1998 Mercury Villager Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 8%of 83 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 24,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1998 Mercury Villager, 8% of the 83 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 24,000 miles.
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 vehicle automatic door locks automatically lock the doors this has happened innumerable occasions. This began shortly after purchase of the vehicle in 1998, and continues today. The doors ar not to lock if the keys are in the ignition, and they do. This has occurred while driving the vehicle, while it is parked, when entering, and exiting the vehicle. The interior doors do not override the locks, and in an emergency, one would be unable to exit the vehicle if they were to lock. …”
NHTSA complaint #10139592, filed 2005-10, 20,000 miles“The child safety lock on the sliding side door of vehicle was inoperable . The consumer felt that the children could open the door while the vehicle was in motion. The dealer has been informed of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10040197, filed 2003-09, 65,889 miles“Dt: 1998 Mercury Villager. The consumer states all of the doors are locking on their own. This has happened a couple of times. The vehicle has not been inspected by the dealership to see why this was occurring. He has not yet contacted Mercury. This started on august 15, 2005. This almost locked the consumer's child in the car. This wa sa keyless entry locking system.”
NHTSA complaint #10136920, filed 2005-09“A defect in the keyless entry system of 1998 model year Mercury Villager minivans causes uncontrolled locking and unlocking of the vehicle doors. Company is aware of the defect and a technical memorandum exists regarding this problem but the company refuses to take responsibility for repair of the defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10093229, filed 2004-09“When consumer closes the door all four doors will lock. Dealership was unable to determine a cause of defect. There are TSB's 982012/ 98225/ 98236/ 984814/ 984815, and 5051 for this defect. Please provide any additional information/attachments.”
NHTSA complaint #889625, filed 2001-06Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Mercury Villager
14 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsTires
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Mercury Villager
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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