1997 Mercury Villager
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1993 | 415 |
| 1994 | 257 |
| 1995 | 367 |
| 1996 | 188 |
| 1997 | 125 |
| 1998 | 83 |
| 1999 | 185 |
| 2000 | 71 |
| 2001 | 20 |
| 2002 | 18 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
21% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and filler pipe and cap.
17% of complaints: structure — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door and hatchback/liftgate.
Show complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING ALONG AFTER SHOPPING AND I STARTED TO HEAR THIS DRAGGING OR BOTTOMING OUT SOUND SO I PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND TO MY SURPRISE THE FRONT FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THAT HOLDS UP THE ENGINE WAS BROKEN I THEN OPENED THE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20150108
14% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing latch.
13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and emission control.
10% of complaints: service brakes — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH DEATHSAFETY TIMELINE
THE FOUR RUBBER FUEL LINE CONNECTOR HOSES THAT ARE SUPPLIED TO FORD WITH THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. THESE HOSES CAN DEVELOP CRACKS OR SPLITS RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY FOR THE SUSPECT DATE CODES AND REPLACE THE FOUR RUBBER FUEL CONNECTOR HOSES IF NECESSARY.
Campaign 96V203000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMOTIVE BATTERIES SUPPLIED BY GNB TECHNOLOGIES. THESE BATTERIES HAVE A DEFECTIVE NEGATIVE POST THAT CAN CAUSE ACID LEAKAGE AND RELATED CORR
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE BATTERIES. UNTIL A NEW BATTERY IS OBTAINED, OWNERS SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO "JUMP START" THESE BATTERIES.
Campaign 97V184001 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL RAIL HOSE FITTING LEAKAGE
UNEXPECTED OPENING ON SLIDING DOOR
FUEL TANK VENT HOSE LEAKAGE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE FUEL TANK VENT HOSE ALLOWS AIR TO VENT FROM THE FUEL TANK DURING REFUELING. CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE VENT HOSE. IF (1) THE FUEL TANK IS OVERFILLED, NOT AL
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VENT HOSE.
Campaign 00V419002 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Mercury Villager — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V203000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V184001 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V419002 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Mercury Villager reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Mercury Villager is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mercury Villager?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Mercury Villager have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.