FaultScore

FaultScore report

1999 Mercury Villager problems

Owners have filed 252 complaints about the 1999 Mercury Villager with NHTSA between 1999 and 2015. The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control. Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 10 worst.

C

FaultScore 53/100

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

How this is worked out

The numbers

252

Complaints

15

Crashes reported

3

Fires reported

10

Injuries reported

53,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

21%

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 57 vs 50 Severity 57 vs 50 Early failure 36 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 57
Against the median year of the Mercury Villager. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 57
11.1% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 36
21% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1999 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 1999 Mercury Villager

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

4 crashes, 0 fires · median 53,000 mi

Lights 20 7.9%

Median failure at 45,530 miles

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 80,007 mi

Brakes 13 5.2%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 42,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 140,000 mi

Median failure at 42,000 miles

Steering 11 4.4%

Median failure at 39,000 miles

Suspension 10 4.0%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 43,088 mi

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 106,500 mi

Tires 9 3.6%

Median failure at 20,000 miles

Seats 7 2.8%

Median failure at 67,000 miles

Seat Belts 7 2.8%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 56,500 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 7 2.8%

Median failure at 48,507 miles

Equipment & Accessories 6 2.4%

0 crashes, 1 fires

Doors, Latches & Locks 4 1.6%

Median failure at 57,000 miles

Airbags 4 1.6%

4 crashes, 0 fires · median 53,000 mi

Other & Unspecified 2 0.8%
Child Seats 1 0.4%
Wheels 1 0.4%

Median failure at 10,000 miles

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.

Accelerator Pedal 55 59.1%
Automatic Transmission 9 9.7%
Headlights 6 6.5%
Tread/Belt 5 5.4%
Rack AND Pinion 5 5.4%
Front 5 5.4%
Brake Lights 4 4.3%
Tail Lights 4 4.3%

When it fails

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

1,000 – 9,999 miles 1 1.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 7 10.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 24 35.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 24 35.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 3 4.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 7 10.4%
150,000+ miles 1 1.5%

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.

Jan 1999 peak 18 Feb 2015

NHTSA investigations into the 1999 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.

PE04020 Opened 26 Feb 2004 Closed 24 Jun 2004 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

FAILING HEADLIGHTS

NISSAN AND FORD FOUND THAT THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT HEADLIGHT STAINLESS STEEL BULB TERMINALS MAY OVER TIME CAUSE ELEVATED CONTACT RESISTANCE AND OVERHEAT THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HOUSING.THIS CAN RESULT IN A HEADLIGHT FLICKERING, BULB OUTAGE AND HEAT DEFORMATION TO THE HEADLIGHT CONNECTOR.IN APRIL 1999, THE SUPPLIER OF THE HEADLIGHT FOR NISSAN AND FORD CHANGED TO A BULB USING THE STAINLESS STEEL TERMINALS THAT DID NOT MEET ORIGINAL SPECIFICATIONS.ON JULY 17, 2000, THE SUPPLIER BEGAN USING A BULB MEETING THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS.THIS PROBLEM CAN AFFECT INDEPENDENTLY EITHER HEADLI...

Complaints that involved harm

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

Aliance, NE Fire

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY VILLAGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VENTILATION BLOWER WOULD NOT EMIT AIR OR HEAT WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER OR HEATER WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE OWNER AND HE NOTICED THAT THE POWER RESISTOR HAD OVERHEATED AND BURNED AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10392871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Crossville, TN Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY VILLAGER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE FORWARD WHENEVER IT CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #10315176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Unknown, 00 Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1999 MERCURY VILLAGER ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER STOPPING. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER STOPPING AT THE GAS PUMP. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. *KB (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0074-90)

NHTSA complaint #10222769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Troy, MI 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

A FEW WEEKS LATER, AFTER PURCHASING MY CAR. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP COMPLAINING ABOUT MY ACCELARATOR PEDAL GETTING STUCK. THEIR RESPONSE, WAS THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THIS WILL BE THE 4 YEAR WITH THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10120949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Spring Valley, NY Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

LTR FM SALETTE SILVANA SELVAGGI(NY) INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT TRAVELING I-95 IN CONNECTICUT IN VEHICLE A 1999 MERCURY VILLAGE EXPERIENCED LOSS OF STOPPING POWER AND CONTROL QUESTION IF VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE REPLY TO THE ROCKLAND DISTRICT OFC WEST NYACK, NY. *MR WHILE TRYING TO BRAKE THERE WAS A TOTAL LOSS OF STOPPING POWER AND LOSS OF CONTROL RESULTING IN A CRASH IN THE PASSENGER SIDE. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO INJURIES BUT THE CONSUMER BELIEVES A VEHICLE MALFUNCTION CAUSED THE PROBLEM. THE INSURANCE COMPANY CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT HE CONSUMER WAS 100% AT FAULT.

NHTSA complaint #10081703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Spring Valley, NY Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

LTR FM SALETTE SILVANA SELVAGGI(NY) INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT TRAVELING I-95 IN CONNECTICUT IN VEHICLE A 1999 MERCURY VILLAGE EXPERIENCED LOSS OF STOPPING POWER AND CONTROL QUESTION IF VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE REPLY TO THE ROCKLAND DISTRICT OFC WEST NYACK, NY. *MR WHILE TRYING TO BRAKE THERE WAS A TOTAL LOSS OF STOPPING POWER AND LOSS OF CONTROL RESULTING IN A CRASH IN THE PASSENGER SIDE. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO INJURIES BUT THE CONSUMER BELIEVES A VEHICLE MALFUNCTION CAUSED THE PROBLEM. THE INSURANCE COMPANY CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT HE CONSUMER WAS 100% AT FAULT.

NHTSA complaint #10081703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

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

at 40,000 miles Clarendon Hills, IL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHEN STOPPED AT LIGHT, UPON ACCELERATING WHEN THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN, THE ACCELERATOR IS HARD TO PRESS. IT DOES NOT DEPRESS. YOU HAVE TO EITHER PRESS TOO HARD OR PUMP A FEW TIMES FOR IT TO GET GOING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN YOU ARE TAKING A LEFT TURN ON A SOLID GREEN LIGHT WITHOUT A GREEN ARROW. YOU MAY STALL AND THEN LUNGE FORWARD INTO AN ONCOMING CAR

NHTSA complaint #10680956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,000 miles Clarendon Hills, IL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHEN STOPPED AT LIGHT, UPON ACCELERATING WHEN THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN, THE ACCELERATOR IS HARD TO PRESS. IT DOES NOT DEPRESS. YOU HAVE TO EITHER PRESS TOO HARD OR PUMP A FEW TIMES FOR IT TO GET GOING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN YOU ARE TAKING A LEFT TURN ON A SOLID GREEN LIGHT WITHOUT A GREEN ARROW. YOU MAY STALL AND THEN LUNGE FORWARD INTO AN ONCOMING CAR

NHTSA complaint #10680956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 68,000 miles Youngstown, OH

SEAT BELTS

TRIED TO SLIGHTLY DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR TO MOVE UP IN TRAFFIC BUT ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK AND HAD TO APPLY MORE FORCE TO DEPRESS ACCELERATOR CAUSING VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD NEARLY CAUSING A COLLISION WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US. REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT EXTEND TO ALLOW IT TO BE PUT ON.

NHTSA complaint #10535836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 68,000 miles Youngstown, OH

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TRIED TO SLIGHTLY DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR TO MOVE UP IN TRAFFIC BUT ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK AND HAD TO APPLY MORE FORCE TO DEPRESS ACCELERATOR CAUSING VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD NEARLY CAUSING A COLLISION WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US. REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT EXTEND TO ALLOW IT TO BE PUT ON.

NHTSA complaint #10535836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 68,000 miles Youngstown, OH

ENGINE

TRIED TO SLIGHTLY DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR TO MOVE UP IN TRAFFIC BUT ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK AND HAD TO APPLY MORE FORCE TO DEPRESS ACCELERATOR CAUSING VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD NEARLY CAUSING A COLLISION WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US. REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT EXTEND TO ALLOW IT TO BE PUT ON.

NHTSA complaint #10535836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aliance, NE Fire

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY VILLAGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VENTILATION BLOWER WOULD NOT EMIT AIR OR HEAT WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER OR HEATER WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE OWNER AND HE NOTICED THAT THE POWER RESISTOR HAD OVERHEATED AND BURNED AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10392871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Crossville, TN Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY VILLAGER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE FORWARD WHENEVER IT CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #10315176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles Middletown, NJ

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I HAVE A 1999 MERCURY VILLAGER, PERIODICALLY THE GAS PEDAL WILL BE VERY HARD TO PUSH. IT ACTUALLY GOT STUCK ACCELERATING ONCE. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ONLINE AND HAVE FOUND MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SITUATION. I HAVE FOUND THAT MERCURY HAS RECALLED THE MOUNTAINEER (CAMPAIGN # 00V422000) FOR THIS "EXACT" ISSUE BUT HAS TAKEN NO ACTION WITH THE VILLAGER. I HAVE REPLACED THE WHOLE THROTTLE BODY ONCE, SOON AFTER I PURCHASED THE VAN, BUT AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. AS I RECALL IT WAS AT A $600 EXPENSE TO ME. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU.

NHTSA complaint #10312957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Carver, MA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1999 MERCURY VILLAGER MINI VAN PROBLEM HEADLIGHTS KEEP BLOWING OUT, CANNOT USE HIGH BEAMS WITHOUT HEARING SOME CRACKLING ON HIGHBEAM SWITCH WHEN PUTTING ON HIGH BEAMS. I JUST REPLACE THE BULB AND NOT USE HIGHBEAMS. ALSO GAS PEDAL STICKS MOST OF THE TIME WHEN YOU EXCEL ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS DAMP OUT, I STEP ON THE PEDAL AND IT JERKS FORWARD BECAUSE IT'S STUCK WHEN I FEEL IT IS STUCK WHEN EXCELLING FROM STOP I USUALLY STEP ON THE BRAKE THEN THE GAS AND LET OFF THE BRAKE SLOWLY. I HAVE BEEN LUCKY THERE HASN'T BEEN AN ACCIDENT YET.

NHTSA complaint #10293666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Carver, MA

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

1999 MERCURY VILLAGER MINI VAN PROBLEM HEADLIGHTS KEEP BLOWING OUT, CANNOT USE HIGH BEAMS WITHOUT HEARING SOME CRACKLING ON HIGHBEAM SWITCH WHEN PUTTING ON HIGH BEAMS. I JUST REPLACE THE BULB AND NOT USE HIGHBEAMS. ALSO GAS PEDAL STICKS MOST OF THE TIME WHEN YOU EXCEL ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS DAMP OUT, I STEP ON THE PEDAL AND IT JERKS FORWARD BECAUSE IT'S STUCK WHEN I FEEL IT IS STUCK WHEN EXCELLING FROM STOP I USUALLY STEP ON THE BRAKE THEN THE GAS AND LET OFF THE BRAKE SLOWLY. I HAVE BEEN LUCKY THERE HASN'T BEEN AN ACCIDENT YET.

NHTSA complaint #10293666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,000 miles High Point, NC

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

THE 1999 THROUGH 2000 MERCURY VILLAGER VANS HAVE A DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY. MY GAS PETAL STARTED STICKING ON MY VILLAGER VAN LATE LAST YEAR. I FINALLY HAD THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY CLEANED AND THROTTLE CONTROL SENSOR REPLACED IN JANUARY, AFTER SEVERAL FAILED ATTEMPTS BY THE MERCURY DEALERSHIP TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM. I HAD ANOTHER MECHANIC REPLACE THE FAILED THROTTLE BODY CONTROL SENSOR (IN MAY)AFTER ONLY 4 MONTHS (PART WAS GUARANTEED FOR 12 MONTHS) AND THE THROTTLE BODY WAS OK FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND NOW IT'S STICKING AND THE GAS PETAL IS HARD TO DEPRESS. IT IS A MAJOR ACCIDENT HAZARD BECAUSE YOU NEED TO KNOW THAT YOU CAN PULL OUT SAFELY FROM AN INTERSECTION OR ACCELERATE WHEN ENTERING A RAMP ON THE INTERSTATE. WITH THIS PROBLEM YOU HAVE TO PRESS THE GAS PETAL HARDER THAN NORMAL AND THEN YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE GETTING WHIPLASH BECAUSE THE PETAL WILL UNSTICK AND YOU SHOOT FORWARD. OUR CAR HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT CAME ON AND IT WAS ALSO ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROBLEM. FROM THE CONTENTS OF THIS ARTICLE, I BELIEVE THAT MERCURY AND NISSAN ARE COMPLETELY AWARE THIS DANGER. HTTP://WWW.ENQUIRER.COM/EDITIONS/2004/08/20/BIZ_VILLAGERSUIT20.HTML PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AND FORCE MERCURY & NISSAN TO RECALL ALL OF THESE VEHICLES AND AGREE TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. WHEN YOU HAVE TAKEN CARE OF YOUR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE WISE AND THE MANUFACTURER KNOWS THERE IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AND DOES NOTHING, THEN THEY SHOULD BEAR THE BRUNT OF THEIR FAULTY DESIGN AND BE LIABLE FOR ANY INJURIES OR DEATHS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ISSUE. MORE LINKS BELOW HTTP://WWW.ALLWORLDAUTO.COM/COMMENTS/MERCURY_VILLAGER_COMMENTS_AND_COMPLAINTS_101-573-1.HTML.

NHTSA complaint #10292916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,000 miles High Point, NC

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

THE 1999 THROUGH 2000 MERCURY VILLAGER VANS HAVE A DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY. MY GAS PETAL STARTED STICKING ON MY VILLAGER VAN LATE LAST YEAR. I FINALLY HAD THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY CLEANED AND THROTTLE CONTROL SENSOR REPLACED IN JANUARY, AFTER SEVERAL FAILED ATTEMPTS BY THE MERCURY DEALERSHIP TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM. I HAD ANOTHER MECHANIC REPLACE THE FAILED THROTTLE BODY CONTROL SENSOR (IN MAY)AFTER ONLY 4 MONTHS (PART WAS GUARANTEED FOR 12 MONTHS) AND THE THROTTLE BODY WAS OK FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND NOW IT'S STICKING AND THE GAS PETAL IS HARD TO DEPRESS. IT IS A MAJOR ACCIDENT HAZARD BECAUSE YOU NEED TO KNOW THAT YOU CAN PULL OUT SAFELY FROM AN INTERSECTION OR ACCELERATE WHEN ENTERING A RAMP ON THE INTERSTATE. WITH THIS PROBLEM YOU HAVE TO PRESS THE GAS PETAL HARDER THAN NORMAL AND THEN YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE GETTING WHIPLASH BECAUSE THE PETAL WILL UNSTICK AND YOU SHOOT FORWARD. OUR CAR HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT CAME ON AND IT WAS ALSO ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROBLEM. FROM THE CONTENTS OF THIS ARTICLE, I BELIEVE THAT MERCURY AND NISSAN ARE COMPLETELY AWARE THIS DANGER. HTTP://WWW.ENQUIRER.COM/EDITIONS/2004/08/20/BIZ_VILLAGERSUIT20.HTML PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AND FORCE MERCURY & NISSAN TO RECALL ALL OF THESE VEHICLES AND AGREE TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. WHEN YOU HAVE TAKEN CARE OF YOUR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE WISE AND THE MANUFACTURER KNOWS THERE IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AND DOES NOTHING, THEN THEY SHOULD BEAR THE BRUNT OF THEIR FAULTY DESIGN AND BE LIABLE FOR ANY INJURIES OR DEATHS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ISSUE. MORE LINKS BELOW HTTP://WWW.ALLWORLDAUTO.COM/COMMENTS/MERCURY_VILLAGER_COMMENTS_AND_COMPLAINTS_101-573-1.HTML.

NHTSA complaint #10292916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 167,000 miles Lake Hamilton, FL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY VILLAGER. WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AT AN INTERSECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND A TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL RETENTION STRAPS FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE SPOT WELLS TO SEPARATE. THE REPAIR WOULD COST $800. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V205001 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING); THEREFORE, NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.

NHTSA complaint #10265730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Danville, KY

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1999 MERCURY VILLAGER ESTATE MINI-VAN. PURCHASED NEW IN 1999. OWNED BRIEFLY WHEN GAS PEDAL STUCK, BUT IF KICKED DOWN ON RELEASED. OF COURSE, THE VEHICLE WOULD JUMP FORWARD FROM THE HARD KICK ON THE ACCELERATOR. THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED BY REPLACING THE THROTTLE BODY...ONLY FOR A SHORT TIME THOUGH. WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN AFTER THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY PERIOD A QUICK 20 MINUTE CLEANING OF THE INSIDE OF THE THROTTLE BODY FIXED THE PROBLEM...AGAIN FOR A WHILE. THIS STICKING OR THE THROTTLE MOST OFTEN CAUSES A DELAY IN THE FORWARD MOTION OF THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, IT HAS ALSO OCCURRED WHEN I WAS TRYING TO STOP AND IN ORDER NOT TO RUN INTO ANOTHER STOPPED VEHICLE THE IGNITION HAD TO BE TURNED OFF OR PLACED IN NEUTRAL. I THOUGHT OF REPORTING THIS WHEN I SAW ON A MERCURY BLOG PAGE THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10260066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Danville, KY

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1999 MERCURY VILLAGER ESTATE MINI-VAN. PURCHASED NEW IN 1999. OWNED BRIEFLY WHEN GAS PEDAL STUCK, BUT IF KICKED DOWN ON RELEASED. OF COURSE, THE VEHICLE WOULD JUMP FORWARD FROM THE HARD KICK ON THE ACCELERATOR. THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED BY REPLACING THE THROTTLE BODY...ONLY FOR A SHORT TIME THOUGH. WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN AFTER THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY PERIOD A QUICK 20 MINUTE CLEANING OF THE INSIDE OF THE THROTTLE BODY FIXED THE PROBLEM...AGAIN FOR A WHILE. THIS STICKING OR THE THROTTLE MOST OFTEN CAUSES A DELAY IN THE FORWARD MOTION OF THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, IT HAS ALSO OCCURRED WHEN I WAS TRYING TO STOP AND IN ORDER NOT TO RUN INTO ANOTHER STOPPED VEHICLE THE IGNITION HAD TO BE TURNED OFF OR PLACED IN NEUTRAL. I THOUGHT OF REPORTING THIS WHEN I SAW ON A MERCURY BLOG PAGE THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10260066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Venice, FL

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

NO INCIDENTS AS OF YET. BOUGHT A 1999 MERCURY VILLAGER ESTATE, THE THROTTLE BODY WILL NOT LET THE VAN IDLE AT NORMAL SPEEDS. YOU CAN NOT STOP, VAN GOES AUTOMATICALLY, RPM AT 3000, ALL THE TIME. YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS , IT WILL GO 35MPH ALL DAY LONG, YOU TRY TO STOP THAT. WHEN YOU COME TO A STOP LIGHT, VERY HARD TO STOP, AND HARD TO KEEP IT STOPPED. I SEARCHED THE WEB, AND THERE 100'S & 100'S OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS PROBLEM, WITH NO RECALLS, , HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN. FOR ALL YEARS OF THAT VAN,1997,1998,1999,2001,2002. THIS A CRASH WAITING TO HAPPEN. SEARCH THE WEB FOR INFO, YOU WILL SEE. THIS A VERY BAD THING, PEOPLE MUCH HAVE GOTTEN INTO CRASHES.....

NHTSA complaint #10255560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Venus, TX

SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

COMPLAINING ABOUT A 1999 MERCURY VILLAGER NOT HAVING A LATCH SYSTEM IN THE BACK SEATS.

NHTSA complaint #10244997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 10,000 miles Waddell, AZ

WHEELS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY VILLAGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY FLAT. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT AIR WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE STEEL WHEEL. THE DEALER REPLACED THE WHEEL AS A FREE REMEDY. THREE YEARS LATER, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE FAILURE RECURRED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL TIRE SHOP AND THEY STATED THAT THE TIRE WAS IN GOOD CONDITION, BUT THE STEEL WHEEL WAS CAUSING THE FAILURE. FIVE YEARS LATER, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE FAILED AND THE STEEL WHEEL HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE DRIVING CONDITIONS AND SPEED WERE NOT FACTORS. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000.

NHTSA complaint #10223616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Unknown, 00 Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1999 MERCURY VILLAGER ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER STOPPING. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER STOPPING AT THE GAS PUMP. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. *KB (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0074-90)

NHTSA complaint #10222769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 93,000 miles Queen Creek, AZ

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

PURCHASED VEHICLE ONE WEEK AGO, SINCE THEN WHENEVER I AM GOING FROM PARK TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN REVVING THE ENGINE AT 5,000 RPMS MAKING IT VERY HARD TO STOP VEHICLE WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES. YOU HAVE TO SHUT VEHICLE OFF AND THEN PUT IT IN PARK, THEN TRY IT AGAIN. SOMETIMES IT WORKS AND OTHER TIMES ITS WORSE!!! THIS VEHICLE IS VERY UNSAFE AND SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE STREETS, OR FIXED PROPERLY BY THE MANUFACTURER!!! I AM VERY SCARED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE WITH MY KIDS IN IT, FOR WE MIGHT HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THIS HAS HAPPENED EVERYDAY SINCE WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE!!!!

NHTSA complaint #10219036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Chadds Ford, PA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVE WHEN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED AND REVERTED BACK TO FIRST GEAR. AFTER STOPPING, TURNING OFF ENGINE, AND RESTARTING, VEHICLE WOULD NOT COME OUT OF FIRST GEAR WHEN BEING DRIVEN. VEHICLE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY TOWED TO DEALERSHIP , CARMAN FORD IN NEW CASTLE DE), BUT WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP REPORTED THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE. VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP BY OWNER AND BEGAN TO DRIVE IT HOME WHEN PROBLEM RE-OCCURRED. VEHICLE IS NOW AT COTTMAN TRANSMISSION IN WEST CHESTER PA WHO DIAGNOSE METAL SHAVINGS IN THE TRANSMISSION WELL (MINUTE FRAGMENTS) THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE CAUSING THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10195389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 84,079 miles Chipley, FL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM

I SENT THIS LETTER TO THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY. NO REPLY YET. I ALSO HAVE COPIES OF THE WORK THAT WAS DONE TO THE VAN. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. ON THURSDAY MAY 3, 2007 WE WERE DRIVING, WITH MY WIFE BEING THE DRIVER, NORTH ON U.S. 441 IN FLORIDA. AS WE PASSED A TRUCK WE HEARD A GROWLING NOISE. IT WAS OUR VAN. I-75 THE TRAFFIC WAS STOPPED UP FROM AN ACCIDENT SO WE TOOK A PARALLEL ROAD TO THE NORTH. THE VAN WAS STILL GROWLING. WHEN WE GOT TO U.S. 27 I TOLD HER WE HAD BETTER FIND A MERCURY DEALER AND SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. WE TURNED BACK INTO OCALA AND STOPPED AT A SMALL INDEPENDENT USED AUTO SALES BUSINESS. WE WERE TOLD THE MERCURY DEALERSHIP WAS JUST DOWN THE STREET, SO WE GOT BACK INTO THE VAN AND PROCEEDED TO START OUT. MY WIFE HAD TO BACK UP A LITTLE TOWARD BUSY U.S. 441. THEN SHE SCREAMED ?I HAVE NO BRAKES!? QUICKLY SHE PUT THE VAN INTO DRIVE AND IT SCREECHED AND LUNGED FORWARD. NOW WE WERE HEADED TOWARD A CHAIN-LINK FENCE. STILL NO BRAKES, SO SHE WAS SMART ENOUGH TO TURN OFF THE KEY AND WE STOPPED TWO FEET FROM THE FENCE. NEEDLESS TO SAY SHE WAS MY HEROINE. WE GOT OUT AND SHE SAID, ?LOOK AT THIS HUB CAP.? THE PLASTIC CONNECTORS THAT HOLD IT TO THE WHEEL WERE MELTED AND THE CAP HAD FALLEN OFF. THE WHEEL WAS TOO HOT TO TOUCH. BOTH FRONT WHEELS WERE VERY HOT AND NOW YOU COULD SMELL BRAKE FLUID. WE CALLED A WRECKER AND THE PEOPLE THAT OWNED THE AUTO SALES STORE GAVE US A TIRE STORE THAT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE THE BEST IN THE AREA. I CALLED THEM AND THEY WOULD TAKE US IN RIGHT AWAY. APPARENTLY THE WHEEL CYLINDERS ENGAGED ON THE FRONT OF THE VAN AND THE INTENSE HEAT FROM FRICTION BUILT UP HAD MELTED THE BRAKE HOSES. WE ARE SURE GLAD WE HAD NOT VENTURED ONTO I-75. IS THIS A MANUFACTURER?S DEFECT THAT HASN'T BEEN FOUND YET?

NHTSA complaint #10194055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 42,000 miles Milwaukee, WI

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

GAS PEDAL GETTING STUCK. ALMOST HITTING A PEDESTRIAN. TOOK IT TO DEALER. DEALER MECHANIC CLEANS THE THROTTLE BODY IT WORKS FOR FEW DAYS BUT THE PROBLEM KEEPS RECURRING.

NHTSA complaint #10182107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 39,000 miles Palatine, IL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

MY 1999 MERCURY VILLAGER WITH APPROX 39K MILES STARTED SHOWING THIS PROBLEM IN APRIL 2006. WHEN I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL AFTER THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN, THE PEDAL DOES NOT DEPRESS. I PRESS HARDER, IT FINALLY DEPRESSES, BUT THE VAN LUNGES FORWARD. ONE TIME I GOT HONKED FROM BEHIND. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 5 TIMES. I WAS PLANNING ON TAKING IT TO THE SHOP. THEN A FEW DAYS LATER THE VAN STARTED TREMBLING DURING IDLE AND THE "SERVICE" INDICATOR CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP ON APRIL 29TH. THEY CHARGED ME APPROX $550 TO REPLACE ONE FUEL INJECTOR AND CLEAN THE THROTTLE BODY AND OTHER FUEL INJECTORS. YESTERDAY, MAY 3RD THE VAN DID THE SAME THING WITH A STUCK GAS PEDAL. I SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF THIS NATURE. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT OPTIONS I HAVE.

NHTSA complaint #10156769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lebanon, PA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

ACCELERATOR PEDAL FREQUENTLY STICKS IN UP-POSITION ON 1999 MERCURY VILLAGER; MOSTLY WHEN VEHICLE IS STOPPED. PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE PURCHASE TWO YEARS AGO.

NHTSA complaint #10152517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.