Two problems related to side/window air bag have been reported for the 1997 Mercury Villager. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving both driver's side and passenger's side air bags deployed without a cause. Also, for two days there was a burning smell within the passenger's compartment. Consumer paid little attention to the smell. However, the smell might be linked to the air bag problem. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Dealer repaired airbags and windshield under warranty. Ford sent an engineer to look at the van, concluded the air bags was defective due to general wear and tear.
Driver was at a stop and lifted foot off the brake and lightly rear ended another vehicle at about 1-2mph, and both driver's side and passenger's side airbags deployed. Dealer has seen vehicle.