1993 Mercury Villager

High concern

Owners filed 414 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 5 times.

Avoid One of the Mercury Villager years to avoid: 2.2× the complaints of a typical Villager year. Which Mercury Villager years to avoid →

Most common 1993 Mercury Villager problems

136 of the 414 complaints (33%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe · engine77
010
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System29
081
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner27
041
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System · engine25
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission15
202
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes13
303
Structure › Body › Door · body and frame12
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine12
000
Seat Belts11
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine10
000

1993 Mercury Villager engine problems

33% of all complaints

136 of the 414 complaints are about the engine. This is what owners describe:

  • leaks oil or fluid29% · 39
  • smokes or smells of burning5% · 7

Share of the 136 engine complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
124,000 mi
median of 8 reports
Peak year of filing
1998
24 engine complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
1 · 2 · 1
in these complaints
Recalls on the engine
None
“Studs on exhaust manifold sheared off. Caused exhaust fumes to enter passenger compartment sicking passengers. Also caused a loud noise like a exhaust leak. Mechanic said had seen this on several other villagers.*ak”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 13, 2004 at 104,000 miles
“I am the owner of a '93 mercury villager. I have had to have several of my head bolts replaced due to broken bolts causing my head gasket to leak and cause my engine to overheat. I am not the only person with this particular problem, there are many of us seeking an explanation.”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 26, 2004 at 106,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1992: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'921993: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine1994: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'941995: 103 complaints, 12 about the engine1996: 41 complaints, 3 about the engine'961997: 36 complaints, 12 about the engine1998: 49 complaints, 24 about the engine'981999: 50 complaints, 24 about the engine2000: 48 complaints, 22 about the engine'002001: 44 complaints, 20 about the engine2002: 17 complaints, 10 about the engine'022003: 8 complaints, 3 about the engine2004: 7 complaints, 5 about the engine'042005: 8 complaints, 1 about the engine2006: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'062007: 2 complaints, 0 about the engine2008: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'082009: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine2010: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'102011: 1 complaints, 0 about the engineRecall 92V132002 (brakes)Recall 92V133002 (seat belts)Recall 95V222001 (visibility)Recall 00V419002 (fuel system)NHTSA investigation EA00014NHTSA investigation EA99015NHTSA investigation EA96005NHTSA investigation PE96009NHTSA investigation EA95027NHTSA investigation PE93047NHTSA investigation PE93020
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1993 Villager peaked in 1995, with 103 filed that year. No recall on file covers the engine, the subject of 33% of the complaints. In 2011 owners filed 1 so far.

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly00V419002
Filed Jan 2, 2001394,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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 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.

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VENT HOSE.

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System95V222001
Filed Nov 21, 199548,053 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. LEAVES AND OTHER FOREIGN MATERIAL CAN ENTER THROUGH THE COWL PANEL AIR INTAKE DURING OPERATION OF THE FRONT HEATER AND/OR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM RESULTING IN A BUILD-UP OF MATERIAL IN THE PLENUM. THIS CAN LEAD TO NOISE, ODORS, OR IN SOME CASES, IGNITION OF THESE MATERIALS.

Risk. A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL HEATER/AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM INTAKE SCREEN.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings92V172001
Filed Dec 2, 199210,800 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. FUEL FILLER HOSES MAY HAVE BEEN CUT PRIOR TO INSTALLATION BY A UTILITY KNIFE USED TO OPEN THE SHIPPING BOX.

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IF THE CUT EXTENDED THROUGH THETHICKNESS OF THE HOSE WALL. LEAKING FUEL CAN RESULT IN A FIRE IF EXPOSEDTO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

Remedy. REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER HOSE.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder92V132002
Filed Sep 21, 19923,500 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THE SERVICE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WAS NOT PROPERLY ASSEMBLED OR COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED BY THE EVACUATION AND FILLING OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT.

Risk. THIS CAN RESULT IN A PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE DUE TOINTERNAL MASTER CYLINDER LEAKAGE WHICH CAN CAUSE LOSS OF BRAKING ON TWO OF THEFOUR WHEELS. IF THIS OCCURS, THERE WOULD BE INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL, HIGHERPEDAL EFFORTS AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.

Remedy. A NEW BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WILL BE INSTALLED.

Seat Belts92V133002
Filed Sep 21, 19923,500 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ONE OR BOTH OF THE BOLTS SECURING THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT RESTRAINT SYSTEM TRACKS TO THE B-PILLARS WERE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED.

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTSYSTEM TRACK JOINTS HAVING LESS THAN DESIGN STRENGTH, AND INCREASE THE RISK OFINJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION OR SUDDEN STOP.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM TRACK MOUNTING BOLTS.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 8 name the 1993 Villager.

FUEL TANK VENT HOSE LEAKAGEEngineering analysis EA00014Closed
Opened May 22, 2000Closed Jan 4, 2001throttle and acceleration

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 …

FUEL RAIL HOSE FITTING LEAKAGEEngineering analysis EA99015Closed
Opened Jun 29, 1999Closed Apr 18, 2001throttle and acceleration

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 …

BATTERY EXPLOSIONSEngineering analysis EA96005Closed
Opened May 30, 1996Closed May 29, 1997electrical system

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.

BATTERY EXPLOSIONPreliminary evaluation PE96009Closed
Opened Jan 25, 1996Closed May 30, 1996electrical system

1993 mercury villagerbattery explosion

BLOWER AREA FIRESEngineering analysis EA95027Closed
Opened Sep 22, 1995Closed Nov 17, 1995equipment

There is no summary currently available

FRONT BLOWER ASSEMBLY FIREPreliminary evaluation PE95037Closed
Opened Jun 19, 1995Closed Sep 22, 1995visibility

There is no summary currently available

POWER DOOR LOCK FAILUREPreliminary evaluation PE93047Closed
Opened May 7, 1993Closed Aug 11, 1993body and frame

There is no summary currently available

BACKLITE SHATTERINGPreliminary evaluation PE93020Closed
Opened Apr 1, 1993Closed Jul 28, 1993headlights

There is no summary currently available

Technical service bulletins

113 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1993 Villager. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

transmission 21brakes 21engine 14visibility 11electrical system 8suspension 8fuel system 7equipment 4
0214Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 21, 2002engine

SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT

99103Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 1, 1999engine

ON SOME VEHICLES THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP MAY ILLUMINATE AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES 32, 35, P0400, P0402, P1400, P1401, P1402 OR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP 0302, 0305, 0306, 0514, 1005 MAY BE STORED INDICATING A MALFUNCTION IN THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) SYSTEM. *TT

99816Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 3, 1999engine

FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT

996018Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 1, 1999engine

BRIEF INFORMATION REGARDING EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS. *TT

12623Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 1, 1999engine

INFORMATION REGARDING EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR) SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS. *TT

98-4816Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 1, 1998engine

CONCERNS WITH EGR FLOW MALFUNCTION. *TT

Showing the newest 6 of 14 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body
Filed Oct 18, 201194,000 milesIL

OWNER NOTICE ENGINE BEGINNING TO DRAG ON THE GROUND, CAR WAS STILL CAPABLE OF OPERATING. TRANSVERSE STRUCTURAL MEMBER BENEATH THE RADIATOR WHICH SUPPORTS THE FRONT END OF THE ENGINE SUPPORT BEAM FAILED AND ALLOWED ENGINE TO TILT FORWARD. ATTACH BRACKET FOR SUPPORT BEAM TORE THROUGH THE STRUCTURAL MEMBER. SERIOUS POTENTIAL FOR SNAGGING THE FRONT END OF THE ENGINE SUPPORT BEAM ON A ROAD HAZARD AND FORCING THE FRONT END OF THE CAR UP IN THE AIR THUS ROLLING THE ENGINE AFT UNDER THE VEHICLE WITH LOSS OF CONTROL. TRANSVERSE BEAM WAS PARTIALLY CORRODED HOWEVER METAL THICKNESS AND STRENGTH OF THIS COMPONENT APPEARS TO BE INADEQUATE. PICTURES AVAILABLE. *TR

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights
Filed Sep 17, 200795,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 MERCURY VILLAGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE FAILED FOR TWO YEARS AND SEVERAL UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BULBS, FUSE, AND BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE REMAINS. ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE REPLACED, BUT FAILED AGAIN ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2007. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON HER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CAN PROVIDE INVOICES. THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,000. UPDATED 01/09/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 28, 2007IN

TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING THE 1993 MERCURY VILLAGER. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING UNDER 30 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATED, IT SEEMED AS THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS NOT GETTING GAS. THE CONTACT HAD TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN FIRST GEAR. THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND TURNED OFF THE HEATER. SHE TURNED THE IGNITION OFF, AND SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FLAMES WERE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE NEAR THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT STATED SHE SMELLEDGAS FOR MONTHS. SHE HAD THE EMISSIONS CHECKED, AND THEY DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THE CONTACT WILL TAKE PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Nov 16, 2005MO

I PURCHASED A SET OF ANCO WINTER WIPER BLADES FROM AUTOZONE, FOR A 93 MERCURY VILLAGER. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL, AND THE DRIVERS SIDE WIPER BLADE FAILED COMPLETELY, DURING A SERIOUS STORM AND IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. MY WIFE WAS COMPLETELY BLINDED, ALL SHE COULD DO TO MANEUVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WIPER BLADES HAD BEEN ON THE CAR LESS THAN A WEEK. RECEIVED NO SATISFACTION FROM AUTOZONE, STORE REPRESENTATIVE REFUSED TO CONSIDER BLATANT DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING. TRIED TO CONVINCE ME THAT MY WIFE MUST HAVE BEEN DRIVING RECKLESSLY OR SOMETHING TO THAT EFFECT. THIS HAD CATASTROPHE WRITTEN ALL OVER IT, ANCO MAKES THESE BLADES IN MEXICO. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW A CORPORATION CAN PLACE PROFIT ABOVE THE SAFETY OF FAMILY. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Sep 11, 2005100,000 milesPA

THREE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS ON THE FRONT, AND THREE MORE ON THE REAR ARE BROKEN OFF, WITH A INCREASINGLY MORE LOUD SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I BELIEVE THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS DEFECT IN THESE VANS, BUT REQUIRE THE OWNER TO SHOULDER THE PAYMENT OF THIS EXPENSIVE REPAIR. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY EVIDENT IN THE 1993 MODEL YEAR OF THE MERCURY VILLAGER AND THE NISSAN QUEST. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission1 injured
Filed Aug 26, 2005WI

1993 MERCURY VILLAGER DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND OFF WHEN IT JUMPED OUT OF GEAR AND ROLLED OVER THE CONSUMER'S LEG CAUSING RESIDUAL NERVE DAMAGE AFTER THE INITIAL COMPOUND FRACTURE TO HER TIBIA BONE. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER BUT THEY ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY. *NM

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 11, 2005NM

THE MOTORIZED SEATBELTS IN THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEATS STOPPED WORKING. THE PASSENGER SEATBELT MOTOR STARTED SMOKING AND WE HAD TO SHUT DOWN THE MOTOR BY TAKING OFF THE PANEL AND UNPLUGGING THE FUSE.

Fuel System, Diesel › Storage › Tank AssemblyFire
Filed May 24, 2005168,000 milesIN

PURCHASED A 1993 MERCURY VILLAGER FROM MZN AUTO SALES ON JANUARY 28, 2005. WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ON MAY 19TH, HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND PEOPLE WERE YELLING TO PULL OVER THAT MY VAN WAS ON FIRE, BOTH SIDES IN FLAMES. COME TO FIND OUT, THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR FUEL RELATED FIRES AND WE WERE NOT NOTIFIED BY THE OWNER OF MZN AUTO SALES OF ANY RECALLS. THEY HAVE OUR VAN IN THEIR POSSESSION AT THIS TIME.

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Mar 28, 2005MO

CONSUMER CONCERN ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF ACCIDENT YOU MUST HAVE FOR THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY PROPERLY. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AND ONLY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *JB

Seat Belts
Filed Mar 19, 2005110,000 milesFL

1993 FORD MERCURY VILLAGER V6 3.0L SOHC HAVING SEAT BELT GUIDE RAIL PROBLEMS FUNCTION IS IRRADIC AND NOISEY. SPOKE WITH MERCURY CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPT AND AFTER PROVIDING THEM WITH THE RECALL NUMBER (92V133002) WHICH IS PROVIDED BY NHTSA. THEY EXPLN THAT THIS IS NOT A RECALL NUMBER AND THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE. I SPOKE WITH MONIQUE AND HER SUPERVISOR AKALYA. *AK

Suspension › Front
Filed Feb 4, 2005111,000 milesNY

WHILE TURNING AT ANY SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Steering2 injured
Filed Dec 21, 2004137,700 milesWI

PLEASE ADD DETAILS. TS THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE PARK POSITION ON A SLIGHT SLOPE. THE CONSUMER WAS INSTALLING A CAR SEAT WHEN HE VEHICLE STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS. THE CONSUMER WAS THROWN OUT OF THE VEHICLE THEN RUN OVER BY THE BACK TIRE. THE CONSUMERS RIGHT LEG WAS INJURED. CHILD STILL IN THE VAN AS IT CONTINUED TO ROLL. THE CONSUMER NOTICED PLAY IN THE IGNITION AND LOCK ON THE COLUMN. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH EITHER MAY OR MAY NOT CLICK DEPENDING ON HOW FAR THE KEY WAS TURNED. THE CONSUMERS BONE POPPED OUT CAUSING A LOT OF BLEEDING AND CHILDREN ARE STILL SCARRED BY THE ACCIDENT. *TC

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Aug 5, 2004156,000 milesWA

BAD FACTORY DESIGN LEADS TO EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS BREAKING. THUS CAUSING EXPENSIVE, UNDUE REPAIRS. FORD IS UNWILLING TO ASSIST CUSTOMERS WHO EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM, BUT IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THE ENGINE. *AK MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT: HTTP://WWW.CARTRACKERS.COM/FORUMS/LIVE/MINIVANSENTHUSIASTDISCUSSIONGROUP/169.HTML

Engine and Engine CoolingCrashFire1 injured
Filed Apr 20, 2004124,000 milesKY

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR COLLISION. THEN, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Mar 13, 2004104,000 milesPA

STUDS ON EXHAUST MANIFOLD SHEARED OFF. CAUSED EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER PASSENGER COMPARTMENT SICKING PASSENGERS. ALSO CAUSED A LOUD NOISE LIKE A EXHAUST LEAK. MECHANIC SAID HAD SEEN THIS ON SEVERAL OTHER VILLAGERS.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Feb 26, 2004106,000 milesFL

I AM THE OWNER OF A '93 MERCURY VILLAGER. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE SEVERAL OF MY HEAD BOLTS REPLACED DUE TO BROKEN BOLTS CAUSING MY HEAD GASKET TO LEAK AND CAUSE MY ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM, THERE ARE MANY OF US SEEKING AN EXPLANATION. FOR MORE INFORMATION YOU CAN VISIT CARTRACKERS.COM AND YOU WILL FIND MANY UPSET OWNERS OF BOTH NISSAN QUEST AND MERCURY VILLAGERS (SAME MOTORS) WITH SAME PROBLEM.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Feb 2, 2004188,000 milesOH

EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS HAVE BROKEN AND EXHAUST IS BACKING UP INTO THE CABIN. MY MECHANIC OWNS A VILLAGER AND TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THAT THE DEALER IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN FIX IT. I HAVE DONE SOME ON-LINE RESEARCH AND IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON AND COULD POSSIBLY BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *JB

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 15, 200497,935 milesNY

EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS BREAKING OFF. CHECKED PRIOR TO REPAIR BY CALLING A LOCAL FORD DEALER AND ALSO ON THE INTERNET, TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS AS IT IS AN EXTENSIVE REPAIR AND VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. COULD NOT FIND AN OFFICIAL RECALL FROM FORD, BUT FOUND NUMEROUS WEBSITES AND COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS FROM OWNERS, NATIONALLY, AS WELL AS INTERNATIONALLY, OF THE 1993 MERCURY VILLAGER WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS EXACT PROBLEM.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Sep 7, 2003145,000 milesUT

THE TWO OUTSIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS ON THE BOTH THE FRONT AND BACK WERE BROKEN. THIS CAUSED EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER THE CABIN.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Concealment Devices
Filed Apr 24, 2003140,000 milesCA

THE HEADLIGHT LENS COVERS DEGRADED EXCESSIVELY AND TURNED GRAY/OPAQUE, WHICH MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROAD WHILE TRAVELING AT NIGHT. *JB NISSAN AND FORDS PLASTIC HEADLIGHT, FADE AND TURN AMBER WHICH RESTRICTED THE LIGHT OUTPUT AND HAS TO BE CHANGED EVERY THREE MONTHS. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED GLASS TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM. *SCC

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Concealment Devices
Filed Feb 19, 2003CA

THE PLASTIC HEADLAMP PLASTIC FADED AND REDUCED LIGHT OUTPUT WHICH IS DANGEROUS FOR NIGHT DRIVING. *JB *SCC

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Jan 26, 200387,000 milesNY

THIS IS ABOUT MY 1993 MERCURY VILLAGER. AFTER VIEWING YOUR SITE, IT APPEARS THAT THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR IS WIDESPREAD. THE BOLTS THAT CONNECT THE MANIFOLD TO THE ENGINE BLOCK SHEARED OFF. I HAD THE REPAIR DONE IN MAY OF 1998 AND ALSO CONTACTED THE LINCOLN MERCURY DIVISION OF FORD. I EVEN SENT THEM TWO OF THE SHEARED BOLTS. SINCE THAT TIME, THE BOLTS ON THE FRONT MANIFOLD HAVE SHEARED. I NEVER EVEN RECEIVED AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM FORD IN RESPONSE TO MY LETTER. THE ENGINE NOW IS VERY NOISY AND I BROUGHT IT IN TO MY MUFFLER MECHANIC ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO AND HE NOTED THE SHEARED BOLTS ON THE FRONT OF THE MANIFOLD. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHETHER NHTSA IS DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS OR WHETHER YOU ARE AWARE OF ANY SUCCESS WITH FORD IN GETTING THIS PROBLEM TAKEN CARE OF. IT IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS.

Seat Belts › FrontCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 24, 200330,529 milesNC

CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RELEASE. IT WAS NOT UNTIL AFTER THE ACCIDENT THAT CONSUMER LEARNED OF THE SEAT BELT RECALL. *JG

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed Jan 22, 2003TX

THE VEHICLES FRONT CALIPERS ARE LOCKING UP STATES CONSUMER. WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH THE RPM'S ARE HIGHER THAN NORMAL. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed Jan 10, 2003OH

THOUGH OUR VEHICLE IS EXHIBITING THE EXACT SYMPTOMS LISTED UNDER THE RECALL (95C222001), LINCOLN MAINTAINS THAT OUR VEHICLE IS NOT A CANDIDATE FOR THAT RECALL. THE DEFECT SUMMARY SAYS WE WOULD SMELL BURNING ODORS WHEN USING THE HEATER, WHICH WE DO. PH **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS**770832

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (pcv)
Filed Jan 2, 2003NM

CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE'S FUMES WERE ESCAPING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. DEALER STATED THAT EXHAUST MANIFOLD HAS DEVELOPED A LEAK. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail PipeFire
Filed Dec 11, 2002OH

WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY, TAIL PIPE CAUGHT ON FIRE, BURNED THROUGH REAR FLOOR OF INTERIOR CABIN AND IGNITED AN UMBRELLA. MR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Oct 21, 2002PA

THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BECAME UNSTEERABLE AT SPEED. THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE CRANKSHAFT'S PULLEY WHICH CAME LOOSE DUE TO THE CRANKSHAFT BREAKING . THIS HAS RUINED THE CRANKSHAFT AND REQUIRES A NEW ENGINE INSTALLED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. DT

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Sep 22, 2002IL

4 EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS SHEARED OFF, CREATING EXCESSIVE EXHAUST LEAKAGE AND NOISE. CAUSING EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER VEHICLE. *AK

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 9, 2002IN

WHILE DRIVING 30MPH NOTICED THAT SEATBELT BOLT DROPPED THROUGH AND ENDED UP ON TIRE. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Aug 30, 2002VA

EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS CONTINUE TO BREAK, ALLOWING EXHAUST FUMES TO ESCAPE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND ENTER COMPARTMENT. *AKA REPETATIVE PATTERN FAILURE OF THE STUDS SECURING THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD TO THE ENGINE OCCURS REGULARLY. CONSUMER FEELS THE EXHAUST WHICH CAN BE SMELLED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS A HEALTH HAZARD THERE BY AFFECTING THE DRIVERS ABILITY TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *JG

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Aug 25, 2002VA

MULTIPLE EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUD FAILURE POSSIBLY, ALLOWING NOXIOUS EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Jul 24, 2002NY

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch
Filed Jul 22, 2002MT

IF THE IGNITION IS LEFT IN A POSITION BETWEEN "LOCK" AND "ON" THE GEAR SHIFT INTERLOCK MECHANISM DOESNT WORK AND THE VECHCLE CAN BE PULLED OUT OF GEAR. NORMALLY, THE SERVICE BRAKE HAS TO BE APPLIED IN ORDER TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY APPROX 6 MONTHS AGO VIA EMAIL- NO RESPONSE.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jul 9, 2002CD

WHILE DRIVING THE INSIDE TEMPERATURE OF THE VEHICLE BECAME COLD, WHILE TRYING TO ADJUST THE HEAT, THE DRIVER NOTICED THICK BLACK SMOKE FROM THE TAILPIPE, THERE WERE NO DASHBOARD INDICATORS THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND AS A RESULT THE VAN LOST ALL COOLANT RUINING THE ENTIRE ENGINE, THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR BOTH REPLACED ENGINES. NLM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control
Filed Jul 2, 2002VA

IN OCT0BER OF 2001 CONSUMER HAD FILLER VENT HOSE REPLACED AS PART OF A RECALL, BUT REMEDY DID NOT WORK, AND FUEL WAS LEAKING AGAIN. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Jun 24, 2002MI

MANUFACTURER ADMITTED DESIGN PROBLEM ON NISSAN 3.0 L MOTOR THAT WAS EVEN COVERED UNDER A GOODWILL WARRANTY. BROKEN EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS THAT ARE NOW ON THE 4TH REVISION TO THE REPLACEMENT PART. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES EXHAUST FUMES TO LEAK INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. I HAVE FOUND AT LEAST 5 SERVICE BULLETINS ADDRESSING THE ISSUE ON BOTH NISSAN AND MERCURY VEHICLES.*AK

Steering
Filed Jun 14, 2002KY

INTERMITTENTLY STEERING IN ANY DIRECTION CAUSES VEHICLE TO STALL. NO INDICATION LIGHTS ILLUMINATE ON DASHBOARD. VEHICLE WILL RESTART AFTER STALLING. THERE IS NO WAY TO DETECT WHEN VEHICLE WILL STALL. DEALER HAS TRIED DIFFERENT REPAIRS, AND PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK *TT

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed May 24, 2002PA

BOLTS CONTINUALLY BREAK ON MANIFOLD EXHAUST SYSTEM. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER INDICATED A PROBLEM WITH BOLTS ON EXHAUST MANIFOLD. TSB # 98-10-14. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation ComponentsCrash1 injured
Filed May 10, 2002NC

ENGINE POWER SURGES, SHOULDER BELT WOULD NOT RELEASE

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 12, 2002AR

WHILE DRIVING SMELL OF INTENSIVE GAS FILLED THE VEHICLE. TOOK TO DEALER. ALSO TOOK TO MECHANIC. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Filed Mar 11, 2002OH

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Exterior Lighting › Brake LightsCrash
Filed Feb 8, 2002TX

BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. AT FIRST, ONE OF THE LIGHTS WAS NOT WORKING; THEN, BOTH LIGHTS WENT OUT. CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANY WORK ON IT.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Dec 20, 2001MI

FOUR BOLTS ON ENGINE MANIFOLD HAVE PREMATURELY BROKEN OFF, THIS WOULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE EXHAUST SYSTEM TO SEPARATE FROM VEHICLES FRAME. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT ALL 8 BOLTS ON EXHAUST MANIFOLD WERE REPLACED AT DEALER, MECHANICS AND SERVICE PERSONNEL TOLD HIM THAT ITS COMMON, PARTICULAR TO 93 VILLAGERS. CONSUMER SAID THE PROBLEM IS LAPPING AGAIN AT 95000 MILES, SINCE THIS IS A DEFECT CONSUMER IS ASKING FOR COMPENSATION. *YD

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under DashFire
Filed Dec 17, 2001CT

LEAVES AND DEBRIS BUILD IN DASHBOARD CAUSED A FIRE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER.*AK

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Dec 15, 2001KY

DOORS LOCK AUTOMATICALLY WHEN DRIVERS DOOR IS OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. MY GRANDSON, AT AGE 2 WAS IN A CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT WHILE I WAS LOCKED OUT. THIS OCCURRED WHEN IT FIRST STARTED HAPPENING. BECAUSE IT LOCKS EVERY TIME I OPEN THE DOOR, I HAVE BEEN LOCKED OUT MYSELF ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. ABOUT THE SAME TIME, MY CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING ALSO. I FEEL THESE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS MAY BE RELATED. ALSO, THE LOCK ON THE REAR HATCH DOES NOT SWITCH TO THE LOCKED POSITON MAKING IT NECESSARY TO SLAM THE HATCH SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT CATCHES. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO MANUALLY FLIP THE LOCK SWITCH TO GET IT TO CATCH. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH FORD MOTOR CO. AND THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAVE MY MAINTENANCE WORK DONE, TO NO AVAIL. THE DEALERSHIP WILL REPAIR AT MY COST BUT NEEDS A RECALL TO DO OTHERWISE. I E-MAILED CBS NEWS A FEW MONTHS AGO, AFTER THE NEWS COVERAGE AIRED ON 9/7/01 AND JUST DISCOVERED YOUR LINK FROM CBS WEBSITE TONIGHT. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 4, 2001SC

DRIVING THROUGH MY JOB'S PARKING LOT AT 15MPH, SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOUD POP, LIKE SOMETHING BROKE. AT THIS TIME, I PROCEEDED TO INVESTIGATE PROBLEM, UPON ENTRYING THE VAN AND ABOUT TO PRECEED DRIVING, THE VAN IN QUESTION REFUSES TO ENGAGE IN GEAR. *AK

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed Oct 29, 2001PA

THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR "LEAF INGESTION". LEAVES ARE MAKING THEIR WAY ONTO THE HEATING COIL AND POSE A FIRE HAZARD. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN TWICE FOR THE REPAIR AND I STILL SMELL BURNING LEAVES WHEN I USE THE HEATER. I HAVE CONTACTED BOTH THE DEALER AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY ABOUT THE ON-GOING PROBLEM AND BOTH HAVE OFFERED ONLY THE ORIGINAL SOLUTION. HOWEVER I BELIEVE THAT THE ORIGINAL SOLUTION DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. I BELIEVE THAT "LEAF INGESTION" STILL IS A FIRE HAZARD IN MY VEHICLE.*AK

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Sep 11, 2001MN

LOCKS CONTINUOUSLY WHEN A DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HANDLE (IN OR OUT) IS TOUCHED. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Sep 1, 2001MD

BROKEN STUDS ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD LED TO FAILURE OF THE OXYGEN SENSOR AND REQUIRED HIRING A SUBCONTRACTOR TO DRILL OUT BROKEN STUDS FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK. TOTAL COST FOR REPAIR WAS $1731. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS A FAILURE THAT SHOULD BE EXPECTED FOR ANY CAR AFTER 76,000 MILES. HOWEVER, SEARCHING INTERNET RESOURCES INDICATES THAT THIS IS A SPECIFIC DEFECT OF MERCURY VILLAGER AND NISSAN QUEST. OVER 100 COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED WITH NHTSA FOR 1993 AND 1994 VILLAGERS. THE SAME SEARCH OF 1993 DODGE CARAVAN, AS A SIMILAR VEHICLE WITH HIGHER SALES, YIELDED NO COMPLAINTS FOR EXHAUST MANIFOLD FAILURE. ACCORDING TO INTERNET RESOURCES, FORD LOST A LEGAL SUIT IN CANADA ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND IS PAYING FOR REPAIRS OF VILLAGERS IN CANADA. FORD HOWEVER, REFUSED TO CONSIDER THIS IN MY CASE. NISSAN HAS APPARENTLY CHANGED STUD SPECIFICATIONS 4 TIMES TO ACHIEVE A SUITABLE STUD THAT DOES NOT BREAK. THE CRITERIA LISTED FOR A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS TO INITIATE A RECALL IS VAGUE, BUT THIS SEEMS TO BE AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT MERITS A RECALL.

Complaints 1-50 of 414, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1993
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200218000Routine
200120100Routine
200071210Routine
1999185430Routine
199883200Routine
1997125311Fatalities reported
1996188270Routine
1995367373Fatalities reported
1994253360Above average
1993 — this page4145300High concern
19921000Routine

Compare every Villager year →

1993 Mercury Villager: questions buyers ask

Is the 1993 Mercury Villager a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Villager years to avoid: owners filed 414 complaints, 2.2 times as many as a typical Villager year. The most common complaint is about the engine (33%).

What is the most common problem with the 1993 Mercury Villager?

The engine: 136 of the 414 complaints (33%) are about it. Owners most often say it leaks oil or fluid (29%) and smokes or smells of burning (5%). The typical report comes at 124,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1993 Mercury Villager have?

5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jan 2, 2001. The largest, 00V419002, covered 394,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1993 Mercury Villager problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 110,000 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 124,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1993 Mercury Villager?

Yes, 8 times. The latest, EA00014 ("FUEL TANK VENT HOSE LEAKAGE"), was opened May 22, 2000 and closed Jan 4, 2001.

Are there service bulletins for the 1993 Mercury Villager?

The manufacturer filed 113 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (21), the brakes (21) and the engine (14). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 2, 2001. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.