TroubleAtlas Score
MERCURY VILLAGER (1993–2002): Technical Data, DTC & Service Schedule
Built 1993–2002 · all production years covered on this single page
3.0L V6 • Gasoline
2002
© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Mercury Villager (1993–2002) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair costn/a
Parts & repairability7.3
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & supportn/a
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Mercury Villager (1993–2002) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Mercury Villager (1993–2002) is powered by a 3.0L V6 engine. Its OEM tyre size is 215/55 R16. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (25)
NHTSA 99V056001
Seats
Date: 30/03/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SECOND ROW RIGHT HAND SIDE CAPTAIN CHAIR THAT HAS INADEQUATE LUBRICATION OF THE EASY ENTRY AND EXIT LATCH SYSTEM. IN SOME CASES, THE ACTUATOR SPRING IN THE LATCH COULD DEFORM AFTER REPEATED USE, CAUSING THE LATCH…
NHTSA 97V184001
Electrical System › 12V/24V/48V Battery
Date: 29/10/1997
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.
NHTSA 97V184001
Electrical System › 12V/24V/48V Battery
Date: 29/10/1997
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.
NHTSA 00V338001
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Date: 26/10/2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE THE PLASTIC TRIM COVER AROUND THE BASE OF THE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE TRAPPED BETWEEN THE SHOULDER OF THE RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE BOLT AND THE SEAT PEDESTAL. THIS COULD EVENTUALLY ALLOW THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE BOLT TO LOO…
NHTSA 98V012001
Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls
Date: 23/03/1998
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 SY…
NHTSA 95V222001
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Date: 21/11/1995
LEAVES AND OTHER FOREIGN MATERIAL CAN ENTER THROUGH THE COWL PANEL AIR INTAKE DURING OPERATION OF THE FRONT HEATER AND/OR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM RESULTING IN A BUILD-UP OF MATERIAL IN THE PLENUM. THIS CAN LEAD TO NOISE, ODORS, OR IN SOME CASES, IGNITION OF THESE MATERIALS.
NHTSA 92V132002
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder
Date: 21/09/1992
THE SERVICE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WAS NOT PROPERLY ASSEMBLED OR COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED BY THE EVACUATION AND FILLING OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT.
NHTSA 92V133002
Seat Belts
Date: 21/09/1992
ONE OR BOTH OF THE BOLTS SECURING THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT RESTRAINT SYSTEM TRACKS TO THE B-PILLARS WERE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED.
NHTSA 00V228001
Seat Belts
Date: 18/08/2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT O…
NHTSA 96V203000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting
Date: 17/10/1996
THE FOUR RUBBER FUEL LINE CONNECTOR HOSES THAT ARE SUPPLIED TO FORD WITH THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. THESE HOSES CAN DEVELOP CRACKS OR SPLITS RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE.
NHTSA 96V253003
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
Date: 17/08/1998
THE REAR LAMP SOCKET MAY NOT ILLUMINATE BECAUSE THE METAL CAN IN THE LAMP SOCKET MOVES OR SEPARATES FROM THE PLASTIC SOCKET HOUSING.
NHTSA 96V253003
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
Date: 17/08/1998
THE REAR LAMP SOCKET MAY NOT ILLUMINATE BECAUSE THE METAL CAN IN THE LAMP SOCKET MOVES OR SEPARATES FROM THE PLASTIC SOCKET HOUSING.
NHTSA 99V347001
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
Date: 10/12/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE TAIL LIGHT SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MOLDED, RESULTING IN THE LOCKING TAB HAVING INSUFFICIENT FORCE TO RETAIN THE BULB.
NHTSA 00V292001
Steering › Rack And Pinion
Date: 10/10/2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. ONE OR MORE OF THE FIVE BOLTS THAT MOUNT THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR TO THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY TIGHTENED.
NHTSA 00V292001
Steering › Rack And Pinion
Date: 10/10/2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. ONE OR MORE OF THE FIVE BOLTS THAT MOUNT THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR TO THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY TIGHTENED.
NHTSA 99V205001
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting
Date: 03/08/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THE FUEL TANK RETENTION STRAP (TWO STRAPS PER VEHICLE) CAN BREAK AT THE SPOT WELDS CAUSING AN UNDERBODY RATTLE.
NHTSA 96V089001
Seats
Date: 03/06/1996
AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION CONDITION IN THE SEAT CABLE ROLLER PULLEY ASSEMBLY CAN ALLOW THE CABLE THAT CONNECTS THE SEAT ADJUST LEVER TO THE LATCH TO BE PINCHED IN THE ROLLER ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA 92V172001
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Date: 02/12/1992
FUEL FILLER HOSES MAY HAVE BEEN CUT PRIOR TO INSTALLATION BY A UTILITY KNIFE USED TO OPEN THE SHIPPING BOX.
NHTSA 00V419002
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Date: 02/01/2001
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 …
NHTSA 00V419002
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Date: 02/01/2001
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 …
NHTSA 00V419002
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Date: 02/01/2001
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 …
NHTSA 00V419002
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Date: 02/01/2001
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 …
NHTSA 00V419002
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Date: 02/01/2001
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 …
NHTSA 00V419002
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Date: 02/01/2001
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 …
NHTSA 94V142000
Visibility › Windshield
Date: 01/08/1994
THE WINDSHIELDS WERE MARKED WITH A "PROTOTYPE" DESIGNATION AND NOT MARKED AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
53 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
512 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Mercury Villager across model years 1993–2002. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
36 crash reports 21 fires 40 injuries 1 death
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 199960
Model year 199559
Model year 199359
Model year 200058
Model year 199858
Model year 199458
Model year 199755
Model year 199653
Most reported components (all years)
Engine And Engine Cooling105
Vehicle Speed Control90
Fuel System65
Gasoline58
Structure32
Power Train28
Sample reports
I LEFT MY AUTOMOBILE, 2002 MERCURY SABLE, AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR ITS 25,000 MILE MAINTENANCE AND ASKED THEM TO LOOK AT THE FRONT END AS IT WAS SHIMMERING OVER 40 MPH. I WAS TOLD THAT ALL FOUR TIRE WALLS WERE CRACKING AND THAT THE TIRES HA… (MY 2002)
I RECENTLY HAD MY BACK HALFWAY HATCH ON MY 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER TO FALL ON ITS ON FROM NO APPARENT REASON. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, UPON TALKING WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST'S WAS SAID IT WOULD HAVE TO BE AN OUT OF PO… (MY 2002)
CONSUMER STATES WHEN REACH A SPEED OF 60MPH THE VEHICLE SHAKES VIOLENTLY. DEALER NOTIFIED REPAIRED PROBLEM REOCCURED. TS *DT (MY 2002)
THE BOTH VEHICLES' FRONT AUTOMATIC SHOULDER SEAT BELT ARE INOPERATIVE. DRIVER HAS TO MANUAL UNHOOK THE BELT TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS (MY 1994)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1993–2002.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Mercury Villager have any safety recalls?
Yes — 25 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, SEAT BELTS, STEERING:RACK AND PINION. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Mercury Villager?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Mercury Villager?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Mercury Villager?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are fuel system problems common on the Mercury Villager?
Yes — 55 of 484 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the fuel system. One owner reported: “TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 MERCURY VILLAGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE FAILED FOR TWO YEARS AND SEVERAL UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE VEHICLE. T…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are engine problems common on the Mercury Villager?
Yes — 64 of 484 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “OWNER NOTICE ENGINE BEGINNING TO DRAG ON THE GROUND, CAR WAS STILL CAPABLE OF OPERATING. TRANSVERSE STRUCTURAL MEMBER BENEATH THE RADIATOR WHICH SUPPORTS THE FRONT END OF THE ENGINE SUPPORT BEAM FAIL…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are electrical problems common on the Mercury Villager?
Yes — 70 of 484 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 MERCURY VILLAGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE FAILED FOR TWO YEARS AND SEVERAL UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE VEHICLE. T…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
What tyres does the Mercury Villager (1993–2002) use?
The original OEM tyre size for the Mercury Villager (1993–2002) is 215/55 R16. Compatible alternative sizes: ["215/65R16", "245/45R19", "215/70R15", "205/75R15", "225/60R16"]. See the Tyres section on this page to compare offers from the main suppliers.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Mercury Villager (1993–2002)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Mercury Villager (1993–2002) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Mercury Villager (1993–2002) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Have a specific fault code on your Mercury Villager (1993–2002)? Search the code in the OBD2 section of this page or use the full TroubleAtlas DTC database. Need tyres? Compare prices and compatible sizes in the TroubleAtlas comparator.