Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Gas pedal sticking upon acceleration from stop. Whether or not at light, stop sign or leaving parking space. Also having problems when accelerating on highway when pushing pedal down to accelerate. Problem is when I try to pass someone on highway, it feels like it's not getting any gas. Repair facility cleaned throttle chamber which seems to help. However, the problem when trying to accelerate fast when passing someone is still there.
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.
I am one of tons of people with the notorious exhaust manifold studs breaking issue! Which causes the check engine like to come on, and dangerous fumes to enter the vehicle. With 4 children, this is not a good thing...and the price is more then a family of 4 children can afford at $1500-3000 depending on the damage and now I cannot have my vehicle safely inspected due to this issue. Please have them issue a recall on this and protect our families.
Exhaust manifold bolts broken off in engine causing a serious exhaust leak. Was quoted $1,100 min. To fix it at manteca Ford. Later found out that there is a hidden manufactuers warranty on this defective part and neither manteca Ford or Ford motor will acknowledge this or help with the liablity of the repairs that were done. I have contacted others who have had the same problem and they were taken care of or ignored like I was. I think there should be a recall on these bolts and all engines should be repaired. These are family vehicles that alot of us work hard and rely on these vans to get our children around and ourselves to work. What happened to truth and honesty?
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!
A day after taking vehicle for manufacturer's recall awf40c-f 00 s 59 repairs filler hose had to be changed because it could cause a fire. When consumer was driving about 40 MPH engine started jumping. Then, caught on fire just like it said in recall. The vehicle had exhaust leak at the manifold. The consumer says he does not know the cause of the fire.
My 1995 Mercury Villager van that I purchased 02-08-2004 (used, as is) from ace auto sales in mobile al. Caught on fire on a long bridge going over water to take my friend to work it shut down on us while we were going at least 65mph the van started smoking we pulled over jumped out and it exploded 3 times fire was shooting from up under the hood my friend struggled to my baby out of the van by that time it exploded again, they had to duck down because moter oil was shooting out they could have been killed, they could have fell over the bridge!!!! …
I have a 1995 Mercury Villager. On 6/6/08 I heard a noise and saw and puff of smoke. I went to check it and saw nothing. I drove it home and the next morning the passenger seat and the passenger door were burned up. The entire inside was covered in smoke. The car would not start, and the mechanic said that it was would be too expensive to repair considering it's age and condition.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercury Villager years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (95), 1996 (36), 1997 (16) and 1999 (10) model years. Engine complaints make up 26% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Mercury Villager engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Mercury Villager model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mercury Villager engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles; 10% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline (51 mentions), followed by the engine (41).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.