1999 Mercury Villager
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Villager › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Mercury Villager. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1999 Mercury Villager. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
There could be a looseness in the steering, which may be accompanied by noise or vibration.
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.
Vehicle description: minivans. the tail light socket may have been improperly molded, resulting in the locking tab having insufficient force to retain the bulb.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the bulb falls out of the socket, the brake or tail lamp function cannot occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the tail lamp sockets.
Vehicle description: MINI vans. the fuel tank retention strap (two straps per vehicle) can break at the spot welds causing an underbody rattle.
Risk and remedy
Risk
There IS also a potential for fuel tank separation or fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel tank retention straps.
Vehicle description: MINI vans. the affected vehicles may have a second row right hand side captain chair that has inadequate lubrication of the easy entry and exit latch system. in some cases, the actuator spring in the latch could deform after repeated use, causing the latch to remain in the unlatched position. if this occurs, the seat will slide…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An unlatched seat track could result in an increased risk of injury in the event of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat track for the second row right hand side captain's chair, which includes the easy entry and exit latch mechanism.
Owner complaints
185 complaints11 involved a crash3 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
When stopped at light, upon accelerating when the light turns green, the accelerator IS hard to press. It does not depress. You have to either press too hard or pump a few times for it to get going. This IS very dangerous when you are taking a left turn on a solid green light without a green arrow. You may stall and then lunge forward into an oncoming car *tr
- Engine · Seat belts · Vehicle speed control
Tried to slightly depress the accelerator to move up in traffic but accelerator was stuck and had to apply more force to depress accelerator causing vehicle to lunge forward nearly causing a collision with the vehicle in front of us. rear passenger side seat belt will not extend to allow it to be put on. *tr
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercury villager. The contact stated that the ventilation blower would not emit air or heat when the air conditioner or heater was activated. The vehicle was inspected by the owner and he noticed that the power resistor had overheated and burned and would need replacing.…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercury villager. The contact stated that the ventilation blower would not emit air or heat when the air conditioner or heater was activated. The vehicle was inspected by the owner and he noticed that the power resistor had overheated and burned and would need replacing. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown and the vin was not available.
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury villager. While the contact was pulling into a parking space the vehicle suddenly surged forward without warning causing the contact to crash into a pole. The contact previously noticed that the vehicle would surge forward whenever it came to a stop. The vehicle…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury villager. While the contact was pulling into a parking space the vehicle suddenly surged forward without warning causing the contact to crash into a pole. The contact previously noticed that the vehicle would surge forward whenever it came to a stop. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealership. There were no prior warnings. The vin was not available. The current and failure mileages were 140,000.
- Vehicle speed control
I have a 1999 mercury villager, periodically the gas pedal will be very hard to push. It actually got stuck accelerating once. I have researched this online and have found many many complaints about this situation. I have found that mercury has recalled the mountaineer (campaign # 00v422000) for…
I have a 1999 mercury villager, periodically the gas pedal will be very hard to push. It actually got stuck accelerating once. I have researched this online and have found many many complaints about this situation. I have found that mercury has recalled the mountaineer (campaign # 00v422000) for this "exact" issue but has taken no action with the villager. I have replaced the whole throttle body once, soon after I purchased the van, but after the warranty had expired. as I recall it was at a $600 expense to me. I would like to know what IS being done about this issue. thank you. *Tr
- Exterior lighting · Fuel system, other
1999 mercury villager MINI van problem headlights keep blowing out, cannot use high beams without hearing some crackling on highbeam switch when putting on high beams. I just replace the bulb and not use highbeams. Also gas pedal sticks most of the time when you excel especially when it IS damp…
1999 mercury villager MINI van problem headlights keep blowing out, cannot use high beams without hearing some crackling on highbeam switch when putting on high beams. I just replace the bulb and not use highbeams. Also gas pedal sticks most of the time when you excel especially when it IS damp out, I step on the pedal and it jerks forward because it's stuck when I feel it IS stuck when excelling from stop I usually step on the brake then the gas and let off the brake slowly. I have been lucky there hasn't been an accident yet. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Vehicle speed control
The 1999 through 2000 mercury villager vans have a defective throttle body assembly. my gas petal started sticking on my villager van late last year. I finally had the throttle body assembly cleaned and throttle control sensor replaced in january, after several failed attempts by the mercury…
The 1999 through 2000 mercury villager vans have a defective throttle body assembly. my gas petal started sticking on my villager van late last year. I finally had the throttle body assembly cleaned and throttle control sensor replaced in january, after several failed attempts by the mercury dealership to rectify this problem. I had another mechanic replace the failed throttle body control sensor (in may)after only 4 months (part was guaranteed for 12 months) and the throttle body was ok for a short period of time and now it's sticking and the gas petal IS hard to depress. it IS a major accident hazard because you need to know that you can pull out safely from an intersection or accelerate when entering a ramp on the interstate. with this problem you have to press the gas petal harder than normal and then you feel like you are getting whiplash because the petal will unstick and you shoot forward. our car had a check engine light that came on and it was also associated with this problem. from the contents of this article, I believe that mercury and nissan are completely aware this danger. http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2004/08/20/biz_villagersuit20.html please investigate this issue and force mercury & nissan to recall all of these vehicles and agree to replace the throttle body assembly free of charge. when you have taken care of your vehicle maintenance wise and the manufacturer knows there IS a safety problem and does nothing, then they should bear the brunt of their faulty design and be liable for any injuries or deaths associated with this issue. more links below http://www.allworldauto.com/comments/mercury_villager_comments_and_complaints_101-573-1.html. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury villager. when coming to a complete stop at an intersection, the contact noticed a strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a local repair shop and a technician determined that the fuel retention straps failed, which caused the spot…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury villager. when coming to a complete stop at an intersection, the contact noticed a strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a local repair shop and a technician determined that the fuel retention straps failed, which caused the spot wells to separate. the repair would cost $800. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 99v205001 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting); therefore, no compensation would be provided. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 167,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline · Vehicle speed control
1999 mercury villager estate mini-van. Purchased new in 1999. Owned briefly when gas pedal stuck, but if kicked down on released. Of course, the vehicle would jump forward from the hard kick on the accelerator. The problem was corrected by replacing the throttle body...only for a short time though.…
1999 mercury villager estate mini-van. Purchased new in 1999. Owned briefly when gas pedal stuck, but if kicked down on released. Of course, the vehicle would jump forward from the hard kick on the accelerator. The problem was corrected by replacing the throttle body...only for a short time though. When it happened again after the manufacturer's warranty period a quick 20 minute cleaning of the inside of the throttle body fixed the problem...again for a while. This sticking or the throttle most often causes a delay in the forward motion of the vehicle; however, it has also occurred when I was trying to stop and in order not to run into another stopped vehicle the ignition had to be turned off or placed in neutral. I thought of reporting this when I saw on a mercury blog page that many others have experienced this same problem. *Tr
- Fuel system, other
No incidents as of yet. Bought a 1999 mercury villager estate, the throttle body will not let the van idle at normal speeds. You can not stop, van goes automatically, rpm at 3000, all the time. You take your foot off the gas , it will go 35mph all day long, you try to stop that. When you come to a…
No incidents as of yet. Bought a 1999 mercury villager estate, the throttle body will not let the van idle at normal speeds. You can not stop, van goes automatically, rpm at 3000, all the time. You take your foot off the gas , it will go 35mph all day long, you try to stop that. When you come to a stop light, very hard to stop, and hard to keep it stopped. I searched the web, and there 100'S & 100'S of complaints of this problem, with no recalls, , how can this happen. For all years of that van,1997,1998,1999,2001,2002. This a crash waiting to happen. Search the web for info, you will see. This a very bad thing, people much have gotten into crashes..... *Tr
- Seat belts › Rear/other › Buckle assembly
Complaining about a 1999 mercury villager not having a latch system in the back seats. *Tr
- Wheels
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury villager. while driving approximately 40 mph, the contact noticed that the tire was completely flat. he took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that air was leaking out of the steel wheel. the dealer replaced the wheel as a free remedy. three years…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury villager. while driving approximately 40 mph, the contact noticed that the tire was completely flat. he took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that air was leaking out of the steel wheel. the dealer replaced the wheel as a free remedy. three years later, while driving approximately 25 mph, the failure recurred. he took the vehicle to a local tire shop and they stated that the tire was in good condition, but the steel wheel was causing the failure. five years later, the front passenger side tire failed and the steel wheel had to be replaced. the driving conditions and speed were not factors. the manufacturer has not been notified. the failure mileage was 10,000 and current mileage was 48,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
1999 mercury villager engine caught fire after stopping. Consumer states that the engine caught fire after stopping at the gas pump. The fire was extinguished. *kb (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0074-90) *jb
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Purchased vehicle one week ago, since then whenever I am going from park to drive the vehicle accelerates on its own revving the engine at 5,000 rpms making it very hard to stop vehicle while applying the brakes. You have to shut vehicle off and then put it in park, then try it again. Sometimes it…
Purchased vehicle one week ago, since then whenever I am going from park to drive the vehicle accelerates on its own revving the engine at 5,000 rpms making it very hard to stop vehicle while applying the brakes. You have to shut vehicle off and then put it in park, then try it again. Sometimes it works and other times its worse!!! This vehicle IS very unsafe and should be taken off the streets, or fixed properly by the manufacturer!!! I am very scared to drive this vehicle with my kids in it, for we might have an accident. This has happened everyday since we purchased this vehicle!!!! *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle was being drive when automatic transmission failed and reverted back to first gear. after stopping, turning off engine, and restarting, vehicle would not come out of first gear when being driven. vehicle was subsequently towed to dealership , carman ford in new castle de), but was…
Vehicle was being drive when automatic transmission failed and reverted back to first gear. after stopping, turning off engine, and restarting, vehicle would not come out of first gear when being driven. vehicle was subsequently towed to dealership , carman ford in new castle de), but was unable to diagnose problem. dealership reported that they could not duplicate. vehicle was picked up by owner and began to drive it home when problem re-occurred. vehicle IS now at cottman transmission in west chester pa who diagnose metal shavings in the transmission well (minute fragments) that may or may not be causing the problem.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum › Drum
I sent this letter to the ford motor company. no reply yet. I also have copies of the work that was done to the van. I hope you can help. Thank you very much. on thursday may 3, 2007 we were driving, with my wife being the driver, north on u.s. 441 in florida. as we passed a truck we heard a…
I sent this letter to the ford motor company. no reply yet. I also have copies of the work that was done to the van. I hope you can help. Thank you very much. on thursday may 3, 2007 we were driving, with my wife being the driver, north on u.s. 441 in florida. as we passed a truck we heard a growling noise. it was our van. I-75 the traffic was stopped up from an accident so we took a parallel road to the north. the van was still growling. when we got to u.s. 27 I told her we had better find a mercury dealer and see what the problem was. we turned back into ocala and stopped at a small independent used auto sales business. we were told the mercury dealership was just down the street, so we got back into the van and proceeded to start out. my wife had to back up a little toward busy u.s. 441. then she screamed ?i have no brakes!? quickly she put the van into drive and it screeched and lunged forward. now we were headed toward a chain-link fence. still no brakes, so she was smart enough to turn off the key and we stopped two feet from the fence. needless to say she was my heroine. we got out and she said, ?look at this hub cap.? the plastic connectors that hold it to the wheel were melted and the cap had fallen off. the wheel was too hot to touch. both front wheels were very hot and now you could smell brake fluid. we called a wrecker and the people that owned the auto sales store gave us a tire store that was suppose to be the best in the area. I called them and they would take us in right away. apparently the wheel cylinders engaged on the front of the van and the intense heat from friction built up had melted the brake hoses. we are sure glad we had not ventured onto I-75. IS this a manufacturer?s defect that hasn't been found yet? *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Gas pedal getting stuck. almost hitting a pedestrian. took it to dealer. Dealer mechanic cleans the throttle body it works for few days but the problem keeps recurring. *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
My 1999 mercury villager with approx 39K miles started showing this problem in april 2006. When I press the gas pedal after the light turns green, the pedal does not depress. I press harder, it finally depresses, but the van lunges forward. One time I got honked from behind. This happened about 5…
My 1999 mercury villager with approx 39K miles started showing this problem in april 2006. When I press the gas pedal after the light turns green, the pedal does not depress. I press harder, it finally depresses, but the van lunges forward. One time I got honked from behind. This happened about 5 times. I was planning on taking it to the shop. Then a few days later the van started trembling during idle and the "service" indicator came on. I took it to the shop on april 29TH. They charged me approx $550 to replace one fuel injector and clean the throttle body and other fuel injectors. Yesterday, may 3RD the van did the same thing with a stuck gas pedal. I searched on the internet and found several complaints of this nature. Please let me know what options I have. *Jb
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Accelerator pedal frequently sticks in up-position on 1999 mercury villager; mostly when vehicle IS stopped. Problem has been ongoing since purchase two years ago. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
1999 mercury villager- gas pedal sticks. car also smells like rotten eggs after it has warmed up. Sometimes the smell goes away. *jb
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Dt*: the contact stated the accelerator pedal sticks. The pedal must be depressed hard in order to release. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three times. The first two times the dealer was unable to locate the source of the problem. The last time the dealer determined the throttle needed to be replaced.
- Steering
For more times than I can remember, I again today had the agonizing experience of my vehicle steering locking up while trying to steer it. I have a 1999 mercury villager that was purchased new in 1999. On numerous occasions since then I have had my vehicle in at ford dealerships with the complaint…
For more times than I can remember, I again today had the agonizing experience of my vehicle steering locking up while trying to steer it. I have a 1999 mercury villager that was purchased new in 1999. On numerous occasions since then I have had my vehicle in at ford dealerships with the complaint of the steering locking up. This can occur at any given moment when making a turn. It seems to happen especially when the weather IS damp. I have had several close calls. Every time I have taken the vehicle in they never find anything wrong with the steering. After another near mishap today I am very reluctant to drive this vehicle because of the potential danger. I am extremely frustrated that this has been occurring every since I have had the vehicle and no one seems to listen. As stupid as this may sound, I have told several family members, close friends and co-workers about my ordeal. I have instructed them to pursue legal action in the event that I am either killed or seriously injured in a accident involving this vehicle. *Nm
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
The throttle sticks in the closed position, requiring an inordinate amount of force on the accelerator pedal to open the throttle. once sufficient force IS applied to overcome the resistance, the vehicle will lunge forward unexpectedly, and has the potential to cause damage or injury. this…
The throttle sticks in the closed position, requiring an inordinate amount of force on the accelerator pedal to open the throttle. once sufficient force IS applied to overcome the resistance, the vehicle will lunge forward unexpectedly, and has the potential to cause damage or injury. this problem has supposedly been corrected by the dealer cleaning the throttle body assembly, at my expense. however, based on the reports from other complainants, the problem IS likely to recur and be a continual hazard. *Jb
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Almost every time I drive the van, the accelerator has at least once incident when it IS non-responsive. I have to hit the accelerator with my foot hard to get the car to move. if the car does respond then we accelerate rapidly. sometimes it takes more than one depression on the accelerator to…
Almost every time I drive the van, the accelerator has at least once incident when it IS non-responsive. I have to hit the accelerator with my foot hard to get the car to move. if the car does respond then we accelerate rapidly. sometimes it takes more than one depression on the accelerator to get action. If a car IS coming toward me I cannot rapidly avoid an accident. I cannot depend on the car to perform. this IS a definite hazzard which needs to be addressed by the manufacturer. this IS a 1999 mercury villager van.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Dt: the consumer states that approximately a year ago the accelerator pedal began to stick in the up position. when he tried to go slow from the stop position it would not work, causing him to place more pressure on the pedal causing the vehicle to lurch. the consumer took the vehicle to the…
Dt: the consumer states that approximately a year ago the accelerator pedal began to stick in the up position. when he tried to go slow from the stop position it would not work, causing him to place more pressure on the pedal causing the vehicle to lurch. the consumer took the vehicle to the service dealer, and they suggested that he place a fuel injection cleaner in the air filter, which helped, but the problem recurred. *ak *sc
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Failing headlights
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…
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.
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.
- 10026364Ford: certain 1999 and 2000 model year villager villagers are to have the throttle body cleaned.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014062Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10011159Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10009321Inoperative electric rear window defroster (heated backlite) grid lines, integral antenna concerns.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008159Update wiring harness when replacing fuel injector.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 6092226Subject regaridng sliding side door operation.
- 6092224Some vehicles may exhibit a flip-out window glass in the sliding door or rear quarter that, when closed, does not latch securely, rattles or pops open under certain conditions.
- 6092138Some vehicles may exhibit a loose and partially separated rubber strip alone the windshield moulding at the left or right side a-pillar.
- 6092100Some vehicles may exhibit a cd changer with a cd magazine that jams / will not eject.
- 6092011Some individuals may have difficulty programming remote entry transmitters.
- 6091935Experiencing a clunk, snap or popping-type noise from the rear suspension area while driving.
- 6090860Exhibiting an intermittent condition where the speed control will not set or may disengage while driving.
- 6090820Exhibiting a loose and partially separated rubber strip along the windshield mounding at the left or right side a pillar.
- 6090801Some vehicles may exhibit a cd changer with a cd magazine that jams / will not eject.
- 6090655(Continued from 13251 and 13252) uncommanded front wiper function. *Mjs
- 6090573Information regarding self-activating door locks. *Mjs
- 6090536Information regarding srs system diagnosis, air bag warning indication. *Mjs
- 6090405Information regarding self-activating door locks. *Mjs
- 6090307Subject regarding a flashing air bag warning lamp indicating a fault in the system.
- 6090250Some vehicles built from job 1 through 10/31/98 may exhibit a clunk, snap or popping type noise from the rear suspension area while driving at times.
- 6090190Vehicles built from 9/26/1998 through 9/15/1999 may have power door locks that self-active or cycle.
- 6090186On some vehicles, the front windshield wipers may operate while the multifunction switch IS in the off position.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6089685Subject regarding front wipers operating while switch IS in off position.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 637438Some vehicles may exhibit static or ignition noise through the radio on the am band.
- 636354Information pertaining to liftgate cylinder operation.
- 636065Information regarding discharged battery charging service tips and guidelines.
- 636061Some vehicles built from 9/26/1998 through 9/5/2001 may exhibit power door locks that self-active or cycle on.
- 630708Concerns with vehicle exhibiting a headlamp that IS dim, flickers or IS inoeprative.
- 630665Some vehicles with the rear seat entertainment system may exhibit an inoperative condition.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 630323Expereincing slight vibration/shake felt on some vehicles in the steering wheel and/or floor pan and front seat at steady vehicle speeds above 2 km/h (45 mph) after tire/wheel assemblies are balanced.
- 630140Some vehicles may exhibit interior lamps that come on while driving.
Every Mercury Villager model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.