RoadVitals

1995 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.
350
Latest Oct 6, 2015
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.
6
Latest Dec 21, 2001
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.
4
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.
25
10 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 350 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1995 Mercury Sable, most frequently naming the engine, powertrain (other) and suspension categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 4 NHTSA investigations name it; and 116 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

6 campaigns cover this model year

View all 6

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
01V390000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

Dec 21, 2001
695,260 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L AND 3.8L ENGINES AND MUSTANG VEHICLES WITH 3.8L AND 5.0L ENGINES. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BEARING TO SEIZE.
The risk: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, EXCESSIVE HEAT COULD BE GENERATED WHICH COULD MELT THE FAN MOTOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. COMPONENTS INSIDE THE COOLING FAN MOTOR COULD IGNITE POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A CIRCUIT BREAKER. IF THE COOLING FAN IS INOPERATIVE, THE FAN AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 01S30View on NHTSA.gov
01I011000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

Dec 21, 2001
695,260 units potentially affected
The defect: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995 TAURUS/SABLE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L AND 3.8L ENGINES AND 1995 FORD MUSTANG VEHICLES WITH 3.8L AND 5.0L ENGINES. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BEARING TO SEIZE.
The risk: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, EXCESSIVE HEAT COULD BE GENERATED WHICH COULD MELT THE FAN MOTOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. COMPONENTS INSIDE THE COOLING FAN MOTOR COULD IGNITE POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MOTOR ASSEMBLY AT NO CHARGE TO CONSUMERS. FORD IS EXTENDING THE LIMITED WARRANTY ON THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MOTOR TO A TOTAL OF 8 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. THIS COVERAGE IS AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFERRED TO SUBSEQUENT OWNERS AT NO CHARGE. IF THE VEHICLE ALREADY HAS MORE THAN 100,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL JUNE 30, 2002. IF THE CONSUMER HAS PAID TO HAVE THIS SERVICE DONE BEFORE DECEMBER 2001, FORD IS OFFERING A REFUND. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYView 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

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
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
EA96019ClosedEngineering Analysis

HEADLIGHT FAILURE

Opened Jul 31, 1996
Closed Jan 26, 1998

EXCESSIVE HEAT IN AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED CIRCUIT BREAKER WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CAUSED THAT CIRCUIT BREAKER TO OPEN FOR TIME PERIODS OF VARYING LENGTH TO COOL OFF.OPENING OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER IN THIS MANNER INTERRUPTS ELECTRIC CURRENT FLOW TO THE HEADLIGHTS, SHUTTING THEM OFF.HEADLIGHT OUTAGES HAVE RANGER FROM BRIEF FLICKERS (LESS THAN ONE SECOND) TO GREATER THAN 20 SECONDS.OVER TIME, THE OUTAGES GROW IN LENGTH AND DURATION BECAUSE OF HEAT-INDUCED DETERIORATION OF THE SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING.RECALL 98V-009 WILL APPLY TO APPROXIMATELY 506,000 TAURUS, SABLE, MARK VIII, AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM 1-DEC.-92 THROUGH 30-SEP-93 AT THE ATLANTA, CHICAGO,AND WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANTS.87% OF MY 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE AND 97% OF MY 1993-1995 MARK VIII WARRANTY REPAIRS (HEADLIGHT SWITCH REPLACEMENT) INVOLVED VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE DEC. 92 - OCT. 93 BUILD RANGE.

EXTERIOR LIGHTINGLed to recall 98V009000
PE96033ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES

Opened May 2, 1996
Closed Sep 30, 1996

IN DECEMBER 1995, FORD RECALLED 119,313 VEHICLES IN CANADA TO REMEDY THE SUBJECT CONDITION IN CERTAIN 1992-95 TAURUS, SABLE, TEMPO, TOPAZ AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES.FORD IS AWARE OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS OCCURRING IN NORTHERN REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES, BUT MAINTAINS THAT THE FREQUENCIES DO NOT WARRANT A FINDING OF AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGLed to recall 97V019000

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 350
Body & structurePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 6, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION JERKED SEVERELY WITH EXTREME HESITATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHO STATED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED, WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 93V106000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,219.

NHTSA ID
10780043
Incident
Sep 21, 2015
Mileage
103,219 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 24, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000. *TR

NHTSA ID
10521395
Incident
Jun 18, 2013
Mileage
160,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jun 7, 2013

THERE IS A STRONG GAS SMELL ESPECIALLY ON HOT DAYS AND THERE SEEMS TO BE EXCESSIVE PRESSURE IN THE GAS TANK. I HAVE SCOURED THE VEHICLE FOR LEAKS AND CAN NOT FIND ANY. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH RUBBER HOSES FROM THE FILLER NECK TO THE TANK AND EVEN DROPPED THE TANK BUT DIDN'T FIND ANY EVIDENCE OF A LEAK. THE SMELL IS STILL OCCURRING. WHEN YOU FIRST PARK THE VEHICLE AFTER A DRIVE IT IS REAL STRONG AND THEN GOES AWAY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10515752
Incident
May 4, 2009
Mileage
87,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed May 17, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE CONTACT MADE A RIGHT TURN AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT REAR SUBFRAME MOUNTING BUSHING HAD BROKEN DUE TO CORROSION. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT; HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO ASSIST WITH REPAIR COSTS AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 98V323000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS). THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 103,325.

NHTSA ID
10330789
Incident
May 15, 2010
Mileage
103,325 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 27, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY STALL WHEN DRIVING IN WARM TO HOT TEMPERATURES. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE SHUT OFF AND COOLED OFF BEFORE BEING ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000.

NHTSA ID
10327731
Incident
Jul 1, 2006
Mileage
50,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Mar 20, 2010

WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK AND HEARD A LOUD SCREECH, SINCE I WAS JUST DOWN THE STREET FROM MY HOME I PULLED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND THE TIRE BLEW. UPON INSPECTION I NOTICED THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY SLASHED FROM THE FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING BREAKING. NEW COIL SPRING STRUT SHOCK AND AXLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10321162
Incident
Mar 18, 2010
Driver assistanceEngineFuel system+2 more
Filed Mar 8, 2010

I BOUGHT A 1995 MERCURY SABLE. THE PERSON I BOUGHT IT FROM SAID IT HAD ALL NEW BRAKES, SPRINGS, FILTERS, SENSORS, RADIATOR, ETC. WHEN I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC LAST WEEK (FRIDAY), HE SAID THERE IS A NUMBER OF ILLEGAL THINGS ON IT AND IT NEEDS 1500$ WORTH OF WORK TO MAKE IT SAFE. HE SAID IT WAS A LEMON AND I SHOULD CONTACT THE PERSON THAT SOLD IT TO ME, SO I DID, I BROUGHT HIM TO THE MECHANIC SO HE COULD HEAR EVERYTHING ILLEGAL AND UNSAFE AND BROKEN ABOUT IT. HE STATED IN FRONT OF THE MECHANICS THAT HE WOULD BE REFUNDING MY MONEY ON MONDAY (TODAY). WHEN I CALLED TODAY THEY TOLD ME TO BAD I'M NOT GETTING MY MONEY BACK. WE BOUGHT IT AS IS AND OH WELL. I HAVE A DETAILED LIST OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR FROM MY MECHANIC. *TR

NHTSA ID
10317799
Incident
Mar 5, 2010
Mileage
131,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Jun 17, 2009

FUTURA 875 TIRES MADE BY BRIDGESTONE FIRESTONE WITH TREAD SEPARATION ON ALL 4 TIRES. THESE TIRES SEEM NEVER TO HAVE EXISTED. THEY ARE NOT FUTURA 775 TIRES THEY ARE FUTURA 875 TIRES. THESE TIRES WERE PURCHASED JULY 2001 AT A TIME WHEN DANGEROUS TIRES WERE IN THE NEWS FOR ROLL OVER ACCIDENT'S KILLING PEOPLE. YET PEPBOYS NEVER NOTIFIED US THEY WERE DEFECTIVE. NOW THE TREAD SEPARATION ON ALL 4 TIRES IS VERY OBVIOUS AND THE TIRES MUST BE REPLACED. CLEARLY THERE ARE STILL DEFECTIVE DANGEROUS TIRES ON THE ROAD WAITING TO HARM A TRUSTING PUBLIC. WHY? *TR

NHTSA ID
10274136
Incident
Jun 15, 2009
Mileage
126,500 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

02221

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ENGINE-GEAR DRIVEN SYNCHRONIZERS-INCORRECT INSTALLATION-CAMSHAFT POSITION SYNCHRONIZER (CMP) INSTALLATION TOOL CORRECT APPLICATION. *MJ

870197

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

INCORRECTLY INSTALLED GEAR DRIVEN CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR SYNCHRONIZER ASSEMBLIES CAUSING SURGE, LOST OF POWER, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1336, P1309 AND P0340. *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

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
1995Viewing3506460.0
19943875459.2
199367381160.0
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.