1997 Mercury Villager Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 10%of 125 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,956miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Mercury Villager, 10% of the 125 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,956 miles. 3 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.
“I went to the Mercury dealership today for a front wheel alignment today on my 1997 Villager. I was informed that this vehicle requires a four wheel alignment, due to the front wheel drive. I was informed also that in order for the dealer to get the alignment in specs, rear shims would need to be installed in the rear two wheels of the vehicle. I was also informed that these shims are not installed when the vehicle is built, but are required in almost all cases once the vehicle is out on the road and has been subjected to normal wear and tear. The price tag? A hefty $347 plus tax! …”
NHTSA complaint #10070635, filed 2004-01, 61,000 miles“Problem: interior systems:passive restraint:air bag. - when I started my vehicle on sunday evening, january 28th about 6:15pm, the air bag red warning light was flashing. I called the dealer the next day, monday, 29th and scheduled an appointment to look at this on thursday, feb 1 at 7:30am. The light continues to flash as of this writing and has not stopped. Second problem: this has not been addressed until now because I had only just now while researching TSB's that owners have had problem with intermittent self-activation door locks. I will also address this with the dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #740143, filed 2001-01“Panel right in front of air bag is popping up, and air bag has not come out yet, but panel that covers it has been popping up. Contacted dealer, and dealer couldn't do anything about it.”
NHTSA complaint #881678, filed 2001-02“Driver was at a stop and lifted foot off the brake and lightly rear ended another vehicle at about 1-2mph, and both driver's side and passenger's side airbags deployed. Dealer has seen vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #869034, filed 2000-08“Driving at aprroximately 70 MPH vehicle hydroplaned, went into a spin and hit a bridge rail with right front bumper. Dual airbags did not deploy which could have caused injuries and total loss of vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #838664, filed 1999-06Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 | 11% |
| 2001 | 3 | 15% |
| 2000 | 5 | 7% |
| 1999 | 4 | 2% |
| 1998 | 3 | 4% |
| 1997 | 12 | 10% |
| 1996 | 14 | 7% |
| 1995 | 15 | 4% |
| 1994 | 6 | 2% |
| 1993 | 4 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1997 Mercury Villager
27 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
17 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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