RoadVitals

2002 Mercury Sable Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
440
Latest Oct 4, 2022
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
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.
37

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Mercury Sable, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

239
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE EXPLODED. THE SUSPENSION COIL SPRING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRACTURED AND SLASHED THE TIRE CAUSING THE TIRE TO EXPLODE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,500.

NHTSA ID 11361053 · filed Sep 25, 2020

ON 2/6/2017 MY 2002 MERCURY SABLE WAGON WITH 63512 MILES ON IT THE FRONT SPRING BROKE TORE THE INSIDE OF TIRE APART NOT SURE WHAT ELSE WAS DAMAGED AT THIS POINT . MY CAR BEING IN VERY GOOD CONDITION NOT YOUR TYPICAL N.Y RUST NOT A ISSUE THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS DESIGN DEFECT.

NHTSA ID 10949982 · filed Feb 7, 2017
All 239 reports naming suspension

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

57
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVING(IN MOTION) ON BUSY ROAD(CITY STREET) NEAR HOME, ACCELERATED TO 45MPH, TRIED TO SLOW DOWN FOR LIGHT, REMOVED FOOT OFF GAS AND CAR DID NOT SLOW. HAD TO SLAM ON BRAKES IN ORDER TO AVOID CAR STOPPED AT LIGHT. TOOK ALL MY STRENGTH ON BRAKE TO KEEP CAR STOPPED. PUT IN NEUTRAL, NO CHANGE. PUT IN PARK NO CHANGE,STILL 4000 RPMS. WANTED TO GET VEHICLE HOME SO I PUT ON FLASHERS DROVE HOME WHILE APPLYING BRAKES.I WAS SCARED TO DEATH. SHOULD HAVE PULLED OVER AND TURNED CAR OFF BUT WANTED TO GET IT HOME SO I COULD AVOID A TOW. I AM PRETTY HANDY AND AM DOING RESEARCH IN ORDER TO FIX MYSELF.POPPED THE HOOD AT HOME AND IMMEDIATELY SAW THAT THE CABLE GOING TO THE THROTTLE BODY WAS BROKEN AND HUNG UP ON A CLIP ON THE LINKAGE COVER. IMAGE IS OF ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID 10990855 · filed May 22, 2017

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

NHTSA ID 10981455 · filed Apr 30, 2017
All 57 reports naming driver assistance

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A LARGE PUDDLE OF WATER IN THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE INTERIOR AND FLOOR TO BE SOAKED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.

NHTSA ID 10643073 · filed Oct 7, 2014

WIRE HARNESS FAILURE IN RUBBER BOOTS FROM BODY OF CAR TO REAR LIFT GATE ON STATION WAGON MODEL. INSULATION CRACKING AND WIRE BREAKING COMPLETELY IN FLEXIBLE RUBBER BOOT CAUSES ERRATIC BEHAVIOR AND ULTIMATE FAILURE OF HIGH BRAKE LIGHT, BACK UP LIGHTS, LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS, REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER, REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER, OPEN LIFT GATE AND OPEN REAR WINDOW SAFETY SENSORS AND STEREO SPEAKERS. INSULATION AND WIRING WITHIN BOOT HAS BECOME BRITTLE AND FATIGUED. CLEAN BREAKS IN WIRES FROM OPENING AND CLOSING LIFT GATE ARE EVIDENT. WIRES WHERE INSULATION HAS BROKEN THROUGH ARE COMING IN CONTACT WITH OTHER CIRCUITS WHERE THAT INSULATION HAS BROKEN THROUGH AND RESULTS IN "CONFUSING" OPERATION OF LIGHTS. IE PUT CAR IN REVERSE AND HIGH BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON - PUT FOOT ON BRAKE AND HIGH BRAKE LIGHT GOES OUT. BACKUP LIGHTS DON'T COME ON AT ALL. IE TURN ON REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER AND LICENSE PLATE LIGHT COMES ON. WIRING DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF MULTIPLE INTERNAL COPPER STRANDS OR SUPPLE ENOUGH INSULATION TO PROVIDE NEEDED FLEXIBILITY DURING REGULAR OPENING AND CLOSING OF REAR LIFT GATE. BELIEVE THIS TO BE A LATENT SAFETY DEFECT. MANUFACTURER SHOULD HAVE KNOWN DURING DESIGN THAT WIRING IN BOOT TO STATION WAGON LIFT GATE WOULD BE PRONE TO CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WITH REGULAR USE. *JS

NHTSA ID 10457115 · filed May 2, 2012
All 27 reports naming visibility

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WAS PULLING INTO PARKING LOT BRAKES WENT OUT TOTALLY NO WARNING STOPPED BY EMERGENCY BRAKE HAVE NO BRAKES AT ALL TURNING AFTER 45 MPH THEN TO A STOPLIGH INTOTHE CITY'S RESTURANT

NHTSA ID 10885270 · filed Jul 16, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF HOW THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT PERFORMED A TEMPORARY REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000.

NHTSA ID 10884287 · filed Jul 12, 2016
All 26 reports naming brakes

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A MULTI VEHICLE CRASH IN WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED YET THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT AND A PASSENGER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES AND WERE BOTH TRANSPORTED VIA AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY BUT WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,700.

NHTSA ID 10351518 · filed Aug 24, 2010

WENT TO THE PARKING LOT TO START MY CAR. WHEN I TURNED THE IGNITION KEY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND THEN THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE CONCERN IS WHAT IF THE CAR HAD STARTED AND I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE AIRBAG WENT OFF FOR NO REASON. *TR

NHTSA ID 10346902 · filed Aug 2, 2010
All 24 reports naming airbags

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2002 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light and transmission symbol remained illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered and stalled occasionally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11487204 · filed Sep 30, 2022

MILES 70,290 (ACC) I WAS DRIVING OB THE HIGHWAY , TO AVOID A CRASH I HAD TO STOP QUICKLY. ALL INDICATOR LAMPS CAME ON BUT THE CAR DID NOT SHUT OFF. SMALL CLOUDS OF SMOKE FROM EXHAUST (WHITE-GREY). IT WAS PARKED FOR 2 DAYS , START UP WAS FINE DRIVING WAS FINE ALSO. ONCE AGAIN A( LEAD FOOT) DRIVER CUT ME AND ANOTHER CAR OFF. SAME THING AVOIDING A CRASH SLAMMING ON MY BREAK. AGAIN ALL INDICATOR LIGHTS ON BUT THE CUT SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY. TURN IT BACK ON ITS WAS HESITATION SMOKE AND SHAKING. AND MORE. A TSB WAS ISSUED FOR A PART/PIECE THAT WILL CAUSE PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10938399 · filed Dec 29, 2016
All 24 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS RELAY SODDARD INTO BACKSIDE OF FUSE PANEL (GEM) WAS BAD LOCATION FOR A PERSON WITH NO EXPERIENCE TO FIX OR LOCATE MOST PEOPLE NEVER GOT IT FIXED BECAUSE OF NO EXPERIENCE AND AMOUNT OF MONEY TO HAVE AN ELECTRICAL MECHANIC TO FIX. I UNDERSTAND THERE WAS A FEW PEOPLE DID GET IT FIXED THROUGH A RECALL BUT I DIDN'T AND I NEVER GOT A RECALL FOR THIS IN THE MAIL. I WOULD LIKE FORD MOTOR COMPANY FIX THIS BECAUSE I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS PROBLEM. MY CAR HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 12 YEARS.

NHTSA ID 11100705 · filed Jun 9, 2018

MY CAR HAS BEEN A TERRIBLE LIABILITY SINCE DAY ONE,I AM AHNDICAPPED AND ON A PERMANENT BUDGET,,I NEED TO GET THIS LOOKED AT AND MY CAR TAKEN CARE OF SOON,IM SCARED I MAY SOON END UP ON FOOT IF THESE HORRID ISSUES RNT RECTIFIED,,I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM FIRST CLASS CARS IN SALT LAKE CITY UTAH,,IVE ASKED 4 TIMES TO GET IT TRADED IN,,MUCH TO MY SHOCK THEY WOULDNT EVEN TALK TO ME,,PLEASE HELP ME!MY CAR REVES AT TIMES THEN WHILE SITTING STIL IT WIL TRY TO DRIVE WITHOUT ME PUSHING THE EXCELIRATOR,,IM SCARED IT GONNA LEAP OUT AMY HANDS SOON,,IM TERIRFIED OF IT!!

NHTSA ID 10837883 · filed Feb 23, 2016
All 15 reports naming electrical

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I PURCHASED A 2002 MERCURY SABLE IN SEPTEMBER, 2006. ON JANUARY 19, 2007 WHILE TURNING INTO MY DRIVEWAY GOING 3-5 MILES AN HOUR BOTH FRONTAL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING AN ESTIMATED $3,000.00 TO $4,000.00 IN DAMAGES. THE DEALER HAS REFUSED TO ASSIST ME SAYING I BOUGHT THE CAR "AS IS". THEY TOLD ME TO FILE THE CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY SAID THEY COULD DO NOTHING "THERE WAS NO IMPACT". FORD MOTOR COMPANY SAID THERE WAS A 50,000 MILE WARRANTY. YOUR DEPARTMENT SENT ME A SERVICE TECHNICAL BULLETIN STATING THAT FORD KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM IN MAY, 2002. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET ANYONE (IE: DEALER, INSURANCE COMPANY, FINANCE COMPANY, OR MANUFACTURER) TO HELP ME WITH THIS ISSUE. IN FEBRUARY OF THIS YEAR 2009, THE FUEL PUMP, DRIVER, COMPUTER, AND TRANSMISSION WENT OUT IN THIS CAR. I HAVE SPENT OVER $1,600.00 IN REPAIR OF THIS VEHICLE . DUE TO THE DEPRECIATION OF THE CAR, THE MECHANICAL FAILURES, AND THE SAFETY ISSUE OF NO AIRBAGS THE VEHICLE IS WORTH NOTHING. I STILL OWE THE FINANCE COMPANY $6,000.00 AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR THE LAST 10 MONTHS. I WAS RECENTLY DIRECTED TO RESEARCH THE CONSUMER RIGHTS ACT OF 1974, THE MAGNUSON-MOSS WARRANTY ACT, SALE OF GOODS ACT 1979, ALABAMA LEMON LAWS, BUYERS REMORSE LAW, TRADE COMMISSION ACT, UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE, AND CONSUMER RIGHTS WHEN BUYING A USED CAR BY THE BBB. I HAVE BEEN DENIED MY RIGHTS. NO CONSUMER SHOULD HAVE TO EXPERIENCE WHAT I HAVE. EVERY CONSUMER HAS THE RIGHT TO EXPECT A CAR THEY PURCHASE TO MEET REASONABLE STANDARDS. THERE WAS A GRAVE ISSUE OF SAFETY FOR ME AND MY GRANDDAUGHTER WHEN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THANK GOD WE WERE NOT INJURED. ALL OF THESE FAILURES HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPAIRED THE USE, VALUE, AND SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE! THEY AROSE OUT OF THE ORDINARY USE OF THE VEHICLE AND NOT AS A RESULT OF ABUSE. THE MOTOR VEHICLE IS OUT OF SERVICE AND IN THE CUSTODY OF THE DEALER DUE TO REPAIR ATTEMPTS, ONE OF WHICH OCCURRED DURING THE LEMON LAW RIGHTS PERIOD. *TR

NHTSA ID 10290614 · filed Nov 2, 2009

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD AT AN ALARMING RATE OF SPEED WHENEVER THE ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED. THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT ASKED FOR THE OLD PARTS AND THE SERVICE DEALER REFUSED TO SUPPLY THOSE PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFUSED ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID 10164084 · filed Aug 1, 2006
All 14 reports naming transmission

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH IN REVERSE OUT OF HIS DRIVEWAY, HE HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, HE OBSERVED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS HAD FRACTURED AND PIERCED ONE OF THE TIRES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

NHTSA ID 10319285 · filed Mar 12, 2010

LEAKING CONNECTION BETWEEN WINDSHIELD WATER AND BLOWING MOTOR OF HEATING/VENTILATION CAUSING WINDOWS TO FOG UP AFTER STARTING AND BEGINNING DRIVING. WHEN OPENING THE BLOWER MOTOR COMPARTMENT YOU CAN ACTUALLY WATER SEE DRIPPING OUT. ALSO A SOAKING WET FLOOR WILL OCCUR RIGHT AFTER A SEVERE RAINSTORM. THIS IS A MAYOR SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO BAD VISIBILITY! *TR

NHTSA ID 10286119 · filed Oct 2, 2009
All 13 reports naming body & structure

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS RELAY SODDARD INTO BACKSIDE OF FUSE PANEL (GEM) WAS BAD LOCATION FOR A PERSON WITH NO EXPERIENCE TO FIX OR LOCATE MOST PEOPLE NEVER GOT IT FIXED BECAUSE OF NO EXPERIENCE AND AMOUNT OF MONEY TO HAVE AN ELECTRICAL MECHANIC TO FIX. I UNDERSTAND THERE WAS A FEW PEOPLE DID GET IT FIXED THROUGH A RECALL BUT I DIDN'T AND I NEVER GOT A RECALL FOR THIS IN THE MAIL. I WOULD LIKE FORD MOTOR COMPANY FIX THIS BECAUSE I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS PROBLEM. MY CAR HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 12 YEARS.

NHTSA ID 11100705 · filed Jun 9, 2018

WAS PULLING INTO PARKING LOT BRAKES WENT OUT TOTALLY NO WARNING STOPPED BY EMERGENCY BRAKE HAVE NO BRAKES AT ALL TURNING AFTER 45 MPH THEN TO A STOPLIGH INTOTHE CITY'S RESTURANT

NHTSA ID 10885270 · filed Jul 16, 2016
All 11 reports naming exterior lighting

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

RIGHT FRONT SPRING BROKE, PUNCTURING THE TIRE. THANKFULLY, WE WERE JUST PULLING OUT OF THE GARAGE, NOT DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AT 70 MPH. *TR

NHTSA ID 10297282 · filed Dec 29, 2009

I BOUGHT THESE TIRES AND THEY ONLY HAVE A FEW THOUSAND MILES ON THEM. THEY WERE 60,000 MILES TIRES. WITH MY ALZHEIMER'S HUSBAND UNDER THE CARE OF HOSPICE I WENT TO RUN ERRANDS. I ALSO RECENTLY BOUGHT 2 NEW FRONT TIRES. WHEN PUTTING THEM ON THE TOLD ME THEY LOOKED DRY ROTTED AND TO TAKE THEM BACK. MERCHANTS TIRES HAS MOVED. IT COST MONEY TO DRIVE AROUND TRYING TO FIND WHERE THEY MOVED TO. HOSPICE ONLY GIVES ME 1 HR. TELL ME HOW I AM SUPPOSE TO TAKE CARE OF THIS? *TR

NHTSA ID 10232157 · filed Jun 24, 2008
All 10 reports naming tires & wheels

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

IT HAS A VERY HIGH SMELL OF GAS WHEN DRIVING CAR AND WHEN YOU STOP ALL YOU SMELL IS GAS

NHTSA ID 10861717 · filed Apr 27, 2016

MY CAR HAS BEEN A TERRIBLE LIABILITY SINCE DAY ONE,I AM AHNDICAPPED AND ON A PERMANENT BUDGET,,I NEED TO GET THIS LOOKED AT AND MY CAR TAKEN CARE OF SOON,IM SCARED I MAY SOON END UP ON FOOT IF THESE HORRID ISSUES RNT RECTIFIED,,I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM FIRST CLASS CARS IN SALT LAKE CITY UTAH,,IVE ASKED 4 TIMES TO GET IT TRADED IN,,MUCH TO MY SHOCK THEY WOULDNT EVEN TALK TO ME,,PLEASE HELP ME!MY CAR REVES AT TIMES THEN WHILE SITTING STIL IT WIL TRY TO DRIVE WITHOUT ME PUSHING THE EXCELIRATOR,,IM SCARED IT GONNA LEAP OUT AMY HANDS SOON,,IM TERIRFIED OF IT!!

NHTSA ID 10837883 · filed Feb 23, 2016
All 9 reports naming fuel system

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

10/2/2022 was on I 94 east bound lost momentum rpms jump to 6k then lost all gears in transmission car has 88639 miles on it hardly driven changed trans fluid hoping to get trans working again and still won't move in any gear had to wait 4 hours on freeway for a tow just to get it off the freeway had to fight with AAA for the 4 hours to get it towed now in my driveway and still won't move at all

NHTSA ID 11487805 · filed Oct 4, 2022

The contact owns a 2002 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light and transmission symbol remained illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered and stalled occasionally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11487204 · filed Sep 30, 2022
All 9 reports naming powertrain (other)

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DOOR LATCHES IN THE COLD WEATHER UNDER 25 DEGREES THE DOOR LATCHES WILL NOT RE-LATCH WHEN OPENED UNTIL THE CAR IS WARMED UP. DID INTERNET RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED A LOT AND FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. DOORS HAVE FLOWN OPEN WHILE PEOPLE ARE DRIVING BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T REALIZE THAT THE DOOR DIDN'T LATCH. *TR

NHTSA ID 10567450 · filed Mar 5, 2014

DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK WHILE DRIVING. HORN ALARM GOES OFF WHEN CAR IS PARKED. WARNING LIGHT FOR OPEN DOORS WHEN DOORS ARE CLOSED. DOORS UNLOCK AND INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON. *TR

NHTSA ID 10537602 · filed Aug 27, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

APPROXIMATELY 39,000 MILES. NO RUST CAR. RUBBING NOISE AND ALL TIRES WITH HISTORY OF LOSING AIR. WHILE REPLACING ALL TIRES, WHEEL TECH NOTICED RIGHT REAR COIL SPRING WAS FRACTURED AND COMPLETELY WORE OFF INTERIOR TIRE RIDGE. PLACED DOUGHNUT TIRE ON AND ADVISED I TAKE TO MECHANIC TO HAVE ALL SPRINGS FULLY CHECKED. CAR CURRENTLYAT MECHANIC SHOP THIS EVENING. RIGHT REAR COIL SPRING DEFINITELY FRACTURED. SEEMS MANY REPORTS OF SAME NATURE ON THIS MODEL. WHY NO RECALL ON REAR COIL SPRINGS WITH SO MANY COMPLAINTS? RUBBING SOUND FROM BENEATH CAR HAS BEEN NOTED AND TIRES CONSTANTLY NEEDED AIR. OTHER ISSUE(S): 1) IGNITION EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN.2) ACCELERATOR SEEMS TO STICK UPON ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE BY LETTING UP FOOT PRESSURE. I INHERITED THIS CAR FROM MY DECEASED FATHER. I WAS ALWAYS CONCERNED THAT HE ACCELERATED TOO QUICKLY FROM A STOPPED POSITION. FATHER TOOK DOWN A LARGE CONCRETE PLANTER DUE TO THIS TYPE OF CAR JERKING, YET I THOUGHT IT WAS DUE TO HIS PUTTING TOO MUCH PRESSURE UPON THE ACCELERATOR. NOW THAT I AM DRIVING THE CAR, I NOTE THAT CAR DOES NOT SLOW WHEN I LET UP ON THE ACCELERATOR, LEADING ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE ACCIDENT WAS NOT DUE TO FATHER'S DRIVING. THIS WAS NEVER A PROBLEM WITH HIS FORMER CAR. 3) DRIVER'S DOOR MAKES LOUD CLUNK UPON OPENING AND CLOSING. ARE THESE KNOWN PROBLEMS?

NHTSA ID 10790799 · filed Nov 16, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SPRING AND STRUT FRACTURED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL WAS DAMAGED DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THE FAILURE OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SPRING AND STRUT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,867.

NHTSA ID 10663406 · filed Dec 10, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

IN MOTION THE CAR WANTS TO KEEPS ACCELERATING EVEN WHEN YOU HIT BRAKE. AND WILL STAY THE SPEED YOU ARE GOING OR GO FASTER. AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO KEEP PUSHING ACCELERATED. FROM START THE RPMS GO STRAIGHT TO LIKE 5 TO 6 TO 7 RPMS AND TAKES ABOUT 30 SEC TO IDLE DOWN. I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING TO FIX IT. IT JUST WON'T FIX!.... MY POWER STEERING PUMP IS BRAND NEW MY RACK AND PINION IS BRAND NEW. AND MY FLUID STILL WANTS TO OVER FLOW EVERY TIME I GET DONE DRIVING IT. I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING TO FIX IT CAN'T AND IT'S SO HARD TO TURN. JUST NOT SAFE CAR AT ALL I HAVE PUT MONEY IN TO FIX ALL OF THIS AND IT HASN'T CHANGED ANYTHING. THEY JUST KEEP MESSING UP. THE BOTH OF THEM. AND THE ACCELERATION IS VERY VERY DANGEROUS. CAUSE THE BRAKE WON'T EVEN SLOW YOU DOWN. IN MOTION AND IT HAPPENS IN MOTION. AND THE RPMS RAMP UP HAPPENS WHEN JUST TURNING IT ON. AND THE POWER STEERING HAPPENS IN MOTION AN STATIONARY.......!!!!!

NHTSA ID 10981455 · filed Apr 30, 2017

2002 MERCURY SABLE GS - 103,000 MILES, NEVER BEEN IN A COLLISION, ALWAYS MAINTAINED BY THE BOOK. ON APRIL 2, 2010 AT 8:00 AM, I WAS PULLING FORWARD OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT WHEN A LOUD THUD AND A GRINDING NOISE STOPPED ME FROM GOING ANY FURTHER. THIS WAS A TOTAL SURPRISE AS NOTHING ABOUT THE PREVIOUS DAY'S DRIVING HINTED AT AN SUSPENSION/STEERING PROBLEM. AFTER CHECKING BEHIND BOTH FRONT WHEELS, I FOUND THAT THE LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING HAD SNAPPED AND A PLASTIC PIECE HAD BEEN BROKEN BY THE IMPACT. NO TIRE DAMAGE OCCURRED. I WAS JUST PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT SO SPEED WAS LESS THAN 10 MPH BY THE TIME THE NOISE FORCED ME TO STOP. HAD THIS HAPPENED AT SPEED I WOULD SURELY HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. THE SABLE WAS TAKEN AWAY ON A FLATBED TRUCK AND COST ABOUT $1300.00 TO REPAIR USING NEW PARTS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE, I DID RESEARCH ON THIS AND IT ONLY AFFECTS 2002-2003 SABLE/TAURUS, IRRESPECTIVE OF MILEAGE. I BELIEVE THIS IS COMPLAINT NUMBER 356 FOR THIS SPECIFIC MANUFACTURER'S FLAW. *TR

NHTSA ID 10356612 · filed Sep 20, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I PURCHASED THE GRACO COMFORT SPORT CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT FOR MY 8 MONTH OLD. APPEARS TO BE A GREAT SEAT UNTIL YOU TRY TO INSTALL IT TO A VEHICLE. I HAVE TRIED PUTTING INTO TWO DIFFERENT CARS, I HAVE TRIED USING THE LATCH SYSTEM AND THEN TRIED THE REGULAR SEAT BELT, NO MATTER WHAT I DO THE SEAT FLOPS AROUND THE BACKSEAT LIKE A DEAD FISH. THE PART WHERE THE TETHER STRAP GOES THROUGH IS AS TIGHT AS IT CAN GET AND THE TOP OF THE CAR SEAT STILL MOVES 5-10 INCHES SIDE TO SIDE. SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE TRIED TO INSTALL THIS SEAT AND NONE HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL. THIS SEAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2002, MAKE=MERCURY, MODEL=SABLE). *TR

NHTSA ID 10691298 · filed Mar 1, 2015

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILS TO RETRACT. THE FAILURE PREVENTS ANYONE FROM BEING ABLE TO SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 91,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

NHTSA ID 10194263 · filed Jun 26, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

1. DRIVING IN HOT WEATHER 2. A/C AND FANS INOPERABLE, SLIGHT SMELL OF SMOKE 3. REPLACE FAN MOTOR, RESISTOR,COWEL PANEL AND RAIN HAT SEAL. THIS FAILURE WAS ADDRESSED IN THE NHTSA ITEM# 10011149. *NM

NHTSA ID 10158778 · filed Jun 1, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .