2000 Mercury Sable

Above average

Owners filed 464 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension. It has been recalled 7 times.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
64,245 milesMedian miles at failure

232 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2000 Mercury Sable problems

153 of the 464 complaints (33%) are about the suspension.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs53
000
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs46
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration34
1203
Suspension › Rear18
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages · brakes18
402
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · headlights17
000
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal · throttle and acceleration16
202
Suspension › Rear › Springs14
001
Air Bags · airbags14
406
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission12
200

2000 Mercury Sable suspension problems

33% of all complaints

153 of the 464 complaints are about the suspension.

Share of the 153 suspension complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
66,000 mi
median of 120 reports
Peak year of filing
2004
38 suspension complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
1 · 0 · 2
in these complaints
Recalls on the suspension
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 mercury sable. While driving various speeds, the vehicle handled poorly and was unstable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the entire suspension was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was invalid.”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 11, 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 mercury sable. While driving 35 MPH over a bump, the contact heard an abnormal noise underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that both springs had fractured. The mechanic also diagnosed that the brakes and ball joints needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the springs were not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 22, 2016 at 200,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2000: 42 complaints, 0 about the suspension'002001: 53 complaints, 0 about the suspension2002: 57 complaints, 0 about the suspension'022003: 52 complaints, 1 about the suspension2004: 70 complaints, 38 about the suspension'042005: 52 complaints, 38 about the suspension2006: 23 complaints, 15 about the suspension'062007: 26 complaints, 19 about the suspension2008: 17 complaints, 11 about the suspension'082009: 15 complaints, 12 about the suspension2010: 13 complaints, 7 about the suspension'102011: 13 complaints, 4 about the suspension2012: 5 complaints, 0 about the suspension'122013: 9 complaints, 4 about the suspension2014: 3 complaints, 0 about the suspension'142015: 6 complaints, 2 about the suspension2016: 1 complaints, 1 about the suspension'162017: 2 complaints, 0 about the suspension2018: 1 complaints, 0 about the suspension'182019: 3 complaints, 1 about the suspension2020: 1 complaints, 0 about the suspension'20Recall 00V242000 (equipment)Recall 01V075000 (headlights)Recall 01V078000 (headlights)Recall 02V266000 (brakes)Recall 04V106000 (headlights)Recall 04V332000 (suspension)NHTSA investigation PE12033NHTSA investigation EA06002NHTSA investigation PE05054NHTSA investigation RP03001NHTSA investigation RQ03008NHTSA investigation PE02035
All complaintsAbout the suspensionRecall (red: the suspension)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2000 Sable peaked in 2004, with 70 filed that year. Owners had filed 15 complaints about the suspension before the first recall that covers it, 04V332000 in July 2004; 138 more have come in since. In 2020 owners filed 1 so far.

7 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.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch04V106000
Filed Mar 2, 2004938,789 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS MALFUNCTIONING COULD RENDER THE STOP LAMPS INOPERABLE OR CAUSE THEM TO STAY ON ALL THE TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE CONFUSION TO A FOLLOWING DRIVER, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Risk. IN ADDITION, IF THE SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING FAIL IN THE OPEN POSITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ACTUATE AND THE DRIVER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF "PARK" IF THEY FAIL IN THE CLOSED POSITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL REMAIN ON, WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW THE SPEED CONTROL TO BE ACTIVATED. THIS COULD ALSO CAUSE THE BATTERY TO DISCHARGE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED STOP LAMP SWITCH AND WIRE ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages02V266000
Filed Oct 2, 2002369,614 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PADELS ARE BEING RECALLED IN ORDER TO ADJUST THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS TO A MINIMUM OF 50 MM OF LATERAL SEPARATION. SIMULTANEOUS APPLICATION OF BOTH THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS COULD RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN A CUSTOMER EXPERIENCING AN "UNINTENDED VEHICLE SPEED INCREASE" OR A PERCEIVED "UNABLE TO STOP" CONDITION.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED AS TO THE PROPER WAY TO SET THE POSITION OF THE PEDALS AND TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE SPACING BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS MEASURED. IF THE SPACING IS FOUND TO BE LESS THAN 50 MM, THE DEALER WILL ADJUST THE PEDALS TO INCREASE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THEM TO GREATER THAN 50 MM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 28, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor01V258000
Filed Aug 8, 20011,083,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.

Risk. LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 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.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch01V075000
Filed Mar 12, 200174,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. DUE TO THE USE OF INCORRECT MATERIAL BY A SUPPLIER, THE HEADLAMP SWITCH KNOB CAN FRACTURE AND SEPARATE FROM THE HEADLAMP SWITCH.

Risk. THIS WOULD CAUSE DIFFICULTY FOR THE DRIVER TO ACTIVATE THE HEADLAMPS, WHICH COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH KNOB. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 9, 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 1-800-392-3673.

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights › Switch01V078000
Filed Mar 12, 2001157,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS. IF THE GREASE FROM THE ADJUSTABLE PEDAL ASSEMBLY ENTERS THE STOP LAMP SWITCH, IT CAN CONTAMINATE THE CONTACTS LEADING TO CARBON BUILD UP, AND POTENTIALLY, A SHORT CIRCUIT.

Risk. A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO EITHER THE BRAKE LAMPS STAYING ON, OR TO A LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP FUNCTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH AND WIPE DOWN THE ADJUSTABLE PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO REMOVE EXCESS GREASE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 22, 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 1-800-392-3673.

Equipment › Other › Labels00V242000
Filed Aug 24, 2000167,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE "VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT" AND "DESIGNATED SEATING CAPACITY" INFORMATION WAS NOT PRINTED ON THE SAFETY CERTIFICATION LABELS AFFIXED TO THESE VEHICLES. ON AFFECTED SABLE SEDAN VEHICLES, THE "VEHICLES CAPACITY WEIGHT" (AND ALSO THE LUGGAGE LOAD) INFORMATION PRINTED ON THIS LABEL IS INCORRECT - SABLE WAGON LUGGAGE LOAD WAS INCORRECTLY USED FOR THE SABLE SEDAN. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE LABEL REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."

Risk. EXCESSIVE LOADING CAN CAUSE TIRE AND VEHICLE DAMAGE THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENTAL LABEL WITH THE CORRECT INFORMATION, ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THE LABEL ADJACENT TO THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 20, 2000. 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 1-800-392-3673.

All 7 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. 9 name the 2000 Sable.

Speed control cable damagePreliminary evaluation PE12033Closed
Opened Oct 24, 2012Closed Jun 26, 2013throttle and acceleration

On June 21, 2013, Ford initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 13B04 to address a concern with Speed Control Cable damage in certain model year (MY) 2000 through 2003 Taurus and Sable vehicles equipped with 3.0L 4V Duratec engines and built at the Chicago assembly plant.In the dealer letter for the program, Ford indicates that the Speed Control Cables on affected vehicles may be susceptible to damage or becoming partially disconnected during under hood vehicle maintenance (e.g., replacing a battery or changing the air filter) and that a damaged Speed Control Cable could interfere with the …

REAR COIL SPRING FRACTUREEngineering analysis EA06002Closed
Opened Jan 24, 2006Closed Feb 5, 2007suspension

Odi's analysis identified a high complaint rate for the rear coil springs in the salt belt states (approximately 250 per 100,000 vehicles).approximately 59 percent of the complaints alleged that the coil spring failure caused damage to the adjacent rear tire, with about half of these (30 percent of total complaints) alleging that the damage resulted in air loss.because air loss from a rear tire can result in changes in vehicle handling characteristics, odi examined field data, test data and interviewed consumers to assess the safety consequences of such failures in the subject vehicle …

REAR COIL SPRING FRACTUREPreliminary evaluation PE05054Closed
Opened Sep 27, 2005Closed Jan 24, 2006suspension

The office of defect investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation, pe05-054, based on 131 vehicle owner questionnaires related to alleged rear coil spring fractures.since opening the investigation there have been an additional sixty-three (63) complaints alleging rear coil spring fracture.an analysis of the vehicle owner questionnaires (voqs) submitted to odi reveals that 42% of the complainants allege that the adjacent tire was punctured as result of a rear coil spring fracture. Additionally, an analysis of the complaint data received by odi from FORD reveals the following: there were a …

FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTUREPreliminary evaluation PE04044Closed
Opened May 24, 2004Closed Aug 16, 2004Led to recall 04V332000suspension

Odi possesses 130 vehicle owners questionnaires (voq) alleging front suspension coil spring failure in the subject (model year 1999-2000) vehicles.an additional 11 voqs concerning my 2001 vehicles have been found, bringing the total to 141.more than 75% of these reports allege that the broken spring damaged or punctured the adjacent tire.all of these reports originated in the salt belt states located in the northeast quadrant of the united states and canada.FORD will conduct a safety recall (04v-332) covering vehicles soldor currently registered in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, …

BRAKE/ACCELERATOR PEDAL APPLICATIONRecall petition RP03001Closed
Opened Oct 31, 2003Closed Mar 23, 2004brakes

Ms. Rodman reported that after her vehicle was inspected for the recall, her mother experienced a sudden acceleration and crashed the sable into a light pole.previously NHTSA had conducted an investigation for this issue (pe02-035) that resulted in the recall (02v-266) of 369,000 my 2000-2002 taurus and sable vehicles equipped with adjustable brake and accelerator pedals to insure that the separation between the pedals was at least 50mm..a review of odi's database for complaints regarding recall 02v-266 did not identify any recall remedy complaints other than the petitioner's.ms. Rodman?s …

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURERecall query RQ03008Closed
Opened Oct 23, 2003Closed Mar 5, 2004Led to recall 04V106000headlights

Ford conducted a recall in march, 2001 to correct a defect affecting the brake light switch in my 2000 through early-2001 taurus and sable vehicles equipped with power adjustable pedals (recall 01v-078).rq03-008 was opened to investigate complaints concerning the remedy and scope of 01v-078.odi's analysis identified concerns with post-repair failures in recalled vehicles,failures in my 2001-02 vehicles with adjustable pedals that were not included in recall 01v-078, and failures in my 2000 vehicles with fixed pedals.(note: the manufacturer failure data in this resume includes all crashes and …

FRONTAL AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT IN CRASHEngineering analysis EA03010Closed
Opened Jul 2, 2003Closed Jun 23, 2004airbags

This investigation identified a total of 427 reports alleging non-deployment of the frontal air bags.of the 427 reports, two incidents (fatal crashes) have been identified as severe frontal crashes in which the frontal air bags did not deploy.a defect trend has not been identified at this time.further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see …

FRONTAL AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT IN CRASHPreliminary evaluation PE03002Closed
Opened Jan 6, 2003Closed Jul 2, 2003airbags

Ford motor company has identified 260 reports alleging frontal air bag non-deployment for any (severity) frontal or near-frontal crash on model year 2000-2001 FORD taurus and mercury sable vehicles.additional crash reports are contained in NHTSA's fatality analysis reporting system (fars) database.the single odi report listed in the report summary is NHTSA's special crash investigation's case no. Ca00-020 that involved a high-speed crash non-deployment involving a driver fatality and front passenger injury.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea03-010) and …

BRAKE/ACCEL PEDAL SEPARATIONPreliminary evaluation PE02035Closed
Opened Mar 15, 2002Closed Oct 22, 2002Led to recall 02V266000brakes

Technical service bulletins

174 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2000 Sable. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

transmission 47engine 38electrical system 15visibility 13equipment 12suspension 8body and frame 7airbags 7
02M01Service campaignJun 1, 2004engine

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 02M01 SUPPLEMENT #4. CERTAIN FORD 2000 THROUGH 2003 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TUBE-MOUNTED EGR PRESSURE SENSOR - ADDITIONAL EGR PRESSURE SENSOR WARRANTY COVERAGE. *TT SUPPLEMENT #3. *MJ SUPPLEMENT #6. *TT

16-0068Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 21, 2016suspension

For 1999-2001 Taurus or Sable vehicles Safety Recall 04S17 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where the front coil springs could potentially fracture. A fractured front coil spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire. If a front coil spring should fracture and come in contact …

TSB160068Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 21, 2016suspension

Safety recall 04S17 - Front coil springs - requests for recall service action

TSB-14-0165Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 9, 2014suspension

MERCURY/FORD: SAFETY RECALL REGARDING FRONT COIL SPRINGS CAN FRACTURE ON VEHICLES OPERATING FOR EXTENDED PERIODS IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS. MODEL 1999-01 TAURUS, SABLE. *PE

TSB-14-0149Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsAug 11, 2014suspension

MERCURY/FORD: FRONT COIL SPRINGS CAN FRACTURE, AFTER OPERATING, FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS, MOVE MOVE PAST SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT RUPTURE FRONT TIRE, RESULTING RAPID AIR LOSS. MODEL 1999-2001 TAURUS, SABLE. *PE

17094Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsAug 1, 2003suspension

RATTLING OR CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. *TT

16710Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 1, 2003suspension

RATTLING OR CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. *TT *JB

Showing the newest 6 of 8 bulletins about the suspension, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Apr 29, 2020130,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE HEATER FAILED TO BLOW HOT AIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LB SMITH FORD LOCATED AT 1100 MARKET ST, LEMOYNE, PA 17043, (717)761-6700, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEATER COIL WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Engine
Filed Oct 8, 201955,000 milesOH

I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT STALLING CONSTANTLY WHEN I HAVE SAT AT A LIGHT I DONT JAVW THE MONEY TO FIX THIS DUE TO ON A FIXED INCOME WAS TOLD IT HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE THROTTLE CONTROL ISSUE AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON IT DUE THIS

Suspension
Filed Apr 11, 2019MI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HANDLED POORLY AND WAS UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE SUSPENSION WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 19, 201997,485 milesTX

THE CAP INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON. AFTER CHECKING IT SEVERAL TIMES I WAS INFORMED BY AN AUTO TECHNICIAN THAT THE NECK OF THE FUEL PIPE NEEDS TO BE REPLACE.

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed Oct 15, 2018140,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEFROST FEATURE FOR THE FRONT WINDSHIELD DID NOT WORK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY TIME THE DEFROSTER WAS ACTIVATED FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Nov 16, 2017100,000 milesAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE DASHBOARD AREA WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY NEIGHBORS. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT FILED, AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES DUE TO THE FIRE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 14, 2017116,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE RPMS INCREASED TO 500 OR MORE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.

Suspension
Filed Apr 22, 2016200,000 milesIA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH OVER A BUMP, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT BOTH SPRINGS HAD FRACTURED. THE MECHANIC ALSO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKES AND BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE SPRINGS WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 10, 201588,000 milesCO

I WAS IN A PARKING LOT OF A STORE, STARTED MY CAR, HEADED OUT ONTO A CITY STREET, TURNED RIGHT. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY VEHICLE TOOK OFF, STARTED SPEEDING UP. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, IT SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN A LITTLE, BUT THE BRAKE FELT LIKE AIR AND DIDN'T FEEL LIKE IT WAS BRAKING CORRECTLY. LUCKILY, I HAD A GREEN LIGHT, WENT THROUGH THAT, KEPT BRAKING. THE CAR SLOWED DOWN A LITTLE BIT BUT THEN WOULD NOT STOP COMPLETELY, SURGED A LITTLE MORE; I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT; BRAKED AGAIN, MY CAR KEPT GOING AT SLOW SPEED; I PULLED ON MY PARKING BRAKE, NOTHING HAPPENED. THEN, I PUT THE CAR INTO PARK, WHICH STOPPED IT. THEN I PULLED OUT THE KEY. I CALLED THE MECHANIC I USE. HE SENT A TOW TRUCK TO ME. MY CAR IS AT THE MECHANICS NOW.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 25, 2015141,216 milesOH

I DROVE THE CAR HOME AFTER PURCHASING IT AND IT WAS WOBBLING AND I PULLED OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AND DID NOT KNOW WHY IT WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE. THE MECHANIC SIAD A WHEEL BEARING IS BROKEN ON A TIRE.

Suspension
Filed Nov 25, 2015141,220 milesOH

I JUST BOUGHT A 2000 MERCURY SABLE, WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND MAKING A TURN, I FELT SOMETHING POP & A SPRING COIL ON THE DRIVERS SIDE BROKE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 24, 2015154,000 milesWI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR PRESENT INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Feb 4, 2015192,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000.

Engine
Filed Jan 26, 2015167,000 milesPA

SUBJECT:2000 MERCURY SABLE LS. WHEN STARTING VEHICLE WHEN RAINING VEHICLE TENDS TO CHOKE OUT OR MISS AND NOT HAVE ANY POWER. IF ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. SOMEONE MENTIONED TO ME THAT COMPUTER COULD BE GETTING WET OR HOLDING CONDENSATION. THE WARNING ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON. IF DRIVEN FOR A DISTANCE AFTER RAIN IS OVER THE NEXT DAY OR SO THE LIGHT WILL GO OFF. IS THIS A PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR CAR? THE ENGINE WAS TUNED FIVE YEARS AGO WHEN PURCHASED. WHEN THE WEATHER IS DRY OR JUST SNOWING THE CAR IDLES OKAY AND RUNS SMOOTH. *TR

Power Train
Filed Nov 28, 201476,204 milesMO

THE TORQUE CONVERTER IN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE STOPPED DEAD IN THE STREET. I WAS ON A SIDE STREET AT THE TIME AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. I CALLED 4 TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOPS IN THE ST. CHARLES, MO AREA FOR PRICING. THEY WERE ALL AWARE OF THIS DEFECT BUT FORD DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL AND WILL NOT OFFER ANY TYPE OF SATISFACTION FOR THE REPAIR. IF I HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED, ON A BUSY STREET OR HIGHWAY, AN ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. I THINK THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD. I DON'T KNOW THAT ANY OTHER CONSUMERS HAVE COMPLAINED BUT A SURVEY OF TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOPS WOULD SURELY REVEAL THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM. *TR

Electrical System
Filed May 26, 2014160,000 milesVA

ALL LIGHTS GO OUT WITHOUT WARNING. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 16, 2014146,000 milesVA

THIS SABLE HAD THE STUCK THROTTLE PROBLEM RECALL PERFORMED IN OCTOBER 2013. YESTERDAY, A DANGEROUS ACCELERATION CONDITION OCCURRED. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT, THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING EVEN AFTER TAKING ALL PRESSURE FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I ENTERED AN ON RAMP AND ACCELERATED TO JOIN WITH TRAFFIC. EVEN AFTER COMPLETELY REMOVING MY FOOT FROM THE PEDAL THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING TO OVER 75 MILES AN HOUR. I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, BUT HAD TO SHUT OFF THE IGNITION TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND IT IMMEDIATELY WENT TO 5500 RPM AND STARTED CUTTING OUT (MISFIRING- I ASSUME WAS CAUSED BY A REV LIMITER). I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AGAIN. AFTER TWO MORE TRIES STARTING, AND REVVING TO 5500 RPM, IT FINALLY STARTED AND IDLED AT 800 RPM. WHILE CLIMBING A HILL THE ACCELERATOR STUCK AGAIN, BUT AT 3000 RPM. I AGAIN HAD TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE IN ORDER TO STOP. WHEN I RESTARTED, IT REVVED TO 3000 RPM. I SHUT IT OFF AGAIN AND OPENED THE HOOD. I MANUALLY PULLED ON THE THROTTLE CABLE TO INSURE IT WAS NOT APPLYING PRESSURE. I THEN STARTED THE ENGINE AND IT IDLED AT 800 RPM. THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED IN OCTOBER 2013I HAVE THE SABLE AT A DEALER AT PRESENT TO REPAIR THE THROTTLE PROBLEM. AT NO TIME WAS CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. HAD MY WIFE BEEN DRIVING, I'M NOT SURE SHE WOULD NOT HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT. TURNING OFF THE IGNITION WAS THE ONLY WAY TO PREVENT ENGINE DAMAGE AND SLOW THE CAR TO AVOID A HIGH SPEED ACCIDENT. I JUST RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALER. THE RECALL (AT A

Power Train
Filed Nov 20, 201318,963 milesFL

EXITED FROM THE HIGHWAY TO REFUEL. UPON FUELING WE INTENDED TO CONTINUE OUR TRIP AS PLANNED. CAR STOPPED AT LIGHT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE FOR 5-10 FEET. ENGINE MADE A REVVING SOUND AND ALL POWER WAS LOST. ALL FUELS LOOK GOOD AND THIS CAR HAS LESS THAN 20,000 MILES TOTAL BECAUSE IT WAS USED SPARINGLY BY PREVIOUS OWNER. NO LIGHTS OR INDICATION GAVE WARNING THAT TRANSMISSION WOULD LOSE POWER. WE ARE NOW SEEING ONLINE THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE. I HAD PREVIOUSLY CALLED DEALER BUT KEPT GETTING HUNG UP ON. I AM A WIDOW WITH CHILDREN AND DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO JUST TOW THE CAR TO BE FIXED AS THIS WAS OUR ONLY TRANSPORTATION WE HAVE BEEN LIMITED ON ACTUALLY TRAVELING TO THE DEALERSHIP SO THEY CAN CHECK RECALL INFORMATION FOR US. *TR

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights
Filed Sep 5, 2013157,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUOUSLY FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 159,000.

Suspension
Filed Aug 4, 201362,436 milesNJ

MY MERCURY SABLE 2000, (I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER), WAS TAKEN IN FOR NEW TIRES AND THE TECHNICIAN REPORTED THE REAR BRAKES WERE LOW AND REPLACED BOTH REAR BRAKE DRUMS AND CYLINDERS. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE NOTICED THE SPRING ON THE REAR STRUT DRIVERS SIDE HAD FRACTURED. WE ARE NOT SURE WHEN THIS HAPPENED, ALTHOUGH WE ARE SURE IT DID NOT HAPPEN AT THE GARAGE BECAUSE THERE WAS RUST BETWEEN THE FRACTURE JOINTS. THE SPRING NARROWLY MISSED PUNCTURING THE SIDE WALL OF THE TIRE. I DO REMEMBER FORD HAD A RECALL FOR A SHIELD ON THE FRONT STRUT SPRINGS AND THIS CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS REPAIR. I HAVE SEEN MANY REFERENCES ON THIS SITE ABOUT THE DEFECT ON THE REAR STRUTS. WHY HASN'T ANYTHING BEEN DONE ABOUT THIS? I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH THE OEM FORD STRUTS FRONT AND REAR. BTW THE GARAGE QUOTED $800.00 TO REPLACE THE REAR STRUTS ONLY. *TR

Engine
Filed Aug 2, 2013126,358 milesNY

I DROVE MY MERCURY SABLE 2000 TODAY. JUST SECONDS AFTER I GOT OFF FROM A HIGHWAY TO A LOCAL ROAD, MY FILLED MY CAR ACCELERATED WHEN I HIT THE BRAKE. I HAD TO HIT THE BRAKE HARD TO STOP THE CAR IN A TRAFFIC LIGHT. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE RUSHED TO 4000RPM. I SWITCHED TO PARK GEAR AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. AFTER A FEW SECONDS, I TURNED ON THE CAR AGAIN BUT THE ENGINE RUSHED TO 4000RMP. HAD NO IDEA WHAT HAPPENED. WAIT FOR A MINUTE AND TURNED THE CAR ON AGAIN. SAME PROBLEM EXISTS. IN THE PARK POSITION, I HIT THE GAS PEDAL GENTLY AND THE ENGINE RUNNING BACK TO NORMAL. THEN I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR BACK HOME (~10MILES). IT WAS SO SCARY AND HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THIS PROBLEM WILL COME BACK AGAIN. *TR

Suspension
Filed Apr 20, 2013MA

AFTER BEING PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS OVER THE WINTER, I WENT TO INSPECT THE SABLE, AND FOUND A FLAT TIRE ( FRONT PASSENGER SIDE), UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, I FOUND THAT THE COIL SPRING HAD FRACTURED, SHOT DOWNWARD, AND PUNCTURED THE INNER SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE. THE COIL IS NOT SIGNIFICANTLY RUSTED, AND RETAINS ALMOST ALL OF THE ORIGINAL PROTECTIVE COATING TO PREVENT RUST. ON A TEN YEAR OLD CAR, I WOULD THINK THIS IS NORMAL WEAR, BUT I REMEMBER THAT MY 2000 SABLE WAS RECALLED FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM, AS WAS THE 2001 MODEL, AND I HAVE NOW FOUND OVER 200 REPORTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE 2003 SABLE, AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY A RECALL WAS NEVER ISSUED FOR THIS MODEL. *TR

Suspension
Filed Apr 3, 2013104,000 milesMN

I ROTATED THE TIRES ON MY CAR IN MARCH AND SEEN THAT BOTH COIL SPRINGS WHERE BROKE . *TR

Suspension
Filed Apr 3, 2013104,000 milesMN

I ROTATED THE TIRES ON MY CAR IN MARCH AND SEEN THAT BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WHERE BROKE . (THE FRONT WITH THE SHIELDS ARE GOOD .) SORRY ABOUT SENDING IT TWICE . *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Mar 4, 2013112,000 milesMS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A GATE. THE CONTACT APPLIED CONSTANT PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY FOUR CAR LENGTHS BEFORE STOPPING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 112,000. *TR UPDATED 04/10/13*LJ...UPDATED 04/25/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE GATE CRUSHED THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE FROM THE FRONT BUMPER TO THE REAR BUMPER. THE IRON GATE BENT ALMOST IN HALF TAKING IT OFF THE TRACK AND RENDERING IT INOPERABLE. UPDATED 06/04/2013 *JS

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 3, 201387,395 milesND

DRIVING VEHICLE ON INTERSTATE WITH A SPEED OF 75 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED. THE CRUISE CONTROL SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. PUSHING THE OFF BUTTON FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT STOP THE ACCELERATION AS WELL AS PUSHING ON THE BRAKE. HAD TO RIDE THE BRAKE AND TAKE THE FIRST EXIT AVAILABLE, UPON STOPPING, THE VEHICLE STILL WANTED TO GO, PUT VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND THEN THE ENGINE RPM WOULD RACE TO OVER 4000 RPM AND AT THAT TIME THE CAR WAS SHUT OFF. TRIED TO START, STARTED HARD BUT RPM WOULD RACE TO OVER 4000 RPM IN NEUTRAL WHEN STARTED. AFTER 5 OR 6 RESTARTS AND SHUT DOWNS IT FINALLY CAME OUT OF IT THIS, TOOK ABOUT ABOUT HALF AN HOUR OF TIME. DID NOT USE CRUISE CONTROL AFTER THAT FOR FEAR OF REPEAT. THIS HAD HAPPENED PRIOR TO THIS EVENT WITH MY WIFE BUT COULD NOT REMEMBER HOW LONG AGO THE EVENT TOOK PLACE SO DID NOT LIST THE EVENT. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Dec 21, 201291,421 milesIA

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE THROTTLE STUCK AND CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AT A VERY FAST SPEED. MECHANIC RAN DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND FINALLY REPLACED THROTTLE CABLE ASSEMBLY. PROBLEM CONTINUED. I HAD TWO TRIPS TO MECHANIC AND REPAIRED AND REPLACED MY GARAGE DOOR THREE TIMES BECAUSE I COULDN'T STOP THE CAR. MILEAGE 93119. FINALLY GAVE UP AND TRADED CAR IN. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 2, 201281,213 milesPA

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING MY 2000 MERCURY SABLE AROUND A CURVE TO THE LEFT WHEN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE TO THE LEFT CAUSING HER TO LOOSE CONTROL AND STRIKE 2 GUARD RAILS,2 VEHICLES TRAVELING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION AND THEN HEAD-ON INTO A STONE RETAINING WALL. VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGE AND MY DAUGHTER SUFFERED A MINOR HEAD INJURY. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN AFTER STRIKING THE WALL HEAD-ON. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE DEFECTIVE, RUSTED AND MAY HAVE CAUSE HER TO LOOSE CONTROL AND THE REAR-END OF THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE TO THE LEFT. 1 WEEK PRIOR TO VEHICLE CRASH/INCIDENT, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE SLID TO THE LEFT ON DRY PAVEMENT WHILE TURNING TO THE RIGHT. VEHICLE TIRES WERE FAIRLY NEW AND IN GOOD CONDITION. PLEASE REVIEW THE 2000 MERCURY SABLE FOR DEFECTS IN THE REAR COIL SPRINGS AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT FAILURE. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 10, 2012150,000 milesWV

DROVE THE CAR AWAY FROM THE DEALER AND IT WAS RUNNING FINE. STOPPED AND GOT GAS. THEN LEFT GAS STATION AND PROCEEDED ONTO THE CAPITAL BELTWAY. AFTER A COUPLE MILES THE CAR BEGAN ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. THE ONLY WAY I COULD GET THE CAR STOPPED WAS TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL. THE ENGINE CONTINUED AT 4000 RPMS. THE CAR WAS THEN SHUT OFF AFTER GETTING IT STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE HAD BACKED OUT OF THE SOCKET APPROXIMATELY A HALF INCH AND WEDGED OVER TO ONE SIDE HOLDING THE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE OPEN AT THE 4000 RPM LEVEL. NEITHER MYSELF OR MY MECHANIC HAVE NO IDEA WHY THIS HAPPENED AND ESPECIALLY WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THE CABLE WAS PUSHED BACK OVER FROM THE SIDE AND IT POPPED BACK INTO PLACE. I CAN MANUALLY PULL THE CABLE BACK OUT AND THERE IS NO LOCKING DEVICE TO KEEP IT FROM COMING OUT AGAIN. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO FIND A NEW REPLACEMENT CABLE AND HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL. I WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO DISCONNECT THE CRUISE CONTROL FOR PEACE OF MIND TO OPERATE THIS CAR. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED FOR MY SON TO USE AT COLLEGE. HE HAS PRACTICALLY NO DRIVING EXPERIENCE AND I HATE TO THINK WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I LET HIM DRIVE THE CAR HOME.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 23, 201234,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WOULD BE AN INCREASE IN THE ENGINE RPMS UP TO 4,000. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO ACCELERATE UP TO 80 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REPLACED AN AIR CONTROL VALVE HIMSELF, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 13, 2012IN

CRUISE CONTROL- THE OFF BUTTON ON THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS IN OPERATION PUSHING THE OFF BUTTON WILL NOT SHUT OFF THE CRUISE UNLESS YOU POUND ON THE BUTTON MULTIPLE TIMES OR PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE OFF BUTTON IS DEFECTIVE. *TR

Suspension
Filed Nov 11, 2011123,010 milesPA

WIFE WAS DRIVING WITH OUR 15 MONTH OLD AND 1 ONE THE WAY WHEN SHE HEARD THIS VERY LOUD CLANKING NOISE. IT SOUNDS LIKE ITS COMING FROM BOTH WHEEL WELLS IN THE REAR. *TR

Power Train
Filed Oct 27, 201189,000 milesMI

DRIVING DOWN ROAD IN MY 2000 MERCURY SABLE ,STOPPED AT REDLIGHT,TRIED TO PULL OUT,CAR WOULD ONLY REV UP AND NOT MOVE. THERE WERE NO SIGNS THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS GOING BAD JUST UP AND QUIT PULLING. WE WERE.STUCK IN MIDDLE OF ROAD ,WITH CARS PASSING AROUND US. WE.WAS IN DANGER OF GETTING HIT. WE HAD 100 MILES TO DRIVE ON FREEWAY TO GET HOME. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED THEN, WE SURELY WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT BY A PASSING CAR. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS A LOT AND HAVE FOUND THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS. *TT

Tires
Filed Sep 27, 2011OH

TIRE BOUGHT AT WALLMART DOES NOT GRIPE ROAD. TIRE SPINS WHEN TAKING OFF AT RED LIGHT. AND SQUEELS WHEN GOING AROUND CORNER. AIR PRESSURE IS GOOD. *TT

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Sep 13, 2011TN

AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING VEHICLE ACCIDENT. *TR

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights › SwitchFire
Filed Sep 6, 2011220,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD AN ADJUSTABLE PEDAL. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN GREASE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ON THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, IT BURNED OUT. WHEN THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL THE BRAKE LIGHT FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V078000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: TAIL LIGHTS: SWITCH), BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR AND HAD TO BE REPLACED FIVE TIMES SINCE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 220,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 18, 2011104,845 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT IT CONTINUED TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE KEY NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE TECHNICIANS ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,845.

Child Seat
Filed May 17, 2011WV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A SUNSHINE KIDS CHILD RESTRAINT, RADIAN 80, MODEL NUMBER 185000, MANUFACTURED ON DECEMBER 17, 2007. THE CHILD RESTRAINT WAS SECURED IN A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE OCCUPANT WAS POSITIONED IN THE FORWARD FACING CONVERTIBLE CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT, THE HARNESS RELEASE BUCKLE FAILED TO ENGAGE IN THE UNLOCK MODE BECAUSE THE TWO PLASTIC PRONGS BROKE. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN REGARDING THE SAFETY ISSUE AND PLANNED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 23, 2011150,000 milesIN

MY 2000 SABLE AUTO LIGHT SWITCH WONT WORK WANTING TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS PART? *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 17, 201162,721 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED WHEN THE ANTI-THEFT LIGHT ILLUMINATED THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE CODE. THE LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACED THE COMPUTER CONTROL MODULE AND THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE ANTI-THEFT LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPDATED 04/15/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE ANTI- THEFT LIGHT FLASHED, THE ODOMETER DROPPED DOWN TO ZERO AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. UPDATED 10/12/11

Suspension › Rear
Filed Mar 16, 201170,000 milesWI

2000 MERCURY SABLE REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE AND RUINED THE TIRES. *TR

Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Mar 9, 201199,100 milesKY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED, THE MECHANIC INFORMED HIM THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS HAD FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 99,100.

Suspension › FrontCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 4, 2011136,000 milesNH

THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING FRACTURED, DROPPING THE FRONT LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR AND CAUSING IT TO VEER TO THE LEFT. THE END OF THE BROKEN SPRING ALSO PIERCED THE INSIDE SIDEWALL OF THE ALMOST NEW MICHELIN TIRE AND INSTANTLY DEFLATED IT. [XXX] SUFFERED SPRAINED WRISTS AND A SPRAINED BACK FROM THE SUDDEN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE 2000 MERCURY SABLE GS WAGON. IF THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN MOVING AT A HIGHER SPEED OR ON AN INTERSTATE ROAD, SERIOUS INJURY AND SEVERE DAMAGE WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. THE SPRING FAILURE AND DAMAGE WAS REPORTED TO FORD'S CUSTOMER RELATIONS CENTER, HEATHER NABB, FORD SUPERVISOR. THIS PROBLEM HAS ALREADY RESULTED IN RECALL 04S17. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY FORD ON THIS RECALL AND I HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 2001. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN REGISTERED IN NH. THE FORD CRC IS REFUSING TO DO ANYTHING TO FIX AND REPAIR THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THIS FRONT COIL SPRING FAILURE! THE CAR WAS FIRST REGISTERED AND DRIVEN IN MARCH OF 2001 AND THE ORIGINAL NH TITLE IS DATED APRIL 4, 2001. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 18, 2011123,980 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE WAGON. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH USING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE. HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND TRIED TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN ORDER TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN BUT IT CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AT A FASTER SPEED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AS HE PULLED TO THE SIDE AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. HE TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT IT ACCELERATED FULL THROTTLE FORCING HIM TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF A SECOND TIME. HE CALLED A MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT FIND ANY FAILURES. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE FOR HALF AN HOUR HE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN WORKING NORMALLY. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED HIM TO CALL NHTSA AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO ALSO ADVISED HIM TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,980. UPDATED 03/02/11 *BF UPDATED 05/05/11

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 26, 201066,000 milesME

VEHICLE STARTING MAKING FRONT END NOISE, DIFFICULT TO STEER, UNSAFE HANDLING. THE SUBFRAME, ENGINE CRADLE, DETERIORATED DUE TO CORROSION IN AREA OF FRONT MOUNTING BOLT BREAKING THE BOLT COMPLETELY FREE AND NO LONGER PROVIDING STRUCTURAL SUPPORT. SIMILAR CORROSION IS OBSERVABLE ON FILLER TUBE AND VENT TUBE TO GAS TANK. VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED AS IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF ENGINE CRADLE. ESTIMATE OF REPAIR IS APPROXIMATELY $1000.00. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Sep 7, 201052,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH SHE HEARD A SCRAPING NOISE WHEN SHE DROVE OVER A SLIGHT BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS COVERED WITH RUST. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED SHE MENTIONED THAT SHE COULD STILL HEAR SQUEAKING NOISES WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 52,000. UPDATED 12/10/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SUBFRAME WAS ALSO CRACKED. WHEN THE MECHANIC TOOK IT APART, THE MOTOR MOUNT BROKE. UPDATED 12/17/10

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 28, 2010143,321 milesAL

MY 2000 MERCURY SABLE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. IT GAVE NO WARNING OR SLIPPAGE OR ANYTHING. THE CAR WAS MOVING FINE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED PULLING. IT WILL GO IN PARK AND NEUTRAL BUT WON'T PULL. THE FLUID DOESN'T LEAK OUT AND IS STILL FULL. AFTER READING FORUMS ON THE INTERNET, IT APPEARS THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I BELIEVE FORD NEEDS TO HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM ON MERCURY SABLES AND FORD TAURUS. PLEASE HELP US WITH THIS MATTER. I DON'T WANT TO SPEND $2000 FOR A REBUILD WHEN FORD IS RESPONSIBLE. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 26, 2010118,000 milesNH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN SMOKE BEGAN EMITTING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AS IT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED YET THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED WHEN THE Y ARRIVED. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO RECALLS. THE CONTACT NOTICED VARIOUS ONLINE COMPLAINTS REGARDING FIRES IN HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL AND BELIEVED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD LOOK INTO ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 24, 201085,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN HE REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT DECREASE IN SPEED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET TO GET THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION UPON RESTARTING. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE BEFORE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 85,000.

Suspension › Rear
Filed Jul 21, 2010210,000 milesCT

REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKEN ON BOTH SIDES, 2000 MERCURY SABLE. WAS DRIVING THE CAR, TURNED INTO A DRIVEWAY AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE, LIKE A JOINT POPPING. REAR END OF VEHICLE SAGS ON BOTH SIDES AND POPPING NOISE OCCURS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE MAKES A TURN. GOING TO MECHANIC FOR REPLACEMENT OF COIL SPRINGS AND STRUTS, ESTIMATED COST WITH LABOR $400+. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 464, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1993
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200920000Routine
200861130Routine
20061000Routine
200583100Routine
200452200Routine
2003201410Above average
2002440451Fatalities reported
2001430970Above average
2000 — this page464780Above average
1999258540Above average
1998190230Routine
1997228350Above average
19963045100Above average
19953506140Above average
1994387590Above average
1993674871Fatalities reported
1992364564Fatalities reported
1991221590Above average
19901667180Routine

Compare every Sable year →

2000 Mercury Sable: questions buyers ask

Is the 2000 Mercury Sable a good car?

It is not among the Sable years to avoid. Owners filed 464 complaints, against about 258 for a typical Sable year. The most common complaint is about the suspension (33%).

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Mercury Sable?

The suspension: 153 of the 464 complaints (33%) are about it. The typical report comes at 66,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2000 Mercury Sable have?

7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jul 15, 2004. The largest, 01V258000, covered 1,083,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2000 Mercury Sable problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 64,245 miles. For the suspension the midpoint is 66,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2000 Mercury Sable?

Yes, 9 times. The latest, PE12033 ("Speed control cable damage"), was opened Oct 24, 2012 and closed Jun 26, 2013.

Are there service bulletins for the 2000 Mercury Sable?

The manufacturer filed 174 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (47), the engine (38) and the electrical system (15). They include a service campaign, 02M01, filed Jun 1, 2004. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

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.