE CONTENTS OF THIS ARTICLE, I BELIEVE THAT MERCURY AND NISSAN ARE COMPLETELY AWARE THIS DANGER. HTTP://WWW.ENQUIRER.COM/EDITIONS/2004/08/20/BIZ_VILLAGERSUIT20.HTML PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AND FORCE MERCURY & NISSAN TO RECALL ALL OF THESE VEHICLES AND AGREE TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. WHEN YOU HAVE TAKEN CARE OF YOUR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE WISE AND THE MANUFACTURER KNOWS THERE IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AND DOES NOTHING, THEN THEY SHOULD BEAR THE BRUNT OF THEIR FAULTY DESIGN AND BE LIABLE FOR ANY INJURIES OR DEATHS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ISSUE. MORE LINKS BELOW HTTP://WWW.ALLWORLDAUTO.COM/COMMENTS/MERCURY_VILLAGER_COMMENTS_AND_COMPLAINTS_101-573-1.HTML. *TR

NHTSA ID
10292916
Incident
Jan 5, 2009
Mileage
105,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Apr 17, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY VILLAGER. WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AT AN INTERSECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND A TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL RETENTION STRAPS FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE SPOT WELLS TO SEPARATE. THE REPAIR WOULD COST $800. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V205001 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING); THEREFORE, NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.

NHTSA ID
10265730
Incident
Apr 13, 2009
Mileage
167,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

CSP-0-N-11

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

FORD: CERTAIN 1999 AND 2000 MODEL YEAR VILLAGER VILLAGERS ARE TO HAVE THE THROTTLE BODY CLEANED. *PE

042107

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT

04189

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT

04217

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

GENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT

041514

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT

031501

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT

INOPERATIVE ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (HEATED BACKLITE) GRID LINES, INTEGRAL ANTENNA CONCERNS. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercury Villager by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2002180035.7
2001201042.7
2000712157.0
1999Viewing1854155.4
1998832155.4
19971253354.3
19961882458.4
19953673661.7
19942533558.6
19934145864.4
1992100—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.