1996 Mercury Villager: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 188 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (15% of complaints); the 1998 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2001
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 188 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2012
“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”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Jan 2006
“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”Owner report · Equipment · Mar 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2005
“While driving any speed consumer heard a ticking noise coming from the engine. Dealership did not resolve the problem. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2004
“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”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Jan 2004
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2003
“While pulling into a driveway dual airbags deployed inadvertently. As a result, the air bags cracked the windshield. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2003
“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.”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Sep 2003
“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.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Sep 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 11 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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."
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.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VENT HOSE.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1996 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Villager by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Mercury Villager reliable?
NHTSA has 188 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Mercury Villager. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (15% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Mercury Villager problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 86,089 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Mercury Villager have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning visibility:power window devices and controls. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.