FaultScore

FaultScore report

1992 Mercury Sable problems

Owners have filed 517 complaints about the 1992 Mercury Sable with NHTSA between 1995 and 2010. The largest single group is the engine & cooling.

Not graded

Too few complaints, or too short a model run, to compare fairly.

How this is worked out

The numbers

517

Complaints

14

Crashes reported

7

Fires reported

6

Injuries reported

1 complaint reports a death.

101,801 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

6%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

How 1992 compares with every other Mercury Sable

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1992 Mercury Sable

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 183 35.4%

0 crashes, 3 fires · median 47,000 mi

0 crashes, 2 fires

Brakes 52 10.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 147,000 mi

Steering 31 6.0%

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 84,787 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 95,801 mi

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 131,254 mi

Suspension 21 4.1%

Median failure at 92,795 miles

Lights 16 3.1%
Airbags 14 2.7%

7 crashes, 0 fires · median 146,000 mi

Tires 10 1.9%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 128,450 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 7 1.4%
Equipment & Accessories 6 1.2%

Median failure at 131,254 miles

Seats 5 1.0%
Seat Belts 5 1.0%
Other & Unspecified 3 0.6%
Doors, Latches & Locks 2 0.4%
Wheels 1 0.2%

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Engine 112 44.3%
Automatic Transmission 50 19.8%
Gasoline 29 11.5%
Frame AND Members 23 9.1%
Rotor 11 4.3%
Cooling System 10 4.0%
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 9 3.6%
Radiator Assembly 9 3.6%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

10,000 – 24,999 miles 1 5.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 1 5.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 6 33.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 9 50.0%
150,000+ miles 1 5.6%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Jan 1995 peak 30 Jun 2010

NHTSA investigations into the 1992 Mercury Sable

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

EA96024 Opened 30 Sep 1996 Closed 15 Apr 1997 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES

EA96019 Opened 31 Jul 1996 Closed 26 Jan 1998 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

HEADLIGHT FAILURE

EXCESSIVE HEAT IN AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED CIRCUIT BREAKER WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CAUSED THAT CIRCUIT BREAKER TO OPEN FOR TIME PERIODS OF VARYING LENGTH TO COOL OFF.OPENING OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER IN THIS MANNER INTERRUPTS ELECTRIC CURRENT FLOW TO THE HEADLIGHTS, SHUTTING THEM OFF.HEADLIGHT OUTAGES HAVE RANGER FROM BRIEF FLICKERS (LESS THAN ONE SECOND) TO GREATER THAN 20 SECONDS.OVER TIME, THE OUTAGES GROW IN LENGTH AND DURATION BECAUSE OF HEAT-INDUCED DETERIORATION OF THE SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING.RECALL 98V-009 WILL APPLY TO APPROXIMATELY 506,000 TAURUS, SABLE, MARK VIII, AND CONTIN...

PE96033 Opened 2 May 1996 Closed 30 Sep 1996 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES

IN DECEMBER 1995, FORD RECALLED 119,313 VEHICLES IN CANADA TO REMEDY THE SUBJECT CONDITION IN CERTAIN 1992-95 TAURUS, SABLE, TEMPO, TOPAZ AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES.FORD IS AWARE OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS OCCURRING IN NORTHERN REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES, BUT MAINTAINS THAT THE FREQUENCIES DO NOT WARRANT A FINDING OF AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.

DP95004 Opened 8 Aug 1995 Closed 30 Aug 1995 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS

ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS

EA94008 Opened 16 Feb 1994 Closed 27 Feb 1995 STEERING

BROKEN TIE RODS

PE93100 Opened 2 Dec 1993 Closed 30 Jun 1994 SUSPENSION

POLYCAST ROAD WHEEL CRACKS

EA93022 Opened 30 Jul 1993 Closed 31 Aug 1994 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

IDLE AIR SPD CTRL VLV MALF

PE93065 Opened 15 Jul 1993 Closed 30 Nov 1993 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

UNDERBODY FUEL LINE FAILS

Recalls on the 1992 Mercury Sable

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

98V323000

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGNIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT CAN EXPERIENCE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IF SUBJECTED TO LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALTS. THIS CAN RESULT IN FRACTURE AND LOSS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENT. DETACHMENT OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWS THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.

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

97V025000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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

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

97V019000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

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

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

94E036000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER

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

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

92V065000

WHEELS

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

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

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 1998250 251,032 units in Canada

Steering

On certain vehicles located in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador, the lower sub frame mount plate nut may corrode and fail due to exposure to road salt. This could result in loss of structural integrity of the subframe mount attachment. Detachment of the body mounts at the rear corners of the sub frame which supports the engine and transmission, allows the rear corners of the sub frame to drop. Should both rear corners drop, steering control would be adversely affected. Correction: Dealers will install subframe rear mount bolts, reinforcement plate and plate nuts.

Recall 1997071 54,150 units in Canada

Electrical

VEHICLES WITH 3.8 LITRE ENGINES THAT WERE INVOLVED IN SAFETY RECALL 95S22 (95-202) WERE MODIFIED WITH A MAXI-FUSE THAT DOES NOT PROVIDE THE INTENDED LEVEL OF PROTECTION FOR THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ALSO, BECAUSE A SIMILAR MAXI-FUSE CIRCUIT WAS USED ON CERTAIN 1994-95 TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES WITH 3.8 LITRE ENGINES, THESE VEHICLES WILL BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. CORRECTION: A FUSED WIRING HARNESS THAT PROVIDES THE REQUIRED LEVEL OF PROTECTION WILL BE INSTALLED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Recall 1997060 59,966 units in Canada

Engine

DIRECT WATER SPRAY OR LONG TERM WET DRIVING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE WATER TO ACCUMULATE IN THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT. UNDER COLD CONDITIONS THIS WATER COULD FREEZE AND PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE CLOSED POSITION WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS DISENGAGED. THIS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT DRIVER CONTROL AND CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH. CORRECTION: MOISTURE WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE CABLE CONDUIT AND A BOOT WILL BE ADDED TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE TO PREVENT WATER ENTRY.

Recall 1995202 119,313 units in Canada

Electrical

NOTE: 1992-94 TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 3.0 LITRE ENGINES; 1994-95 TAURUS/SABLE (EXCEPT SHO) WITH 3.0 LITRE ENGINES; 1992-93 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.8 LITRE ENGINES; 1992-94 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MAY BECOME FROZEN IN PLACE BY SNOW, ICE OR SLUSH. IF THIS OCCURS AND THE COOLING FAN IS ACTIVATED, EITHER AUTOMATICALLY TO REDUCE COOLANT TEMPERATURE OR WHEN THE DEFROSTER IS TURNED ON, THE COOLING FAN WILL NOT ROTATE AND CAN OVERHEAT. THIS CAN DAMAGE THE FAN MOTOR, FAN, FAN WIRING AND SHROUD WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR SMOKE OR A FIRE TO RESULT. CORRECTION: IN SOME CASES, THE FUSE FOR THE COOLING FAN CIRCUIT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A SMALLER FUSE. IN OTHER CASES, A JUMPER HARNESS WITH DEDICATED CIRCUIT PROTECTION FOR THE COOLING FAN WILL BE INSTALLED.

Recall 1992166 157,101 units in Canada

Structure

On certain vehicles with 3.0 Litre and 3.8 Litre engines, the body mounts on the rear corners of the subframe which supports the engine and transmission may become detached due to corrosion of the rear lower mount retaining plates, allowing the rear corners of the subframe to drop. Should this occur, steering could become very difficult, thereby adversely affecting vehicle control. Correction: modified lower body mounts and attaching bolts will be installed on affected vehicles.

Recall 1992102 1,453 units in Canada

Emissions

NOTE: VEHICLES WITH 3.8 LITRE ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH INCORRECT ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL (EEC) PROCESSORS. CORRECTION: EEC PROCESSOR WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Recall 1992060 48,330 units in Canada

Structure

Note: Station wagon vehicles only. Young children left unattended in the vehicle could lock themselves in the footwell area of the rear-facing third seat (or the underfloor storage compartment in station wagons not equipped with the optional third seat). Once the compartment is closed, it cannot be opened from the inside, and there is the danger of air deprivation, excessive body heat and panic response to a child who may have closed himself or herself in the compartment. Correction: A modified latch will be installed which does not have a self-latching feature and allows the compartment cover to be pushed open from the inside.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 180,000 miles Oconomowoc, WI Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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

NHTSA complaint #10142623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 146,000 miles Oklahoma City, OK Crash

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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

NHTSA complaint #10105027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Scottsboro, AL 4 killed

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #10054584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bellevue, WA Fire

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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

NHTSA complaint #766127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ridgefield, CT Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

HEAD GASKET FAILURE - HAD TO CALL 911 CAR WAS SMOKING PROFUSELY EVEN WITH ENGINE TURNED OFF! CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CO., SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL!

NHTSA complaint #723141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Glen Head, NY Fire

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY LOCKED. THE '!@#$% QUALITY METAL USED IN THE MAIN GEAR SET CRUMBLED TO POWDER. FORD QUALITY SCORES AGAIN!

NHTSA complaint #719317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 132,300 miles Hurley, NY

TIRES

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

NHTSA complaint #10340451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,600 miles Hurley, NY

TIRES

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

NHTSA complaint #10279930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,591 miles Jacksonsville, FL

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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

NHTSA complaint #10240898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,591 miles Jacksonsville, FL

STEERING

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

NHTSA complaint #10240898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,591 miles Jacksonsville, FL

SUSPENSION

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

NHTSA complaint #10240898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Quimsy, MA

SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR

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

NHTSA complaint #10204862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,000 miles Pebble Beach, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #10147352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Solon, OH

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

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

NHTSA complaint #10144281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Oconomowoc, WI Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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

NHTSA complaint #10142623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 83,983 miles Solon, OH

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

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

NHTSA complaint #10113594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 146,000 miles Oklahoma City, OK Crash

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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

NHTSA complaint #10105027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 88,000 miles Shoreview, MN

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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

NHTSA complaint #10099297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 131,254 miles Lowell, MA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

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

NHTSA complaint #10098210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 131,254 miles Lowell, MA

EQUIPMENT

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

NHTSA complaint #10098210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint Petersburg, FL

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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

NHTSA complaint #10090173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 114,000 miles Riverdale, GA

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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

NHTSA complaint #10083743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 103,603 miles Fairfield, NJ

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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

NHTSA complaint #10074902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Glenville, NY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

NHTSA complaint #10068992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 22,161 miles Shirley, NY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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

NHTSA complaint #10070057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 93,000 miles Sparks, NV

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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

NHTSA complaint #10070531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Scottsboro, AL 4 killed

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #10054584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 114,000 miles Orchard Park, NY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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

NHTSA complaint #10047094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bridgeton, MO

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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

NHTSA complaint #10034245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chico, CA

POWER TRAIN

THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO GO INTO GEAR.

NHTSA complaint #10022501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Balparaiso, IN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:HIGH/LOW BEAM DIMMER SWITCH

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

NHTSA complaint #10005939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.