NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls covering the 1997 Mercury Villager. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
Fuel System, GasolineJan 2001 · NHTSA campaign 00V419002
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 is driven only a short distance after refueling and, (3) there…
Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Electrical SystemOct 1997 · NHTSA campaign 97V184001
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.
Risk: This condition can cause a catastrophic failure of the battery which could lead to an engine fire or battery explosion.
Fuel System, GasolineOct 1996 · NHTSA campaign 96V203000
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.
Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.