The 1997 Mercury Villager has two recalls, both carrying fire risk: cracked fuel hoses near the tank can leak fuel and ignite, and a defective battery with a fractured negative terminal can leak acid and cause an engine fire or battery explosion.
Both issues share the same core danger, though through different paths. The fuel system concern involves four short rubber hoses connected to the fuel tank that can crack or split over time, allowing fuel to escape near potential ignition sources. The electrical concern centers on batteries that may have weak negative terminals prone to fracturing, which can allow acid to leak, corrode nearby components, and ultimately trigger a fire or cause the battery itself to explode.
At a glance
What can fail
Your vehicle's battery may have a negative terminal that can crack, allowing acid to leak and cause corrosion. This could lead to an engine fire or battery explosion.
What the fix does
The dealership will replace your defective battery with a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Four rubber hoses connected to the fuel tank may crack or split, causing fuel to leak. Leaking fuel near an ignition source could cause a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel hoses and replace them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
