FaultScore

FaultScore report

1994 Mercury Villager problems

Owners have filed 323 complaints about the 1994 Mercury Villager with NHTSA between 1995 and 2015. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 10 worst.

C

FaultScore 51/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mercury Villager.

How this is worked out

The numbers

323

Complaints

15

Crashes reported

6

Fires reported

4

Injuries reported

92,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

8%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 73 vs 50 Severity 40 vs 50 Early failure 14 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 73
Against the median year of the Mercury Villager. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 40
7.7% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 14
8% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1994 compares with every other Mercury Villager

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1994 Mercury Villager

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 100 31.0%

1 crashes, 2 fires · median 94,500 mi

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 95,000 mi

Lights 33 10.2%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 90,000 mi

Brakes 25 7.7%

3 crashes, 0 fires

Seat Belts 15 4.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 29,000 mi

Median failure at 70,000 miles

1 crashes, 3 fires · median 92,000 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 9 2.8%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 8 2.5%
Tires 7 2.2%

2 crashes, 0 fires

Body & Structure 7 2.2%
Airbags 6 1.9%

2 crashes, 0 fires

Steering 5 1.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 200,000 mi

Doors, Latches & Locks 4 1.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 92,000 mi

Other & Unspecified 3 0.9%
Seats 2 0.6%
Suspension 2 0.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Child Seats 1 0.3%
Wheels 1 0.3%

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Engine 43 32.6%
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe 17 12.9%
Tank Assembly 15 11.4%
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 14 10.6%
Gasoline 12 9.1%
Tail Lights 11 8.3%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings 10 7.6%
AIR Conditioner 10 7.6%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

10,000 – 24,999 miles 1 4.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 1 4.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 4 16.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 11 44.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 6 24.0%
150,000+ miles 2 8.0%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.

Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
1994 Mercury Villager Van

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Feb 1995 peak 17 Jan 2015

NHTSA investigations into the 1994 Mercury Villager

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

EA00014 Opened 22 May 2000 Closed 4 Jan 2001 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

FUEL TANK VENT HOSE LEAKAGE

PERIODIC EXPOSURE TO LIQUID GASOLINE MAY RESULT IN EXTRACTION OF ANTIDEGRADANTS FROM THE SUBJECT FUEL TANK VENT HOSE.HOSES WHICH HAVE SUFFERED LOSS OF ANTIDEGRADANTS CAN DEVELOP CRACKS IN AREAS OF HIGH STRAIN.FUEL MAY SPRAY OR DRIP FROM CRACKED VENT HOSES FOLLOWING TANK FILL.STARTING AT JOB#1 1998 MY (CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS VEHICLES) AND JOB#1 1999 MY (FEDERAL EMISSIONS VEHICLES), THE SUBJECT VENT HOSE COMPOSITION CHANGED FROM NITRILE RUBBER HOSES WITH CHLOROPRENE RUBBER COVERS (NBR/CR) TO FLUOROCARBON RUBBER HOSES WITH AN OUTER LAYER BLEND OF NBR/PVC.THE CHANGES WERE MADE TO IMPROVE HYDRACARBON...

PE99077 Opened 28 Dec 1999 Closed 22 May 2000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

FUEL TANK VENT HOSE LEAKAGE

EA99015 Opened 29 Jun 1999 Closed 18 Apr 2001 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

FUEL RAIL HOSE FITTING LEAKAGE

THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSING REPORT COVERS 1993-1998 MERCURY VILLAGER AND NISSAN QUEST MINIVANS.THESE TWO MINIVANS SHARE A COMMON BODY PLATFORM AND POWER TRAIN.BASED ON THE LOW NUMBER OF REPORTED INCIDENTS AND THE ABSENCE OF A DEMONSTRABLE FAILURE TREND, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE ENGINEERING CLOSING...

PE99013 Opened 9 Feb 1999 Closed 29 Jun 1999 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

FUEL RAIL HOSE FITTING LEAKAGE

SINCE SEPTEMBER 1998, ODI HAS RECEIVED SEVEN COMPLAINTS OF FUEL ODOR OR LEAKAGE IN 1994 THROUGH 1995 MERCURY VILLAGER VEHICLES.FOUR OF THE LEAKS HAVE BEEN TRACED TO A SHORT SECTION OF HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE FUEL SUPPLY TUBE TO THE REAR OF THE FUEL RAIL.INFORMAITON CONTAINED IN THE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE PROBLEM MAY BE DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE, WITH SEVERAL OWNERS ALLEGING MULTIPLE DEALER SERVICE REPAIRS.ADVANCED COMPRESSION SET IS EVIDENT IN A HOSE REMOVED FROM THE MOST RECENT COMPLAINT VEHICLE.

EA96005 Opened 30 May 1996 Closed 29 May 1997 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BATTERY EXPLOSIONS

A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSING REPORT IS INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC FILE.

Recalls on the 1994 Mercury Villager

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2001025 39,378 units in Canada

Fuel System

On certain vehicles, cracks could develop in the fuel vent hose. If (1) the fuel tank is overfilled, not allowing excess fuel in the vent hose to flow back into the tank, (2) the vehicle is driven only a short distance after refueling and, (3) there is subsequently significant heating of the fuel tank, the fuel in the tank can expand into the vent hose and leak fuel. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire. Correction: Fuel tank vent hose will be replaced.

Recall 1997012 11,193 units in Canada

Lights And Instruments

A REAR LAMP ON THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT ILLUMINATE BECAUSE THE METAL CAN IN THE LAMP SOCKET MOVES OR SEPARATES FROM THE PLASTIC SOCKET HOUSING. THIS CAN RESULT IN THE STOP/TAIL COMBINATION LAMP OR THE TURN SIGNAL LAMP NOT FUNCTIONING. THE CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP OPERATION IS NOT AFFECTED. CORRECTION: BOTH REAR LAMP SOCKET ASSEMBLIES WILL BE REPLACED WITH AN IMPROVED ASSEMBLY.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

North Ridgeville, OH Crash

TIRES

1994 MERCURY VILLAGER, RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW. *BF THE CONSUMER SIDESWIPED A TRACTOR TRAILER. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0501-90 UPDATED 05/03/10

NHTSA complaint #10321965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Markesan, WI Crash

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

I OWN A 1994 MERCURY VILLAGER THAT WAS GIVEN TO US BACK IN 2005 AFTER WE LOST EVERYTHING IN HURRICANE KATRINA. COMPLAINED ABOUT THE FIRESTONE SEIBERLING TIRES THAT WERE ON THIS VEHICLE. SEIBERLING TRAILRIDER RADIAL, LT P205 75 R15/MS. I RECENTLY REPLACED THE 2 FRONT SEIBERLINGS TIRES ON APRIL 29, 2007 DUE TO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE HAVING TREAD SEPARATION. I KEPT THE SEIBERLING TIRES ON THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AS A SPARE. STILL HAD 2 SEIBERLING TIRES ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. WELL, TODAY MY WIFE WAS TAKING MY DAUGHTER TO WORK AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE HAD A CATASTROPHIC TREAD SEPARATION AT HIGHWAY SPEED. 55 MPH. SHE DID ALL SHE COULD DO TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM FLIPPING OFF THE ROAD. SHE MANAGED TO GET THE VAN STOPPED BY CRASHING INTO THE SOFT GRAVEL DITCH, AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR QUARTER PANEL WAS DENTED AND SCUFFED BADLY FROM THE TIRE DEBRIS, AND THE TREAD THAT FLEW OFF ALSO BROKE THE TAIL LIGHT. THE PLASTIC SHROUD SURROUNDING THE GAS FILLER TUBE INSIDE THE REAR WHEEL WELL BROKE. I HAVE PHOTOS AND THE TIRES AT HOME. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS. TWO TIRES FAILING IN TWO WEEKS HAS ME CONCERNED. NOW, I HAVE TO REPLACE THE REAR TIRES AS WELL .

NHTSA complaint #10190343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 92,000 miles Dearborn Heights, MI Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

ELECTRICAL FIRE, VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AT TIME OF FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10184130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rosemead, CA Fire 2 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY WIFE AND KIDS WHERE PULLING OUT OF THE GARAGE WHEN SMOKE BEGAN TO FILL THE VEHICLE. SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND TOOK THE KIDS OUT OF THE VEHICLE. A FEW MINUTES LATER THE CAR WAS IN AN INFERNO. I SPOKE TO FORD AND THEY INITIALLY DENIED ANY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE BUT I FOUND A COUPLE ON MY OWN THROUGH YOUR WEB SITE. ONCE THAT WAS MADE KNOWN TO FORD THEY SIMPLY STATED THAT I WAS SENT LETTERS TO HAVE THE REPAIRS MADE SO THEY HAVE NO LIABILITY. THIS IS WRONG I'M SURE. MY WIFE AND TWO SMALL CHILDREN COULD HAVE BURNED TO DEATH! WHAT RECOURSE DO I HAVE IN THIS CASE? *NLM

NHTSA complaint #10017130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rock Kail, SC Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED WHEN FIRE BROKE OUT AND DASH ILLUMINATED, VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN, FIRE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATION STATED THAT FIRE WAS CAUSED BY FAULTY WIRING OR BATTERY EXPLODED. *AK CONSUMER STATED DASH ILLUMINATED OFF AND ON PRIOR.*SLC

NHTSA complaint #8002512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Aurora, IL Crash

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

2 FRONT ENGINE MANIFOLD BOLTS SHEARED OFF, CAUSING EXHAUST LEAK INTO VEHICLE AND POSSIBLE HEAD WARPING PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE.THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS HAVE BLOWN BULBS ON AN AVERAGE OF 4 A YEAR ,ONCE RESULTING IN A REAR END COLLISION. MY IGNITION SWITCH IS SO SCREWED UP, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO REMOVE THE KEY SAFELY SO I AM FORCED TO LEAVE IT IN AT ALL TIMES.MY WIPER/TURNSIGNAL SWITCH HAS BEEN A JOKE FROM DAY 1, THE TECHS COULDN'T FIGURE IT OUT UNTIL THE WARRANTEE WAS OVER AND TRIED TO CHARGE ME FOR IT.

NHTSA complaint #755740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 200,000 miles REX, GA

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCURY VILLAGER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT ALIGNED PROPERLY WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE PROGRESSED WITH NO WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC FOR FURTHER INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. UPDATED 4/7/15*CN UPDATED 9/15/2017

NHTSA complaint #10672390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sweet Home, OR

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

THE SMELL OF FUEL IS SO STRONG INSIDE THE VAN THAT IT MAKES YOU DIZZY AND SICK.

NHTSA complaint #10454386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Benton, PA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCURY VILLAGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS FRACTURED, CAUSING A LEAK OF EXHAUST FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

NHTSA complaint #10445475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Ridgeville, OH Crash

TIRES

1994 MERCURY VILLAGER, RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW. *BF THE CONSUMER SIDESWIPED A TRACTOR TRAILER. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0501-90 UPDATED 05/03/10

NHTSA complaint #10321965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Joliet, IL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

WHY WASN'T THE 94 VILLAGER EVER RECALLED FOR EXHAUST STUDS BREAKING OFF? THIS CAUSES EXHAUST GAS TO FILL THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. I STILL HAVE THE REAR MANIFOLD LEAKING. I MEASURED 300 PPM C.O. WHILE THE VAN WAS IDLING. I CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO GET IT FIXED.

NHTSA complaint #10298685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Goshen, IN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

HEADLIGHTS ARE SEVERELY CLOUDED/WEATHERED. THIS GREATLY REDUCES THE AVAILABLE LIGHT WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. HAVE NOT ATTEMPTED ANY REPAIRS YET.

NHTSA complaint #10290445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Natick, MA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

FORD TOLD ME THE VIN DIDN'T SHOW UP ON THEIR RECALL RECORDS. AS A RESULT, THE CAR WAS EITHER REPAIRED ALREADY OR WASN'T SUBJECT TO THE RECALL. ACCORDING TO NHTSA RECALL 96V253003 RECALL THE CAR SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SINCE IT EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THIS PROBLEM HAS NEVER BEEN REPAIRED BY A DEALER. I HAD NO IDEA WHY IT DIDN'T COME UP ON MY VIN . BUT THE CUSTOMER REPRESENTATIVE KEPT SAYING IT WAS NOT IN THEIR RECORDS.

NHTSA complaint #10196721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Natick, MA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

FORD TOLD ME THE VIN DIDN'T SHOW UP ON THEIR RECALL RECORDS. AS A RESULT, THE CAR WAS EITHER REPAIRED ALREADY OR WASN'T SUBJECT TO THE RECALL. ACCORDING TO NHTSA RECALL 96V253003 RECALL THE CAR SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SINCE IT EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THIS PROBLEM HAS NEVER BEEN REPAIRED BY A DEALER. I HAD NO IDEA WHY IT DIDN'T COME UP ON MY VIN . BUT THE CUSTOMER REPRESENTATIVE KEPT SAYING IT WAS NOT IN THEIR RECORDS.

NHTSA complaint #10196721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Natick, MA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

FORD TOLD ME THE VIN DIDN'T SHOW UP ON THEIR RECALL RECORDS. AS A RESULT, THE CAR WAS EITHER REPAIRED ALREADY OR WASN'T SUBJECT TO THE RECALL. ACCORDING TO NHTSA RECALL 96V253003 RECALL THE CAR SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SINCE IT EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THIS PROBLEM HAS NEVER BEEN REPAIRED BY A DEALER. I HAD NO IDEA WHY IT DIDN'T COME UP ON MY VIN . BUT THE CUSTOMER REPRESENTATIVE KEPT SAYING IT WAS NOT IN THEIR RECORDS.

NHTSA complaint #10196721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Markesan, WI Crash

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

I OWN A 1994 MERCURY VILLAGER THAT WAS GIVEN TO US BACK IN 2005 AFTER WE LOST EVERYTHING IN HURRICANE KATRINA. COMPLAINED ABOUT THE FIRESTONE SEIBERLING TIRES THAT WERE ON THIS VEHICLE. SEIBERLING TRAILRIDER RADIAL, LT P205 75 R15/MS. I RECENTLY REPLACED THE 2 FRONT SEIBERLINGS TIRES ON APRIL 29, 2007 DUE TO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE HAVING TREAD SEPARATION. I KEPT THE SEIBERLING TIRES ON THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AS A SPARE. STILL HAD 2 SEIBERLING TIRES ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. WELL, TODAY MY WIFE WAS TAKING MY DAUGHTER TO WORK AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE HAD A CATASTROPHIC TREAD SEPARATION AT HIGHWAY SPEED. 55 MPH. SHE DID ALL SHE COULD DO TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM FLIPPING OFF THE ROAD. SHE MANAGED TO GET THE VAN STOPPED BY CRASHING INTO THE SOFT GRAVEL DITCH, AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR QUARTER PANEL WAS DENTED AND SCUFFED BADLY FROM THE TIRE DEBRIS, AND THE TREAD THAT FLEW OFF ALSO BROKE THE TAIL LIGHT. THE PLASTIC SHROUD SURROUNDING THE GAS FILLER TUBE INSIDE THE REAR WHEEL WELL BROKE. I HAVE PHOTOS AND THE TIRES AT HOME. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS. TWO TIRES FAILING IN TWO WEEKS HAS ME CONCERNED. NOW, I HAVE TO REPLACE THE REAR TIRES AS WELL .

NHTSA complaint #10190343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 92,000 miles Dearborn Heights, MI Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

ELECTRICAL FIRE, VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AT TIME OF FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10184130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 129,000 miles Bethesda, MD

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE SMELL OF GAS WAS NOTICED IN THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THE FUEL TANK VENT HOSE WAS FAULTY. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 00V419002, REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM; STORAGE; TANK ASSEMBLY. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10166205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 97,000 miles Clawson, MI

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

MANIFOLD BOLT FAILURE ON A 1994 MERCURY VILLAGER. THIS HAS NOW OCCURRED TWICE. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS REPAIRED BY A NISAN DEALER.

NHTSA complaint #10151282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,000 miles Rohnert Park, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

1) BACKED OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND WAS SITTING IDLING 2) ENGINE STOPPED, TRIED TO RESTART IT AND NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN. ENGINE WOULD TURN OVER BUT SOUNDED DIFFERENT 3) HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO MECHANIC'S GARAGE FOR EVALUATION. LEARNED THAT TIMING BELT HAD BROKEN BUT THE DAMAGE DONE TO CYLINDER HEADS IS THE ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #10135290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 22,000 miles Pflugerville, TX

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

CRANKSHAFT FAILED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. DEALER REPAIR COST WAS GOING TO BE $4200, ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY 3 MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY WITH LESS THAN 25000 MILES, AND WAS WELL MAINTAINED, AND EVEN THOUGH THIS PROBLEM WAS WELL KNOWN WITH THIS ENGINE. NOTE THAT THIS HAPPENED 8 YEARS AGO, BUT I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO FORMALLY DOCUMENT THE PROBLEM, AND JUST FOUND THE NHTSA COMPLAINT SITE.

NHTSA complaint #10126943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 93,000 miles Bellevue, NE

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

FUEL SUPPLY LINES TO FUEL RAIL STARTED LEAKING AT CLAMP NO SIGN OF HOSE DETERATION, REPLACED ALL RUBBER LINES AND CLAMPS UPTO THE FUEL FILTER.

NHTSA complaint #10095922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Littleton, CO

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

PROBLEMS WITH BROKEN EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS.*MR THE CONSUMER EXPRESSES HIS CONCERNS ABOUT HIS VEHICLE'S EXHAUST LEAKS AND BROKEN MANIFOLD BOLTS. THE DEALER DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH A SERVICE BULLETIN EXIST TO REPLACE THE OLD BOLTS WITH A STRONGER NEW BOLT.

NHTSA complaint #10089540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LA Jolla, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

MY 1994 MERCURY VILLAGER HAS 26 CYLINDER HEAD BOLTS, ONE OF WHICH APPARENTLY BROKE OFF SPONTANEOUSLY ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC. AS A RESULT, THE BROKEN PIECE JAMMED THE CAMSHAFT, CAUSING IT TO FRACTURE NEAR THE END (WHERE THE PIN IS LOCATED). THE TIMING BELT REMAINED INTACT. COINCIDENATLY, THIS EVENT OCCURRED THREE DAYS AFTER THE VILLAGER WAS REPAIRED BY THE SAME MECHANIC FOR A FAILED TENSIONER THAT SNAPPED THE 5-MONTH-OLD TIMING BELT.

NHTSA complaint #10089040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Littleton, CO

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

PROBLEMS WITH THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS ON VEHICLE. *MR THE EXHAUST CYLINDER HEAD DEVELOPED A LEAK THAT BEGAN WHEN THREE OF THE SIX MANIFOLD BOLTS BROKE OFF LEAVING THE EXHAUST SYSTEM ONLY PARTLY ATTACHED TO THE ENGINE. (TWO MORE OF THE MANIFOLD BOLTS HAVE BROKEN OFF) THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC

NHTSA complaint #10089699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 137,000 miles Frankfort, KY

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

WHILE BRAKING REAR TAIL LIGHTS FAILED TO WORK. RECALL 96V253000. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL DUE TO VIN.

NHTSA complaint #10081469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 92,000 miles Hermon, ME

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

1994 MERCURY VILLAGER EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS FAILED AND CAUSED EXHAUST LEAK AND WARPING OF EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, AND FORD, AND NISSAN (QUEST) ARE NOT HONORING THIS DEFECT. THEY OFFER A DIFFERENT BOLT REPLACEMENT, INDICATING A DESIGN DEFECT.

NHTSA complaint #10074487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Warsaw, IN

POWER TRAIN

HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE BACK HEATER NOT WORKING AT ALL. TRANSMISSION HAS A SLOW SHIFT AND WILL SHIFT HARD WHEN DOWN SHIFTING, STERRING WHEEL GET HARD WHEN TEMP. ARE IN THE TEEN,S. CLUCK NOISES WHEN HITTING LIGHT BUMPS. BRAKES GRIND WHEN BRAKES ARE COLD. RADIO WILL LOOSE MEMORY. HEATER SWITCH WHEN ONE 1, MAKES A TICKING NOISE. SLIDING DOOR GETS HARD TO CLOSE. GAS TANK, HAVE TO TURN CAP SLOWLY SO GAS AIR WILL LEAK OUT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS THEN GOES OUT.

NHTSA complaint #10070101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Warsaw, IN

STEERING

HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE BACK HEATER NOT WORKING AT ALL. TRANSMISSION HAS A SLOW SHIFT AND WILL SHIFT HARD WHEN DOWN SHIFTING, STERRING WHEEL GET HARD WHEN TEMP. ARE IN THE TEEN,S. CLUCK NOISES WHEN HITTING LIGHT BUMPS. BRAKES GRIND WHEN BRAKES ARE COLD. RADIO WILL LOOSE MEMORY. HEATER SWITCH WHEN ONE 1, MAKES A TICKING NOISE. SLIDING DOOR GETS HARD TO CLOSE. GAS TANK, HAVE TO TURN CAP SLOWLY SO GAS AIR WILL LEAK OUT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS THEN GOES OUT.

NHTSA complaint #10070101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Warsaw, IN

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE BACK HEATER NOT WORKING AT ALL. TRANSMISSION HAS A SLOW SHIFT AND WILL SHIFT HARD WHEN DOWN SHIFTING, STERRING WHEEL GET HARD WHEN TEMP. ARE IN THE TEEN,S. CLUCK NOISES WHEN HITTING LIGHT BUMPS. BRAKES GRIND WHEN BRAKES ARE COLD. RADIO WILL LOOSE MEMORY. HEATER SWITCH WHEN ONE 1, MAKES A TICKING NOISE. SLIDING DOOR GETS HARD TO CLOSE. GAS TANK, HAVE TO TURN CAP SLOWLY SO GAS AIR WILL LEAK OUT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS THEN GOES OUT.

NHTSA complaint #10070101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Warsaw, IN

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE BACK HEATER NOT WORKING AT ALL. TRANSMISSION HAS A SLOW SHIFT AND WILL SHIFT HARD WHEN DOWN SHIFTING, STERRING WHEEL GET HARD WHEN TEMP. ARE IN THE TEEN,S. CLUCK NOISES WHEN HITTING LIGHT BUMPS. BRAKES GRIND WHEN BRAKES ARE COLD. RADIO WILL LOOSE MEMORY. HEATER SWITCH WHEN ONE 1, MAKES A TICKING NOISE. SLIDING DOOR GETS HARD TO CLOSE. GAS TANK, HAVE TO TURN CAP SLOWLY SO GAS AIR WILL LEAK OUT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS THEN GOES OUT.

NHTSA complaint #10070101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.