Two problems related to engine clicking and tapping noises have been reported for the 1996 Mercury Villager. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving any speed consumer heard a ticking noise coming from the engine. Dealership did not resolve the problem.
When buying van I noticed a loud clacking noise in engine on cold starts. I said I didn't want car. They said if they put a new engine in car (23,000mi)would I buy it. I said yes. They put a rebuilt engine in van instead and didn't tell me. Now has 31,0000 miles on it and is clacking again plus shakes car violently first 6 to 8 seconds when starting cold. (intermittently) mechanic said it has bad piston problems. Ford motor CO. Refuses to correct problem. Says it's out of warrenty. Why should I have to pay to replace the second bad engine in that car. They replaced a bad engine with a bad engine. I suggested trading car in for another one and they reluctantly offered me $4,000 to $5,000 max as trade in because the car had a bad engine. I was willing to purchase a new 1999 Villager($22,000+). I'm being screwed badly by a company that refuses to acknowledge it has an engine program problem. Help me please. Dave mc manus.