RoadVitals

2000 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.
71
Latest Jan 27, 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.
2
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.
9
11 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 71 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2000 Mercury Villager, most frequently naming the driver assistance, brakes and seat belts categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 75 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

  • Driver assistance3945.3%
  • Brakes78.1%
  • Seat belts67.0%
  • Airbags55.8%
  • Body & structure55.8%
  • Interior & seats55.8%
  • Suspension44.7%
  • Engine33.5%

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

2 campaigns cover this model year

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
00V228001

SEAT BELTS

Aug 18, 2000
144,435 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES OF YOUR VEHICLE AND REPLACE ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES THAT FALL WITHIN THE SUSPECT DATE CODE RANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 26, 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 00S21View 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 71
Seat belts
Filed Jan 27, 2015

SEAT BELTS ON 2000 MERCURY VILLAGER ESTATE HAVE LOCKED UP AND WILL NOT RELEASE. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS REGARDING ISSUE AND THEY ARE STATING THEY HAVE NO KNOW ISSUE OR RECALL WITH SEAT BELTS LOCKING UP. REAR SEAT BELTS ARE THE ONES AFFECTED. FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS IS STATING IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY SO I WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10679246
Incident
Jan 9, 2015
Mileage
108,722 mi
Seat belts
Filed May 20, 2010

INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) EVENT- EVERY TIME THE FRONT SEAT BELTS ARE USED. FAILURE- SEAT BELTS DO NOT PROBERLY RETRACT AFTER EACH USE. SUBSUQUENT DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS WHO USE THE VEHICLE THEN USE THE SEAT BELTS THINK THEY ARE SAFELY BUCKLED INTO THEIR SEAT---BUT GUESS WHAT!?!--- THEY AREN'T BUCKLED SAFELY AT ALL BECAUSE 12-18" OF UNRETRACTED SEATBELT IS STILL STUCK IN THE SPACE BETWEEN THE DOOR AND THE DOOR FRAME! ENGINEERS EVEN HAVE A NAME FOR IT, "LAZY RETRACTION". AUTO MAKERS KNOW ABOUT IT, THE GOVERNMENT KNOWS ABOUT IT, BUT NOBODY DOES ANYTHING ABOUT IT. MY OLD DODGE CARAVAN DID IT AFTER 70,000 MILES AND NOW MY MERCURY VILLAGER/NISSAN QUEST STARTED DOUNG IT AFTER 90,000 MILES. CORRECT FAILURE- LECTURE THE [XXX] OUT OF MY WIFE, KIDS AND ANBODY WHO WILL LISTEN ABOUT THE USE OF [XXX], DEFECTIVE SEATBELTS THAT NO LONGER RETRACT SO THAT THEY DON'T THINK THEY ARE SAFELY BUCKLED WHEN THEY ARE NOT! NOBODY WIL EVER CONVINCE ME THIS HASN'T CAUSED INJURIES AND PROBABLY COST LIVES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10331352
Incident
May 10, 2010
Mileage
90,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 14, 2009
Fire reported

LEFT A FRIENDS HOUSE DROVE 1/3 OF A MILE VAN WAS ON FIRE PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF RODE WAS SMOKING/ TOTALING ENGULFED IN FLAMES AFTER ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES THE VAN WAS A TOTAL LOSS. IT WAS A 2000 VILLAGER COULD THIS BE THE SAME AS THE WINDSTAR.? THE CAR HAD BEEN SITTING IDLE IN DRIVE WAY FOR APP. 3HRS BEFORE THIS INCIDENT.. *TR

NHTSA ID
10287334
Incident
Mar 9, 2009
Mileage
76,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 24, 2008

THE A/C STOPPED WORKING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10232143
Incident
May 10, 2002
Mileage
40,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jun 24, 2008
Crash reported1 injury reported

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHILE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 45 MPH. I HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10232141
Incident
Dec 12, 2000
Mileage
8,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jun 4, 2007

WE HAVE VERY LITTLE MILEAGE ON OUR MERCURY VILLAGER SPORT VAN AND THE PAINT IS CHIPPING. APPARENTLY, THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. IT ACTUALLY NEEDS A COMPLETE PAINT JOB. WE HAVE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE DO THIS. IT WILL RUST IF THIS IS NOT TAKEN CARE OF. WE ONLY HAVE APP. 68,000 MILES ON A 2000 YEAR CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID
10192356
Incident
Dec 9, 2006
Driver assistance
Filed Feb 18, 2007

STICKY ACCELERATOR PEDAL ON 2000 MERCURY VILLAGER. STICKS ABOUT HALF THE TIME CAUSING ABRUPT SURGE INTO TRAFFIC AND DISLODGING OF OCCUPANTS. *NM

NHTSA ID
10182895
Incident
Feb 17, 2007
Mileage
88,168 mi
Driver assistanceSuspension
Filed Feb 1, 2007

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER 2000 MERCURY VILLAGER HAS ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP OR AT A LOW SPEED, WHEN SHE TRIED TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE AS EXPECTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAS TO PUT THE FOOT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR FOR THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. SHE HAS REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY TWICE SINCE SHE OWNED THE VEHICLE. SHE STATED THAT SHE HAD SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS, ALMOST RESULTING IN SEVERAL CRASHES. ALSO, THE STABILIZING LINK WAS CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING. WHEN SHE TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. IF SHE HIT A HOLE THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD CLUNKY NOISE. THE CONTACT HAD THE STABILIZER BAR REPAIRED 2/1/07, AND SHE HAS HAD THREE TIRES REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DEALERSHIP SAID THE STABILIZER BAR WAS THE CAUSE OF THE TIRES WEARING OUT SO QUICKLY. THERE HAVE BEEN 6 OCCURENCES OF THIS FAILURE. *AK

NHTSA ID
10181341
Incident
Mar 1, 2003

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
2000Viewing712157.0
19991854155.4
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.