1996 Mercury Villager Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 188 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 162,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Mercury Villager, 3% of the 188 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 162,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The car continually locks itself (power locks). If I'm outside the car I have to repeatedly try to unlock it while at the same time it relocks itself. After numerous attempts it will stop and let me in. Same is true if I'm in the car except now I can't get out. It's usually much worse during the day than at night. Doesn't matter if you're in the car, trying to get in or nearby (I don't have a remote nor is it an option). The car can be sitting idle for hours and then all of a sudden starts locking and unlocking itself in rapid succession. Rarely if ever does it end up unlocked. …”
NHTSA complaint #11003535, filed 2017-07, 162,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10066378, filed 2004-04“After turning the key in the ignition switch for the second time there was an explosion under the hood. The entire engine compartment caught on fire. From looking at the hood, it appeared that one of the hottest points was over the battery area. Everything forward of firewall was totally burned. The fire was put out by the fire department. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #846955, filed 1999-09“The keyless entry system is inoperative, when entering the code for the keyless entry the doors will unlock then lock again, when the consumer locks the doors the passenger front door lock grinds and sometimes will not lock. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #563529, filed 2001-10“Head control module wire harness in back of the dash panel burned up. Wires were completely melted. Several electrical related problems: battery failure, open circuit in main engine harness to EGR solenoid, overhead light failed, power door locks were operating by themselves, power locks would not lock with the switch, rear windshiled wiper switch failed and rear wipers would not stop even after fuse was removed, sliding door would not open with remote or switch. Check engine light illuminated. Power steering pump noisy and was replaced. Air conditioner motor failed. …”
NHTSA complaint #882682, filed 2001-03Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Mercury Villager
36 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
28 complaintsFuel system
25 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
21 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Mercury Villager
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology