1996 Mercury Villager Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 5%of 188 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Mercury Villager, 5% of the 188 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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 tilt wheel assembly moves sideways as you are making turns to the left. On cold days the rack and pinion works fine on the left side but takes a while to work on the right side. It's as if it needs to warm up, first.”
NHTSA complaint #744269, filed 2001-04“While making a turn through an intersection the steering and brakes failed, the driver coasted to the side of the road and tried to turn the key, the vehicle did not start, then the driver turn the vehicle off and restarted the vehicle and it started.”
NHTSA complaint #781534, filed 1998-11“Consumer states that the shift interlock mach. On vehicle did not work properly . The car would be off and the car could shift to park. Manf. Contacted . Vehicle has been given back to the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #814370, filed 1997-07“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 2001-03Steering: 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 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsEquipment
8 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