1996 Mercury Villager
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Villager › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Mercury Villager. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1996 Mercury Villager. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the vent hose.
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."
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
188 complaints11 involved a crash7 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
The car continually locks itself (power locks). If I'm outside the car I have to repeatedly try to unlock it while at the same time it relocks itself. After numerous attempts it will stop and let me in. Same IS true if I'm in the car except now I can't get out. It's usually much worse during the…
The car continually locks itself (power locks). If I'm outside the car I have to repeatedly try to unlock it while at the same time it relocks itself. After numerous attempts it will stop and let me in. Same IS true if I'm in the car except now I can't get out. It's usually much worse during the day than at night. Doesn't matter if you're in the car, trying to get in or nearby (i don't have a remote nor IS it an option). The car can be sitting idle for hours and then all of a sudden starts locking and unlocking itself in rapid succession. Rarely if ever does it end up unlocked. Will occasionally go through the same procedure while driving. It doesn't effect anything but all the door locks (at least that I have been able to ascertain). If it matters I could send a video of this problem. The question below of when does this happen IS moot. It happens every day at anytime. I've tried numerous workarounds with little success because the car seems to adapt and then becomes more difficult. ( believe me, I know what this sounds like.)
- Air bags
While turning from street into a short steep driveway approach, front lower bumper facia drug very slightly on the steep approach ramp setting off the airbags, which broke the windshield, cracked the dash, snapped all four back side window latches, and caused back neck and shoulder injuries to the driver. *tr
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
While I am driving the sliding door will pop. Currently it does not completely open, but IS does become unsecured. The interior lights come on and when driving at night inhibits my vision and makes driving unsafe. My children are also the passengers near the door at this time and I am afraid that…
While I am driving the sliding door will pop. Currently it does not completely open, but IS does become unsecured. The interior lights come on and when driving at night inhibits my vision and makes driving unsafe. My children are also the passengers near the door at this time and I am afraid that the door will fly open and cause harm even though they are in safety belts. I have had a mechanic look at the latch and he sees nothing that should be causing this to malfunction. *nm
- Unknown or other
Doors locks did not operate properly. Doors would lock without warning. When consumer stepped out of vehicle doors would lock on their own, even with the key still in the ignition switch.
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
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…
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
- Engine and engine cooling
While driving any speed consumer heard a ticking noise coming from the engine. Dealership did not resolve the problem. *Ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
I had a low impact accident where the front of my vehicle hit the back of another vehicle. (forgot to put car in park and was about 4 feet from back of another car on slight grade, well you know the rest).*ak after the accident the sliding door began to "pop" enough for the ajar door light to…
I had a low impact accident where the front of my vehicle hit the back of another vehicle. (forgot to put car in park and was about 4 feet from back of another car on slight grade, well you know the rest).*ak after the accident the sliding door began to "pop" enough for the ajar door light to come on but not enough for the door to actually open. I have checked with the people that gave estimates on repairs and was informed by every one that it was not a result of the accident. what I can not understand IS why it started only after the accident. I have been informed that the locks may need to be replaced because of ware.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
I noticed there was an exhaust smell seeping into the van, I did some research on the internet and found that it was a common problem with quest's and villager's snapped exhaust manifold studs. I checked under the hood and sure enough there were 2 studs broken and missing. I called several…
I noticed there was an exhaust smell seeping into the van, I did some research on the internet and found that it was a common problem with quest's and villager's snapped exhaust manifold studs. I checked under the hood and sure enough there were 2 studs broken and missing. I called several dealers and got quotes and found a nissan dealer to do it for $800 they seem to have more experince doing it since it also IS a problem with pathfinders and maximas. I called ford and they flat out refused to help out at all!
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module · Interior lighting · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Latches/locks/linkages › Hatchback/liftgate › Lock · Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift · Seat belts › Front › Retractor
I purchased a used van, there seem to be several recalls either not idenitfied or not know about, either way they were not fixed. I have been unable to fine a dealer whom will acknowledge the recalls and repair them.*ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Lock mechanism//locks would lock and unlock automatically. I had no control of the locks. sometimes found myself stuck in the car until the locks decided to stop locking and unlocking on their own. I believe I paid about $500.00 for repairs to this system just for the whole system to fail again…
Lock mechanism//locks would lock and unlock automatically. I had no control of the locks. sometimes found myself stuck in the car until the locks decided to stop locking and unlocking on their own. I believe I paid about $500.00 for repairs to this system just for the whole system to fail again almost two years later. my locks no longer work. I have video of the locks working on their own. as for incident date-too many to count. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
The stud bolts are (IS) broken on exhaust manifold. exhaust fumes are leaking and cold air may enter head. repair IS extremely high because of position of bolts. we are afraid to drive it but cannot stop using it. also we cannot afford to fix it. *nlm
- Air bags › Frontal
While pulling into a driveway dual airbags deployed inadvertently. As a result, the air bags cracked the windshield. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Exhaust gases escaping into the passenger compartment because of an exhaust manifold bolt failure. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving at any speed vehicle completely shut off. *ak
- Fuel system, other
Just purchased a used vehicle, in great shape. However there IS a very intoxicating gas smell inside cabin of vehicle, after refueling and when tank IS between 1/4 and 1/2 full I have had the vehicle 4 days, and I travel for a living and it IS every time it gets to the 1/4 to 1/3 full range. I have two other friends that have the same problem with the same model.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel rail
When vehicle idles fuel fumes seep through the vents intermittently. Dealer states fuel rail leaks.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
When vehicle IS being driven sliding door located on the passenger's side keeps sliding open. Consumer believes locking mechanism IS broken. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Exhaust fumes entered the passenger cabin. the problem was with the front and rear exhaust manifold. *ph *scc *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
My 1996 mercury villager has been diagosed as having broken exhaust manifold bolts. after searching the web, it's become apparent that this IS an extremely common problem with certain model years of the mercury villager, including mine. the design of this part of the car IS definitely flawed because of the commonality of this problem.
- Air bags
The airbag light on my 1996 mercury villager flashes from the time the car IS turned on until the car IS turned off. I am afraid that the airbag will be released at any given time while I am driving. *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Exhaust manifold bolts sheared off, allowing exhaust fumes to seep into interior of van. Have to drive with windows cracked open to avoid getting sick. After internet search found there are thousands of others with this same problem, but ford refuses to do anything or help out with the costs which will be several 1000 $$. *jb
- Structure › Body › Door
When the consumer tried to close the door, the sensor failed and the sliding door closed on the consumer hand. *jb
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Interior
Sun visor assembly breaks after short period causing it to drop into drivers vision and drastically interfere with ability to see oncoming traffic. replacement cost IS $97.00 for one sun visor. mercury villager owners club reports this as a constant problem with this vehicle.*jb
- Unknown or other
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Fuel pump failed after the ac failed----a very strong gas odor starting vehicle up
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel tank vent hose leakage
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…
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.
- Unexpected opening on sliding door
There is no summary currently available
- Fuel rail hose fitting leakage
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…
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.
- Battery explosions
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 6090862Whining noise from transaxle on light acceleration, tip-in acceleration between 40-64 km/h (25-40 mph)
- 6090860Exhibiting an intermittent condition where the speed control will not set or may disengage while driving.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090085Service information for musty and mildew type odors coming from the air conditioning / heating system.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area.
- 627747This aritlce IS to provide information on replacement of old style hood lamp switch to the rvised mechanical hood lamp switch.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 619460Information on servicing the forward clutch.
- 615278Some vehicles with analog instrument clusters may exhibit a concern of a fluctuating or jumping tachometer indicator needle.
- 615197Some vehicles with analog instrument clusters may exhibit a concern of a fluctuating or jumping tachometer indicator needle.
- 613796Some vehicles may produce an objectionable sulfur or rotten egg - type odor from the exhaust during various driving conditions.
- 613768Some vehicles may exhibit a sulfur odor during various driving conditions.
- 613347On some vehicles, the air bag indicator lamp may flash constantly.
- 613343Experiencing a crunch / grunt noise from the rear suspension of some vehicles.
- 613338There may be a squeak / rattle noise from the sliding door area and / or the sliding door may be difficult to close.
- 613226Some vehicles may display diagnostic trouble code 34, or p0325 (mil dtc 0304) when testing the electronic engine control system.
- 613185Repeat message regarding power door locks self-locking / erratic operation.
- 613060Some vehicles may display diagnostic trouble code (dtc) 34, or po325 (mil dtc 0304) when testing the electronic engine control system, indicating a fault with the engine knock sensor circuit. *Mjs
- 613019Experiencing a squealing or grinding noise from either the front or rear brakes when the customer lightly applies the brakes.
- 612788Information regarding the servicing of the forward clutch, which has been replaced by three individual parts. *Mjs
- 612739Some vehicles equipped with compact disc changer may exhibit a 6 disc cd changer that IS not ejecting the magazine or IS not responding to command from the radio.
- 612408Be aware that the f6xz-7a360-aa forward clutch assembly has been replaced by 3 individual parts. Xf5z-7a360-aa(drum), xf5z-7a398-aa (planetary) and f3xy-7b066-f (pressure plate). Use of any of the original components in place of those listed could cause an endplay and/or shifting concern.
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 609750Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0120, p0510,p0731,p0732 and/or p0733 stored in memory with no driveability concerns present. Yd
- 609654Addressing an intermittent condition where the speed control will not set or may disengage while driving.
- 609534Rear brakes are binding or overheating after having been serviced. Yd
- 607496Some vehicles may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning lamp and trouble codes 41/45/55/63.
- 607410This bulletin mentions the two different cylinders available for replacement liftgate support cylinders.
- 607367Some vehicles may exhibit an intermittent ABS warning lamp concern and trouble codes 41/ 45/ 55/ 63 may be retrieved during a quick test.
- 607227Concerns with egr flow malfunction.
- 607226Some 1996-1998 villagers exhibit intermittent self-activation of power door locks.
- 607225Some 1996-1998 villagers exhibit intermittent self-activation of power door locks.
Every Mercury Villager model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.