1997 Mercury Villager
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Villager › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Mercury Villager. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1997 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: passenger MINI vans equipped with automotive batteries supplied by gnb technologies. these batteries have a defective negative post that can cause acid leakage and related corrosion damage.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can cause a catastrophic failure of the battery which could lead to an engine fire or battery explosion.
Remedy
Dealers will replace these batteries. until a new battery IS obtained, owners should not attempt to "jump start" these batteries.
The four rubber fuel line connector hoses that are supplied to ford with the fuel tank assembly were improperly manufactured. These hoses can develop cracks or splits resulting in fuel leakage.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the fuel tank assembly for the suspect date codes and replace the four rubber fuel connector hoses if necessary.
Owner complaints
125 complaints5 involved a crash1 involved a fire2 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body
I was driving along after shopping and I started to hear this dragging or bottoming out sound so I pulled over to see what was happening and to my surprise the front frame on the passenger side that holds up the engine was broken I then opened the hood and saw that the engine was sitting sideways…
I was driving along after shopping and I started to hear this dragging or bottoming out sound so I pulled over to see what was happening and to my surprise the front frame on the passenger side that holds up the engine was broken I then opened the hood and saw that the engine was sitting sideways toward the passenger side. I limped the van home and had my mechanic look at it and he said that it was on fixable and then I called five body shops to see if they could fix it and they said no and that mercury villagers was known to do this and that they were recalled for this before. *tr
- Seat belts
My 7 year old daughter thought it would be fun to see how many times she could wrap the shoulder belt around her neck. I was unaware as I was getting my other children buckled in. Before we were about to leave, I turned to see if she too was buckled in and found her using her fingers between her…
My 7 year old daughter thought it would be fun to see how many times she could wrap the shoulder belt around her neck. I was unaware as I was getting my other children buckled in. Before we were about to leave, I turned to see if she too was buckled in and found her using her fingers between her neck and the belt to try to free herself as the slack had been pulled back in. We immediately got some scissors to cut the belt to let her free. The potential for some other kid doing this and not having anyone or anything around to help makes me nervous. Bizarre, I know, but kids come up with ridiculous stuff all the time. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1997 mercury villager. The contact stated that the engine was started in cold weather, the vehicle would exhibit an abnormally strong gasoline odor. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic who advised that there were no visible fuel leakages but the canister and the connected…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 mercury villager. The contact stated that the engine was started in cold weather, the vehicle would exhibit an abnormally strong gasoline odor. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic who advised that there were no visible fuel leakages but the canister and the connected hoses were faulty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised that there were no recalls for the problem. The vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 155,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Vehicle speed control
Driver reports he must have had his foot on the brake and accelerator at the same time (semi-panic brake application). Police report states "tire marks" on the (dry) pavement. One does not produce "tire marks" on dry pavement (no turning involved) without brake application. Driver had episode of…
Driver reports he must have had his foot on the brake and accelerator at the same time (semi-panic brake application). Police report states "tire marks" on the (dry) pavement. One does not produce "tire marks" on dry pavement (no turning involved) without brake application. Driver had episode of microsleep: when alerted by the event taking place, he could not get the vehicle stopped in time to prevent hitting and fatally injuring a pedestrian. Upon examination of accident vehicle, inspector discovered unusual arched accelerator pedal design wherein the brake pedal was located only 1 5/8 inch from the arched accelerator pedal allowing brake application and acceleration concurrently if certain conditions prevail. Examination demonstrated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the pedal went substantially below the accelerator pedal. Furthermore, with the 4 5/8 inch wide boot the driver (and inspector) wore, it was easy to accidentally catch the edge of the accelerator pedal, consequently enabling the user to accidentally depress the accelerator and brake pedal (under certain conditions) at the same time. *Tr
- Seats
Headrest guides are no longer available from manufacturer (ford or nissan). The guide itself IS a cheaply built plastic sleeve which breaks easily (i've been through several in my nine years of ownership). Unfortunately, the headrest cannot be secured to the seat without them!! *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mercury villager. the contact smells gasoline after the vehicle has been driven or while it IS idling. no fuel has been found on the ground after the vehicle was moved. nhtsa campaign ID numbers 96v203000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly: mounting) and…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mercury villager. the contact smells gasoline after the vehicle has been driven or while it IS idling. no fuel has been found on the ground after the vehicle was moved. nhtsa campaign ID numbers 96v203000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly: mounting) and 00v419002 (fuel system, gasoline:storage: tank assembly) were referenced; however, the contact was informed that there was no longer a safety recall. the current mileage was 69,000 and failure mileage was 68,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mercury villager. the contact stated that every time he fills up his gas tank and parks the vehicle, fuel leaks out from underneath. he took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the vent hose for a service charge because it was not included in nhtsa campaign ID…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mercury villager. the contact stated that every time he fills up his gas tank and parks the vehicle, fuel leaks out from underneath. he took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the vent hose for a service charge because it was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 00v419002 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly). the current and failure mileages were 106,108. recall# 00v419002 updated 11/26/07. *Jb
- Air bags › Frontal
Driving my '97 mercury villager into a commercial driveway at about 3 mph, both air bags deployed upon going over a slight bump. *Nm
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Our customers 1997 mercury villager van caught fire while driving in the city. Wonder if this could be related to the nissan maxima recall for alternator fires? I have seen 3 maxima alternators burn and we are not even a nissan dealer. *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
I had noticed that when I filled gas tank there was a strong odor of gasoline inside vehicle for several days. I had the vehicle checked by the shop that does my oil changes and they stated that it was the filler hose and it should be covered under a recall. the local dealership states that…
I had noticed that when I filled gas tank there was a strong odor of gasoline inside vehicle for several days. I had the vehicle checked by the shop that does my oil changes and they stated that it was the filler hose and it should be covered under a recall. the local dealership states that since the repair was made under the recall in 2002 that it was not covered again. repair part was apparently defective. The repair cost will be $150.00.*ak
- Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
The vehicle had a flat tire. the consumer discovered that a valve stem device, called a tire minder, designed to indicate the proper inflation of the tire had failed. *nm *sc *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Check engine light kept illuminating. *ph when the vehicle was purchased the consumer noticed that the check engine light was on. the dealer reset it but it kept coming back on. it was later determined that the problem was with the speed sensor. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Constant problem with brakes with my mercury villager GS, 1997. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
I am one of tons of people with the notorious exhaust manifold studs breaking issue! Which causes the check engine like to come on, and dangerous fumes to enter the vehicle. With 4 children, this IS not a good thing...and the price IS more then a family of 4 children can afford at $1500-3000…
I am one of tons of people with the notorious exhaust manifold studs breaking issue! Which causes the check engine like to come on, and dangerous fumes to enter the vehicle. With 4 children, this IS not a good thing...and the price IS more then a family of 4 children can afford at $1500-3000 depending on the damage and now I cannot have my vehicle safely inspected due to this issue. Please have them issue a recall on this and protect our families.
- Fuel system, gasoline
Filler pipe vent hose was recalled in march 2001 recall#00s59 and replaced. the same part failed in the exact same manner and was replaced november 2003. ford says that the filler pipe vent hose IS out of warranty and will not pay any replacement costs. did the march 2001 recall adequately address this problem?
- Air bags · Steering
I went to the mercury dealership today for a front wheel alignment today on my 1997 villager. I was informed that this vehicle requires a four wheel alignment, due to the front wheel drive. I was informed also that in order for the dealer to get the alignment in specs, rear shims would need to be…
I went to the mercury dealership today for a front wheel alignment today on my 1997 villager. I was informed that this vehicle requires a four wheel alignment, due to the front wheel drive. I was informed also that in order for the dealer to get the alignment in specs, rear shims would need to be installed in the rear two wheels of the vehicle. I was also informed that these shims are not installed when the vehicle IS built, but are required in almost all cases once the vehicle IS out on the road and has been subjected to normal wear and tear. The price tag? A hefty $347 plus tax! I had to decline the repair, I think it IS pathetic for ford to cut costs in this manner, always passing up quality in the interest of saving a buck! The moral of this story IS I paid 80.00 dollars today for a front end alignment and nothing has changed! I think ford/mercury should be called on the carpet and required to install this part on all villagers. This in my opinion should have been done in the first place!
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
While opening and locking doors the remote control was inoperable. Consumer had to open the doors and lock the doors manually. Consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic informed the driver there was not a recall for this vehicle. consumer told the mechanic that the locks had been replaced numerous times, but problem still exists. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Mercury villager, 1997. transmission control module triggered the engine light to stay on. repairs $300. only 27,000 miles.*ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Seat belts › Front › Retractor · Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate
Consumer complained about automatic door lock problem. the doors locked without notice. Currently, hatchback will not open. Also, driver's side seat belt did not retract.*ak
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
While driving down the highway, driver side front window 'popped', shattered, then flew inward on me. Police inspection of vehicle did not find any slugs, was not driving under a bridge, nor no cars next to me.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
There was a filler pipe/vent hose failure which was recalled and repaired in march 2001. it failed a second time in the same location. *ak recall#00v419002 *scc *jb
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Door locks engage intermittently by themselves. this occurs both when the vehicle IS running and off, and when the vehicle IS moving or parked. *la
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Defective ABS in 1997 mercury villager. While sitting still the brake pedal will release causing the vehicle to lunge forward possibly striking someone or something. I have researched this problem online and found several similar statements from owners of the same vehicle. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
Vehicle IS able to shift gears even though key has been removed. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
There were problems with the exhaust manifold bolts. the manufacturer was not contacted at the time of this call. *ak *scc *jb
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.
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.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 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.
- 6090536Information regarding srs system diagnosis, air bag warning indication. *Mjs
- 6090307Subject regarding a flashing air bag warning lamp indicating a fault in the system.
- 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.
- 613792Some vehicles may exhibit a surge under certain deceleration conditions, engine stalling during transmission engagement, or an excessive sulfur-type odor from the exhaust at times.
- 613278Some vehicles may exhibit a noise concern(s) from the rear suspension when driving on rough roads or during a left turn.
- 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.
- 613142Some vehicles may exhibit a noise concern (s) from the rear suspension when driving on rough roads or during a left turn. *Mjs
- 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.
- 607474Some vehicles may exhibit a creaking noise or low tone rattle noise coming from the rear suspension area.
- 607410This bulletin mentions the two different cylinders available for replacement liftgate support cylinders.
- 607399Information regarding engines being added to the fqr (ford quality renewal) assembly program.
Every Mercury Villager model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.