MYRModel Year Report

1997 Mercury Villager

▲ Better than typical
1997 Mercury Villager
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:16:30.360Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercury Villager Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1992: 1 complaints 1992 1993: 414 complaints 1994: 253 complaints 1994 1995: 367 complaints 1996: 188 complaints 1996 1997: 125 complaints 1997 1998: 83 complaints 1998 1999: 185 complaints 2000: 71 complaints 2000 2001: 20 complaints 2002: 18 complaints 2002
1997: 125 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19921
1993414
1994253
1995367
1996188
1997125
199883
1999185
200071
200120
200218

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STRUCTURE 14%

14% of complaints: structure — 18 distinct reports on file.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 14%

14% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 17 distinct reports on file.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 10%

10% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 12 distinct reports on file.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 5%

5% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 6 distinct reports on file.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 4%

4% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19961025 — fuel system, gasoline

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

R 19971201 — electrical system

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

I 19990629 — EA (closed 20010418)

FUEL RAIL HOSE FITTING LEAKAGE

I 20000512 — SQ (closed 20020401)

UNEXPECTED OPENING ON SLIDING DOOR

I 20000522 — EA (closed 20010104)

FUEL TANK VENT HOSE LEAKAGE

R 20010215 — fuel system, gasoline

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 structure issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (12 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.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2000 ▲ 1998 ● 1999

WORST YEARS

■ 1993 ■ 1995 ◆ 1994

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 structure:body:door, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Mercury Villager have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.