1999 Mercury Villager from North America - Comments

Excessive suspension noises.

Intermittent loss of steering.

Interior panels have come loose, one needed replaced.

Rubber trim around windshield has come loose.

Electric door locks sometimes stick, making a buzzing noise.

We purchased our Mercury Villager new in 1999.

Upon driving off of the dealer's lot, we noticed a clunking noise coming from the front while turning the steering wheel. The service manager was called out to the lot and ended up telling us to keep driving it, it was because the vehicle was new and it needed to "break in". We reluctantly left the dealership, but figured he knew what he was talking about.

Several months had passed and our noise did not go away, in fact, we started to have more problems with the steering & suspension. When cornering, there is a noise that sounds like the front left strut is going to come through the body. The original noise comes and goes depending on the weather, it was found to be a front suspension spring that is binding during turns.

Our biggest concern started approximately 4 months after purchase, during certain driving / weather conditions, (wet, cold, damp) we would temporarily lose control of the steering. This problem is not just a loss of the power steering, there has been a "piston" or popping type sound that has also forced the steering wheel in the opposite direction you are trying to turn. Due to the serious "safety" nature of this problem, we have not been able to use this vehicle as intended, and do not feel safe driving it.

We have tried to resolve this situation for the past several years through Ford, they in turn have sent us to every dealership in our area. Due to the intermittent nature of the problem, and the unwillingness of the dealerships to keep the vehicle for an extended period of time, Ford still claims "No problem found." or "Could not duplicate problem."

We finally decided to take the vehicle to an "expert" mechanic for a thorough inspection who in turn, did in fact find a problem within the steering. The inspection cost us several hundred dollars, but gave us the opportunity to take legal action to get this matter resolved once and for all.

Ford dealerships are horrible when it comes to repairs... Ford vehicles are horrible period when it comes to repairs... avoid Ford...at all costs... especially Mustangs...you heard me.

Before 2004 the Mercury Villager was not 100% Ford. It is the sister to the Nissan Quest.

I have a 1999 Mercury Villager Estate-133,000 miles. I bought it used in 2003. The Check Engine light has been on and off since August of 2004. No one seems to be able to figure out what is wrong. I had overlay wiring to PCM installed by Ford dealership in 2004-the light came back on. Since then, I've had the knock senor, the TCM under the center of the dashboard, and solenoids replaced. In August 2007, I did not pass emissions because of the Check Engine Light being on. So I had the V-Body and and transmission control module replaced. The transmission shifts hard from first to second gear and to reverse. The Check Engine Light came back on. I was told that I needed a new transmission. I've had other small problems: the sliding door windows won't stay open, back wiper motor burnt out, automatic locks make a humming noise when I lock the doors, my right front cup holder doesn't work, and the list goes on. It's a shame because I like the overall body and interior design of the van. The engine just keeps going. I had a 1993 Nissan Quest before and never had these problems. I will never buy another Ford product again.

Our 1999 Mercury Villager has scary noises under the car, sounds like the frame is breaking away from the body. Also, the road noise has always been loud and very noisy when going over bumps in the road. I knew better, as I would never under any circumstances purchase a Ford product, thought this was really a Japanese auto. I sat through a court case against Ford a few years ago and was very surprised at the things they have done to save money and lower quality and safety.

I own a 1997 Villager van, and have had similar issues. The clunking noise on the front end (referred to originally) may be the upper ball joints on the front end. Ours needed replacing a couple years ago. The power door locks are unpredictable - ours seems to lock itself mostly. I've read elsewhere that this may be corroded wiring connections inside the door panels causing intermittant issues. Our check engine light is on constantly also - I check it, and it's still there. Actually they told us we'd need an upgraded PCM since we moved this van from MI to CO, and it can't handle the altitude. Needless to say, it's hard to justify a $700 electronic box to put out a yellow light. Every now and then it does go out on it's own. (that's when I worry). But I'd have to say - beyond those typical issues, it's a workhorse of a van. I use it more like a truck actually. Good for hauling wood, etc. Good luck!