CarRecordBook

Model year record

1996 Mercury Villager recalls & problems

The 1996 Mercury Villager has 2 safety recalls and 188 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (41 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints188filed by owners
Crashes · fires11 · 7reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths6 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Fuel system, gasolineJan 2, 2001

Storage › Tank assembly

Recall 00V419002394,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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.
Risk
FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VENT HOSE.
VisibilityMar 23, 1998

Power window devices and controls

Recall 98V01200157,400 vehicles

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

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1996 Mercury Villager Van

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Villager FWD Van

18mpg combined
City / highway16 / 21 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Villager FWD Wagon

18mpg combined
City / highway16 / 21 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine4102081,600 mi
Latches/locks/linkagesDoors › Latch; Tailgate › Latch29200—
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump; Storage › Tank assembly26030—
StructureBody › Door; Body › Door › Hinge and attachments25002—
VisibilityWindshield; Power window devices and controls24001—
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components15200—
Air bagsFrontal14213—
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Column locking › Anti-theft device11100—
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Linkages11400—
Seat beltsFront › Anchorage; Front › Retractor11000—
Unknown or other10000—
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)8000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations