Owners have filed 302 complaints
about the 1999 Mercury Sable with NHTSA between 1998 and 2020.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 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 — 42
Against the median year of the Mercury Sable. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 23
14% 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
21.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
87.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2119.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3128.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1917.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1816.5%
150,000+ miles
109.2%
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
1999 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.
Dec 1998peak 13Dec 2020
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 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.
PE04044Opened 24 May 2004Closed 16 Aug 2004SUSPENSION:FRONT
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE
ODI POSSESSES 130 VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRES (VOQ) ALLEGING FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT (MODEL YEAR 1999-2000) VEHICLES.AN ADDITIONAL 11 VOQS CONCERNING MY 2001 VEHICLES HAVE BEEN FOUND, BRINGING THE TOTAL TO 141.MORE THAN 75% OF THESE REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE BROKEN SPRING DAMAGED OR PUNCTURED THE ADJACENT TIRE.ALL OF THESE REPORTS ORIGINATED IN THE SALT BELT STATES LOCATED IN THE NORTHEAST QUADRANT OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA.FORD WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-332) COVERING VEHICLES SOLDOR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOW...
PE02080Opened 22 Oct 2002Closed 29 Apr 2003SUSPENSION
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE
A TOTAL OF 161 FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING FAILURES ARE KNOWN TO ODI AND FORD FROM ALL SOURCES, 59 OF THESE LEADING TO TIRE DAMAGE.THESE FAILURES ARE CONCENTRATED IN THE CORROSION STATES, WHERE 253,814 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD.WARRANTY AND CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATA SHOW THAT THE SUBJECT FLEET EXPERIENCED A SPRING FRACTURE RATE OF 0.009% AT 30,000 MILES AND 0.03% AT 60,000 MILES.THESE RATES ARE VERY LOW WHEN COMPARED TO PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS OF COIL SPRING FRACTURE:RECALLED '93 TAURUS (EA97-026): 0.1% AT 30,000 MILES AND 0.34% AT 60,000 MILES; AND RECALLED '98 WINDSTAR (EA00-027): 0.11% AT 30,000...
Recalls on the 1999 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
04V332000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSION ASSOCIATED WITH SALT USED ON THE ROADWAYS DURING THE WINTER. A FRACTURED SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE TIRE MAY RUPTURE RESULTING IN A RAPID AIR LOSS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
99V250000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE A PIN SHAFT IN THE SWITCHABLE ELR/ALR MECHANISM THAT IS INCORRECTLY FORMED. IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, THE SWITCHING MECHANISM COULD BECOME NONFUNCTIONAL, PREVENTING THE SEAT BELT WEBBING FROM BEING EXTRACTED FROM THE RETRACTOR. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT MALFUNCTION OF THE MECHANISM COULD PREVENT THE BELT FROM BEING SWITCHED INTO THE ALR MODE. THE ELR MECHANISM IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION.
Risk: IF THE MECHANISM MALFUNCTIONS AND DOES NOT ALLOW THE WEBBING TO BE EXTRACTED, THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT COULD NOT BE WORN BY A VEHICLE OCCUPANT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE MECHANISM DOES NOT ALLOW THE ALR MODE TO BE ENGAGED, THE OPERATOR MAY BE UNABLE TO PROPERLY INSTALL A CHILD SEAT IN THAT SEATING POSITION.
98V288000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUPPED WITH THE "CALIFORNIA" EMISSIONS PACKAGE. AN INCORRECT TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE WAS INSTALLED. THE LINE CONTACTS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM MODULE SUPPORT BRACKET AND OVER TIME, CAN WEAR AND DEVELOP A LEAK.
Risk: TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
98V204000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DASH INSULATOR RETAINER CLIP WAS NOT FULLY ASSEMBLED TO THE ACCELERATOR CABLE DASH FITTING. THE CLIP CAN DISENGAGE FROM THE ACCELERATOR CABLE AND FALL INTO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM PIVOT AREA.
Risk: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE ENGINE MAY NOT FULLY RETURN TO IDLE. ALSO, THE INSULATOR MAY NOT STAY IN THE INTENDED LOCATION AND COULD INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR CABLE.
98V198000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL SEAT TRACKS. THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ATTACHING STUD MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED. THIS HEAT TREATMENT MAY HAVE RESULTED IN CRACKS DEVELOPING IN THE STUD.
Risk: IF THE STUD IS CRACKED, IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200425259,758 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the front coil springs may fracture when operated in high corrosion areas (where salt is used on the roadways in winter). The potential for corrosion causing a spring to fracture increases with the number of kilometres and years in service on the vehicle. A fractured spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire causing a rupture resulting in a rapid air loss. Correction: For vehicles sold in or are currently registered in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, dealers will install protective spring shields as specified in recall campaign 04S17. In addition, Ford will notify nationwide all 1999 to 2001 Taurus and Sable owners of a Customer Satisfaction Program 04M04 in which Ford will provide additional repair coverage for replacement of fractured front coil springs for a period of 10 years from the original date of sale of the vehicle, or up to 240 000 kilometres, whichever occurs first.
Recall 19991761,889 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the seat belt retractor in certain seating positions may have a pin shaft in the switchable ELR/ALR(emergency locking retractor/automatic locking retractor) mechanism that is incorrectly formed. In some circumstances, the switching mechanism could become non-functional, which could prevent the seat belt webbing from being extracted from the retractor. Correction: Affected vehicles will be inspected and suspect lap and shoulder belt assemblies will be replaced.
Recall 199818232 units in Canada
Structure
THE DASH INSULATOR RETAINER MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FULLY ENGAGED. THE RETAINER MAY DISENGAGE, AND IN SOME CASES IT COULD BECOME LODGED ABOVE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL PIVOT. THIS COULD PREVENT THE ENGINE FROM FULLY RETURNING TO IDLE. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED FOR PROPER INSTALLATION OF THE DASH INSULATOR RETAINER AND RE-INSTALL IF REQUIRED.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 122,000 milesBloomington, INCrash
WHEELS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE LS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE DRIFTED OFF OF THE ROAD AND INTO A WOODED AREA. HE SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE NOTICED THAT THE CORROSION ON THE CHROME PLATED WHEEL CAUSED THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE TO LOSE PRESSURE. ALL FOUR WHEELS WERE REPLACED WITH ALLOYED WHEELS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 122,000. UPDATED 04/01/10 *BF THE TIRE LOST AIR PRESSURE AS A RESULT OF CHROMING OF THE TIRE SEALING AREA. UPDATED 07/19/
NHTSA complaint #10286012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesBloomington, INCrash
WHEELS:RIM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE LS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE DRIFTED OFF OF THE ROAD AND INTO A WOODED AREA. HE SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE NOTICED THAT THE CORROSION ON THE CHROME PLATED WHEEL CAUSED THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE TO LOSE PRESSURE. ALL FOUR WHEELS WERE REPLACED WITH ALLOYED WHEELS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 122,000. UPDATED 04/01/10 *BF THE TIRE LOST AIR PRESSURE AS A RESULT OF CHROMING OF THE TIRE SEALING AREA. UPDATED 07/19/
NHTSA complaint #10286012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesTuscaloosa, ALCrash2 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE GAS PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT A HOUSE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE BUT IT DID NOT HELP IN PREVENTING THE ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE PEDALS. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. UPDATED 10/31/2006 - THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND GLASS IN HER EYES. THE CONSUMER'S ANKLE WAS CRACKED AND HAD TORN LIGAMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #10170035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesNaperville, ILCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON OUR 1999 MERCURY SABLE [XXX] AFTER AN ACCIDENT. THE FRONT OF OUR CAR HIT THE SIDE OF A MINI-VAN WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO TIP THE MINI-VAN OVER. POLICE ESTIMATED WE WERE TRAVELING AT 30 MPH. *NM UPDATED 07/16/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10156205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesBogalusa, LACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT IMPACT COLLISION AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALTHOUGH BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING SEATBELTS, THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DID NOT LOCK RESULTING IN FORWARD MOTION, WHICH CAUSED THE OCCUPANTS TO STRIKE THE DASH PANEL AREA. MINOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE HAD MODERATE DAMAGE. THE POLICE WERE ON THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY A DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #10153231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesBogalusa, LACrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT IMPACT COLLISION AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALTHOUGH BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING SEATBELTS, THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DID NOT LOCK RESULTING IN FORWARD MOTION, WHICH CAUSED THE OCCUPANTS TO STRIKE THE DASH PANEL AREA. MINOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE HAD MODERATE DAMAGE. THE POLICE WERE ON THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY A DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #10153231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 152,000 milesFairborn, OH
POWER TRAIN
I BOUGHT A USED 1999 MERCURY SABLE GS WITH THE U TYPE 3.0L V6 ENGINE 2 MONTHS AGO. JUST RECENTLY I NOTICED THE CAR WANTING TO LUNGE FORWARD WHILE HOLDING THE BRAKE AT STOPS. THEN A FEW DAYS LATER WHENEVER I START THE CAR IT LUNGES FORWARD. NOTHING DRAMATIC BUT DEFINITELY NOTICEABLE. I STARTED LOOKING ONLINE TO SEE ABOUT A RECALL AND 1 WAS PRESENT A LONG TIME AGO. IS IT TO LATE TO GET MY CAR CHECKED OR HOW TO SEE IF IT WAS EVER SERVICED OR CALLED FOR THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11383277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesRipley, TN
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE WAGON. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11289653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesRipley, TN
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND MADE IT VERY HARD TO STEER ALMOST CAUSING ME TO HAVE A ACCIDENT AFTER COMING TO A STOP THE STEERING WHEEL WAS OFF CENTER AND VERY HARD TO TURN HAD TO GET CAR TOWED.I FIND THIS TO BE A COMPLETE RIP OFF BECAUSE I SEE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF STEERING PROBLEMS OF THE SAME MATTER
NHTSA complaint #11289660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesNEW Rochelle, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
REAR SUBFRAME CONNECTION PASSENGER SIDE RUSTED THROUGH DUE TO FACTORY PUT AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSATE LINE SO THAT IT CONSTANTLY DUMPS CONDENSATE ON THIS AREA INSTEAD OF DRAINING CONDENSATE BEYOND AND TO THE GROUND. THE RESULT IS A RUSTED OUT SEVERED CONNECTION THEREBY CAUSING THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION TO BE HELD BY ONLY THREE OF THE FOUR CONNECTIONS NEEDED TO SAFELY HOLD ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION AS DESIGNED FROM THE FACTORY.
NHTSA complaint #10940302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesOrland Park, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKES HESITATED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
NHTSA complaint #10881775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesOrland Park, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKES HESITATED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
NHTSA complaint #10881775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monroe, MI
AIR BAGS
THE STEERING IS HORIBLE, ABOUT 3YEARS AGO CHANGED RACK APPION STEERING, AND JUST A WEEK AGO, PUT NEW STEERING PUMP ON, STILL.
NHTSA complaint #10836880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monroe, MI
STEERING
THE STEERING IS HORIBLE, ABOUT 3YEARS AGO CHANGED RACK APPION STEERING, AND JUST A WEEK AGO, PUT NEW STEERING PUMP ON, STILL.
NHTSA complaint #10836880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merkel, TX
STEERING
EVEN AFTER REPLACING THE SECOND POWER STEERING PUMP , IT IS HORRIBLE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL MOST OF THE TIME. ALSO, IT IS NOISY WHILE I'M DRIVING IT. IT HAD A NEW RACK AND PINION ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT . PARKING IN A PARKING LOT IS AWFUL AS IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO MANEUVER AROUND OTHER CARS. TURNING CORNERS ,SOMETIMES IT'S OKAY AND OTHER TIMES REALLY HARD. NOT SURE IF THIS COMPLAINT BELONGS HERE, BUT HEATER DOESN'T WORK ,EITHER. FEELS LIKE A/C IS ON . HAD A FRIEND CHECK IT AND HE IS HAVING A HARD TIME FIGURING IT OUT. DON'T KNOW HOW TO ANSWER "DATE HAPPENED" AS IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN AUGUST.
NHTSA complaint #10806809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,988 milesDenver, CO
STRUCTURE
AFTER RAINS THE CAR GOT A WET FLOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ,NO WET SPOTS ON ROOF OR WINDOWS. IT WAS LEAKING WATER FROM THE DASH BOARD COMPARTMENT BOTTOM.WHILE DRIVING ,THE HEATER WAS ON AND IT STARTED SMOKING FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD COMPARTMENT BY PASSENGER SIDE I TURNED EVERYTHING OFF . I TOOK IT FOR REPAIR AND NOW, ON MAY IT RAINED HEAVY AGAIN AND IT HAS A PUDDLE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AGAIN ,SAME SITUATION AS BEFORE, WATER CAME FROM INSIDE.IS THIS A SAFETY HAZARD? I BOUGHT THIS CAR ON NOVEMBER 2013 ,AND I KNEW TOO LATE ABOUT THE HEATING SYSTEM RECALL ,I DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS EVER REPAIRED ON THAT RECALL.FORD DEALER IN COLORADO SAYS THERE IS NO WAY TO CHECK IT.ACCORDING TO SOME WEBSITES IT NEEDS SOMETHING TO HAVE A PROTECTION UNDER THE WIPERS VENTS(COWL) AND IT IS A FACTORY MISTAKE. I HAVE HAD THE HEATING SYSTEM REPAIRED 2 TIMES,TOO EXPENSIVE FOR ME.I AM UNDER EMPLOYED. I WANT TO KNOW IF THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. IT IS THE ONLY WAY I COULD MAKE FORD TO FIX THIS RECALLED IF THE CAR WAS NEVER FIXED FOR THIS BEFORE.THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10587324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,100 milesCornish, NH
SUSPENSION
VEHICLE SPRING FRACTURED BREAKING THE BOTTOM PART OFF THE COIL SPRING ON THE FRONT LEFT DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR.THE LEFT FRONT IS NOW LOWER AND TIRES SHOW WEAR. I HAVE STOPPED DRIVING AS A RESULT.
NHTSA complaint #10510308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisville, RI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
1999 MERCURY SABLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TOTAL BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE IN VEHICLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10487041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesBayville, NY
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT OR PROPERLY SECURE THE PASSENGER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V250000 SEAT BELTS: FRONT: ANCHORAGE); THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10473148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesNorth Olmsted, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1999 MERCURY SABLE WAGON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED WHEN THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 109,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10427716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,504 milesAlton, IL
SUSPENSION:REAR
MY 99 SABLE GS HAS A RECALL ON THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS AND FORD WILL NOT REPLACE THEM BECAUSE IT HAS EXCEEDED THE TIME FRAME. WHICH IS RIDICULOUS! I NEVER EVEN RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THE CAR WE FOUND THE RECALL ONLINE. ALSO THE REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE BROKEN AND THE TIRES ARE MESSED UP AND FORD WON'T RECALL THEM IF SALT IS GOING TO GET IN THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS AND MAKE THEM CRACK THEN WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THAT IT WON'T GET IN THE REAR? WE HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND ARE WORRIED ABOUT THEIR SAFETY. WE WILL BE GETTING A LAWYER AND FILE A COMPLAINT THROUGH HIM BECAUSE THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE FOR ANYONE TO BE IN LET ALONE CHILDREN. I THINK THEY SHOULD WORRY ABOUT SAFETY AND NOT MASS PRODUCTION.
NHTSA complaint #10409255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,000 milesBlaine, MN
SUSPENSION:FRONT
SUB FRAME RUSTED THROUGH AROUND FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BOLTS CAUSING EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING AND POSSIBLE SEPARATION OF CONTROL ARM FROM SUB FRAME. FRONT MOUNT BOLT IS RECESSED 1/2 INCH IN TO THE SUB FRAME WHERE WATER/SALT CAN COLLECT AND HAS NO WHERE TO DRAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10397231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,000 milesBlaine, MN
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
SUB FRAME RUSTED THROUGH AROUND FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BOLTS CAUSING EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING AND POSSIBLE SEPARATION OF CONTROL ARM FROM SUB FRAME. FRONT MOUNT BOLT IS RECESSED 1/2 INCH IN TO THE SUB FRAME WHERE WATER/SALT CAN COLLECT AND HAS NO WHERE TO DRAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10397231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,700 milesSouth Lyon, MI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXCESSIVE RUST CAUSED THE STEERING COLUMN TO SNAP WHILE HE WAS DRIVING 45 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRAME HAD NOT BEEN COATED CORRECTLY AT PRODUCTION. THE MECHANIC REPAIRED THE FRAME AND STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,700. UPDATED 2/22/11 *CN UPDATED 12/06/2011
NHTSA complaint #10374107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesKingston, PA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
SUBFRAME OF VEHICLE IS SEVERELY RUSTED TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS STRUCTURALLY UNSOUND. MOST OF THE BODY ROT IS COVERED BY THE PLASTIC MOLDING UNDER THE DOORS, AND IS NOT VISIBLE UNTIL THE MOLDING IS REMOVED. IT SEEMS THAT WATER AND ROAD SALT MUST GET TRAPPED BETWEEN THE MOLDING AND METAL LEADING TO THE EXTENSIVE RUST. THE FRAME BREAKING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WOULD LEAD TO A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WHICH COULD CAUSE A POTENTIALLY FATAL ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10373703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesAlsip, IL
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WAS STUCK IN THE ANCHORAGE AND WOULD NOT PULL OUT OR RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V250000 (SEAT BELTS: FRONT: ANCHORAGE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SERVICED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 98,000. UPDATED 10/27/10.
NHTSA complaint #10336640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesBloomington, INCrash
WHEELS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE LS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE DRIFTED OFF OF THE ROAD AND INTO A WOODED AREA. HE SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE NOTICED THAT THE CORROSION ON THE CHROME PLATED WHEEL CAUSED THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE TO LOSE PRESSURE. ALL FOUR WHEELS WERE REPLACED WITH ALLOYED WHEELS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 122,000. UPDATED 04/01/10 *BF THE TIRE LOST AIR PRESSURE AS A RESULT OF CHROMING OF THE TIRE SEALING AREA. UPDATED 07/19/
NHTSA complaint #10286012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesBloomington, INCrash
WHEELS:RIM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE LS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE DRIFTED OFF OF THE ROAD AND INTO A WOODED AREA. HE SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE NOTICED THAT THE CORROSION ON THE CHROME PLATED WHEEL CAUSED THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE TO LOSE PRESSURE. ALL FOUR WHEELS WERE REPLACED WITH ALLOYED WHEELS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 122,000. UPDATED 04/01/10 *BF THE TIRE LOST AIR PRESSURE AS A RESULT OF CHROMING OF THE TIRE SEALING AREA. UPDATED 07/19/
NHTSA complaint #10286012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesJericho, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO SAFELY STOP THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE ABOUT THREE YEARS AGO AND A REPAIR CENTER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE. BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10276161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesFort Wayne, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONSUMER DROVE OVER A SMALL PUDDLE OF WATER, WHICH CAUSED THE POWER STEERING TO LOCK UP. A FEW SECONDS LATER, THE POWER STEERING RETURNED. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE STEERING FAILS WHENEVER THE SERPENTINE BELT GETS WET. THE BELT MUST DRY OFF BEFORE HE CAN GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED BETWEEN FIVE AND SIX TIMES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,000. UPDATED 07/17/09. *LJ UPDATED 07/20/09.
NHTSA complaint #10269527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesClinton Township, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V332000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS). CURRENTLY, THE REAR SPRINGS FAILED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER BECAUSE FORD GAVE THEM PERMISSION TO REPLACE THE REAR SPRINGS. AS OF DECEMBER 2008, THE DEALER NO LONGER REPAIRS THE REAR SPRINGS AND THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000. UPDATED 05/06/09 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED TO DISREGARD THE COMPLAINT. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT THE SPRINGS. UPDATED 05/08/09.
NHTSA complaint #10265109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.