Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 17 of 414 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 142 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Visibility. Review the 61 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
15 crash reports30 fire reports16 injury reports
What owners actually said
414 reports
Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE MANIFOLD BOLTS BROKE AT AROUND 46,000 MILES. THEY WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALER AND HAVE SINCE BROKEN AGAIN AROUND 50, 000 MILES LATER (95,000). THE VECHILE MAKES A LOUD NOISE AND THERE IS AN ODOR IN THE PASSENGER COMPONENT. THE FIRST TIME THE BOLTS WERE REPLACED NO ENGINE REPLACMENT WAS REQUIRED. BOTH MY REGULAR MECHANIC A…
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THE MANIFOLD BOLTS BROKE AT AROUND 46,000 MILES. THEY WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALER AND HAVE SINCE BROKEN AGAIN AROUND 50, 000 MILES LATER (95,000). THE VECHILE MAKES A LOUD NOISE AND THERE IS AN ODOR IN THE PASSENGER COMPONENT. THE FIRST TIME THE BOLTS WERE REPLACED NO ENGINE REPLACMENT WAS REQUIRED. BOTH MY REGULAR MECHANIC AND MIDAS MUFFLER SAID THESE BOLTS SHOULD HAVE NEVER BROKEN THE FIRST TIME LET ALONE THE SECOND. I HAVE SENT A WRITTEN LETTER TO MERCURY AND AFTER WAITING 4 WEEKS CALLED AND THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T BELEIVE THIS TO BE A PROBLEM AND WOULD NOT FIX THE BOLTS THE SECOND TIME. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT AND THAT THE BREAKING OF THESE BOLTS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS HARM TO PASSENGERS AND REQUEST A FULL INVESTIGATION OF THE BOLT FAILURE RATES AND THE DESIGN OF THE MANIFOLDS BEING INSTALLED IN THE ENGINE BLOCK WITH THESE BOLTS
NHTSA ODI #746868
Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2001
Electrical System
THIS IS THE SECOND TIRE ON WHICH THE TREAD HAS SEPARATED ON THIS MINI-VAN. *AK( DOT NUMBER: )
NHTSA ODI #746637
Mileage unknown · Jun 5, 2001
Seat Belts
CONSUMER IS CONCERNED ABOUT SEATBELTS THAT WILL NOT HOLD. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
NHTSA ODI #889841
Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
ENGINE MANIFOLD STUDS AND BOLTS HAD SNAPPED. WAS DRIVING & AND MANIFOLD WAS MAKING NOISE, EXHAUST SOUND LIKE IT WAS LEAKING. LEAK WAS COMING FROM MANIFOLD WHICH IS ATTACHED TO ENGINE. MANIFOLD HAD SEPARATED AND WAS CAUSING PROBLEMS. HAD TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP IN 1999, AND HAD THE STUDS REPLACED. CURRENTLY, BACK AT THE DEALERSH…
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ENGINE MANIFOLD STUDS AND BOLTS HAD SNAPPED. WAS DRIVING & AND MANIFOLD WAS MAKING NOISE, EXHAUST SOUND LIKE IT WAS LEAKING. LEAK WAS COMING FROM MANIFOLD WHICH IS ATTACHED TO ENGINE. MANIFOLD HAD SEPARATED AND WAS CAUSING PROBLEMS. HAD TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP IN 1999, AND HAD THE STUDS REPLACED. CURRENTLY, BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM. *AK LEFT FRONT AXLE BOOTS HAVE VIBRATION DUE TO CV BOOTS FAILURE. EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS ARE BROKEN AGAIN AND REPLACED. *YH
NHTSA ODI #889578
Mileage unknown · May 22, 2001
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
A LIGHT CAME ON, ON THE DASH BOARD. THEN I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND OPENED THE HOOD. THE COOLING FAN WAS SMOKING BADLY AND ALL MAJOR WIRING IN THE MAIN ELECTRICAL WERE MELTED TO BARE WIRING. IF THE CIRCUIT FUSE HAD NOT BLOWN AND THE LIGHT COME ON, THE VEHICLE COULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA ODI #9002632
Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM WILL FAIL TO RESPOND AT ANY GIVEN SPEED, RANDOMLY, BUT IS GETTING WORSE EVERYTIME VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. CONSUMER APPLIES FULL FORCE TO BRAKE PEDAL, THERE IS RESISTANCE BEHIND THE PEDAL, BUT ABS FAILS TO ENGAGE. CONSUMER STATED THAT PREVIOUS OWNER HAD BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RECALL REPAIRED. PLEASE PROVIDE A…
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ABS BRAKING SYSTEM WILL FAIL TO RESPOND AT ANY GIVEN SPEED, RANDOMLY, BUT IS GETTING WORSE EVERYTIME VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. CONSUMER APPLIES FULL FORCE TO BRAKE PEDAL, THERE IS RESISTANCE BEHIND THE PEDAL, BUT ABS FAILS TO ENGAGE. CONSUMER STATED THAT PREVIOUS OWNER HAD BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RECALL REPAIRED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #886178
Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2001
Seat Belts
LAP BELT BUCKLE CAN ONLY EXTEND TO ABOUT THE TOP OF THE LAP. WOULD NOT EXTEND TO FULL LENGTH FOR MAKING CONTACT WITH THE LOCKING MECHANISM (THIS IS A MOTORIZED SAFETY BELT SYSTEM, WHICH THE MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELT WORKS OK. *AK
NHTSA ODI #744132
Mileage unknown · Apr 4, 2001
SteeringVisibility
A METAL BRACKET THAT IS WELDED TO THE CHASIS, WHICH HOLDS THE RACK AND PINION TOGETHER BROKE. THIS ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH BECAUSE DRIVER COULD NOT STEER VAN TO THE LEFT. ALSO, THERE IS FOGGING OF THE WINDSHIELD AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY.
NHTSA ODI #9001976
Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2001
Exterior Lighting
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH BRAKE LIGHT NOT WORKING PROPERLY. VEHICLE BEEN AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR REPAIRS, BUT PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
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. 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, (3) THERE IS SUBSEQUENTLY SIGNIFICANT HEATING OF THE FUEL TANK, THE FUEL IN THE TANK CAN EXPAND INTO THE VENT HOSE AND LEAK FUEL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
LEAVES AND OTHER FOREIGN MATERIAL CAN ENTER THROUGH THE COWL PANEL AIR INTAKE DURING OPERATION OF THE FRONT HEATER AND/OR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM RESULTING IN A BUILD-UP OF MATERIAL IN THE PLENUM. THIS CAN LEAD TO NOISE, ODORS, OR IN SOME CASES, IGNITION OF THESE MATERIALS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL HEATER/AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM INTAKE SCREEN.
FUEL FILLER HOSES MAY HAVE BEEN CUT PRIOR TO INSTALLATION BY A UTILITY KNIFE USED TO OPEN THE SHIPPING BOX.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IF THE CUT EXTENDED THROUGH THETHICKNESS OF THE HOSE WALL. LEAKING FUEL CAN RESULT IN A FIRE IF EXPOSEDTO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
THE SERVICE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WAS NOT PROPERLY ASSEMBLED OR COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED BY THE EVACUATION AND FILLING OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE DUE TOINTERNAL MASTER CYLINDER LEAKAGE WHICH CAN CAUSE LOSS OF BRAKING ON TWO OF THEFOUR WHEELS. IF THIS OCCURS, THERE WOULD BE INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL, HIGHERPEDAL EFFORTS AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
Remedy: A NEW BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WILL BE INSTALLED.
ONE OR BOTH OF THE BOLTS SECURING THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT RESTRAINT SYSTEM TRACKS TO THE B-PILLARS WERE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTSYSTEM TRACK JOINTS HAVING LESS THAN DESIGN STRENGTH, AND INCREASE THE RISK OFINJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION OR SUDDEN STOP.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM TRACK MOUNTING BOLTS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
8
EA00014 · Fuel Tank Vent Hose Leakage
Opened May 22, 2000 · Closed Jan 4, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
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 FOLLOWING TANK FILL.STARTING AT JOB#1 1998 MY (CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS VEHICLES) AND JOB#1 1999 MY (FEDERAL EMISSIONS VEHICLES), THE SUBJECT VENT HOSE COMPOSITION CHANGED FROM NITRILE RUBBER HOSES WITH CHLOROPRENE RUBBER COVERS (NBR/CR) TO FLUOROCARBON RUBBER HOSES WITH AN OUTER LAYER BLEND OF NBR/PVC.THE CHANGES WERE MADE TO IMPROVE HYDRACARBON RESISTANCE FOR COMPLAINCE WITH NEW EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS REGULATIONS.THE MODIFIED HOSES ARE ALSO SIGNIFICANTLY MORE RESISTANT TO DEGRADATION AND CRACKING.IN A LETTER DATED JANUARY 2, 2001, FORD NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE SUBJECT VENT HOSE IN AFFACTED VEHICLES.FORD WILL BEGIN NOTIFYING CUSTOMERS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ON OR ABOUT THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 12, 2001 TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO DEALERS FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK VENT HOSE WITH THE LATEST DESIGN LEVER PART.
EA99015 · Fuel Rail Hose Fitting Leakage
Opened Jun 29, 1999 · Closed Apr 18, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
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, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT 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. SEE ENGINEERING CLOSING REPORT EA99-015 FOR DETAILS.
EA96005 · Battery Explosions
Opened May 30, 1996 · Closed May 29, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
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.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSING REPORT IS INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC FILE.
PE96009 · Battery Explosion
Opened Jan 25, 1996 · Closed May 30, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
1993 MERCURY VILLAGERBATTERY EXPLOSION
EA95027 · Blower Area Fires
Opened Sep 22, 1995 · Closed Nov 17, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Equipment
There is no summary currently available
PE95037 · Front Blower Assembly Fire
Opened Jun 19, 1995 · Closed Sep 22, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
There is no summary currently available
PE93047 · Power Door Lock Failure
Opened May 7, 1993 · Closed Aug 11, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE93020 · Backlite Shattering
Opened Apr 1, 1993 · Closed Jul 28, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
There is no summary currently available
1993 Mercury Villager Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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