158 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
Most common 2003 Mercury Sable problems
47 of the 201 complaints (23%) are about the suspension.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
20
0
0
0
Power Train · transmission
20
0
0
0
Suspension › Front
19
0
0
0
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
13
0
0
0
Suspension
11
0
0
0
Structure · body and frame
8
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine
7
0
0
0
Electrical System
7
0
0
0
Structure › Body · body and frame
6
1
0
0
Visibility › Windshield
5
0
0
0
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.
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.
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.
All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Mar 13, 202383,000 milesFL
The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Sable. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Power Train
Filed Jan 13, 202130,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.
Power Train
Filed Jun 10, 202033,277 milesFL
IDRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS ON A CITY STREET IN 2003 MERC SABLE WITH 33K MILES. WHILE IN MOTION, THE TRANSMISSION FAILS WITH NO FORWARD OR REVERSE WORKING OR ANY OTHER MECHANICAL WARNINGS.( NO TRANSMISSION CODES ON OBDII. I WAS IMMEDIATELY ABLE TO COAST INTO A DRUGSTORE PARKING LOT. CAR TOWED TO LOCAL FORD DEALER. DEALER INFORMED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER SPLINES HAVE FAILED AND TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDS TO REPLACED FOR $ 1726.00. DEALER REPAIRED VEHICLE, REPLACED WITH FORD RE-MANUAFACTURED TORQUE CONVERTER. SEARCHED INTERN NET AND FOUND SAME NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF FORD TORQUE CONVERTERS SPLINE FAILURES. BASED ON THE TYPE AND NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS THIS APPEARS TO WARRANT AN AUDIT OF THIS SAFETY PROBLEM. THERE ARE OTHER REPORTED COMPLAINTS THAT VEHICLES WERE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAYS AND SUFFERED TRANSMISSION FAILURES WHILE IN MOTION WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 30, 2019285,000 milesMO
SO SORRY TO BOTHER YOU. I HAVE A MERCURY SABLE 03 WHICH HAS BEEN ACCELERATING BY ITSELF BECAUSE THE THROTTLE CABLE GETS STUCK. I SAW AN ARTICLE THAT SAID MY YEAR TAURUS AND SABLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM AS WELL AS SAW THAT ALL THOSE IN THE JUNK YARD HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. IN THE ARTICLE IT SAID FORD AGREED TO FIX THOSE TO STOP FURTHER INVESTIGATION. HOW WOULD I GO ABOUT GETTING THIS FIXED? PLEASE AND THANK YOU. MY VEHICLE STARTED GOING 79 AND WOULDN'T STOP. EVEN IN NEUTRAL IT WENT 4000 RPM UNTIL THE THROTTLE CABLE WAS UNJAMMED. AND CONTINUES TO DO SO
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 26, 2019144,000 milesNH
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON A CITY STREET AND THE CAR STARTED ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN AND I TRIED TO BRAKE BUT MY BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. I HAD TO PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BREAK TO SLAM HARD ENOUGH TO TRY TO GET IT TO SLOW DOWN EVEN A LITTLE. I FOUND OUT THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE GOT STUCK AND COULD NOT GO BACK IN CAUSING THE CAR TO KEEP ACCELERATING.
Engine
Filed Jan 18, 2018MD
2003 MERCURY SABLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BEING CHARGED FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS THAT WERE UNDER WARRANTY. *LD *JS
Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 3, 201784,500 milesMD
WHY WAS I CHARGED $249.90 LABOR CHARGES WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY IN MY HANDS FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER BEING PURCHASED FROM KING BUICK BUT NOT FOR PARTS, SHOP MATERIALS AND USE OF A LOANER CAR. I SHOULD HAVE PAID NOTHING UNDER A WARRANTY AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF FORD HAS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THAT. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL MY CALL ON [XXX](C) OR [XXX](H) IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS. I WAS RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE COMMUNITY WHERE I RESIDE AND DROVE THE CAR TO KING BUICK GMC IMMEDIATELY. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Structure › Body
Filed Nov 19, 20178 milesCA
1. THE HOOD CLOSES APPARENTLY FINE, IT DOES NOT OPEN IF I TRY TO, HOWEVER KEEPS OPENING EVERY 20 MINUTES AFTER DRIVING. I COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE. 2. VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS KEEPS OCURRING, NO SIGNS OR DROPS OR VIISUAL LEAK PUDDLE.
Engine
Filed Sep 12, 201757,000 milesNJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED, IT LOST ENGINE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DOM'S GETTY SERVICE STATION (308 MERCER ST, HIGHTSTOWN, NJ) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 57,000.
Power Train
Filed Sep 7, 201757,000 milesNJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DOM'S GETTY STATION (HEIGHTSTOWN, NJ 08520, PHONE (609) 448-4146) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE TRANSMISSION INPUT SHAFT AND TORQUE CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 12, 2017170,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY ON ITS OWN WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE "CHECK ENGINE" INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. FAIRWAY FORD IN SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA DETERMINED THAT THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000. ...UPDATED 10/23/17 *BF UPDATED 11/1/2017*JS
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed May 30, 2017164,000 milesMD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY IDLED BETWEEN 3-4 RPMS AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AUTO ZONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 12281999. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: SB-10052600-3673. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER RECALL BUT, SHE WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE FOR THE RECALL TO BE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AT NO CHARGE. UPDATED 05/31/2017*JS
Engine
Filed Apr 13, 2017121,373 milesMD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO STOP WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNT AND RADIATOR HOSE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 121,373.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 30, 2017100,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK, WHICH FORCED THE CONTACT TO STRIKE THE STEERING WHEEL DURING THE CRASH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, BACK, AND NECK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME AND THEN TOWED TO A JUNK YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 6, 201660,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V106000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Jul 19, 2016TX
I OWN A 2003 MERCURY SABLE, I REPLACED THE BRAKES , AND AN ASSORTMENT OF PROBLEMS FOLLOWED. FIRST THEY BEGAN LOCKING , THEN THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP AT ALL. I REPLACED PADS.ROTORS.TIRES ,BLEED THE BREAKS ALL IN AN EFFORT TO FIND THE PROBLEM. I COULD NOT, SO THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING ABOUT A YEAR. THEN I RECEIVED THE RECALL ON THE BREAKS , NOW EVERYTHING MAKES SENSE.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Filed Jun 2, 2016NC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS STUCK AND COULD NOT MOVE OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE WIRING HAD TO BE PUSHED DOWN TO OVERRIDE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V106000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 1, 2016136,000 milesVT
I WAS DRIVING EAST ON I-70 FROM KANSAS CITY MO. CRUISE WAS SET AT 78. 4 LANES. WAS IN LEFT PASSING LANE AND HAD TO SLOW DOWN QUICKLY BECAUSE OF VEHICLE IN FRONT WAS DOING ABOUT 50MPH. THE RIGHT WAS CLEAR AND I STARTED MOVING TO THE RIGHT TO PASS. THE CAR INSTANTLY ACCELERATED AS I STARTED TO TURN RIGHT. THE ACCELERATION ACTUALLY PULL THE CAR FORWARD SO FAST THE REAR END SLID TO THE LEFT. CAR MOVED A CROSSED THE RIGHT 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC AT ABOUT A 60 DEG ANGLE. I MANAGED TO TURN THE CAR INTO THE SKID TO AVOID THE GUARD RAILS AND STARTED BACK ACROSS THE LANES WITH COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR AS IT DID A COMPLETE 360. AS I WAS RETURNED TO FACING EAST AGAIN I PULLED OFF INTO THE MEDIAN AS I WAS AGAIN IN THE FAR LEFT LANE NOW IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE I HAD STARTED TO PASS. HAVING BEEN IN MANY EMERGENCY SITUATION IN MY 67 YEARS. I JUST ROAD OUT THE TURN. I WAS NO FUN WATCHING THE VEHICLE I WAS TRYING TO PASS APPROACH ME WHILE I WAS COMPLETING THE 360. WITH SO MANY VEHICLES SURROUNDING THE GAP I WAS IN, I AM STILL AMAZED NO ONE WAS KILLED, AND NO COLLISION OF ANY SORT OCCURRED. TOOK TO THE DEALER AND IT WAS SUGGESTED THE PCV VALVE WAS PLUGGED. REPLACED. AROUND FEB 2 2016 I WAS DRIVING I 95 TO FLORIDA. I NOTICED THE CRUISE DROPPING OUT TWICE WITHOUT BRAKING AND ONCE ACCELERATING WITHOUT RESETTING. I UNDERSTOOD NOW THAT THE I-70 INCIDENT WAS ACTUALLY THE CRUISE CONTROL. I WILL HAVE IT DISCONNECTED SO THAT IT CAN NOT BE USED AGAIN. HOW I SURVIVED IS BEYOND BELIEF. I AM EXTREMELY
Structure › Body
Filed Feb 17, 2016131,000 milesIL
THE VEHICLES STOCK JACKING LOCATIONS ARE NO LONGER CONSIDERED AS SAFE. THEY HAVE DETERIORATED DUE TO CORROSION AND RUSTING AWAY. SHOULD SOMEONE DECIDE TO TRUST ANY ONE OF THE AFFECTED JACKING LOCATIONS, THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE FRAME MAY CRUMPLE AND BREAK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DROP ONTO ANYONE PERFORMING WORK UNDERNEATH, WHICH MAY RESULT IN SEVERE INJURY, OR EVEN DEATH.
Structure › Body
Filed Feb 17, 2016131,000 milesIL
PASSENGER FLOOR RUSTED OUT COMPLETELY IN TWO SPOTS ON THE FRONT RIGHT OF FLOOR. TWO MAJOR HOLES. THE REMAINDER OF THE FLOOR IS SHOWING SIGNS THAT IT TOO IS DETERIORATING. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE FLOOR HAS BEEN COMPROMISED AND CAN ALLOW SOMEONE TO FALL THROUGH SHOULD EXCESS WEIGHT BE PLACED IN ANY OF THESE WEAK PLACES AND OR HOLES.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 26, 201698,000 milesOK
THIS CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04V106000. THE RECALL WORK FAILED, CAUSING THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT COME ON, AND THE VEHICLE TO NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK.
Seat Belts
Filed Nov 11, 2015290,000 milesIN
NO ACCIDENT, BUT THE SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HAS STARTED "LATCHING" ONLY ON SPORADIC OCCASIONS. IT DOESN'T LATCH MORE TIMES THAN IT DOES LATCH. THE ARE TIMES WHEN YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY LATCHED THE SEATBELT, IT WILL COME UNLATCH END WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING. THIS HAS NOW BEEN OCCURRING FOR ABOUT A MONTH.
Tires
Filed Oct 15, 2015105,029 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE EQUIPPED WITH DOUGLAS X-TRAC 2 TIRES, SIZE: P215/60/R16. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE VEERED BUT THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE AND TIRE WERE NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DOT NUMBER AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,029 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,159.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 24, 2015123,000 milesOK
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DECELERATE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND AVOIDED A COLLISION. THE CONTACT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED OF A CUSTOMER SERVICE CAMPAIGN. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED BECAUSE IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN ANOTHER PLANT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Jun 9, 201560,000 milesPA
CAR WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED. WHEN ENGAGED INTO REVERSE, CAR MADE LOUD NOISE, TIRES SQUEALED, ENGINE RACED AND CRASHED INTO PARKED CAR BEHIND IT AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED. PARKED VEHICLE THAT WAS STRUCK THEN STRUCK CAR NEXT TO IT SINCE IMPACT WAS SO GREAT. CAR WAS UNCONTROLLABLE, COULD NOT BE STOPPED VIA BRAKES.
Power Train
Filed May 31, 201544,000 milesNY
IN 2014,. MY POWER TRAIN (TRANSMISSION) STOPPED PROPELLING MY CAR. SEVERAL YEARS EARLIER, MY FRIEND WHO OWNED A MERCURY SABLE (THE SAME TYPE CAR AS I AM WRITING TO YOU ABOUT), HAD THE SAME TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. HE HAD APPROXIMATELY THE SAME MILEAGE ON HIS CAR THAT I HAD WHEN OUR TRANSMISSIONS FAILED. THIS TYPE OF FAILURE IS DANGEROUS YET THE FORD MOTOR CO. ADVISED ME THERE HAD NOT BEEN A RECALL. PLEASE ADVISE.
Structure › Body
Filed Apr 21, 2015150,000 milesMI
FLOORBOARDS RUSTED THROUGH, I WAS GETTING SPLASHED WHILE DRIVING THROUGH AN UNAVOIDABLE PUDDLE IN THE ROAD. LOOKS TO BE FOUR SEPARATE SPOTS, ALL FOUR SEATING AREAS AFFECTED. *TR
Structure › Body
Filed Apr 10, 2015212,000 milesWI
THE FLOOR BOARDS ON MY VEHICLE ARE RUSTED THROUGH. *TR
Suspension
Filed Mar 24, 2015105,000 milesWV
ORIGINALLY, 2 DAYS PRIOR, CAR FELT LIKE I WAS DRAGGING SOMETHING UNDERNEATH. GOT OUT AND LOOKED AROUND CAR, DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING. LEFT CAR FOR 2 DAYS, THEN STARTED TO HEAD TO WORK. WAS GOING ONLY ABOUT 20MPH WHEN SMOKE POURED OUT FROM UNDER MY CAR. A MOMENT LATER MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW. HAD A FRIEND COME TO HELP ME CHANGE TO THE SPARE. HE DROVE THE CAR ABOUT 2 MINUTES BACK TO MY HOUSE AND AS SOON AS HE PARKED IT, HE TOOK THE SPARE OFF BECAUSE WE HEARD A WEIRD POPPING NOISE WHEN HE WAS JACKING THE CAR BACK UP. LOOKED AND THE COIL SPRING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD BROKEN AND RUBBED SO VIOLENTLY AGAINST THE TIRE THAT IT HAD TORN A 10-14" LONG HOLE IN THE TIRE AND HAD BURNT A RING AROUND THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE. THANKFULLY I HAD 2 FRIENDS TO REPLACE THE WHOLE UNIT. I ALSO WAS ABLE TO TAKE MY GOODYEAR TIRE BACK TO SAM'S AND THEY PRORATED MY TIRE (HAD LESS THAN 6,000 MILES ON THEM!!) AND REPLACED IT. TIME WILL TELL IF THE OTHER ONE WILL GO OUT BUT NHTSA NEEDS TO LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM. IF I HAD BEEN GOING FASTER, I MOST CERTAINLY WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A VERY BAD ACCIDENT. I AM VERY THANKFUL I HAD FRIENDS WHO WERE ABLE TO CHANGE THE WHOLE COIL SPRING FOR ME. BUT IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN WHILE TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, THE END RESULT COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 17, 2015220,000 milesNY
MY CAR IS TRYING TO KILL ME! I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, WHEN I STARTED TO BRAKE FOR A STOP BEFORE TURNING . THE CAR SLOWED DOWN, AS I HELD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, BUT SUDDENLY THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE. I ALREADY HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, AND THE BRAKE HELD, BUT I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR OUT OF GEAR, AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. THE ENGINE WAS RACING AT A SPEED I WOULD ESTIMATE AT 80 MPH. IT WAS A FRIGHTENING AND DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE. I CHECKED TO SEE IF A FLOOR MAT WAS PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL. IT WAS NOT. THE SAME INCIDENT HAPPENED ON TWO MORE OCCASIONS. MY MECHANIC HAS NOT FOUND THE PROBLEM. I NO LONGER DRIVE THE CAR. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 27, 2015151,000 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V106000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.
Electrical System › Software
Filed Jan 14, 2015IN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT, THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CORRODED WIRING AND IT WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 28, 2014115,223 milesFL
ALARM SYSTEM GOES OFF AT WILL, SOUNDING HORN, FLASHING LIGHTS, CAUSING OTHER FLOWING TRAFFIC TO BE DISTRACTED. CONCERNED THAT THE ALARM SYSTEM MAY ACTIVATE WHILE IN MOTION. CONCERNED THAT IT MAY STOP THE VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC. *TR
Power Train
Filed Sep 2, 2014118,478 milesSC
THROTTLE CABLE STUCK, ENGINE AT 1800 TPM, ENGINE REVVED TO 2600 RPM, INABILITY TO SLOW VEHICLE, SURGING. REQUIRED HARD BREAKING. ONCE CAR STOPPED, IDLE DROPPED TO 900 RPM AFTER 15-30 SECONDS. HAPPENS WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY. ENGINE SURGES AT START, REVS TO 2100 THEN TO 2600. INSPECTED CABLE, THROTTLE AND CRUISE CONTROL CABLE POINT OF ENTRY TO SUPPORTING BRACKET PLASTIC SHATTERED. CABLE EMITS SOUND FROM BINDING. TOOK TO FORD DEALER, THEY INDICATED MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CLEARLY DOCUMENTED WITH THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, YEAR AND ENGINE. *TR
Power Train
Filed Aug 21, 201470,000 milesNY
VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON IT'S OWN. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WHERE I GO TO STOP AND CAR ACCELERATES AT A STOP SIGN OR LIGHT. I HAVE ALMOST REAR ENDED MULTIPLE CARS BECAUSE OF THIS. WHILE GOING FROM A RED TO GREEN LIGHT ON A HILL MY SABLE STALLED AND BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS, ALMOST CRASHING INTO THE CAR BEHIND ME, IF IT HADN'T BEEN FOR MY QUICK REACTION. VEHICLE WILL IDLE VERY HIGH, 2.5RPMS AT THE LOWEST, WHILE SITTING IN PARK AFTER STARTUP. AFTER A 5 MINUTES IT WILL SOMETIMES DROP DOWN TO 750-1000RPMS, OTHER TIMES IT WILL CONTINUE TO IDLE HIGH. DURING DRIVE IT WILL CONTINUALLY ACCELERATE TO AROUND 40 MPH ON IT'S OWN. WHEN I BRAKE IT WILL IDLE HIGH AND LURCH FORWARD, UNTIL I'M FORCED TO PUSH THE BRAKE ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THEN CAR WILL EITHER CONTINUE TO IDLE HIGH OR DROP SO LOW THAT IT STALLS. USUALLY I DRIVE WITH TWO FEET AT LIGHTS OR SIGNS TO BE ABLE TO REV ENGINE FROM STALKING. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CODE READ IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE, SO IT WAS REPLACED. PROBLEM CONTINUED. TOOK TO GARAGE AND IT LOOKS LIKE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. ALL VACUUM LINES WERE REPLACED AS WELL. AM GOING TO FIX THE GASKET AND SELL. CAR SCARES ME TOO MUCH TO DRIVE. MULTIPLE PANIC AND ANXIETY ATTACKS. PLEASE RECALL THIS, EXTREMELY UNSAFE. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Jul 31, 2014110,000 milesNE
DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE 90 IN SOUTH DAKOTA WHEN THE ELECTRICAL JUST SHUT OFF AT NIGHT. WE HAD NO POWER, LIGHTS OR STEERING CONTROL GOING 75 MPH. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR SINCE WE GOT THE VEHICLE IN 2009. AT THAT SPEED AND WITH NO ONE ABLE TO SEE US DUE TO NO LIGHTING WE BECOME A HAZARD TO OURSELVES AND OTHERS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS IS AN ENDEMIC PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND WHY NO ONE CAN SEEM TO FIND THE ISSUE. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO 3 REPAIR PLACES INCLUDING A FORD DEALERSHIP AND NO ONE CAN FIND ANYTHING WRONG. WE WOULD LIKE FORD TO MAKE IT RIGHT. *TR
Engine
Filed Apr 25, 2014155,000 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY TO 25 MPH AFTER SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE IDLE IAC VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
Suspension
Filed Apr 14, 2014MN
2003 MERCURY SABLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FRONT SPRING BROKE AND SLASHED TIRE WHICH CAUSED AN IMMEDIATE FLAT TIRE. *SMD
Power Train
Filed Mar 31, 201458,111 milesPA
I LEFT HOME FOR WORK. ALL PARTS OF VEHICLE WORKING FINE. I PUT MY BLINKERS ON TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, WHICH I EXECUTED. HALF-WAY DOWN THE STREET, THE CAR BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, BUT WAS STILL RUNNING. I TRIED SHIFTING TO ANOTHER GEAR - NOTHING. THERE WAS NO WARNING, NO SOUND, JUST NOTHING. I ATTEMPTED TO GET THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ONE WAY STREET WITH PARKING ON BOTH SIDES. I COULD NOT MOVE THE CAR. THANKFULLY THIS DID NOT OCCUR ON AN INTERSTATE, OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. HAD TO CALL AAA, GET THE VEHICLE TOWED. MY GARAGE SAID IT WAS CATASTROPHIC TORQUE CONVERTER LOSS. HE HAS DONE 5 2003 VEHICLES JUST THIS YEAR. MY HUSBAND JUST HAD MAJOR HEART SURGERY; IS NOT WORKING, AND NOW I HAVE TO COME UP WITH OVER $2,000 TO GET A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. FORD/MERCURY HAS KNOWN ABOUT THESE CATASTROPHIC FAILURES FOR YEARS NOW -- AND NOTHING IS DONE. DOES IT TAKE SOMEONE BEING KILLED BEFORE THERE IS ACTION? THIS IS NOT FAIR THE AMERICAN CONSUMERS WHO TRY TO BUY AMERICAN PRODUCTS AND GET SCREWED IN THE END! MY NEXT CAR...JUST MAY BE FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 19, 2014108,000 milesCT
MY 2003 MERCURY SABLE HAS A FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WHICH CAUSES THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ON. I FOUND THE RECALL NOTICE ONLINE AND CONTACTED FORD WHO DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE RECALL FOR MY VIN NUMBER. *TR
Suspension
Filed Jan 23, 201491,000 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPLODED DUE TO A FRACTURED COIL SPRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT BOTH FRONT CLOCK SPRINGS, THE COIL SPRINGS, AND THE STABILIZER SPRING BAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEVERAL MONTHS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 91,000.
Power Train
Filed Dec 21, 201361,000 milesNJ
WIFE WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY. THE CAR ENGINE KEPT RUNNING BUT THE TRANSMISSION DIED WITHOUT ANY WARNING SYMPTOMS - NO CLUNKING, NO GRINDING GEARS, NO LOSS OF FLUIDS,... IT JUST COMPLETELY FAILED WHILE IN MOTION. THANK GOD SHE WAS ABLE TO COAST TOWARDS THE SHOULDER AND AVOID BEING HIT. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED WITH A USED TRANSMISSION. THE SAME TRANSMISSION WAS RECALLED IN ANOTHER FORD VEHICLE. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR TRANSMISSION IN SABLES AND TAURUS VEHICLES IT IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AS THE INSTANTANEOUS COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE CAN EASILY OCCUR IN DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. IT'S NOT CLEAR AS TO WHY THERE IS NO RECALL NOR WARNING. AN INVESTIGATION ON THE INTERNET WILL CLEARLY REVEAL THOUSANDS OF FAILURES AND DATA IS AVAILABLE AT TRANSMISSION AND GARAGE SHOPS. DO SOMETHING. *TR
Power Train
Filed Dec 21, 201365,000 milesNJ
AFTER REFUELING AT BUSY GAS STATION, STARTED THE CAR AND THE CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD OR BACKWARDS AS NO GEARS WERE WORKING. THE CAR ENGINE WAS WORKING FINE BUT THE TRANSMISSION DIED WITHOUT ANY WARNING SYMPTOMS - NO CLUNKING, NO GRINDING GEARS, NO LOSS OF FLUIDS,... IT JUST COMPLETELY FAILED. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED WITH A USED TRANSMISSION. THE SAME FORD/MERCURY TRANSMISSION MODEL WAS RECALLED IN ANOTHER FORD VEHICLE. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR TRANSMISSION IN SABLES AND TAURUS VEHICLES IT IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AS THE INSTANTANEOUS COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE CAN EASILY OCCUR IN DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. IT PREVIOUSLY FAILED WITH THE CAR IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY! IT'S NOT CLEAR AS TO WHY THERE IS NO RECALL NOR WARNING. AN INVESTIGATION ON THE INTERNET WILL CLEARLY REVEAL THOUSANDS OF FAILURES AND DATA IS AVAILABLE AT TRANSMISSION AND GARAGE SHOPS. DO SOMETHING PLEASE. *TR
Power Train
Filed Dec 21, 2013126,000 milesNJ
I STARTED MY CAR TO TAKE IT FOR AN OIL CHANGE. WITH THE ENGINE WARMED UP I SHIFTED INTO GEAR TO GO. WITHOUT ANY WARNING SYMPTOMS (NO CLUNKING, NO GRINDING GEARS, NO LOSS OF FLUIDS,...) THE TRANSMISSION DECIDED TO COMPLETELY FAIL. THE CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD NOR BACKWARDS AS NO GEARS WERE WORKING. AS THIS IS NOW THE THIRD COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS CAR, I AM TRYING TO DECIDE IF I SHOULD TRY TO GET IT REPAIRED AGAIN. IN ALL MY YEARS OF DRIVING, THIS IS THE ONLY CAR THAT I HAVE OWNED THAT HAS HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THERE ARE KNOWN DESIGN FLAWS - THE TORQUE CONVERTER SPLINES ARE NOT BEEFY ENOUGH AND THE VENT FITTING WITH A CHECK VALVE ON THE TRANS HOUSING MALFUNCTIONS CLOSED AND CAUSES THE TRANS FLUID TO SHOOT BACK OUT OF THE DIPSTICK TUBE, AND THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES WITH THIS TRANSMISSION AS WELL... THE SAME FORD/MERCURY TRANSMISSION MODEL WAS RECALLED IN ANOTHER FORD VEHICLE. I REPEAT, THE SAME FAILURE PRONE PART IN ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS RECALLED. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR TRANSMISSION IN SABLES AND TAURUS VEHICLES IT IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AS THE INSTANTANEOUS COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE CAN EASILY OCCUR IN DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. IT PREVIOUSLY FAILED WITH MY CAR IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY! IT'S NOT CLEAR AS TO WHY THERE IS NO RECALL NOR WARNING. AN INVESTIGATION ON THE INTERNET WILL CLEARLY REVEAL THOUSANDS OF FAILURES AND DATA IS AVAILABLE AT TRANSMISSION AND GARAGE SHOPS. DO SOMETHING PLEASE. *TR
Power Train
Filed Sep 14, 201351,000 milesFL
THIRD TIME HERE WE GO!!! THE TORQUE CONVERTER HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE ON THIS MERCURY SABLE PIECE OF JUNK! PLEASE SEE NHTSA REPORT ID # 10333941 THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED. I HAD IT REPAIRED AT A FORD / MERCURY DEALERSHIP. RECEIVED A 12/12 WARRANTY (12K MILES OR 12 MONTHS) IT FAILED AGAIN AT ELEVEN MONTHS AND 12100 MILES 100 MILES OVER THE WARRANTY SO THEY TOLD ME TOUGH LUCK BUDDY.. I HAD IT REPAIRED AGAIN SAME DEALERSHIP. I DID NOT EVEN BOTHER TO FILE A REPORT I FIGURED ITS A WASTE OF TIME ANY HOW. AND NOW HERE WE GO AGAIN 3RD TIME. THAT FORD CAN MANUFACTURE AND SELL JUNK AND GET AWAY WITH IT IS CRIMINAL. I GUESS BUYER BEWARE DON'T BY FORD AND ESPECIALLY DO NOT BUY FORD FRONT WHEEL DRIVE. WHEN IT COMES TO FORD... I WOULD NEVER ASCRIBE TO MALICE THAT WHICH IS ADEQUATELY EXPLAINED BY INCOMPETENCE WHEN IT COMES TO CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS ... DOES IT MATTER WHAT THE JUDGE DRIVES ? HAVE YOU BEEN DRIVEN BY FORD LATELY. *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 29, 201375,000 milesNJ
STUCK THROTTLE AND THE CAR SPEEDS UP... UPDATED 08/19/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE INCIDENT HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 10, 2013130,000 milesNY
THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE COLLAR BROKE, LEAVING THE THROTTLE STUCK OPEN AT ABOUT 27%. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE ON IT'S OWN, AND REQUIRED EXTRA EFFORT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I HAVE A RECEIPT FOR THE REPAIR MADE BY PEPBOYS. *TR
Power Train
Filed Jul 4, 201360,000 milesME
MY WIFE WAS ACCELERATING AT ABOUT 10 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY WENT OUT OF GEAR. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING BUT THE CAR FAILED TO MOVE QUICKLY COMING TO A DEAD STOP. IT TURNS OUT IT IS THE TORQUE CONVERTER. I UNDERSTAND THAT MERCURY SABLES HAVE THIS PROBLEM. IT IS THE SAME TRANSMISSION AS IS IN A FORD WINDSTAR THAT DID HAVE A RECALL TO REPLACE THESE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS. IF THIS HAD OCCURRED ON THE INTERSTATE DURING RUSH HOUR IN OUR AREA SHE COULD HAVE BEEN HURT AND IN AN ACCIDENT. WHY NO RECALL?? *TR
Suspension
Filed Jul 1, 2013154,000 milesME
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT COIL SPRING FAILED AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE, CAUSING A BLOW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE COIL SPRING HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEVERAL MONTHS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 156,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Suspension
Filed May 5, 201391,553 milesMA
FRONT COIL SPRING FAILED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, COIL SPRING BROKE IN TWO PLACES AND PUNCTURED THE FRONT TIRE (SPRING WENT THROUGH THE TIRE SIDEWALL). IF THIS HAPPENED WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE CAR WOULD HAVE STEERED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT AND GONE OFF THE ROAD. OUR 2000 SABLE HAD A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT THE 2003 SABLE DID NOT. SEARCHING THE WEB, SPRING FAILURE AND PUNCTURE OF A FRONT TIRE HAS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. *TR
Complaints 1-50 of 201, 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: Apr 1, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.