2002 Mercury Sable

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 440 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension › front › springs › coil springs. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

358 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles; the median is 75,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs91
000
Suspension › Front60
102
Vehicle Speed Control41
301
Suspension39
100
Suspension › Rear18
000
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs16
010
Air Bags › Frontal15
1203
Visibility › Windshield12
001
Engine and Engine Cooling10
000
Suspension › Rear › Springs9
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads16E026000
Filed Apr 1, 201649,635 vehiclesRobert Bosch Llc

Defect. Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.

Risk. A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.

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.

Visibility › Windshield03V087000
Filed Mar 10, 200367,894 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." THE WINDSHIELDS MAY POTENTIALLY EXHIBIT INCREASED WIND NOISE, WATER LEAKAGE, AND SQUEAKS AND RATTLES.

Risk. POTENTIAL LOSS OF WINDSHIELD RETENTION MAY ALSO REDUCE OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE WINDSHIELDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2003. 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/MERCURY 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Oct 4, 2022WI

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

Power Train
Filed Sep 30, 2022NJ

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

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 25, 2021130,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2002 Mercury Sable. The contact stated while attempting to shift the vehicle out of park, the gear shifter failed to move out park. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken into a local mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V106000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Suspension
Filed Sep 25, 202037,500 milesNY

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

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Jun 21, 2018177,000 milesOH

CAR FIRE DUE TO RECALLED FUSES HAD THIS CAR FOR 5 YEARS AND HAD NO ISSUES

Electrical System
Filed Jun 9, 201835,000 milesMI

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

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 22, 2017101,000 milesSC

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

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 30, 2017189,000 milesIN

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

Suspension
Filed Feb 7, 201763,512 milesNY

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

Suspension
Filed Jan 25, 201758,000 milesRI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT MOVE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. UPON INSPECTION, THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED AND DETACHED, DAMAGING THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V332000 (SUSPENSION), BUT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000.

Engine
Filed Dec 29, 201670,287 milesDE

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

Power Train
Filed Nov 17, 2016FL

I HAVE JUST FOUND OUT FROM MY MECHANIC THAT THE TRANSMISSION, AX4N, THAT IS IN MY MERCURY, HAVE SUDDEN AND IMMEDIATE FAILURES DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER. WHEN I CALLED SEVERAL LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOPS, THEY ARE ALL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. COST TO FIX, APPROXIMATELY $1800 FOR A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER. WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING THE CAR IT WILL ACT LIKE YOU SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, BUT THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARD. YOU IMMEDIATELY HAVE TO FIND A PLACE TO PULL OVER TO. THIS CAN BE QUITE HAZARDOUS IF YOU ARE ON THE EXPRESSWAY. THERE IS NO PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE HYDRAULIC PUMP SHAFT HAS APPROXIMATELY TWO INCHES OF MAIL SPLINE. THE FEMALE COUNTERPART WHICH IS IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER IS APPROXIMATELY ONE EIGHTH OF AN INCH IN THICKNESS. THE HYDRAULIC PUMP SHAFT WILL STRIP THE TEETH ON THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO BECOME INOPERABLE. WHAT IS FRUSTRATING IS THAT YOU WILL HAVE NO WARNING WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN. AND YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY WARNING OF AN IMPENDING PROBLEM. YOU ARE NOW LOOKING AT A $1800, FOR A REPLACEMENT TORQUE CONVERTER. THE REBUILD COMPANY THAT SELLS REBUILT TORQUE CONVERTERS REPLACES THE 1/8 INCH FEMALE SPLINE,THAT HAS STRIPPED, IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER WITH A NEW 1/4 INCH THICK FEMALE SPLINE IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER. IT CERTAINLY SEEMS THAT FORD WAS NEGLIGENT WHEN ASSEMBLING THIS TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. MY CAR CAN LOOSE POWER AT ANY TIME

Power Train
Filed Jul 29, 201639,000 milesWI

THE TRANSMISSION FROZE UP BREAKING THE AXLE RIGHT OFF AS I PULLED OUT OF A DRIVE WAY ONTO THE STREET WITH ON COMING TRAFFIC.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 16, 2016MO

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

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 12, 2016300,000 milesFL

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

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 29, 201685,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB AND STRUCK A METAL TABLE OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP EVEN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT FEEL AS THOUGH THEY WERE FULLY OPERATIONAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES TO THE KNEE, BACK, AND NECK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION AND PHYSICAL THERAPY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 20, 2016150,000 milesMI

CAR DOES NOT SLOW DOWN WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED.

Engine
Filed Jun 8, 2016102,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE VEHICLE REVVED TO 4,000 RPMS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE ATTACHED TO A CLIP WAS STUCK IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 102,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 27, 2016132,000 milesFL

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

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 18, 2016100,000 milesIN

WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR ACCELERATED WITHOUT EXPLANATION OR WARNING. BRAKES WERE NOT ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE TO A CONTROLLABLE LEVEL. BRAKES OVERHEATED FROM CONSTANT APPLICATION. THE CAR PLOWED OVER A PARKING BARRIER AND THROUGH THE GRASS BEFORE RUNNING A STOP SIGN AND STOP LIGHT. ONLY WAY TO STOP THE CAR WAS TO THROW IT INTO PARK WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO REV AND SMOKE. GIVEN THE LEVEL OF TRAFFIC AND TIME OF DAY, THE PROBABILITY OF AN ACCIDENT (POSSIBLY FATAL) WAS EXTREMELY HIGH. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE REPAIR GARAGE BUT WE DO NOT HAVE THE DOCUMENTATION ON CAUSE OF PROBLEM YET. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER REGARDING COVERING COST OF REPAIR AND THEY REFUSED INDICATING THIS SPECIFIC CAR IS NOT ON RECALL LIST, ALTHOUGH THERE ARE SEVERAL DOCUMENTED CASES OF THIS EXACT PROBLEM ON THE SAME MAKE, MODEL & YEAR.

20 of 440 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1993
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200920000Routine
200861130Routine
20061000Routine
200583100Routine
200452200Routine
2003201410Above average
2002 — this page440451Fatalities reported
2001430970Above average
2000464780Above average
1999258540Above average
1998190230Routine
1997228350Above average
19963045100Above average
19953506140Above average
1994387590Above average
1993674871Fatalities reported
1992364564Fatalities reported
1991221590Above average
19901667180Routine

Compare every Sable year →

Reading this record

1 death 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: Apr 1, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.