← New search

1996 Mercury Villager

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1996 Mercury Villager do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 125.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 16 of 188 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 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Latches/locks/linkages. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports7 fire reports5 injury reports

Equipment complaints

8 reports
Clear category filter
99,472 miles · Aug 12, 2005
EquipmentFire

DT: CONSUMER STATED: IT WAS NIGHT, COLD OUTSIDE, AND WHILE DRIVING SMELLED BURNING RUBBER. PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, OPENED HOOD BEDORE HOOD WAS COMPLETED OPENED, CONSUMER COULD SEE FLAMES BURNING AND THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR PULLEY WAS SO HOT THAT IT WAS GLOWING RED. THE BELT ATTACHED TO THE COMPRESSOR WAS…

Read full complaint

DT: CONSUMER STATED: IT WAS NIGHT, COLD OUTSIDE, AND WHILE DRIVING SMELLED BURNING RUBBER. PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, OPENED HOOD BEDORE HOOD WAS COMPLETED OPENED, CONSUMER COULD SEE FLAMES BURNING AND THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR PULLEY WAS SO HOT THAT IT WAS GLOWING RED. THE BELT ATTACHED TO THE COMPRESSOR WAS BURNING. *AK THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DAMAGING THE COMPRESSOR AND BELT(S) AND LIKELY OTHER A/C COMPONENTS. *NM CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PUT OUT FIRE. THE A/C COMRESSOR FAILED CAUSING THE FIRE. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10122154

Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2002
EquipmentFuel System, Gasoline

THERE IS A STRONG FUEL SMELL WHEN STARTING VEHICLE. A NOISE CAN BE HEARD FROM FUEL TANK AREA. DEALER STATED FUEL PUMP FAILED. HOWEVER THERE IS A RECALL CAMPAIGN 00V419002 REGARDING FUEL LEAKAGE OF THE FUEL TANK. *TT

NHTSA ODI #565382

Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 2001
Equipment

A/C COMPRESSOR FAILED WITH ONLY 46,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. SAID COMPRESSOR IS ONLY USED DURING HOT SEASON. I THINK THAT THEY INSTALLED A SUBSTANDARD/DEFECTIVE COMPRESSOR ON THIS VEHICLE. CALLED A MERCURY DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT SINCE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. A/C COMPRESSORS SHOULD L…

Read full complaint

A/C COMPRESSOR FAILED WITH ONLY 46,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. SAID COMPRESSOR IS ONLY USED DURING HOT SEASON. I THINK THAT THEY INSTALLED A SUBSTANDARD/DEFECTIVE COMPRESSOR ON THIS VEHICLE. CALLED A MERCURY DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT SINCE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. A/C COMPRESSORS SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 46K ON A VEHICLE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THANKS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #748407

Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2001
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment

HEAD CONTROL MODULE WIRE HARNESS IN BACK OF THE DASH PANEL BURNED UP. WIRES WERE COMPLETELY MELTED. *AK SEVERAL ELECTRICAL RELATED PROBLEMS: BATTERY FAILURE, OPEN CIRCUIT IN MAIN ENGINE HARNESS TO EGR SOLENOID, OVERHEAD LIGHT FAILED, POWER DOOR LOCKS WERE OPERATING BY THEMSELVES, POWER LOCKS WOULD NOT LOCK WITH THE SWITCH, …

Read full complaint

HEAD CONTROL MODULE WIRE HARNESS IN BACK OF THE DASH PANEL BURNED UP. WIRES WERE COMPLETELY MELTED. *AK SEVERAL ELECTRICAL RELATED PROBLEMS: BATTERY FAILURE, OPEN CIRCUIT IN MAIN ENGINE HARNESS TO EGR SOLENOID, OVERHEAD LIGHT FAILED, POWER DOOR LOCKS WERE OPERATING BY THEMSELVES, POWER LOCKS WOULD NOT LOCK WITH THE SWITCH, REAR WINDSHILED WIPER SWITCH FAILED AND REAR WIPERS WOULD NOT STOP EVEN AFTER FUSE WAS REMOVED, SLIDING DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN WITH REMOTE OR SWITCH. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. POWER STEERING PUMP NOISY AND WAS REPLACED. AIR CONDITIONER MOTOR FAILED. WHEN LOCKING VEHICLE WITH KEY, HORN WOULD OPERATE, KEYLESS ENTRY HAD JUST BEEN INSTALLED. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #882682

Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2000
Equipment

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE A FLAT TIRE, LUG NUT WRENCH BROKE. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #555902

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2000
EquipmentVisibility

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #718268

Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 1998
EquipmentPower TrainVisibility

REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER ACTIVATED DURING A RAIN STORM, SWIPED ONE WAY ACROSS THE WINDOW AND STOPPED. WHEN FINALLY WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO MOVE, AND IT DROPPED 6 INCHES BELOW ITS ACTUAL RESTING SPOT. ALSO, DIFFICULTY GETTING SHIFTER OUT OF PARK, WHETHER VEHICLE IS PARKED ON FLAT SURFACE OR SLIGHT INCLINE. FINALLY, REPLACED AIR CONDIT…

Read full complaint

REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER ACTIVATED DURING A RAIN STORM, SWIPED ONE WAY ACROSS THE WINDOW AND STOPPED. WHEN FINALLY WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO MOVE, AND IT DROPPED 6 INCHES BELOW ITS ACTUAL RESTING SPOT. ALSO, DIFFICULTY GETTING SHIFTER OUT OF PARK, WHETHER VEHICLE IS PARKED ON FLAT SURFACE OR SLIGHT INCLINE. FINALLY, REPLACED AIR CONDITIONER MOTOR.

NHTSA ODI #780971

Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 1998
EquipmentFuel System, GasolineSeats

POWER WINDOWS FAILED CAUSING JAMMING.

NHTSA ODI #539373

Official recalls

2

00V419002 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Jan 2, 2001

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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VENT HOSE.

98V012001 · Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls

Mar 23, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH POWER WINDOWS THAT CAN BE CLOSED AFTER THE IGNITION KEY IS TURNED TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND THE RIGHT FRONT (PASSENGER) DOOR IS OPENED. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 118, "POWER-OPERATED WINDOW SYSTEMS."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR UNSUPERVISED CHILDREN TO OPERATE THE POWER WINDOWS, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE CHILD.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A LABEL REMINDING OWNERS NOT TO LEAVE CHILDREN UNATTENDED BECAUSE THE POWER WINDOWS CAN OPERATE FOR 15 MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE IGNITION HAS BEEN TURNED OFF UNLESS THE DRIVER'S DOOR IS OPENED. ALSO INCLUDED ARE INSTRUCTIONS DESCRIBING HOW AND WHERE THIS LABEL IS TO BE INSTALLED. IF AN OWNER PREFERS, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THIS LABEL FOR THEM.

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

4

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.

SQ00008 · Unexpected Opening On Sliding Door

Opened May 12, 2000 · Closed Apr 1, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available

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.