1996 Mercury Villager Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 11%of 188 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the visibility of the 1996 Mercury Villager, 11% of the 188 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Sun visor assembly breaks after short period causing it to drop into drivers vision and drastically interfere with ability to see oncoming traffic. Replacement cost is $97.00 for one sun visor. Mercury Villager owners club reports this as a constant problem with this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10008194, filed 2003-02, 72,000 miles“We have a 1995 Mercury Villager. There is a strong gasoline smell coming from the heating system since the first winter we had the van. We took it to the dealer many times under warranty. They couldn't find the problem and we are concerned for safety.”
NHTSA complaint #758746, filed 2002-02“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“When turning on rear windshield wipers consumer hears a humming sound. Then they vibrate, and hang down towards the license plate. Also, can't open rear door with the key, has to use power lock to open door. Consumer feels this is a safety defect because she can't see out of rear window.”
NHTSA complaint #859576, filed 2000-04“Driving down the freeway..my step-son pushed the button to open the back window to get some air and the whole window and arm went flying off behind us, hit the road about 50 yds behind us in the emergency lane and shattered into pieces.”
NHTSA complaint #749936, filed 2001-08Related recalls
- 98V012001Mar 23, 1998Vehicle description: mini vans. These vehicles were produced with power windows that can be closed after the ignition key is turned to the "off" position and…Covers: Mercury Villager 1996
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Mercury Villager
36 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
28 complaintsFuel system
25 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsSteering
9 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