Headlight complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Our van also experienced melted headlight sockets failure due to a weak soldering from the wire to the socket. Unbelievable that this is not a recall. The dealer's parts department person told me when I ordered the replacement sockets that they sell lots of these sockets. We had intermittent lighting problem on one side, then the other, then total failure of bopth headlights. Please report your experience. This must become a recall. I wanted to file multiple other problems: the tires after complaining of wobbling in the steering wheel for 3 years, the dealer said they are offering replacement tires to owners who complain, but not to all owners, and that was not a recall, I did not keep the brand or model of the tires the dealer removed. With the new good year Eagle tires the van drives fine. That should have been a recall. …
Headlights fail frequently on my 1999 Mercury Villager. The dealer informs me that this is due to overheating of the socket which provides power to the headlight bulb. Both headlight sockets have failed multiple times on this vehicle, yet the dealer indicates that no TSB or recall has been issued to resolve this issue. I believe that this is a gross safety issue as there is the possibility that illumination could be lost during night driving. To my knowledge, this has not been addressed by Nissan or Mercury.
When driving stright ahead and proceeding around a corner or making a right or a left turn, the signal light will not stay illuminated. Consumer has contacted the manufacutrer, the manufacutrer stated that is normal operation.
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.
Dt*: the contact stated during a state inspection the brake and running lights continually failed to illuminate. Although, the bulbs were replaced six times the lights continued failing. The fuses were inspected, but were not the reason for the failures. There is a NHTSA recall, # 96V253003, regarding the tail lights. The vehicle had the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. Update 3/9/2006 -
The sliding door opens while driving even after slamming shut. Consumer states this has happened several times over a 2 week period, while driving down the road, usually after reaching 40 MPH the door would just unlatch,also left tyrn signal doesnot work, brakes were replaced, rear glass wiper wiper had to be replaced, most of the power locks had to be repaired, and the rear hatch latch had to be replaced, right rear brake light had to be repaired, also rear bench seat and the automatic seat belts have beeninspected.
Related recalls (2)
Exterior lighting › Tail lights
Vehicle description: minivans. The tail light socket May have been improperly molded, resulting in the locking tab having insufficient force to retain the bulb.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tail lamp sockets.
Exterior lighting › Tail lights
The rear lamp socket May not illuminate because the metal can in the lamp socket moves or separates from the plastic socket housing.
Remedy: Dealers will install a revised rear lamp socket and wiring assemblies.
NHTSA investigations
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…
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercury Villager years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (24), 1999 (18) and 1996 (5) model years. Headlight complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Mercury Villager headlight problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 99V347001 (tail lights, Dec 10, 1999); 96V253003 (tail lights, Aug 17, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mercury Villager headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles; 44% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the tail lights (13 mentions), followed by the headlights (13).
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.