Vehicle recall 98V012001 · March 23, 1998

1996 Mercury Villager

Vehicle description: mini vans.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: 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 systems."
Consequence: There is the potential for unsupervised children to operate the power windows, increasing the risk of personal injury to the child.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a label reminding owners not to leave children unattended because the power windows can operate for 15 minutes after the vehicle ignition has been turned off unless the driver's door is opened. Also included are instructions describing how and where this label is to be installed. If an owner prefers, their dealer can install this label for them.
Notes: Owner notification began during April 1998.OWNERS who do not receive the free label and instructions within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.ALSO contact the national highway traffic safety adminstration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 98V012001
Reported to NHTSA: March 23, 1998
Filed by: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Owner notification: April 15, 1998
Vehicles potentially affected: 57,400
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Visibility › Power window devices and controls

Recall 98V012001 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Mercury Villager (1996): 1996

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