98 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
Most common 1999 Mercury Sable problems
47 of the 258 complaints (18%) are about the suspension.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
35
0
0
0
Steering › Rack and Pinion
12
0
0
0
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission
10
1
0
0
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags
10
9
0
7
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
9
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
9
1
0
2
Steering
7
1
0
2
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
7
0
0
1
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
6
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes
6
2
0
5
5 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs04V332000
Filed Jul 15, 2004899,060 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSION ASSOCIATED WITH SALT USED ON THE ROADWAYS DURING THE WINTER. A FRACTURED SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.
Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, THE TIRE MAY RUPTURE RESULTING IN A RAPID AIR LOSS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE SPRING SHIELDS. IN ADDITION, FORD IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS IN ALL OTHER STATES, FOR FRACTURE ONLY, UP TO 10 YEARS OF SERVICE OR 150,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 150,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL JULY 31, 2005. IF EITHER FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURES, DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER. AN INTERIM NOTICE WAS SENT TO OWNERS ON AUGUST 2, 2004. PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE 2000-2001 MY VEHICLES AND OWNERS WERE SENT A LETTER ON JANUARY 10, 2005, ADVISING THEM TO BRING IN THEIR VEHICLES FOR REPAIR PARTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE FOR THE 1999 MY VEHICLES BY THE END OF FEBRUARY 2005 AND OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES WILL BE NOTIFIED THEN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Filed Sep 20, 199925,306 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE A PIN SHAFT IN THE SWITCHABLE ELR/ALR MECHANISM THAT IS INCORRECTLY FORMED. IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, THE SWITCHING MECHANISM COULD BECOME NONFUNCTIONAL, PREVENTING THE SEAT BELT WEBBING FROM BEING EXTRACTED FROM THE RETRACTOR. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT MALFUNCTION OF THE MECHANISM COULD PREVENT THE BELT FROM BEING SWITCHED INTO THE ALR MODE. THE ELR MECHANISM IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION.
Risk. IF THE MECHANISM MALFUNCTIONS AND DOES NOT ALLOW THE WEBBING TO BE EXTRACTED, THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT COULD NOT BE WORN BY A VEHICLE OCCUPANT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE MECHANISM DOES NOT ALLOW THE ALR MODE TO BE ENGAGED, THE OPERATOR MAY BE UNABLE TO PROPERLY INSTALL A CHILD SEAT IN THAT SEATING POSITION.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLIES. ASSEMBLIES WITH JULIAN DATE CODES OF 200 THROUGH 223 ARE SUSPECT AND WILL BE REPLACED.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit and Lines98V288000
Filed Nov 9, 19981,800 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUPPED WITH THE "CALIFORNIA" EMISSIONS PACKAGE. AN INCORRECT TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE WAS INSTALLED. THE LINE CONTACTS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM MODULE SUPPORT BRACKET AND OVER TIME, CAN WEAR AND DEVELOP A LEAK.
Risk. TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE APPROPRIATE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE.
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DASH INSULATOR RETAINER CLIP WAS NOT FULLY ASSEMBLED TO THE ACCELERATOR CABLE DASH FITTING. THE CLIP CAN DISENGAGE FROM THE ACCELERATOR CABLE AND FALL INTO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM PIVOT AREA.
Risk. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE ENGINE MAY NOT FULLY RETURN TO IDLE. ALSO, THE INSULATOR MAY NOT STAY IN THE INTENDED LOCATION AND COULD INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR CABLE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES TO ENSURE PROPER INSTALLATION OF THE ACCELERATOR CABLE CLIP, AND RE-INSTALL IF NEEDED.
Filed Aug 25, 19987,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL SEAT TRACKS. THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ATTACHING STUD MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED. THIS HEAT TREATMENT MAY HAVE RESULTED IN CRACKS DEVELOPING IN THE STUD.
Risk. IF THE STUD IS CRACKED, IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE MOUNTING BRACKET AND STUD ASSEMBLY.
All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Dec 14, 2020152,000 milesOH
I BOUGHT A USED 1999 MERCURY SABLE GS WITH THE U TYPE 3.0L V6 ENGINE 2 MONTHS AGO. JUST RECENTLY I NOTICED THE CAR WANTING TO LUNGE FORWARD WHILE HOLDING THE BRAKE AT STOPS. THEN A FEW DAYS LATER WHENEVER I START THE CAR IT LUNGES FORWARD. NOTHING DRAMATIC BUT DEFINITELY NOTICEABLE. I STARTED LOOKING ONLINE TO SEE ABOUT A RECALL AND 1 WAS PRESENT A LONG TIME AGO. IS IT TO LATE TO GET MY CAR CHECKED OR HOW TO SEE IF IT WAS EVER SERVICED OR CALLED FOR THE RECALL.
Steering
Filed Dec 17, 2019149,000 milesTN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE WAGON. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering
Filed Dec 17, 2019149,000 milesTN
WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND MADE IT VERY HARD TO STEER ALMOST CAUSING ME TO HAVE A ACCIDENT AFTER COMING TO A STOP THE STEERING WHEEL WAS OFF CENTER AND VERY HARD TO TURN HAD TO GET CAR TOWED.I FIND THIS TO BE A COMPLETE RIP OFF BECAUSE I SEE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF STEERING PROBLEMS OF THE SAME MATTER
Structure › Body
Filed Jan 7, 2017115,000 milesNY
REAR SUBFRAME CONNECTION PASSENGER SIDE RUSTED THROUGH DUE TO FACTORY PUT AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSATE LINE SO THAT IT CONSTANTLY DUMPS CONDENSATE ON THIS AREA INSTEAD OF DRAINING CONDENSATE BEYOND AND TO THE GROUND. THE RESULT IS A RUSTED OUT SEVERED CONNECTION THEREBY CAUSING THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION TO BE HELD BY ONLY THREE OF THE FOUR CONNECTIONS NEEDED TO SAFELY HOLD ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION AS DESIGNED FROM THE FACTORY.
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 30, 2016155,000 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKES HESITATED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
Air Bags
Filed Feb 18, 2016MI
THE STEERING IS HORIBLE, ABOUT 3YEARS AGO CHANGED RACK APPION STEERING, AND JUST A WEEK AGO, PUT NEW STEERING PUMP ON, STILL.
Steering
Filed Nov 25, 2015TX
EVEN AFTER REPLACING THE SECOND POWER STEERING PUMP , IT IS HORRIBLE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL MOST OF THE TIME. ALSO, IT IS NOISY WHILE I'M DRIVING IT. IT HAD A NEW RACK AND PINION ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT . PARKING IN A PARKING LOT IS AWFUL AS IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO MANEUVER AROUND OTHER CARS. TURNING CORNERS ,SOMETIMES IT'S OKAY AND OTHER TIMES REALLY HARD. NOT SURE IF THIS COMPLAINT BELONGS HERE, BUT HEATER DOESN'T WORK ,EITHER. FEELS LIKE A/C IS ON . HAD A FRIEND CHECK IT AND HE IS HAVING A HARD TIME FIGURING IT OUT. DON'T KNOW HOW TO ANSWER "DATE HAPPENED" AS IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN AUGUST.
Structure
Filed May 8, 201465,988 milesCO
AFTER RAINS THE CAR GOT A WET FLOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ,NO WET SPOTS ON ROOF OR WINDOWS. IT WAS LEAKING WATER FROM THE DASH BOARD COMPARTMENT BOTTOM.WHILE DRIVING ,THE HEATER WAS ON AND IT STARTED SMOKING FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD COMPARTMENT BY PASSENGER SIDE I TURNED EVERYTHING OFF . I TOOK IT FOR REPAIR AND NOW, ON MAY IT RAINED HEAVY AGAIN AND IT HAS A PUDDLE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AGAIN ,SAME SITUATION AS BEFORE, WATER CAME FROM INSIDE.IS THIS A SAFETY HAZARD? I BOUGHT THIS CAR ON NOVEMBER 2013 ,AND I KNEW TOO LATE ABOUT THE HEATING SYSTEM RECALL ,I DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS EVER REPAIRED ON THAT RECALL.FORD DEALER IN COLORADO SAYS THERE IS NO WAY TO CHECK IT.ACCORDING TO SOME WEBSITES IT NEEDS SOMETHING TO HAVE A PROTECTION UNDER THE WIPERS VENTS(COWL) AND IT IS A FACTORY MISTAKE. I HAVE HAD THE HEATING SYSTEM REPAIRED 2 TIMES,TOO EXPENSIVE FOR ME.I AM UNDER EMPLOYED. I WANT TO KNOW IF THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. IT IS THE ONLY WAY I COULD MAKE FORD TO FIX THIS RECALLED IF THE CAR WAS NEVER FIXED FOR THIS BEFORE.THANKS FOR YOUR HELP. *TR
Suspension
Filed May 1, 201341,100 milesNH
VEHICLE SPRING FRACTURED BREAKING THE BOTTOM PART OFF THE COIL SPRING ON THE FRONT LEFT DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR.THE LEFT FRONT IS NOW LOWER AND TIRES SHOW WEAR. I HAVE STOPPED DRIVING AS A RESULT. *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Dec 3, 2012RI
1999 MERCURY SABLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TOTAL BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE IN VEHICLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Seat Belts
Filed Aug 31, 2012125,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT OR PROPERLY SECURE THE PASSENGER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V250000 SEAT BELTS: FRONT: ANCHORAGE); THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 28, 2011109,000 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1999 MERCURY SABLE WAGON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED WHEN THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 109,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Suspension › Rear
Filed Jun 28, 2011161,504 milesIL
MY 99 SABLE GS HAS A RECALL ON THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS AND FORD WILL NOT REPLACE THEM BECAUSE IT HAS EXCEEDED THE TIME FRAME. WHICH IS RIDICULOUS! I NEVER EVEN RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THE CAR WE FOUND THE RECALL ONLINE. ALSO THE REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE BROKEN AND THE TIRES ARE MESSED UP AND FORD WON'T RECALL THEM IF SALT IS GOING TO GET IN THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS AND MAKE THEM CRACK THEN WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THAT IT WON'T GET IN THE REAR? WE HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND ARE WORRIED ABOUT THEIR SAFETY. WE WILL BE GETTING A LAWYER AND FILE A COMPLAINT THROUGH HIM BECAUSE THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE FOR ANYONE TO BE IN LET ALONE CHILDREN. I THINK THEY SHOULD WORRY ABOUT SAFETY AND NOT MASS PRODUCTION. *TR
Suspension › Front
Filed Apr 24, 2011151,000 milesMN
SUB FRAME RUSTED THROUGH AROUND FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BOLTS CAUSING EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING AND POSSIBLE SEPARATION OF CONTROL ARM FROM SUB FRAME. FRONT MOUNT BOLT IS RECESSED 1/2 INCH IN TO THE SUB FRAME WHERE WATER/SALT CAN COLLECT AND HAS NO WHERE TO DRAIN. *TR
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jan 4, 201115,700 milesMI
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXCESSIVE RUST CAUSED THE STEERING COLUMN TO SNAP WHILE HE WAS DRIVING 45 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRAME HAD NOT BEEN COATED CORRECTLY AT PRODUCTION. THE MECHANIC REPAIRED THE FRAME AND STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,700. UPDATED 2/22/11 *CN UPDATED 12/06/2011 *LN
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jan 1, 2011140,000 milesPA
SUBFRAME OF VEHICLE IS SEVERELY RUSTED TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS STRUCTURALLY UNSOUND. MOST OF THE BODY ROT IS COVERED BY THE PLASTIC MOLDING UNDER THE DOORS, AND IS NOT VISIBLE UNTIL THE MOLDING IS REMOVED. IT SEEMS THAT WATER AND ROAD SALT MUST GET TRAPPED BETWEEN THE MOLDING AND METAL LEADING TO THE EXTENSIVE RUST. THE FRAME BREAKING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WOULD LEAD TO A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WHICH COULD CAUSE A POTENTIALLY FATAL ACCIDENT. *TR
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Filed Jun 16, 201098,000 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WAS STUCK IN THE ANCHORAGE AND WOULD NOT PULL OUT OR RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V250000 (SEAT BELTS: FRONT: ANCHORAGE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SERVICED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 98,000. UPDATED 10/27/10. *LJ
Wheels › RimCrash
Filed Oct 1, 2009122,000 milesIN
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE LS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE DRIFTED OFF OF THE ROAD AND INTO A WOODED AREA. HE SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE NOTICED THAT THE CORROSION ON THE CHROME PLATED WHEEL CAUSED THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE TO LOSE PRESSURE. ALL FOUR WHEELS WERE REPLACED WITH ALLOYED WHEELS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 122,000. UPDATED 04/01/10 *BF THE TIRE LOST AIR PRESSURE AS A RESULT OF CHROMING OF THE TIRE SEALING AREA. UPDATED 07/19/*JB
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 8, 200997,000 milesNY
COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO SAFELY STOP THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE ABOUT THREE YEARS AGO AND A REPAIR CENTER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE. BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys
Filed May 20, 2009140,000 milesIN
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONSUMER DROVE OVER A SMALL PUDDLE OF WATER, WHICH CAUSED THE POWER STEERING TO LOCK UP. A FEW SECONDS LATER, THE POWER STEERING RETURNED. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE STEERING FAILS WHENEVER THE SERPENTINE BELT GETS WET. THE BELT MUST DRY OFF BEFORE HE CAN GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED BETWEEN FIVE AND SIX TIMES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,000. UPDATED 07/17/09. *LJ UPDATED 07/20/09.*JB
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 13, 200991,000 milesMI
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V332000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS). CURRENTLY, THE REAR SPRINGS FAILED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER BECAUSE FORD GAVE THEM PERMISSION TO REPLACE THE REAR SPRINGS. AS OF DECEMBER 2008, THE DEALER NO LONGER REPAIRS THE REAR SPRINGS AND THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000. UPDATED 05/06/09 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED TO DISREGARD THE COMPLAINT. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT THE SPRINGS. UPDATED 05/08/09.*JB
Seat Belts
Filed Mar 16, 2009WI
IN MY 1999 MERCURY SABLE VEHICLE THE SEAT BELTS ARE NOT WORKING RIGHT. KEEPS ON COMING ATTACHED FROM THE MECHANISM THAT HOLD THE BELT ACROSS YOUR BODY. PLEASE HELP ME . *TR
Structure
Filed Jan 8, 2009135,030 milesNH
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ROCKER PANELS WERE RUSTED AND ROTTED BEYOND REPAIR. THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE VEHICLE TOGETHER WAS THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. SHE NOTICED THE ISSUE AFTER THE VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE THE CONTACT DID NOT PURCHASE AN EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,030.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Oct 31, 200850,000 milesOR
THE BRAKES ON THE 1999 MERCURY SABLE THAT I PURCHASED 4 YEARS AGO HAVE BEEN REPAIRED AND/OR REPLACED 4 TIMES! NOW THEY ARE GOING OUT AGAIN. I HAVE HAD THE ROTORS TURNED, AND EVERY OTHER THING THAT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED. WHEN I ASKED THE LAST MECHANIC WHY MY BRAKES KEEP GOING OUT, HE STATED THAT THIS SIZE OF FORD WAS NOT SUPPLIED WITH AN APPROPRIATE BRAKE FOR THE SIZE OF CAR. I ASKED WHAT COULD BE DONE TO REMEDY THE SITUATION, AND WAS INFORMED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO KEEP REPLACING THE BRAKES. I THINK THIS IS A HORRIBLE ANSWER. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT FORD WILL DO FOR ME. I LIVE IN OREGON AND AM SURROUNDED BY MOUNTAINS, BUT I DON'T DARE GO OVER ANY OF THE MOUNTAIN RANGES BECAUSE GOING DOWNHILL AND APPLYING THE BRAKES MAKES THE ENTIRE CAR SHIMMY AND IT FEELS LIKE I WILL LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR AND THAT IT WON'T STOP. I HAVE TO MAKE WEEKLY TRIPS OVER THE MOUNTAINS, SO I ALWAYS RENT A CAR. THIS IS GETTING TO BE TOO EXPENSIVE. I OWN MY CAR FREE AND CLEAR AND WOULD LIKE THE BRAKES TO STAY FIXED ONCE I GET THEM FIXED BEFORE THERE IS AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed Jul 31, 2008104,000 milesMI
I HAVE A 1999 MERCURY SABLE. IN JANUARY 11, 2008, I HAVE REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP. ON JULY 15, 2008, THE PUMP STOPPED AGAIN. I HAVE NOTICED THAT SOME OF THE 2000 MERCURY SABLES ARE ON RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. MIGHT THE 1999 MERCURY SABLE BE LOOKED AT IN THIS LIGHT TO ASCERTAIN IF THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM? *TR
Seat Belts › Rear/Other
Filed Jan 2, 2008110,000 milesMN
REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT RESTRAINTS DO NOT WORK. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO EXTEND THE SEAT BELT ACROSS THE LAP AND SHOULDER OF THE PASSENGER. THUS IT IS UNSAFE FOR ALL PASSENGERS RIDING IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, AND PREVENTS PROPER INSTALLATION OF ANY AND ALL CHILD SAFETY SEATS.*CN
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jan 23, 200734,526 milesNY
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS TONE RINGS CRACKED. THE DRIVER FELT THE ABS PUMP. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR AND WAS TOLD THE TONE RINGS ARE WEARING AND CRACKED, AND THE AXLE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAS HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED . *AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Hoses/Lines/Piping/Fittings
Filed Jan 19, 200712,000 milesGA
TL* - THE CONTACT HAS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE MAY 22 2006, THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE HEAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAS HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE SHE PURCHASED IT. THE VEHICLE OPERATES WITH A HIGH TEMPERATURE READING, AND THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO SLIP GEARS WHEN YOU APPLY THE GAS PEDAL AND BACK FIRES WHILE SWITCHING GEARS. THE DEALER HAS NOT ADDRESSED THE FAILURES THAT THE CONTACT HAS EXPERIENCED WITH HER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OCTOBER OF 2006 WAS THE LAST TIME SHE CORRESPONDED WITH THE DEALER AND THEY STILL HAVE DONE NOTHING TO HELP HER.
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Jan 17, 2007197,456 milesMA
FRONT COIL SPRING ON A '99 SABLE, THE RECALL WAS ONLY GOOD UP TO 150 MILES AND MY CAR ALREADY HAD 197 MILES. FORD WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE SPRING BECAUSE THE HAD A RECALL LIMIT. I HAVE DRIVEN OVER 1.3 MILES NEVER BROKE A SPRING. HOW CAN FORD SET A LIMIT FOR THIS RECALL. *JB
Interior Lighting
Filed Jan 5, 2007SC
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DRIVING 1999 MERCURY SABLE SHE HAD TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND THE DOME LIGHT CONTINUED TO STAY ON FOR 40 MINUTES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS HAPPENED ON 1/7/07 AND WAS WORRIED THAT THIS MAY CAUSE A FIRE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLES POWER WAS OFF AND THE VEHICLE WAS LOCKED.*AK
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Nov 14, 200696,600 milesMI
I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A REAR SUSPENSION SQUEAK DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT A BROKEN REAR COIL SPRING WAS THE CAUSE OF THE SQUEAK. THE PART OF THE SPRING THAT RESTED IN THE SPRING SEAT HAD FRACTURED SEVERAL INCHES FROM THE END OF THE COIL. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED REPLACING BOTH COIL SPRINGS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF THE UNBROKEN SPRING FRACTURING, PUNCTURING THE TIRE AND CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I PAID FOR REPLACEMENT OF BOTH COIL SPRINGS AND HAD THE REAR STRUTS REPLACED AT THE SAME TIME TO RESTORE THE CAR'S ORIGINAL RIDE QUALITY. *JB
Wheels › Rim
Filed Oct 28, 200660,000 milesNH
REAR LEFT TIRE CONSISTENTLY LOW, EVEN AFTER BEING FILLED AND RE-FILLED ON A WEEKLY BASIS. AFTER TAKING TO A SERVICE STATION, MECHANIC STATED THE RIM WAS FAULTY AND TIRE WAS SEPARATING FROM THE RIM. THEY SEALED THE TIRE TO THE RIM. AFTER HAVING ALL TIRES REPLACED A FEW MONTHS LATER, SAME ISSUE WITH SAME REAR LEFT TIRE. DIFFERENT MECHANIC ALSO STATED UPON INSPECTION THAT RIM WAS WARPED. CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, NOR ABUSED. RIMS ARE STANDARD MANUFACTURERS. *NM
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash2 injured
Filed Oct 5, 2006170,000 milesAL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE GAS PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT A HOUSE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE BUT IT DID NOT HELP IN PREVENTING THE ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE PEDALS. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. UPDATED 10/31/2006 - THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND GLASS IN HER EYES. THE CONSUMER'S ANKLE WAS CRACKED AND HAD TORN LIGAMENTS. *NM
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Oct 2, 200658,486 milesNH
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER FOR A BROKEN ROD, IT WAS DETERMINED THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING FROM THE CENTER SEAM. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE LEAK, BUT THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 4, 2006PA
TRANSMISSION TEMPORARILY FAILS TO SHIFT WHEN ACCELERATING OR BRAKING. *JB
Steering › Electric Power Assist System
Filed Jul 31, 200640,000 milesIN
WHEN I DRIVE MY VEHICLE THROUGH ANY PUDDLE OF WATER, THE POWER STEERING FAILS, THE CAR CAN NOT BE DRIVEN, AND THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS; THE STEERING FAILS AS YOU TRY TO MAKE A TURN!!!!!*JB
Steering
Filed Jul 24, 2006102,641 milesNJ
THE STEERING GEAR ASSY BROKE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. WE DROVE STRAIGHT TO THE MERC DEALER. THE MECHANIC WOULD NOT EVEN TEST DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE HE SAID IT WAS TOO DANGEROUS. *NM
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 8, 200670,000 milesPA
WAS DRIVING IN STOP-AND-GO TRAFFIC NEAR HOLLAND TUNNELS IN NYC WHEN BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. WENT TO STOP AND PEDAL TRAVELED COMPLETELY TO FLOOR. HAD TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. 2 HOUR WAIT FOR TOW TRUCK, SO DECIDED TO TRY DRIVING AGAIN AFTER 1 HOUR. BRAKES APPEARED TO FUNCTION NORMALLY THEREAFTER, ALTHOUGH A LITTLE SPONGY AT FIRST. *JB
MY MERCURY SABLE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURN ON INTERMITTENTLY WHEN YOU USE THE BLINKER AND SOMETIMES WHEN YOU ARE JUST HOLDING THE STEERING WHEEL. ESPECIALLY ON A SUNNY DAY, THIS DEFECT IS A STARTLING OCCURRENCE AND COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. I EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM ON MY OTHER TWO 1999 FORD VEHICLES. MY 1999 EXPEDITION DID THE SAME THING AND THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH WAS REPLACED UNDER THE FORD PROGRAM NUMBER 00B40. MY 1999 TAURUS ALSO DID THE SAME THING AND THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH WAS REPLACED UNDER THE 36,000-MILE WARRANTY. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A KNOWN PROBLEM TO FORD AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. IF IT HAS HAPPENED TO THREE 1999 VEHICLES IN THE SAME HOUSEHOLD, I AM SURE THE PROBLEM IS MUCH MORE WIDESPREAD AND A SAFETY RECALL IS IN ORDER. *NM
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 27, 200697,000 milesIL
AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON OUR 1999 MERCURY SABLE [XXX] AFTER AN ACCIDENT. THE FRONT OF OUR CAR HIT THE SIDE OF A MINI-VAN WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO TIP THE MINI-VAN OVER. POLICE ESTIMATED WE WERE TRAVELING AT 30 MPH. *NM UPDATED 07/16/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Mar 30, 200683,000 milesNY
FRONT SPRING FAILURE, TIRE DAMAGE. *NM
Air Bags
Filed Mar 27, 200691,000 milesIL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE COVER OVER THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS SEPARATING FROM THE DASH. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED, BUT THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY A MECHANIC.
Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Mar 20, 200686,000 milesLA
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT IMPACT COLLISION AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALTHOUGH BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING SEATBELTS, THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DID NOT LOCK RESULTING IN FORWARD MOTION, WHICH CAUSED THE OCCUPANTS TO STRIKE THE DASH PANEL AREA. MINOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE HAD MODERATE DAMAGE. THE POLICE WERE ON THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY A DEALER.
Steering
Filed Dec 10, 200556,000 milesVA
NOISY POWER STEERING PUMP & LOSS POWER STEERING. THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND STEERING RACK AND PINION WERE REPLACED ON OUR 1999 SABLE WHEN IT HAD 56,000 MILES. *JB
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater Core
Filed Nov 28, 200543,000 milesWA
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE HEATER DID NOT WORK. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE HEATER CORE WAS BLOCKED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN FIXED DUE TO REPAIR EXPENSE.*AK
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Nov 17, 2005NJ
THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER TURNS ON BY ITSELF, SOMETIMES IT ONLY GOES ON ONCE AND OTHER TIMES IT WILL DO IT FOR A FEW TIMES. IT USED TO ONLY HAPPEN ONCE EVERY FEW MONTHS, NOW THERE ARE DAYS THAT IT HAPPENS EVERY FEW MINUTES. I HAVE NOT TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER YET, BECAUSE I WANT TO GET MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TO SEE IF IT WILL BECOME A RECALL OR NOT (SINCE OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM). *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Oct 17, 2005MI
1999 MERCURY SABLE LS VIN - [XXX] CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW FROM COPPER COUNTRY FORD 12/16/98 WARRANTY - 36,000 MILES / 6 YEARS ----------------------------------------------- AT APPROX 36,095 MILES OCT 2004 I HAD TO REPLACE THE RACK AND PINION STEERING. SEEING AS HOW I WAS OVER THE WARRANTY, I CALLED THE FORD MO. CO AND ASKED IF THERE WAS ANYTHING THEY WOULD DO. TOWN & COUNTRY FORD (LOCAL FORD DEALER IN MY TOWN) SAID THEY WOULD CHARGE ME FOR THE LABOR ONLY. APRIL 11, 2005 WITH APPROX 38,000 MILES IT STARTED TO LEAK OIL. I TOOK IT TO TOWN & COUNTRY AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED A NEW OIL PAN GASKET. THEY REPAIRED IT AT MY EXPENSE. APPROX A MONTH LATER, IT WAS LEAKING AGAIN. TOOK IT IN, AND THEY SAID THEY FIXED IT... OIL PAN GASKET NEEDED SOME TWEEKING, SO THEY SAID. I TOOK IT TO HAVE ITS NORMAL 3000 MI OIL CHECK DAYS LATER, AND THE MAN WHO LOOKED AT MY ENGINE SAID THE FAN BELT WAS SHREDDED, AND COULD NOT BELIEVE SOMEONE WAS WORKING ON MY ENGINE DAYS PRIOR AND DID NOT FIX IT OR TELL ME ABOUT IT. I HAD THE FAN BELT REPLACED. OCT 13, 2005 MY CAR IS STILL LEAKING OIL. I TOOK IT TO TOWN & COUNTRY FORD, AND NOW THEY TELL ME I NEED A NEW ENGINE.....BECAUSE THE BLOCK IS CRACKED. I ASKED IF MAYBE THE OIL LEAK THAT HAD STARTED IN APRIL MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO THE CRACKED BLOCK, TO WHICH I NEVER GOT AN ANSWER. WHEN I ASKED WHY THE BLOCK WAS CRACKED, THE ANSWER I GOT WAS "ITS MADE OF ALUMINUM, AND SOMETIMES THESE THINGS HAPPEN." CURRENT MILEAGE IS APPROX 40,000. I JUST CALLED THE FORD MOTOR CO AND THEY
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Oct 14, 2005PA
CONSUMER HAD COIL SPRING SHIELDS INSTALLED UNDER SAFETY RECALL, VEHICLE WOULD MAKE A LOUD NOISE WHEN HITTING A DIP. *TS THE SHIELDS THAT WERE INSTALLED UNDER THE RECALL WAS CAUSING THE NOISE, SO THEREFORE THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THAT THE DEALER REMOVE THEM. ONCE THEY WERE REMOVED, THE NOISE STOPPED. THE DEALER DID ADVISE THE CONSUMER THAT DRIVING WITHOUT THE SHIELDS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. *JB
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 18, 200597,101 milesOH
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR STARTED SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THEN THE SMOKE STARTED COMING INSIDE THE CAR FROM THE DASHBOARD. AFTER THAT THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. ALMOST EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD BURNED UP. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE. *NM
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module
Filed Aug 30, 200547,651 milesPA
CONSUMER REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST REGARDING THE REPLACEMENT FOR THE 1999 MERCURY SABLE ABS MODULE.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM FIRST BEGAN WHEN THE BRAKES WERE MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE AND STICKING WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES WAS NOT DIAGNOSED PROPERLY WHICH LED TO UNNECESSARY COSTLY BRAKE REPAIR BILLS. *JB
Complaints 1-50 of 258, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
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: Jul 15, 2004. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.