Two problems related to vehicle speed control have been reported for the 1997 Mercury Villager. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Driver reports he must have had his foot on the brake and accelerator at the same time (semi-panic brake application). Police report states "tire marks" on the (dry) pavement. One does not produce "tire marks" on dry pavement (no turning involved) without brake application. Driver had episode of microsleep: when alerted by the event taking place, he could not get the vehicle stopped in time to prevent hitting and fatally injuring a pedestrian. Upon examination of accident vehicle, inspector discovered unusual arched accelerator pedal design wherein the brake pedal was located only 1 5/8 inch from the arched accelerator pedal allowing brake application and acceleration concurrently if certain conditions prevail. Examination demonstrated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the pedal went substantially below the accelerator pedal. Furthermore, with the 4 5/8 inch wide boot the driver (and inspector) wore, it was easy to accidentally catch the edge of the accelerator pedal, consequently enabling the user to accidentally depress the accelerator and brake pedal (under certain conditions) at the same time.
Pulled into parking space; had foot on brakes; ready to shift into park; suddenly vehicle accelerated & went across the street; dealer can not check until Thursday.
| Accelerator Stuck problems | |
| Vehicle Speed Control problems | |
| Speed Control Linkage problems |