Owners have filed 243 complaints
about the 1998 Mercury Sable with NHTSA between 1998 and 2018.
The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 15 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 33
Against the median year of the Mercury Sable. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
23.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 14
8% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
23.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
46.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1220.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2033.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1627.1%
150,000+ miles
58.5%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1998 Mercury Sable 4-DR.
—
—
—
—
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.
Jun 1998peak 12Apr 2018
Recalls on the 1998 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1998173308 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ATTACHING STUD THAT MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED. THIS HEAT TREATING MAY HAVE RESULTED IN CRACKS DEVELOPING IN THE STUD. IF THE STUD IS CRACKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR LESS THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF OCCUPANT RESTRAINT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH. CORRECTION: SEAT BELT BUCKLE MOUNTING BRACKET AND STUD ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Recall 199805045,205 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING SYSTEM AND RETROREFLECTIVE DEVICES. THE HEADLIGHT AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. CORRECTION: REVISED OWNER GUIDES WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 179,000 milesDES Moines, IACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. DUE TO THE BRAKE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AT AN INTERSECTION WITH AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK AND FACE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 179,000.
NHTSA complaint #10781703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesDES Moines, IACrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. DUE TO THE BRAKE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AT AN INTERSECTION WITH AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK AND FACE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 179,000.
NHTSA complaint #10781703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,300 milesQuackertown, PACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN PARKED FOR TWO HOURS IN THE PARKING LOT OF A SMALL COMMUNITY PARK. AS THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5-10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE TIME TO CHECK THE SPEEDOMETER BEFORE THE TURN WAS COMPLETED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN WHEN ENGAGING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND BECAUSE THE TURN HAD NOT BEEN COMPLETED THE CONTACT VEERED OFF TO THE LEFT OF THE ROAD AND THEN CROSSED THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT. AS THE CONTACT TRIED TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD, SHE DROVE OVER A TWO-FOOT BOULDER AND SEVERAL SMALLER BOULDERS AND THEN CRASHED INTO A FENCE OF TALL BUSHES AND CAME TO A STOP APPROXIMATELY TEN FEET PAST THE BOULDERS THAT HAD BEEN DRAGGED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DRIVEWAY. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AS THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THIS ALL TOOK PLACE IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED FORD DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATELY FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,300
NHTSA complaint #10453901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesLexington, MSCrash1 injured
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY SABLE GS. SHE STATED THAT WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE IT SWERVED TO THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A POLE, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER TWO TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SWELLING AND SHARP PAINS. THE CRASH WAS REPORTED TO THE POLICE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 175,000. THE POWERTRAIN AND PURCHASE DATE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10198209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesEugene, MOCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON FEBRUARY 14, 2006 AS I DROVE UP TO MY NEIGHBOR'S GARAGE DOOR, MY 1998 MERCURY SABLE WAGON HAD 'A MIND OF IT'S OWN'. IT WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE BRAKE BUT ACCELERATED 'ON IT'S OWN' CAUSING ME TO GO THROUGH THE DOOR AND HIT THE SIDE BRICK WALL OF THE GARAGE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE CAR. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH, I FOUND MANY SUCH STORIES WITH SEVERAL MAKES OF CARS. THE CRUISE CONTROL CAUSES AN 'SUDDEN INVOLUNTARY ACCELERATION' WHICH DOES NOT ALLOW THE BRAKE TO WORK THESE ARE ONLY A COUPLE OF THE LINKS I FOUND. HTTP://WWW.SAFETYFORUM.COM/FORDSUA/ HTTP://WWW.ANTONY-ANDERSON.COM/CRUISE/9.5-LINKS.HTML#FORD MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED. FORTUNATELY, I HAD NO INJURIES EXCEPT TO MY EMOTIONS. I CAN STILL SEE MYSELF GOING THROUGH THAT GARAGE DOOR AND NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP IT. LORRAINE BARNICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10151208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,273 milesSAN Antonio, TXCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. ALTHOUGH BRAKE PRESSURE REMAINED CONSTANT, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED FORWARD MOTION. THE VEHICLE GENTLY TAPPED ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE REAR BUMPER. THE DRIVER TURNED OFF THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE SABLE'S BUMPER, GRILL AND HEADLIGHTS. NO PHYSICAL INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE POLICE WERE ON THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER. A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED, BUT THE TEST DID NOT DETECT ANY FAILURE CODES. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THE THROTTLE PLATE AND AIR MOTOR WERE CARBONATED AND IT WAS SUSPECTED THAT THIS POSSIBLY CAUSED THE THROTTLE TO STICK CAUSING THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *NM UPDATED 2/13/2006 -
NHTSA complaint #10148041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 101,000 milesGrandville, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKEN ON BOTH SIDES. POOR DESIGN. I WAS TOLD THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS, BUT I DO NOT SEE IT. THIS IS UNSAFE, BECAUSE IT WILL THROW THE CAR AS IT GOES OVER A BUMP. IT CAN ALSO PUSH UP INTO THE TRUNK, IF NOT FIXED. VERY, VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #11084724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesHolladay, UT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE HIGH BEAMS DO NOT FUNCTION, UNLESS THE LEVER (WHICH CHANGES THE BEAM FROM LOW TO HIGH) IS PULLED TOWARDS ME AND HELD CONSTANTLY IN THAT POSITION. WHEN THIS LEVER IS RELEASED THE HIGH BEAMS GO OFF, BUT THERE ARE NO LOW BEAMS. THE DEFECTIVE PART , ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC, IS THE "LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE".
NHTSA complaint #10875217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesDES Moines, IACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. DUE TO THE BRAKE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AT AN INTERSECTION WITH AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK AND FACE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 179,000.
NHTSA complaint #10781703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesDES Moines, IACrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. DUE TO THE BRAKE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AT AN INTERSECTION WITH AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK AND FACE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 179,000.
NHTSA complaint #10781703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,500 milesGarett, IN
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WOULD HEAR A RATTLING NOISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND ASSUMED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND STATED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,500.
NHTSA complaint #10489301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,300 milesQuackertown, PACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN PARKED FOR TWO HOURS IN THE PARKING LOT OF A SMALL COMMUNITY PARK. AS THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5-10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE TIME TO CHECK THE SPEEDOMETER BEFORE THE TURN WAS COMPLETED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN WHEN ENGAGING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND BECAUSE THE TURN HAD NOT BEEN COMPLETED THE CONTACT VEERED OFF TO THE LEFT OF THE ROAD AND THEN CROSSED THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT. AS THE CONTACT TRIED TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD, SHE DROVE OVER A TWO-FOOT BOULDER AND SEVERAL SMALLER BOULDERS AND THEN CRASHED INTO A FENCE OF TALL BUSHES AND CAME TO A STOP APPROXIMATELY TEN FEET PAST THE BOULDERS THAT HAD BEEN DRAGGED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DRIVEWAY. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AS THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THIS ALL TOOK PLACE IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED FORD DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATELY FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,300
NHTSA complaint #10453901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesBelfast, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING IN REVERSE 3 MPH AND IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE FOUND THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING HAD FRACTURED AND PUNCTURED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000. UPDATED 05/24/11*LJ UPDATED 05/26/11
NHTSA complaint #10394375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,000 milesColumbus, GA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. IN ADDITION, THE HORN WOULD SOUND INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT FURTHER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A BUILDUP OF CORROSION FOUND ON AN UNKNOWN PIN INSIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE CORROSION OF THE STEERING COLUMN COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
NHTSA complaint #10377898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,000 milesColumbus, GA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. IN ADDITION, THE HORN WOULD SOUND INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT FURTHER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A BUILDUP OF CORROSION FOUND ON AN UNKNOWN PIN INSIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE CORROSION OF THE STEERING COLUMN COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
NHTSA complaint #10377898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Pedro, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK MY CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP TO RETRIEVE STORED ENGINE CONTROL CODES PO443 AND PO455. I REPLACED THE PART AND THERE IS STILL THE SAME CODE PO443 AND PO455. I KEEP MY OLD PART.
NHTSA complaint #10351299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesWharthon, NJ
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 1998 MERCURY SABLE. SEVERAL MECHANICS STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION AND THE REAR COIL SPRINGS FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRING CORRODED AND WAS RELATED TO A MANUFACTURERS RECALL; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,000. UPDATED 10/21/09 *BF THE CONSUMER WAS ALSO INFORMED THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE DEFECTIVE AS WELL. UPDATED 10/23/09
NHTSA complaint #10283431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesWharthon, NJ
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 1998 MERCURY SABLE. SEVERAL MECHANICS STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION AND THE REAR COIL SPRINGS FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRING CORRODED AND WAS RELATED TO A MANUFACTURERS RECALL; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,000. UPDATED 10/21/09 *BF THE CONSUMER WAS ALSO INFORMED THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE DEFECTIVE AS WELL. UPDATED 10/23/09
NHTSA complaint #10283431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,100 milesNeedham, MA
SUSPENSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE SUDDENLY BLEW OUT. THERE WAS NO CRASH AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ASSISTED THE CONTACT WITH PLACING THE SPARE TIRE ON THE VEHICLE AND THEN INFORMED HIM THAT THE COIL SPRING WAS THE CAUSE OF THE BLOW OUT. THE DEALER STATED THAT ONLY 1999-2001 SABLES WERE INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V332000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS). HE SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 94,100.
NHTSA complaint #10257158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesNorridgewock, ME
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE SHOP FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANIC NOTICED A SMALL HOLE UNDER THE FRAME. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HAVE THE BRAKES REPAIRED AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL SMALL HOLES NEAR THE SUBFRAME BY THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10223134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesNorth Andover, MA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
98 SABLE WAGON. (SPRING PLATE GAVE AND SPRING BLEW OUT TIRE AND DAMAGED FRONT END RODS OR ARMS, SHOCK ACCORDING TO FORD SERVICE ANALYSIS) AND LEFT FRONT END ALMOST SITTING ON THE GROUND. ACCORDING TO FORD ANALYSIS). I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A BLOW OUT SO I HAD AAA COME TO TOW IT TO MY DEALERSHIP. WHEN THE AAA DRIVER SAW THE DAMAGE, HE SAID HE'S SEEN THIS SEVERAL TIMES AND THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL OUT FOR THIS SPECIFIC SITUATION. FORD DEALERSHIP LOOKED UP RECALLS FOR MY CAR AND SAID THERE WAS ONE FOR WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR BUT IT WAS FOR 99 AND NEWER MODELS AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT REPAIRING IT UNDER A RECALL. I CALLED FORD CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND WOULDN'T INVEST THEIR MONEY INTO REPAIRING MY CAR. FORTUNATE FOR ME THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. IF IT WERE ON THE HIGHWAY, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A CATASTROPHE. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THE 98S AND 99S ARE VERY SIMILAR, SO I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY FORD WOULDN'T MAKE THE REPAIRS AT THEIR COST UNDER THE SAFETY RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10213417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesNorth Andover, MA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
98 SABLE WAGON. (SPRING PLATE GAVE AND SPRING BLEW OUT TIRE AND DAMAGED FRONT END RODS OR ARMS, SHOCK ACCORDING TO FORD SERVICE ANALYSIS) AND LEFT FRONT END ALMOST SITTING ON THE GROUND. ACCORDING TO FORD ANALYSIS). I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A BLOW OUT SO I HAD AAA COME TO TOW IT TO MY DEALERSHIP. WHEN THE AAA DRIVER SAW THE DAMAGE, HE SAID HE'S SEEN THIS SEVERAL TIMES AND THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL OUT FOR THIS SPECIFIC SITUATION. FORD DEALERSHIP LOOKED UP RECALLS FOR MY CAR AND SAID THERE WAS ONE FOR WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR BUT IT WAS FOR 99 AND NEWER MODELS AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT REPAIRING IT UNDER A RECALL. I CALLED FORD CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND WOULDN'T INVEST THEIR MONEY INTO REPAIRING MY CAR. FORTUNATE FOR ME THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. IF IT WERE ON THE HIGHWAY, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A CATASTROPHE. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THE 98S AND 99S ARE VERY SIMILAR, SO I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY FORD WOULDN'T MAKE THE REPAIRS AT THEIR COST UNDER THE SAFETY RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10213417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesNorth Andover, MA
TIRES
98 SABLE WAGON. (SPRING PLATE GAVE AND SPRING BLEW OUT TIRE AND DAMAGED FRONT END RODS OR ARMS, SHOCK ACCORDING TO FORD SERVICE ANALYSIS) AND LEFT FRONT END ALMOST SITTING ON THE GROUND. ACCORDING TO FORD ANALYSIS). I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A BLOW OUT SO I HAD AAA COME TO TOW IT TO MY DEALERSHIP. WHEN THE AAA DRIVER SAW THE DAMAGE, HE SAID HE'S SEEN THIS SEVERAL TIMES AND THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL OUT FOR THIS SPECIFIC SITUATION. FORD DEALERSHIP LOOKED UP RECALLS FOR MY CAR AND SAID THERE WAS ONE FOR WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR BUT IT WAS FOR 99 AND NEWER MODELS AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT REPAIRING IT UNDER A RECALL. I CALLED FORD CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND WOULDN'T INVEST THEIR MONEY INTO REPAIRING MY CAR. FORTUNATE FOR ME THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. IF IT WERE ON THE HIGHWAY, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A CATASTROPHE. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THE 98S AND 99S ARE VERY SIMILAR, SO I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY FORD WOULDN'T MAKE THE REPAIRS AT THEIR COST UNDER THE SAFETY RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10213417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesNorth Andover, MA
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
98 SABLE WAGON. (SPRING PLATE GAVE AND SPRING BLEW OUT TIRE AND DAMAGED FRONT END RODS OR ARMS, SHOCK ACCORDING TO FORD SERVICE ANALYSIS) AND LEFT FRONT END ALMOST SITTING ON THE GROUND. ACCORDING TO FORD ANALYSIS). I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A BLOW OUT SO I HAD AAA COME TO TOW IT TO MY DEALERSHIP. WHEN THE AAA DRIVER SAW THE DAMAGE, HE SAID HE'S SEEN THIS SEVERAL TIMES AND THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL OUT FOR THIS SPECIFIC SITUATION. FORD DEALERSHIP LOOKED UP RECALLS FOR MY CAR AND SAID THERE WAS ONE FOR WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR BUT IT WAS FOR 99 AND NEWER MODELS AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT REPAIRING IT UNDER A RECALL. I CALLED FORD CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND WOULDN'T INVEST THEIR MONEY INTO REPAIRING MY CAR. FORTUNATE FOR ME THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. IF IT WERE ON THE HIGHWAY, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A CATASTROPHE. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THE 98S AND 99S ARE VERY SIMILAR, SO I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY FORD WOULDN'T MAKE THE REPAIRS AT THEIR COST UNDER THE SAFETY RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10213417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesNorth Andover, MA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
98 SABLE WAGON. (SPRING PLATE GAVE AND SPRING BLEW OUT TIRE AND DAMAGED FRONT END RODS OR ARMS, SHOCK ACCORDING TO FORD SERVICE ANALYSIS) AND LEFT FRONT END ALMOST SITTING ON THE GROUND. ACCORDING TO FORD ANALYSIS). I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A BLOW OUT SO I HAD AAA COME TO TOW IT TO MY DEALERSHIP. WHEN THE AAA DRIVER SAW THE DAMAGE, HE SAID HE'S SEEN THIS SEVERAL TIMES AND THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL OUT FOR THIS SPECIFIC SITUATION. FORD DEALERSHIP LOOKED UP RECALLS FOR MY CAR AND SAID THERE WAS ONE FOR WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR BUT IT WAS FOR 99 AND NEWER MODELS AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT REPAIRING IT UNDER A RECALL. I CALLED FORD CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND WOULDN'T INVEST THEIR MONEY INTO REPAIRING MY CAR. FORTUNATE FOR ME THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. IF IT WERE ON THE HIGHWAY, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A CATASTROPHE. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THE 98S AND 99S ARE VERY SIMILAR, SO I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY FORD WOULDN'T MAKE THE REPAIRS AT THEIR COST UNDER THE SAFETY RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10213417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesNorth Andover, MA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER
98 SABLE WAGON. (SPRING PLATE GAVE AND SPRING BLEW OUT TIRE AND DAMAGED FRONT END RODS OR ARMS, SHOCK ACCORDING TO FORD SERVICE ANALYSIS) AND LEFT FRONT END ALMOST SITTING ON THE GROUND. ACCORDING TO FORD ANALYSIS). I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A BLOW OUT SO I HAD AAA COME TO TOW IT TO MY DEALERSHIP. WHEN THE AAA DRIVER SAW THE DAMAGE, HE SAID HE'S SEEN THIS SEVERAL TIMES AND THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL OUT FOR THIS SPECIFIC SITUATION. FORD DEALERSHIP LOOKED UP RECALLS FOR MY CAR AND SAID THERE WAS ONE FOR WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR BUT IT WAS FOR 99 AND NEWER MODELS AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT REPAIRING IT UNDER A RECALL. I CALLED FORD CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND WOULDN'T INVEST THEIR MONEY INTO REPAIRING MY CAR. FORTUNATE FOR ME THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. IF IT WERE ON THE HIGHWAY, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A CATASTROPHE. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THE 98S AND 99S ARE VERY SIMILAR, SO I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY FORD WOULDN'T MAKE THE REPAIRS AT THEIR COST UNDER THE SAFETY RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10213417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,933 milesCortlandt Manor, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1999 MERCURY SABLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CUSTOMER STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AS HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE AT AN INTERSECTION TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. *KB *TR THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL AFTER PUTTING IT IN NEUTRAL. UPDATED 03/22/10 UPDATED 05/28/10.
NHTSA complaint #10205004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,234 milesLansdale, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
BRAKES LINE LEAKING FLUID DUE TO CORROSION OF METAL,LOST ALL BRAKE FLUID WHEN BRAKES WERE PUT ON.
NHTSA complaint #10199296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesLexington, MSCrash1 injured
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY SABLE GS. SHE STATED THAT WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE IT SWERVED TO THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A POLE, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER TWO TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SWELLING AND SHARP PAINS. THE CRASH WAS REPORTED TO THE POLICE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 175,000. THE POWERTRAIN AND PURCHASE DATE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10198209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesEcorse, MI
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
I WAS JUST PULLING OUT OF WORK WHEN I HEARD MY FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE EXPLODED. I WAS STILL IN THE PARKING LOT GOING LESS THAN 10 MPH. WHEN I GOT THE TIRE OFF I NOTICED THAT MY SPRING HAD BROKEN AND WAS RUBBING UP AGAINST MY TIRE CAUSING MY LOW-SPEED BLOWOUT. FORD HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE SPRINGS DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION, BUT HAVE ONLY RECALLED THE 99-01 MODELS. I WOULD LIKE FORD TO LOOK INTO EXTENDING THE RECALL AS I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY 98 OWNER TO EXPERIENCE SUCH AN ISSUE. I AM THANKFUL, THOUGH, THAT THIS DID HAPPEN IN A PARKING LOT. I WAS ONLY TWO MINUTES AWAY FROM GETTING ON I-75, AND PROBABLY COULD HAVE LOST MY LIFE.
NHTSA complaint #10191824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesPelzer, SC
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I DROVE THE CAR TO DO ERRANDS AND IT WAS NOT HAVING ANY PROBLEMS. I PARKED THE CAR AT THE MALL AND CAME BACK TO DRIVE HOME AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE GEARS WOULD NOT ENGAGE. I WAS FORCED TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME. IT SHOWED NO SIGNS OF HAVING A PROBLEM, AND THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS INTACT WITH NO SIGNS OF A PROBLEM. THIS APPEARED TO BE A COSTLY REPAIR, SO I CHOSE NOT TO FIX IT AT THIS TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10190031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.