Investigations
BATTERY EXPLOSION
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE96009 — closed, opened 1996-01-25 and involving the MERCURY VILLAGER.
NHTSA investigation PE96009 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 1996-01-25 and currently closed. The subject of record is MERCURY VILLAGER, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for MERCURY. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 1996-05-30 — NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Preliminary Evaluation like PE96009 is the entry point of the federal defect-investigation process. NHTSA engineers scan complaint databases, field reports, and manufacturer data to decide whether an Engineering Analysis is warranted, whether a voluntary recall is already sufficient, or whether the pattern does not rise to a defect finding.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "1993 MERCURY VILLAGER BATTERY EXPLOSION..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time. Related MERCURY files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
1993 MERCURY VILLAGER BATTERY EXPLOSION
About This Investigation Type
A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first phase of NHTSA's investigation process. It is opened when the agency identifies a potential safety defect pattern, usually triggered by consumer complaints, manufacturer reports, or field monitoring. During a PE, NHTSA gathers information to determine whether a formal engineering analysis is warranted.
Other MERCURY Investigations
Extended Braking Distance
Extended Braking Distance
Loss of headlights
Loss of headlamp/exterior lighting
Loss of Steering Control
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. Learn more.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.