IllustrationWHILE TURNING AT ANY SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
1993 Mercury Villager
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Villager years
Owner complaints for the 1993 Mercury Villager are substantially higher than the model-year median of 125.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Villager years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 17 of 414 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 142 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Visibility. Review the 61 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
15 crash reports30 fire reports16 injury reports
What owners actually said
414 reportsPLEASE ADD DETAILS. TS THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE PARK POSITION ON A SLIGHT SLOPE. THE CONSUMER WAS INSTALLING A CAR SEAT WHEN HE VEHICLE STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS. THE CONSUMER WAS THROWN OUT OF THE VEHICLE THEN RUN OVER BY THE BACK TIRE. THE CONSUMERS RIGHT LEG WAS INJURED. CHILD STILL IN THE VAN AS IT CONTINUED TO …
Read full complaint
PLEASE ADD DETAILS. TS THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE PARK POSITION ON A SLIGHT SLOPE. THE CONSUMER WAS INSTALLING A CAR SEAT WHEN HE VEHICLE STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS. THE CONSUMER WAS THROWN OUT OF THE VEHICLE THEN RUN OVER BY THE BACK TIRE. THE CONSUMERS RIGHT LEG WAS INJURED. CHILD STILL IN THE VAN AS IT CONTINUED TO ROLL. THE CONSUMER NOTICED PLAY IN THE IGNITION AND LOCK ON THE COLUMN. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH EITHER MAY OR MAY NOT CLICK DEPENDING ON HOW FAR THE KEY WAS TURNED. THE CONSUMERS BONE POPPED OUT CAUSING A LOT OF BLEEDING AND CHILDREN ARE STILL SCARRED BY THE ACCIDENT. *TC
BAD FACTORY DESIGN LEADS TO EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS BREAKING. THUS CAUSING EXPENSIVE, UNDUE REPAIRS. FORD IS UNWILLING TO ASSIST CUSTOMERS WHO EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM, BUT IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THE ENGINE. *AK MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT: HTTP://WWW.CARTRACKERS.COM/FORUMS/LIVE/MINIVANSENTHUSIASTDISCUSSIONGROUP/169.HTML
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR COLLISION. THEN, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. *AK
STUDS ON EXHAUST MANIFOLD SHEARED OFF. CAUSED EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER PASSENGER COMPARTMENT SICKING PASSENGERS. ALSO CAUSED A LOUD NOISE LIKE A EXHAUST LEAK. MECHANIC SAID HAD SEEN THIS ON SEVERAL OTHER VILLAGERS.*AK
I AM THE OWNER OF A '93 MERCURY VILLAGER. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE SEVERAL OF MY HEAD BOLTS REPLACED DUE TO BROKEN BOLTS CAUSING MY HEAD GASKET TO LEAK AND CAUSE MY ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM, THERE ARE MANY OF US SEEKING AN EXPLANATION. FOR MORE INFORMATION YOU CAN VISIT CARTRACKERS.COM …
Read full complaint
I AM THE OWNER OF A '93 MERCURY VILLAGER. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE SEVERAL OF MY HEAD BOLTS REPLACED DUE TO BROKEN BOLTS CAUSING MY HEAD GASKET TO LEAK AND CAUSE MY ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM, THERE ARE MANY OF US SEEKING AN EXPLANATION. FOR MORE INFORMATION YOU CAN VISIT CARTRACKERS.COM AND YOU WILL FIND MANY UPSET OWNERS OF BOTH NISSAN QUEST AND MERCURY VILLAGERS (SAME MOTORS) WITH SAME PROBLEM.*AK
EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS HAVE BROKEN AND EXHAUST IS BACKING UP INTO THE CABIN. MY MECHANIC OWNS A VILLAGER AND TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THAT THE DEALER IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN FIX IT. I HAVE DONE SOME ON-LINE RESEARCH AND IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON AND COULD POSSIBLY BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *JB
EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS BREAKING OFF. CHECKED PRIOR TO REPAIR BY CALLING A LOCAL FORD DEALER AND ALSO ON THE INTERNET, TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS AS IT IS AN EXTENSIVE REPAIR AND VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. COULD NOT FIND AN OFFICIAL RECALL FROM FORD, BUT FOUND NUMEROUS WEBSITES AND COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS FROM OWNERS, NA…
Read full complaint
EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS BREAKING OFF. CHECKED PRIOR TO REPAIR BY CALLING A LOCAL FORD DEALER AND ALSO ON THE INTERNET, TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS AS IT IS AN EXTENSIVE REPAIR AND VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. COULD NOT FIND AN OFFICIAL RECALL FROM FORD, BUT FOUND NUMEROUS WEBSITES AND COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS FROM OWNERS, NATIONALLY, AS WELL AS INTERNATIONALLY, OF THE 1993 MERCURY VILLAGER WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS EXACT PROBLEM.
THE TWO OUTSIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS ON THE BOTH THE FRONT AND BACK WERE BROKEN. THIS CAUSED EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER THE CABIN.*AK
THE HEADLIGHT LENS COVERS DEGRADED EXCESSIVELY AND TURNED GRAY/OPAQUE, WHICH MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROAD WHILE TRAVELING AT NIGHT. *JB NISSAN AND FORDS PLASTIC HEADLIGHT, FADE AND TURN AMBER WHICH RESTRICTED THE LIGHT OUTPUT AND HAS TO BE CHANGED EVERY THREE MONTHS. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED GLASS TO ALLEVIATE THE PRO…
Read full complaint
THE HEADLIGHT LENS COVERS DEGRADED EXCESSIVELY AND TURNED GRAY/OPAQUE, WHICH MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROAD WHILE TRAVELING AT NIGHT. *JB NISSAN AND FORDS PLASTIC HEADLIGHT, FADE AND TURN AMBER WHICH RESTRICTED THE LIGHT OUTPUT AND HAS TO BE CHANGED EVERY THREE MONTHS. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED GLASS TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM. *SCC
Official recalls
500V419002 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
Jan 2, 2001
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VENT HOSE.
95V222001 · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
Nov 21, 1995
LEAVES AND OTHER FOREIGN MATERIAL CAN ENTER THROUGH THE COWL PANEL AIR INTAKE DURING OPERATION OF THE FRONT HEATER AND/OR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM RESULTING IN A BUILD-UP OF MATERIAL IN THE PLENUM. THIS CAN LEAD TO NOISE, ODORS, OR IN SOME CASES, IGNITION OF THESE MATERIALS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL HEATER/AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM INTAKE SCREEN.
92V172001 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Dec 2, 1992
FUEL FILLER HOSES MAY HAVE BEEN CUT PRIOR TO INSTALLATION BY A UTILITY KNIFE USED TO OPEN THE SHIPPING BOX.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IF THE CUT EXTENDED THROUGH THETHICKNESS OF THE HOSE WALL. LEAKING FUEL CAN RESULT IN A FIRE IF EXPOSEDTO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER HOSE.
92V132002 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
Sep 21, 1992
THE SERVICE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WAS NOT PROPERLY ASSEMBLED OR COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED BY THE EVACUATION AND FILLING OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE DUE TOINTERNAL MASTER CYLINDER LEAKAGE WHICH CAN CAUSE LOSS OF BRAKING ON TWO OF THEFOUR WHEELS. IF THIS OCCURS, THERE WOULD BE INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL, HIGHERPEDAL EFFORTS AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
Remedy: A NEW BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WILL BE INSTALLED.
92V133002 · Seat Belts
Sep 21, 1992
ONE OR BOTH OF THE BOLTS SECURING THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT RESTRAINT SYSTEM TRACKS TO THE B-PILLARS WERE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTSYSTEM TRACK JOINTS HAVING LESS THAN DESIGN STRENGTH, AND INCREASE THE RISK OFINJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION OR SUDDEN STOP.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM TRACK MOUNTING BOLTS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
8EA00014 · Fuel Tank Vent Hose Leakage
Opened May 22, 2000 · Closed Jan 4, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
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.
EA99015 · Fuel Rail Hose Fitting Leakage
Opened Jun 29, 1999 · Closed Apr 18, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
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.
EA96005 · Battery Explosions
Opened May 30, 1996 · Closed May 29, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
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.
PE96009 · Battery Explosion
Opened Jan 25, 1996 · Closed May 30, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
1993 MERCURY VILLAGERBATTERY EXPLOSION
EA95027 · Blower Area Fires
Opened Sep 22, 1995 · Closed Nov 17, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Equipment
There is no summary currently available
PE95037 · Front Blower Assembly Fire
Opened Jun 19, 1995 · Closed Sep 22, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
There is no summary currently available
PE93047 · Power Door Lock Failure
Opened May 7, 1993 · Closed Aug 11, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE93020 · Backlite Shattering
Opened Apr 1, 1993 · Closed Jul 28, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
There is no summary currently available