1996 Mercury Villager Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 188 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,472miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the equipment of the 1996 Mercury Villager, 4% of the 188 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,472 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.
“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. The vehicle caught on fire damaging the compressor and belt(s) and likely other A/C components. Consumer was able to put out fire. The A/C comressor failed causing the fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10122154, filed 2005-08, 99,472 miles“Rear windshield wiper activated during a rain storm, swiped one way across the window and stopped. When finally was able to get it to move, and it dropped 6 inches below its actual resting spot. Also, difficulty getting shifter out of park, whether vehicle is parked on flat surface or slight incline. Finally, replaced air conditioner motor.”
NHTSA complaint #780971, filed 1998-10“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 2001-03Related service bulletins
- 10013060Oct 14, 2002Climate control a/c service tech tips.
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 6% |
| 2001 | 2 | 10% |
| 2000 | 2 | 3% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
| 1998 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 4 | 3% |
| 1996 | 8 | 4% |
| 1995 | 7 | 2% |
| 1994 | 13 | 5% |
| 1993 | 34 | 8% |
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 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Mercury Villager
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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