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
- 125
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Fuel system, gasoline
Campaigns on file for 1997
Opened by NHTSA
21% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 125 complaints
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.
Fuel system, gasoline
21% · 26 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and filler pipe and cap.
Structure
17% · 21 reportsMost 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, 2015-01-08
Latches/locks/linkages
14% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing latch.
Engine and engine cooling
13% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and emission control.
Service brakes
10% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1996-10-25Fuel system, gasoline96V203000 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.
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1997-12-01Electrical system97V184001 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…
Remedy: Dealers will replace these batteries. Until a new battery is obtained, owners should not attempt to "Jump start" These batteries.
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1999-06-29Engineering analysisClosed 2001-04-18 Fuel rail hose fitting leakage
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2000-05-12SQClosed 2002-04-01 Unexpected opening on sliding door
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2000-05-22Engineering analysisClosed 2001-01-04 Fuel tank vent hose leakage
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2001-02-15Fuel system, gasoline00V419002 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…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the vent hose.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Mercury Villager — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 26 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 21 reports on file for this year.
- Latches/locks/linkages: 17 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V203000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 97V184001 · Electrical system
- Recall 00V419002 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.