The car continually locks itself (power locks). If I'm outside the car I have to repeatedly try to unlock it while at the same time it relocks itself. After numerous attempts it will stop and let me in. Same is true if I'm in the car except now I can't get out. It's usually much worse during the day than at night. Doesn't matter if you're in the car, trying to get in or nearby (I don't have a remote nor is it an option). The car can be sitting idle for hours and then all of a sudden starts locking and unlocking itself in rapid succession. Rarely if ever does it end up unlocked. Will occasionally go through the same procedure while driving. It doesn't effect anything but all the door locks (at least that I have been able to ascertain). If it matters I could send a video of this problem. The question below of when does this happen is moot. It happens every day at anytime. I've tried numerous workarounds with little success because the car seems to adapt and then becomes more difficult. ( believe me, I know what this sounds like.)
The worst 1996 Mercury Villager problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine37
- Locks28
- Body25
- Fuel system24
- Visibility21
- Airbags14
- Brakes12
- Seat belts10
- Acceleration9
- Steering9
- Transmission9
- Electrical5
- Lights5
- Suspension5
- Seats2
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Mercury Villager
Door locks 18Fuel smell 17Stalling 8Fuel pump 7Wipers 7Airbag light 6Brake failure 5Fire or smoke 5
Recalls 2
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 00V419002 · Recall details
Visibility: power window devices and controls
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: mini vans. These vehicles were produced with power windows that can be closed after the ignition key is turned to the "off" position and the right front (passenger) door is opened. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss 118, "power-operated window systems."
- Risk
- There is the potential for unsupervised children to operate the power windows, increasing the risk of personal injury to the child.
- Remedy
- Owners will be provided with a label reminding owners not to leave children unattended because the power windows can operate for 15 minutes after the vehicle ignition has been turned off unless the driver's door is opened. Also included are instructions describing how and where this label is to be installed. If an owner prefers, their dealer can install this label for them.
Recall number 98V012001 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 1996 Mercury Villager
Defect investigations
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 resistance for complaince with new evaporative emissions regulations.the modified hoses are also significantly more resistant to degradation and cracking.in a letter dated january 2, 2001, ford notified the federal safety agency that it will conduct a safety recall campaign to replace the subject vent hose in affacted vehicles.ford will begin notifying customers of the affected vehicles on or about the week of february 12, 2001 to return their vehicles to dealers for replacement of the fuel tank vent hose with the latest design lever part.
EA00014
Unexpected opening on sliding door
There is no summary currently available
SQ00008
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 the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. See engineering closing report ea99-015 for details.
EA99015
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 the federal safety agency 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.
EA96005
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Mercury Villager 137
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- New transmission cooler flusher - service tips
- Climate control a/c service tech tips
- Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock
- Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant...
- Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure
- This aritlce is to provide information on replacement of old style hood lamp switch to the rvised...
- Brake shift interlock
- Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks
- Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts
- Information on servicing the forward clutch
1996 Mercury Villager fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | FWD | 16 | 21 | 18 |
What 1996 Mercury Villager owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
While turning from street into a short steep driveway approach, front lower bumper facia drug very slightly on the steep approach ramp setting off the airbags, which broke the windshield, cracked the dash, snapped all four back side window latches, and caused back neck and shoulder injuries to the driver.
While I am driving the sliding door will pop. Currently it does not completely open, but is does become unsecured. The interior lights come on and when driving at night inhibits my vision and makes driving unsafe. My children are also the passengers near the door at this time and I am afraid that the door will fly open and cause harm even though they are in safety belts. I have had a mechanic look at the latch and he sees nothing that should be causing this to malfunction.
Dt: consumer stated: it was night, cold outside, and while driving smelled burning rubber. Pulled over, turned off the vehicle, opened hood bedore hood was completed opened, consumer could see flames burning and the air conditioner compressor pulley was so hot that it was glowing red. The belt attached to the compressor was burning. *ak the vehicle caught on fire damaging the compressor and belt(s) and likely other A/C components. *nm consumer was able to put out fire. The A/C comressor failed causing the fire.
Doors locks did not operate properly. Doors would lock without warning. When consumer stepped out of vehicle doors would lock on their own, even with the key still in the ignition switch.
While driving any speed consumer heard a ticking noise coming from the engine. Dealership did not resolve the problem.
I had a low impact accident where the front of my vehicle hit the back of another vehicle. (forgot to put car in park and was about 4 feet from back of another car on slight grade, well you know the rest).*ak after the accident the sliding door began to "pop" enough for the ajar door light to come on but not enough for the door to actually open. I have checked with the people that gave estimates on repairs and was informed by every one that it was not a result of the accident. What I can not understand is why it started only after the accident. I have been informed that the locks may need to be replaced because of ware.
I purchased a used van, there seem to be several recalls either not idenitfied or not know about, either way they were not fixed. I have been unable to fine a dealer whom will acknowledge the recalls and repair them.
I noticed there was an exhaust smell seeping into the van, I did some research on the internet and found that it was a common problem with quest's and villager's snapped exhaust manifold studs. I checked under the hood and sure enough there were 2 studs broken and missing. I called several dealers and got quotes and found a nissan dealer to do it for $800 they seem to have more experince doing it since it also is a problem with pathfinders and maximas. I called ford and they flat out refused to help out at all!
Lock mechanism//locks would lock and unlock automatically. I had no control of the locks. Sometimes found myself stuck in the car until the locks decided to stop locking and unlocking on their own. I believe I paid about $500.00 for repairs to this system just for the whole system to fail again almost two years later. My locks no longer work. I have video of the locks working on their own. As for incident date-too many to count.
Compare the 1996 Mercury Villager
Other model years
Questions about the 1996 Mercury Villager
Is the 1996 Mercury Villager reliable?
Owners have filed 187 complaints about the 1996 Mercury Villager, 9.3 times a typical Villager model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Mercury Villager?
Engine and cooling, with 37 complaints, typically around 81,600 miles. Next is locks (28).
How many recalls does the 1996 Mercury Villager have?
2 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and visibility.
What year does the Mercury Villager have bad engine?
The Mercury Villager model years with the most engine complaints are 1993 (142 complaints), 1995 (95 complaints) and 1994 (90 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Mercury Villager get?
Official estimates for the 1996 Mercury Villager range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 16 city and 21 highway.
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