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1997 Mercury Villager

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1997 Mercury Villager do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 125.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 19 of 125 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.

  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Latches/locks/linkages. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports1 fire reports1 injury reports

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

26 reports
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155,000 miles · Dec 9, 2011
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 HOSES WERE FAULTY. THE MANUFACTUR…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10439155

68,000 miles · Jul 14, 2008
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 00V419002 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:ST…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10234162

106,108 miles · Nov 7, 2007
Fuel System, Gasoline

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, G…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10208142

100,000 miles · Mar 15, 2005
Fuel System, Gasoline

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…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10114100

145,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
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?

NHTSA ODI #10071169

144,500 miles · Dec 2, 2003
Fuel System, Gasoline

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

NHTSA ODI #10046523

Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline

THERE IS A CONSTANT FUEL SMELL WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE. DEALER COULD NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8014028

Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline

CONSUMER WAS ON A SHORT ROAD TRIP WHEN VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING AND CUT OFF. VEHICLE RESTARTED, AND WAS TAKEN TO NEAREST MECHANIC. FUEL PUMP FILTER WAS DIRTY, AND ONCE IT WAS CLEANED VEHICLE OPERATED NORMAL. 3 HOURS LATER, VEHICLE DIED DUE TO FUEL PUMP FAILING. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED AND REPAIRED VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE…

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CONSUMER WAS ON A SHORT ROAD TRIP WHEN VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING AND CUT OFF. VEHICLE RESTARTED, AND WAS TAKEN TO NEAREST MECHANIC. FUEL PUMP FILTER WAS DIRTY, AND ONCE IT WAS CLEANED VEHICLE OPERATED NORMAL. 3 HOURS LATER, VEHICLE DIED DUE TO FUEL PUMP FAILING. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED AND REPAIRED VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8008532

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline

MIGHT BE WORTH LOOKING INTO THE FUEL PUMP SYSTEM ON THIS VEHICLE. ORIGINAL WAS REPLACED 4/2/2001 AND REPLACEMENT PUMP STARTING TO FAIL LATE IN NOVEMBER 2001. DEALER/FORD NOT WORKING WITH CUSTOMER SINCE 3000 MILES OVER WARRANTY (EVEN THOUGH WE ARE WITHIN 12 MO. PERIOD). JUST SEEMS WEIRD THAT TWO FUEL PUMPS WOULD FAIL WITHIN T…

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MIGHT BE WORTH LOOKING INTO THE FUEL PUMP SYSTEM ON THIS VEHICLE. ORIGINAL WAS REPLACED 4/2/2001 AND REPLACEMENT PUMP STARTING TO FAIL LATE IN NOVEMBER 2001. DEALER/FORD NOT WORKING WITH CUSTOMER SINCE 3000 MILES OVER WARRANTY (EVEN THOUGH WE ARE WITHIN 12 MO. PERIOD). JUST SEEMS WEIRD THAT TWO FUEL PUMPS WOULD FAIL WITHIN THAT SHORT A TIME FRAME.*AK

NHTSA ODI #758114

Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline

CONSUMER NOTICED GASOLINE ODORS COMING FROM VEHICLE, WHEN HE EXAMINED THE FUEL RAIL AND HOSES, HE DETERMINED THAT A LOOSE RUBBER CLAMP WAS ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK FROM VEHICLE, CONSUMER TIGHTENED CLAMP AND STOPPED FUEL LEAK. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, THE FIRST TIME THE DEALER TOOK CARE OF THE…

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CONSUMER NOTICED GASOLINE ODORS COMING FROM VEHICLE, WHEN HE EXAMINED THE FUEL RAIL AND HOSES, HE DETERMINED THAT A LOOSE RUBBER CLAMP WAS ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK FROM VEHICLE, CONSUMER TIGHTENED CLAMP AND STOPPED FUEL LEAK. *AK. CONSUMER STATED THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, THE FIRST TIME THE DEALER TOOK CARE OF THE PROBLM.*JG

NHTSA ODI #8001469

Official recalls

3

00V419002 · 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.

97V184001 · Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery

Oct 29, 1997

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

96V203000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting

Oct 17, 1996

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

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

3

EA00014 · 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.

SQ00008 · Unexpected Opening On Sliding Door

Opened May 12, 2000 · Closed Apr 1, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available

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.