1998 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.
17% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DESIGN PROBLEM; THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARE THE SAME HEIGHT. IF DRIVER HAS PART OF FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL HE STEPS ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AT THE SAME TIME. DRIVER WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH ON JUNE 1, 1988 BECAUSE OF PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19980602
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
14% of complaints: structure — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door and frame and members.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE WAS IN A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT AND THE ROOF COLLAPSED TO THE SEAT HEADREST. VIHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19981109
13% of complaints: service brakes — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH11% of complaints: suspension — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing coil springs and wheel bearing.
10% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and constant velocity joint.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
1998 VILLAGER-4 RAPID ACCELERATION SITUATIONS-STARTING TO BRAKE THE ENGINE STARTS REVVING UP TO THE POINT YOU CANNOT HOLD THE CAR WITH THE BRAKE, ONLY BY SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL. SEPT.2005,10/2006, 8/2010 & 12/09/10.
NHTSA ODI report, 20101212
DT: CONTACT PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND EXITED THE VEHICLE AND IT ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE DOOR PULLED THE CONTACT UNDER THE VEHICLE, AND BOTH SETS OF TIRES RAN HER OVER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20051110
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 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
1998 Mercury Villager — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- 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 1998 Mercury Villager reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Mercury Villager is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Mercury Villager?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Mercury Villager have?
2 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.