1998 MERCURY VILLAGER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

100

Owner Complaints

14 Crashes

2

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

12

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER

The 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER has received a total of 100 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. 12 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal (9 complaints), Structurebodydoor (8 complaints), and Power Trainautomatic Transmission (5 complaints).

Recalls for the 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER

NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER, potentially affecting up to 400,000 vehicles.

Recall 00V419002 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

| 394,000 vehicles affected

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...

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

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VENT HOSE.

View full details →

Recall 97V184001 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

| 6,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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 CORROSION DAMAGE.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE BATTERY WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN ENGINE FIRE OR BATTERY EXPLOSION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE BATTERIES. UNTIL A NEW BATTERY IS OBTAINED, OWNERS SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO "JUMP START" THESE BATTERIES.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER

100 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 9 1 Crash
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 8
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Injury
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 4
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 3 3 Crashes 2 Injuries
Tires
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 2
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Steering
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 2
Suspension
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 2
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 2
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 2
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Child Seat
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Equipmentrecreational Vehicletrailer
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshatchbackliftgatelock
Complaints: 1
Power Train
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 1
Seats
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Structurebody
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontmacpherson Strut
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 1
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 1
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11079440 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | 2,400,000 miles
FUEL LEAK UNDER THE HOOD
#10865161 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | 202,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED A STRONG FUEL ODOR IN THE CABIN. THE ODOR WAS PRIMARILY OBSERVED NEAR THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES. WHEN THE HEAT IN THE VEHICLE WAS ACTIVATED, THE ODOR INTENSIFIED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A CERTIFIED MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT THE FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V419002 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,000.
#10615095 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | 116,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND FAILED TO TURN OFF ALTHOUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE AND CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHINGS LOCATED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AGAINST THE STOP LIGHT SWITCH WERE CRACKED INTO PIECES CAUSING THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE PLASTIC BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED BY THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000...UPDATED 09/30/14 *BF UPDATED 2/27/2015 *JS
#10389919 | EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER | | N/A miles
I PARKED MY VAN, 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER ON THE STREET IN FRONT OF MY HOME. TWO DAYS LATER, I NOTICED THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE WAS FLAT. I HAD FOUR NEW TIRES SINCE JAN 2011. WHEN I LIFTED UP THE FRONT RIGHT AND TRIED TO REMOVE THE FR TIRE, IT WOULD NOT COME OFF. AFTER A WHILE, I NOTICED THE STRUT COIL SPRING GOT BROKE, AND THE SHAPE END OF BROKEN COIL SPRING PIERCED THRU. THE INSIDE SIDE WALL OF THE TIRE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VAN,AND BOUGHT NEW. IT HAS `150,000 MILES ON IT. THIS INCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN TURNED OUT BE A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT 70MPG. I DO A LOT OF HIGHWAY DRIVING. BOTH FRONT RIGHT AND LEFT COMPLETE STRUT ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED AND THE FLAT TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH NEW ONE. I TOOK SOME PICTURES AND HAVE THE SHARP END OF BROKEN COIL SPRING. *TR
#10389919 | SUSPENSION | | N/A miles
I PARKED MY VAN, 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER ON THE STREET IN FRONT OF MY HOME. TWO DAYS LATER, I NOTICED THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE WAS FLAT. I HAD FOUR NEW TIRES SINCE JAN 2011. WHEN I LIFTED UP THE FRONT RIGHT AND TRIED TO REMOVE THE FR TIRE, IT WOULD NOT COME OFF. AFTER A WHILE, I NOTICED THE STRUT COIL SPRING GOT BROKE, AND THE SHAPE END OF BROKEN COIL SPRING PIERCED THRU. THE INSIDE SIDE WALL OF THE TIRE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VAN,AND BOUGHT NEW. IT HAS `150,000 MILES ON IT. THIS INCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN TURNED OUT BE A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT 70MPG. I DO A LOT OF HIGHWAY DRIVING. BOTH FRONT RIGHT AND LEFT COMPLETE STRUT ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED AND THE FLAT TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH NEW ONE. I TOOK SOME PICTURES AND HAVE THE SHARP END OF BROKEN COIL SPRING. *TR

View all Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER

Ford Motor Company has issued 12 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

042107 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT

7264 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

EXHIBITING AN INTERMITTENT CONDITION WHERE THE SPEED CONTROL WILL NOT SET OR MAY DISENGAGE WHILE DRIVING. *TT

6390 — AIR BAGS

SUBJECT REGARDING AIR BAG SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS. *TT

98203 — STRUCTURE

CONCERNS WITH THE POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF ADHESIVES USED FOR BODY PANEL REPAIRS. *TT

98236 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

INTERMITTENT SELF-ACTIVATION OF THE POWER DOOR LOCKS MAY OCCUR ON SOME VEHICLES. *YC

98225 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

INTERMITTENT SELF-ACTIVATION OF THE POWER DOOR LOCKS MAY OCCUR ON SOME VEHICLES. *YC

982012 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

INTERMITTENT SELF-ACTIVATION OF THE POWER DOOR LOCKS MAY OCCUR ON SOME VEHICLES. *YC

98-4816 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

CONCERNS WITH EGR FLOW MALFUNCTION. *TT

98612 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

ISSUES CONCERNING THE FUEL GAUGE DROPPING QUICKLY FROM FULL TO 3/4 AND/OR THE FUEL GAUGE MAY READ 3/4 WHEN FULL. *YC

9833 — STRUCTURE:BODY

SERVICE TIPS FOR SURFACE DEFECT REMOVAL WITHOUT REPAINTING. *YC

Showing 10 of 12 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 1998 MERCURY VILLAGER.

Investigation EA00014 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES Closed

Opened:

FUEL TANK VENT HOSE LEAKAGE

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