RoadVitals

1993 Mercury Sable

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
673
Latest Dec 28, 2012
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
8
Latest Dec 16, 1998
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
11
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
28
16 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 673 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1993 Mercury Sable, most frequently naming the engine, exterior lighting and brakes categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 11 NHTSA investigations name it; and 101 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

8 campaigns cover this model year

View all 8

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
98V323000

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Dec 16, 1998
2,697,000 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGNIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT CAN EXPERIENCE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IF SUBJECTED TO LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALTS. THIS CAN RESULT IN FRACTURE AND LOSS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENT. DETACHMENT OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWS THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.
The risk: IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 98S36View on NHTSA.gov
98I002000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

Jun 24, 1998
281,000 units potentially affected
The defect: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF NEW YORK, MICHIGAN, OHIO, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, PENNSYLVANIA, MASSACHUSETTS, INDIANA, NEW JERSEY, MAINE, CONNECTICUT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, MINNESOTA, IOWA, MISSOURI, KENTUCKY, MARYLAND, DELAWARE, AND WEST VIRGINIA. FORD IS PROVIDING AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THROUGH THE YEAR 2001 FOR REPLACEMENT OF FRON TSPRINGS DUE TO FRACTURE. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS CAN FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION IN COMBINATION WITH SMALL CRACKS IN THE SPRINGS.
The risk: THE FRONT TIRE COULD DEFLATE DUE TO A BROKEN FRONT COIL SPRING CONTACTING THE TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: CUSTOMERS WITH VEHICLES THAT HAVE BROKEN SPRINGS ARE TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLE FOR SPRING REPLACEMENT. BOTH SPRINGS WILL BE REPLACED EVEN IF ONLY ONE SPRING IS FRACTURED.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov
98V094000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

May 6, 1998
281,000 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF NEW YORK, MICHIGAN, OHIO, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, PENNSYLVANIA, MASSACHUSETTS, INDIANA, NEW JERSEY, MAINE, CONNECTICUT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, MINNESOTA, IOWA, MISSOURI, KENTUCKY, MARYLAND, DELAWARE, AND WEST VIRGINIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS CAN FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION IN COMBINATION WITH SMALL CRACKS IN THE SPRINGS.
The risk: THE FRONT TIRE COULD DEFLATE DUE TO A BROKEN FRONT COIL SPRING CONTACTING THE TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING CATCHER BRACKET WHICH WILL PREVENT A FRACTURED SPRING FROM CONTACTING A TIRE.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 98S15View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ99017ClosedRecall Query

FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING

Opened Aug 9, 1999
Closed Feb 16, 2000

There is no summary currently available

SUSPENSIONLed to recall 98V094000
EA99023ClosedEngineering Analysis

WINDSHIELD WIPER

Opened Aug 6, 1999
Closed Jun 12, 2001

ODI has received 50 additional complaiints on MY 1993 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable vehicles alleging malfunction of the windshield wiper system including; intermittent or complete stoppage of wiper sweeping; inadequate sweep speed; and other general complaints of poor performace.In some cases, the owner alleges havingto leave the roadway or roll down the window and manually restart the sweeping motion of the wiper arms.Other complaints allege that the wiper sweeps too slowly at the maximum speed setting resulting in inadequate vision during heavy precipition.Some complaints allge repeated wiper system malfunctions despirt having their vehicles serviced at Ford dealerships of replacement of the multi-function switch and/or wiper motor.Ford provided its response to an Information Request Letter indicating that the same wiper motor is used on the MY 1987-1993 Taurus and Sable; however, warranty and complaint data show that the MY 1993 is over represented and may warrant particular attention.An Engineering Ananlysis is necessary to determine if a potential safety defect exists.

VISIBILITY
PE99015ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

WINDSHIELD WIPER

Opened Feb 24, 1999
Closed Aug 6, 1999

ALLEGED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL WITHOUT WARNING

VISIBILITY
EA96024ClosedEngineering Analysis

ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES

Opened Sep 30, 1996
Closed Apr 15, 1997

There is no summary currently available

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGLed to recall 97V019000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 673
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed Dec 28, 2012

WHILE DRIVING DOWN RD GAS PEDAL STUCK MY DAUGHTER ROAD THE BRAKE UNTIL SHE COULD GET OFF ROAD .SHE CALLED I WORK THE LINKAGE FOR THE GAS BY HAND THAT FREED IT UP TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC HE TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE SAID ITS NOT RELEASING FAST ENOUGH HE TRIED A COUPLE THINGS VACUUM HOSES AND SOME OTHER PARTS THAT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM HE WENT ON LINE AND FOUND THERE HAS BEEN PROBLEMS WITH THE CABLE AND TOLD ME TO CALL FORD. *TR

NHTSA ID
10490315
Incident
Dec 25, 2012
Mileage
153,600 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Apr 11, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS STOPPED ILLUMINATING AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V009000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 05/08/12*LJ

NHTSA ID
10454832
Incident
Apr 10, 2012
Mileage
50,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jan 2, 2012

I BELIEVE THIS CAR WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL FOR FAULTY BOLTS HOLDING THE ENGINE FRAME(REAR BOLTS. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN OCTOBER OF 2006. IN DECEMBER OF 2011 I TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER FOR A STEERING PROBLEM AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE REAR BOLTS AND IT COST ME ALMOST $400 DOLLARS. JUST RECENTLY I DISCOVERED THIS CAR HAD BEEN INCLUDED IN THE, I BELIEVE 1998 RECALL NOTICE FOR REPLACING THE REAR BOLTS BECAUSE OF THE DANGER OF THEM RUSTING OUT. MY QUESTION IS: IS THERE THE POSSIBILITY THAT I CAN STILL BE COVERED UNDER ANY FORD/MERCURY TERMS, SOMETHING LIKE A FORD MOTORS GOODWILL PROGRAM. ONE BOLT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND BROKEN AND THE OTHER JUST RUSTED BUT NOT YET BROKEN. SHOULD THE FORD/MERCURY DEALER I BROUGHT THE CAR TO HAVE KNOWN THAT THIS WAS A RECALLED VEHICLE AND DISCUSSED THIS WITH ME. MILEAGE AT THAT TIME WAS 79,524. *TR

NHTSA ID
10442063
Incident
Oct 18, 2011
Fuel system
Filed Mar 23, 2009

I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT IT IS THE CAR SHUTS OFF AT RANDOM I'VE REPLACED THE BRAIN NO LUCK OH WELL THE PROBLEM IS THE CAR SHUTS OFF AT RANDOM SITTING DRIVING 1-100 MILES AN HOUR OH YEAH I GOT PULLED OVER FOR DOING 85 CAR SHUT OFF AT THAT SPEED BUT THAT'S NOT ALL SHUTS OFF COLD WARM 1 MIN 10 MIN DOESN'T MATTER WHEN EVER IT FEELS THE NEED IT DOES IT IM SO AFRAID OF THE CAR I WANT TO GIVE IT BACK TO FORD SO IT CAN KILL THEM I WILL NO LONGER EVEN TOUCH THIS VEHICLE I WANT SOME ONE TO TAKE IT AWAY ITS BEEN SITTING FOR ALMOST 6 MONTHS I HAVE NO IDEA THE PARTICULAR DATE BUT LIKE I SAID IM AFRAID OF THE VEHICLE... *TR

NHTSA ID
10262737
Incident
Sep 19, 2008
Mileage
123,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Jan 19, 2008

IN EARLY JANUARY 2008, MY MERCURY SABLE 3.0 WAGON, BEGAN TO HAVE TRANSMISSION (AX4S) PROBLEMS OF ERADICT UPSHIFTING AND DOWNSHIFTING WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP AND CLIMBING A HILL. IN ADDITION WHEN I CHECKED THE FLUID LEVEL WHEN THE MOTOR IS HOT IT APPEARS LOW IN ATF FLUID, BUT WHEN THE MOTOR HAS COOLED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID STICK INDICATES THE TRANSMISSION FULL AT THE RIGHT LEVEL. I HAVE BECOME AWARE THAT THE AX4S HAS A HISTORY OF "INADEQUATE INTERNAL LUBRICATION OF CRITICAL PARTS AND A WEAK FORWARD CLUTCH PISTON THAT CRACKS AND LEAKS PRESSURE" THAT LEADS TO COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. MY CAR IS NO LONGER OPERATIONAL DUE TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE ESTIMATED COST ON AVERAGE FROM TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOPS IN MY AREA IS 2200.00. I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP THE CAR AND REALIZE NOW THAT THIS PARTICULAR TRANSMISSION HAS NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF FAILURE AND FORD IS AWARE OF THE FACTORY DEFECTS BUILT INTO THE TRANSMISSION. I WOULD LIKE FORD TO REPAIR MY TRANSMISSION AT THERE EXPENSE SINCE THEY HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THESE PROBLEM FOR YEARS YET CONTINUED TO MANUFACTURE AND INSTALL THIS TRANSMISSION INTO THERE VEHICLES BEING SOLD TO THE PUBLIC. *TR

NHTSA ID
10215438
Incident
Jan 5, 2008
Mileage
181,978 mi
Body & structure
Filed Oct 24, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO A HALT AT A STOP SIGN, ACCELERATION WAS ATTEMPTED, AND THE BOLTS THAT HELD THE MOTOR FRAME FELL OFF. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE'S VIN# DID NOT FIT UNDER ANY RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EXAMINED OR REPAIRED.

NHTSA ID
10171742
Incident
Oct 21, 2006
Mileage
119,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed May 1, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AS THE CONTACT WAS TURNING LEFT ONTO THE HIGHWAY; THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND AND THE STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT. THERE IS AN NHTSA RECALL, # 98V323000, REGARDING THE STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.

NHTSA ID
10156482
Incident
May 1, 2006
Mileage
131,720 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Mar 8, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE HAD VISIBLE WIRES AND THE TIRE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THERE WAS A KNOT IN THE TIRE. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THREE THOUSAND MILES LATER, THE TREAD ON BOTH FRONT TIRES WAS COMPLETELY WORN AND THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE TREAD HAS WORN ON THE FRONT TIRES AGAIN, AND THE TIRES HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHICH DETERMINED THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE TO CAUSE THE ABNORMAL WEAR OF THE FRONT TIRES.

NHTSA ID
10152193
Incident
Mar 8, 2006
Mileage
86,921 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

03181

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT

03148

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT

02208

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH

02176

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ

02107

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

TRANSFER SERVICE TIPS FOR THE FRONT WIPER MOTOR MOUNT BRACKET AND DEPRESSED PARK OUTPUT ARM. *TT

0214

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mercury Sable by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2009200036.1
2008611151.3
2006100—
2005831243.2
2004522249.3
20032014456.7
20024404461.7
20014309864.1
20004647963.2
19992585259.5
19981902053.3
19972283050.3
19963045053.4
19953506460.0
19943875459.2
1993Viewing67381160.0
199236451159.7
199122151163.3
199016671167.2
198923881673.1
198812662069.0
19877692266.6
19864692067.1
1985001—
1984100—
1982000—
1981000—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.