One problem related to transmission failure has been reported for the 1999 Mercury Villager. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Vehicle was being drive when automatic transmission failed and reverted back to first gear. After stopping, turning off engine, and restarting, vehicle would not come out of first gear when being driven. Vehicle was subsequently towed to dealership , carman Ford in new castle DE), but was unable to diagnose problem. Dealership reported that they could not duplicate. Vehicle was picked up by owner and began to drive it home when problem re-occurred. Vehicle is now at cottman transmission in west chester PA who diagnose metal shavings in the transmission well (minute fragments) that may or may not be causing the problem.