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
- 83
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Vehicle speed control
Campaigns on file for 1998
Opened by NHTSA
17% of complaints
Complaints per year
1998: 83 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.
Vehicle speed control
17% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-06-02
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Structure
14% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing door and frame and members.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle was in a rollover accident and the roof collapsed to the seat headrest. Vihicle was totaled.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-11-09
Service brakes
13% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Suspension
11% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing coil springs and wheel bearing.
Power train
10% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and constant velocity joint.
Show 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, 2010-12-12
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, 2005-11-10
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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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I
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
1998 Mercury Villager — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 11 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V184001 · Electrical system
- Recall 00V419002 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.