1992 Mercury Sable

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 364 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 5 times.

Not among the Mercury Sable years to avoid. Which Mercury Sable years to avoid →

Most common 1992 Mercury Sable problems

135 of the 364 complaints (37%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine93
020
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission36
020
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine22
000
Structure › Frame and Members · body and frame20
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration15
302
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor · brakes8
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System · engine8
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes7
000
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch6
000
Electrical System › Ignition6
000

1992 Mercury Sable engine problems

37% of all complaints

135 of the 364 complaints are about the engine. This is what owners describe:

  • overheats8% · 11
  • stalls7% · 10
  • leaks oil or fluid7% · 9
  • smokes or smells of burning5% · 7

Share of the 135 engine complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
47,000 mi
median of 3 reports
Peak year of filing
2000
48 engine complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
0 · 2 · 0
in these complaints
Recalls on the engine
“While driving, vehicle started running hot, overheating. Consumer had vehicle towed to dealership, who indicated that the cause of the problem was the water pump. Dealership replaced the pump, but the problem recurred 3 times within a small period of time. Please provide more details. Ts”
Owner complaint, filed Dec 17, 2002
“With out no warning I heard a loud noise and noticed that my temperature gauge was going up. I was on a busy 3 lane highway at quitting time trying to get off a exit to the nearest gas station. I came to an intersection and noticed that there was a tremendous amount of smoke everywhere, smoking up the whole intersection to where no motorist could proceed.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 29, 2001

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1992: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'921993: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine1994: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine'941995: 42 complaints, 4 about the engine1996: 46 complaints, 4 about the engine'961997: 48 complaints, 12 about the engine1998: 37 complaints, 16 about the engine'981999: 56 complaints, 24 about the engine2000: 66 complaints, 48 about the engine'002001: 29 complaints, 16 about the engine2002: 18 complaints, 7 about the engine'022003: 4 complaints, 0 about the engine2004: 10 complaints, 3 about the engine'042005: 3 complaints, 0 about the engine2006: 1 complaints, 1 about the engine'062007: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine2008: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine'082009: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine2010: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine'10Recall 92V065000 (wheels)Recall 94E036000 (suspension)Recall 97V019000 (engine)Recall 97V025000 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 98V323000 (body and frame)NHTSA investigation EA96024NHTSA investigation EA96019NHTSA investigation DP95004NHTSA investigation EA94008NHTSA investigation PE93100NHTSA investigation EA93022NHTSA investigation EA92040
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1992 Sable peaked in 2000, with 66 filed that year. Owners had filed 8 complaints about the engine before the first recall that covers it, 97V019000 in February 1997; 127 more have come in since. In 2010 owners filed 1 so far.

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Structure › Frame and Members98V323000
Filed Dec 16, 19982,697,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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.

Risk. IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.

Vehicle Speed Control97V025000
Filed Feb 26, 1997212,700 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L ENGINES AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. WATER CAN ACCUMULATE WITHIN THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT. IF ENOUGH WATER ACCUMULATES, IT COULD FREEZE WITHIN A LOW AREA OF THE CABLE ROUTING WHEN EXPOSED TO A LONG TERM COLD SOAK AT TEMPERATURES AT LEAST SEVERAL DEGREES BELOW FREEZING.

Risk. DRIVER CONTROL OF VEHICLE SPEED USING THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OR THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM WOULD BE DIMINISHED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL ADD A BOOT TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan97V019000
Filed Feb 25, 199775,200 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THESE VEHICLES ARE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, IOWA, MINNESOTA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, AND SOUTH DAKOTA. THE VEHICLES INVOLVED ARE 1992-1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ VEHICLES WITH 3.0L ENGINES; 1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 2.3L ENGINES; 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.8L ENGINES; 1994-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.0L ENGINES AND 1992-1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL VEHICLES WITH 3.8L ENGINES. DURING HIGH WINDS, HEAVY, BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW, AND LOW TEMPERATURES, THE ENGINE COOLING FAN CAN BECOME BLOCKED OR FROZEN WITH SNOW. THE FAN MOTOR MAY NOT ROTATE AND COULD OVERHEAT.

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE SMOKE OR FLAMES FROM THE FAN AND/OR SHROUD, THE FAN ELECTRICAL WIRING, OR THE FAN MOTOR RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.

Suspension › Front › Shock Absorber94E036000
Filed Nov 25, 199498,000 vehiclesMonroe Auto Corp.

Defect. THE ARC WELDS ON THE SWAY BAR BRACKET, WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE STRUT RESERVE TUBE, DID NOT FUSE PROPERLY.

Risk. OVER TIME, A PORTION OF THE BRACKET CAN TEAR AWAY FROM THE STRUT, FALLING INTO AND PUNCTURING THE TIRE OR CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy. MONROE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STRUT FREE OF CHARGE.

Wheels92V065000
Filed May 11, 1992654,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. CHILDREN CAN ACCIDENTALLY LOCK THEMSELVES IN THE FOOTWELL AREA OF THE REAR-FACING THIRD SEAT, OR IN THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN STATION WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THIRD SEAT. ONCE THE COMPARTMENT IS CLOSED IT CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.

Risk. THERE IS A DANGER OF AIR DEPRIVATION, HYPERTHERMIA,AND/OR PANIC RESPONSE TO A CHILD WHO HAS LOCKED HIMSELF OR HERSELF INTO THECOMPARTMENT, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF ASPHYXIATION.

Remedy. REPLACE THE SELF-LATCHING ASSEMBLY CURRENTLY USED IN THE REAR STORAGE COMPARTMENT WITH A LATCH ASSEMBLY THAT CAN ONLY BE CLOSED WITH A KEY.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 11 name the 1992 Sable.

ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRESEngineering analysis EA96024Closed
Opened Sep 30, 1996Closed Apr 15, 1997Led to recall 97V019000engine

There is no summary currently available

HEADLIGHT FAILUREEngineering analysis EA96019Closed
Opened Jul 31, 1996Closed Jan 26, 1998Led to recall 98V009000headlights

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 …

ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRESPreliminary evaluation PE96033Closed
Opened May 2, 1996Closed Sep 30, 1996Led to recall 97V019000engine

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.

ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODSDefect petition DP95004Closed
Opened Aug 8, 1995Closed Aug 30, 1995unknown or other

Alleged defective tie rods

BROKEN TIE RODSEngineering analysis EA94008Closed
Opened Feb 16, 1994Closed Feb 27, 1995steering

There is no summary currently available

POLYCAST ROAD WHEEL CRACKSPreliminary evaluation PE93100Closed
Opened Dec 2, 1993Closed Jun 30, 1994suspension

There is no summary currently available

IDLE AIR SPD CTRL VLV MALFEngineering analysis EA93022Closed
Opened Jul 30, 1993Closed Aug 31, 1994engine

There is no summary currently available

UNDERBODY FUEL LINE FAILSPreliminary evaluation PE93065Closed
Opened Jul 15, 1993Closed Nov 30, 1993throttle and acceleration

There is no summary currently available

BROKEN TIE RODSPreliminary evaluation PE93058Closed
Opened Jun 15, 1993Closed Feb 16, 1994steering

There is no summary currently available

IDLE AIR SPD CTRL VLV MALFPreliminary evaluation PE93010Closed
Opened Mar 2, 1993Closed Jul 30, 1993engine

There is no summary currently available

SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAILEngineering analysis EA92040Closed
Opened Nov 30, 1992Closed Jun 30, 1993Led to recall 93V106001body and frame

There is no summary currently available

Technical service bulletins

77 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1992 Sable. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

transmission 20engine 14visibility 10electrical system 6equipment 5steering 5suspension 5brakes 4
0214Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 21, 2002engine

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

01124Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 25, 2001engine

ON SOME VEHICLES, ENGINE OIL MAY CONTINUE TO LEAK FROM THE ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET AREA AFTER AN ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED. *TT

99183Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 6, 1999engine

SERVICE TIP INFORMATION ON REVISED OIL PAN GASKET REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT

99816Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 3, 1999engine

FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT

982310Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 23, 1998engine

MASS AIR FLOW (MAF)- SENSOR CONTAMINATION- SERVICE TIP. *AK

9874Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 13, 1998engine

A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC

Showing the newest 6 of 14 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Tires
Filed Jun 28, 2010132,300 milesNY

THE TIRE VALVE ON MY RIGHT REAR TIRE FAILED WHILE THE CAR WAS GARAGED. THIS WAS THE SECOND VALVE FAILURE IN A PAIR OF TIRES INSTALLED ON 04/27/2007. THE FIRST VALVE FAILED (ON THE OTHER TIRE IN THE PAIR) ON 04/26/2009 WHILE THE CAR WAS ALSO PARKED, BUT ABOUT 30 MILES FROM HOME (SEE ODI NUMBER 10279930). *TR

Tires
Filed Aug 10, 2009124,600 milesNY

WHILE AT A DESTINATION ABOUT 30 MILES FROM HOME, MY LEFT-FRONT TIRE VALVE FAILED JUST AS I WAS ABOUT TO ENTER THE PARKED CAR TO HEAD HOME. THE AIR WHOOSHED LOUDLY OUT OF THE TIRE AS I WATCHED IT DEFLATE BEFORE MY EYES. I CALLED AAA FOR ASSISTANCE IN CHANGING THE TIRE AND TOOK THE FLAT TIRE TO MY DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE TIRE VALVE. THE VALVE WAS INSTALLED AS PART OF A NEW-TIRE INSTALLATION ON 04/24/2007 BY MY FORD DEALER. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Sep 4, 200885,591 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY SABLE. WHEN THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, CORROSION WAS DISCOVERED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. HE ALSO DISCOVERED THAT HE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE; HOWEVER, THEY STATED THAT BECAUSE IT HAD EXCEEDED TEN YEARS, THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 85,591. UPDATED 10/16/08. *LJ THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE SIDE. UPDATED 10/17/08. *JB

Suspension › Front › Stabilizer Bar
Filed Oct 4, 2007100,000 milesMA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD THUMPING NOISE. APPROXIMATELY THIRTY SECONDS LATER, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. HE PUSHED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT FRAME FAILED. TWO DAYS LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AAA. A LOCAL MECHANIC ARRIVED A WEEK LATER AND STATED THAT THERE WAS WEAR AND TEAR ON THE FRONT FRAME BUSHING SWAY BAR, WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT FRAME TO FAIL. HE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE REAR FRAME, BUT NOT THE FRONT. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT WORTH REPAIRING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000. UPDATED 11/06/07 *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 10, 200647,000 milesCA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS DOWN A HILL AND TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE STALLED. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE STALLING. THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE PARKING BRAKE MUST BE USED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK UPDATED 1/25/2006 - THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THERE WERE NOT RECALLS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. *NM

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Nov 29, 2005OH

THE CONSUMER'S GENERAL TIRES DEVELOPED SEPARATION BETWEEN THE TREAD AND THE CORE. *TS *SC

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and FittingsCrash
Filed Nov 14, 2005180,000 milesWI

DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE CONSUMER STRUCK A DEER AND EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY STOPPING WITH THE BRAKES. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT HOOD AND HEADLIGHTS. NO POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. HE DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. UPON INSPECTION THERE WAS CORROSION ON BRAKE LINES. HE SUSPECTED THIS WAS DUE TO DISSIMILAR METAL CORROSION AND ROAD SALTS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. *AK UPDATED 12/27/05. *JB THE BRAKE LINE BURST.

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Mar 2, 200583,983 milesOH

MERCURY SABLE 1992 POWER STEERING LEAKED. *BF THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM THE RACK AND PINION. *NM

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Dec 17, 2004146,000 milesOK

THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN A FRONTAL CRASH AT 35-40 MPH AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Nov 3, 2004131,254 milesMA

I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY SO I PUT ON THE CRUISE CONTROL, WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES THE CAR SLOWED DOWN, THEN WHEN I REASLED THE BRAKES THE CAR RADILY SPEED UP, AND IT IS HARD TO SHUT IT OFF.*AK

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 3, 200488,000 milesMN

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH REAR SUB FRAME MOUNT BUSHING SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. RECALL 98V323000 FOR THE SUB FRAME MOUNT BOLTS WAS ISSUED. DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 1, 2004FL

WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION MADE A LOUD NOISE. THEN IT COMPLETELY FAILED. *AK

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 29, 2004114,000 milesGA

SUB FRAME RUSTED DUE TO THE PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED IN THE SUB FRAME CORROSION RECALL 98V323000. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 6, 2004103,603 milesNJ

CORROSION OF PASSENGER SIDE REAR SUB FRAME, ALOWING ENGINE TO DROP DOWN, CAUSING A POSSIBLE FATAL DRIVING CONDITION. SUB FRAME BOLTS REPLACED IN A RECALL. ENTIRE SUB FRAME WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW ORIGINAL PART FROM FORD, AT A $1,100 COST TO MYSELF. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine4 killed
Filed Jan 21, 2004AL

MY HEAD GASKETS KEEP BLOWING .. I REALIZE THIS IS A OLDER MODEL CAR HOWEVER JUST B/C IM A SINGLE FEMALE WHO DIDNT EVEN KNOW WHAT A RECALL WAS/IS DOESNT MEAN THAT I SHOULDNT BE ENTITLED TO PERHAPS A REEMBURSMENT OR TO HAVE MY CAR FIXED PROPERLY I HAVE BEEN OUT SO MUCH MONEY ON THIS CAR AND THE MOTOR AND I ALWAYS ALWAYS DO AS DIRECTED WITH OIL CHANGES AND WATER CHECKINGS I JUST DONT UNDERSTAND WHY I WASNT EVER NOTIFIED OF THE DANGERS OF MY COOLING SYSTEMS AND MY MOTOR. I AM A WIDOW WITH 3 CHILDREN AND I CANT AFFORD TO KEEP HAVING MY HEADS DONE OR MY MOTOR WORKED ON PLEASE GUIDE ME IN THE DIRECTION OF SOMEONE THAT COULD PERHAPS FIX THIS PROBLEM ONCE AND FOR ALL. *AK

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 15, 2004NY

SEVERE PAINT EROSION/FLAKING/DISCOLORATION....HAS BEEN NOTICEABLE AND PROGRESSING WORSE SINCE ABOUT 1997.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 200422,161 milesNY

1ST ONE REMOVE & REPLACE TIMING COVER/PUMP, HOUSING, REPLACE STUDS, WATER PUMP, RENEW COOLANT. COST $1,079.60 2ND R&R HEADGASKETS/ $1,304.10. I WOULD LIKE FOR SOMEONE TO LET ME KNOW IF I COULD GET SOME OF MY MONEY BACK BECAUSE THIS WAS A RECALL A BAD PART WHICH I HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF. UNTIL I HAD TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. FORD SAID THAT I WAS 9 MONTHS TO LATE UNDER WARRANTY. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS CAR HOW WOULD I HAVE KNOWN THAT FORD HAD A PROBLM WITH THIS KIND OF CAR. ANY TYPE OF HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED. I'M A SINGLE MOM AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE THIS KIND OF CAR REPAIR. I HAD TO USE MY RENT MONEY INORDER TO GET MY CAR OUT OF THE SHOP. I JUST WANT SOMEKIND OF REPAYMENT A HEAD GASKET IS SUPPOSE TO LAST THE LIFE OF THE CAR. IT WILL BE JUST THREE YEARS THIS OCTOBER FOR ME THAT I HAVE HAD THE CAR. IT'S NOT MY PROBLEM THAT THEY PUT IN BAD PARTS AND KNEW THAT THEY NEEDED TO BE TAKEN CARE OF. BUT NO ONE WANTED TO PAY THE COST SO A LOT OF CUSTOMERS DIDN'T GET RECALL LETTERS INORDER TO TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM. I'M SURE THAT IF ANYONE THAT OWNED THIS CAR WOULD HAVE HAD THE REPAIRS DONE AT THE COST OF THE COMPANY. WHY WOULD THERE BE A TIME LIMIT SET ON MAJOR PART LIKE THAT. SO PEOPLE DON'T EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM UNTIL YEARS AND THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED TO ME. I JUST WANT SOME KIND OF RESPONSE TOWARD THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU MS. PATRICIA REESE P.O. BOX 59 SHIRLEY, NY 11967-0059

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 200493,000 milesNV

THE CAR IS A 1992 MERCURY SABLE 3.8L V-6 ENGINE WITH 93,000 MILES. THE HEAD GASKETS NEED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE BEEN QUOTED AN ESTIMATE OF $1,000 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THE AUTOMOBILE AND IT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. THE CAR BROKE DOWN ON JUNE 25, 2003 AND IS CURRENTLY PARKED AT THE MECHANIC'S SHOP.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 18, 2003114,000 milesNY

WHEN BRAKING HARD, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKES. I HAD TO USE THE E-BRAKE AND PUMP THE REGULAR PEDAL TO STOP. BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM LINE LOCATED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT NEXT TO DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL WELL. *LA

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 1, 2003MO

WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED UP WITHOUT WARNING. CONSUMER STOPPED VEHICLE, TURNED ON HAZARDS, AND NOTICED TRANSMISSION AND MOTOR HAD DROPPED. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE SUBFRAME RUSTED AROUND BOTH REAR BUSHINGS. *AK *NLM

Power Train
Filed Jun 5, 2003CA

THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO GO INTO GEAR. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › High/Low Beam Dimmer Switch
Filed Jan 29, 2003IN

HEADLIGHTS BLINKING ON AND OFF WHEN HE TURNS THEM ON. TOOK THE AUTO TO HIS PRIVATE MECHANIC AND HAD THIS REPAIRED. THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM IS LISTED AS A RECALL # 8105 98V 00 9000 FOR THE 93 MERCURY SABLE. PH

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan
Filed Dec 17, 2002MO

WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE STARTED RUNNING HOT, OVERHEATING. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, WHO INDICATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS THE WATER PUMP. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE PUMP, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED 3 TIMES WITHIN A SMALL PERIOD OF TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS

Suspension › Front
Filed Oct 24, 2002NY

BOTH COIL SPRINGS FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. PIECES OF SPRING ALMOST FELL OUT AND CONTACTED TIRE. COULD HAVE RESULTED IN PUNCTURE AT HIGH SPEED. DT

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 7, 2002CO

THE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE REPLACED IN 1999 WHICH HAS FAILED AGAIN. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE OWNER HEARD SOMETHING DROP/BREAK. *MR

Tires
Filed Sep 26, 2002IL

PROBLEMS WITH SUSPENSION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, TIRES AND DRIVER SEAT. MR

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and ConnectionsFire
Filed Aug 23, 2002WA

POWER STEERING HOSE FAILED. FLUID POURED OUT ON TO VERY HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER, PRODUCING FIRE IN REAR OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT. EXTINGUISHED QUICKLY BUT DAMAGE TO WIRING, VACUUM LINE. VERY DANGEROUS FOR POWER STEERING LINE WITH FLAMMABLE FLUID TO PASS DIRECTLY OVER CATALYT CONVERTER.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 9, 2002PA

WHILE DRIVING RPMS REVVED TO 4700, AND VEHICLE STARTED SLOWING DOWN ON ITS OWN,SMOKE CAME OUT OF TRANSMISSION AND VEHICLE STALLED. TRANSMISSION WAS GONE. CONTACTED DEALER.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Jul 9, 2002MO

WHILE DRIVING IN A VERY HIGH TEMPERATURE, VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 10, 2002MD

AFTER TAKING VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO GET RECALL DONE ON VEHICLE, REMEDY DID NOT WORK, AND CONSUMER STILL HAD PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 23, 2002FL

REVERSED OUT OF DRIVEWAY THEN PUT IN DRIVE. HEARD KNOCKING NOISE. CAR DID NOT MOVE EVEN WHEN ECCELERATOR WAS PUSHED. HAD TO BE PUSHED BACK INTO CARPORT. TRANSMISSION FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 23, 2002FL

WHILE DRIVING ON I-95 NORTH IN S. FLORIDA A KNOCKING NOISE STARTED TO OCCUR. THE CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AND DOWNSHIFTED BY ITSELF. THE CAR COULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE OVER 55 M.P.H. TRANSMISSION FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 12, 2002NY

VEHICLE WAS LOSING COOLANT AND OVE HEATING WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER, AND INFORMED DEALER OF A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Feb 19, 2002VA

THE CONSUMER HAD RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE REGARDING THE BODY MOUNTS ON THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUB-FRAME, CONSUMER HAD RECALL REPAIRS COMPLETED, HOWEVER ALSO STATED THAT WITHOUT REPLACING ALL OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE SAME TIME THERE WILL BE PROBLEM. *YH

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Feb 15, 2002NC

VEHICLE STALLED THREE TIME IN HOT WEATHER AND HEAVY TRAFFIC.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 12, 2002OH

CAR WAS RUNNING FINE ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAD NO HEAT THOUGHT NEEDED A THERMOSTAT BUT DEALER SAID I NEEDED A HEAD GASKET THAT THIS HAS BEEN A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM ON FORD 3.8 V6 CARS. THIS CAR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED BY ME AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER WHO IS MY FATHER A RETIRED FORD EMPLOYEE. THE CAR WAS ALWAYS TAKEN CARE OF AT A DEALER. I CALLED FORD AND WAS TOLD SORRY CAN'T HELP SO NOW I HAVE A$1600.00 BILL TO PAY. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF WRITING A LETTER TOFORD. THANK YOU. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 8, 2002MO

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT HAD BEEN COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY FOR YEARS. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES, PROBLEM COULD NOT BE REMEDIED. WHILE DRIVNG 40 MPH THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM TAILPIPE, AND ENGINE WAS RUNNING VERY ROUGH. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, A BLOWN HEADGASKET WAS DIAGNOSED.*AK

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
Filed Feb 4, 2002CA

STEERING FAILED. EACH FRONT TIRE POINTED DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS.*AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood
Filed Feb 3, 2002PA

THIS SENSOR BURNT UP (I.E. CAUGHT ON FIRE BUT DID NOT SPREAD) AND CAUSED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 8, 2002NJ

VEHICLE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP TOTAL FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION AT 40 MPH NO PRIOR WARNING OF FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED ACCIDENT.REPAIRS TO THIS VEHICLES TRANSMISSION SEEM TO BE WAY ABOVE AVERAGE. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Nov 29, 2001PA

WITH OUT NO WARNING I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND NOTICED THAT MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS GOING UP. I WAS ON A BUSY 3 LANE HIGHWAY AT QUITTING TIME TRYING TO GET OFF A EXIT TO THE NEAREST GAS STATION. I CAME TO AN INTERSECTION AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF SMOKE EVERYWHERE, SMOKING UP THE WHOLE INTERSECTION TO WHERE NO MOTORIST COULD PROCEED. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS ANTI-FREEZE COMING OUT OF MY EXHAUST. I HAD THE CAR TAKEN TO MY MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. THE MECHANIC INFOMED ME THAT THIS YEAR OF CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINES AND THE HEAD GASKETS. I NOTICED THAT MY HEATER WAS NOT PUTTING OUT ANY HEAT AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS COMING ON. SO I DECIDED TO RESEARCH THIS MODEL AND SEE IF THERE WAS ANY WARRANTY OR RECALLS ON THIS TYPE OF THING AND TO MY SURPRISE THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ON GOING PROBLEM THAT FORD REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT. I BOUGHT THIS CAR EXACTLY 1YR AGO THIS MONTH FROM A FORD DEALER AND I FEEL THAT THIS DEALER KNOWING THE PROBLEMS THAT THIS CAR HAS HAD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SELLING ME A LEMON. I'M A SINGLE MOTHER WITH THIS BEING MY ONLY CAR AND I AM LOOKING AT $1000.00 TO $1500.00 TO EITHER REPLACE THE MOTOR OR FIX IT. NOW DOES FORD THINK THAT I'M GOING TO BUY ANOTHER MOTOR AND TAKE THE CHANCE ON THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENING AGAIN. I THINK THAT FORD NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. IS IT GOING TO TAKE SOMEONE BEING SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BEFORE THEY WILL DO SOMETHING.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Nov 2, 2001AL

MOTOR HAS FAILED, AND DEALER CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Oct 2, 2001FL

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE COMPLETELT SHUTSDOWN, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Sep 13, 2001TX

ENGINE DIED WITHOUT WARNING, WAS ALMOST HIT BY ANOTHER CAR, VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO BE IN. I WAS NOT VERY HAPPY ABOUT IT. NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO DEALER.MERCURY DEALER DID REPAIRS.*AK

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Sep 2, 2001NJ

ON A TRIP TO NC THE ENGINE TEMP ROSE AND STALLED MANY TIMES. LOCAL DEALERS CAN'T DUPLICATE OR VERIFY WITH DIAGNOSTIC TEST. REPLACED OXYGEN SENSORS AND MOTOR MOUNTS NEW FUELFILTER. FORD DEALER REFUSED ADDITIONAL WORK FOR IGNITION PROBLEM THAT HE CANNOT SEE ON THIS CAR.CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE STALLING COULD TAKE PLACE.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 28, 2001CA

FAILURE OF ENGINE HEAD GASKET CAUSED FAILURE OF ENTIRE COOLING SYSTEM. *AK

Electrical System
Filed Aug 28, 2001FL

THE ENGINE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF AND THE DEALER HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO STOP THE ENGINE, OTHER TIMES THE IGNITION DOES NOT START THE VEHICLE AND IT HAS TO BE JUMP STARTED, WHEN THE KEY IS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION THE SIGNAL BELL THAT INDICATES THAT THE KEY IS STILL IN THE IGNITION RINGS UNTIL THE CONSUMER GIGGLES THE IGNITION.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Aug 28, 2001NY

ALL FOUR ORIGINAL TIRES FAILED WITH INTERNAL BELT SEPARATIONS(GENERAL/AMERITECH ST P205/65R15, DOTA3UR438102).

Electrical System › Ignition › Module
Filed Aug 23, 2001NJ

THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE ON A LONG TRIP, THE DRIVER WOULD PULL OVER AND ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO COOL OFF AT WHICH TIME THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART, THE OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED BUT THAT DID NOT HELP, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE TFI MODULE IS FAULTY LIKE THE VEHICLES IN CALIFORNIA. NLM

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Aug 14, 2001NH

INTERMITTENTLY IN HOT CLIMATES VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT AND DIE WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK

Complaints 1-50 of 364, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1993
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200920000Routine
200861130Routine
20061000Routine
200583100Routine
200452200Routine
2003201410Above average
2002440451Fatalities reported
2001430970Above average
2000464780Above average
1999258540Above average
1998190230Routine
1997228350Above average
19963045100Above average
19953506140Above average
1994387590Above average
1993674871Fatalities reported
1992 — this page364564Fatalities reported
1991221590Above average
19901667180Routine

Compare every Sable year →

1992 Mercury Sable: questions buyers ask

Is the 1992 Mercury Sable a good car?

It is not among the Sable years to avoid. Owners filed 364 complaints, against about 258 for a typical Sable year. The most common complaint is about the engine (37%).

What is the most common problem with the 1992 Mercury Sable?

The engine: 135 of the 364 complaints (37%) are about it. Owners most often say it overheats (8%), stalls (7%) and leaks oil or fluid (7%). The typical report comes at 47,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1992 Mercury Sable have?

5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Dec 16, 1998. The largest, 98V323000, covered 2,697,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1992 Mercury Sable problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 103,603 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 47,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1992 Mercury Sable?

Yes, 11 times. The latest, EA96024 ("ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES"), was opened Sep 30, 1996 and closed Apr 15, 1997.

Are there service bulletins for the 1992 Mercury Sable?

The manufacturer filed 77 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (20), the engine (14) and the visibility (10). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

4 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 16, 1998. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.