Owners have filed 578 complaints
about the 2000 Mercury Sable with NHTSA between 2000 and 2020.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 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 — 79
Against the median year of the Mercury Sable. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 74
14.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 37
22% 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.
Under 1,000 miles
41.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
41.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
3311.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
6121.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
7124.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4816.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
5117.7%
150,000+ miles
165.6%
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 2000peak 19Apr 2020
NHTSA investigations into the 2000 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.
PE12033Opened 24 Oct 2012Closed 26 Jun 2013VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
Speed control cable damage
On June 21, 2013, Ford initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 13B04 to address a concern with Speed Control Cable damage in certain model year (MY) 2000 through 2003 Taurus and Sable vehicles equipped with 3.0L 4V Duratec engines and built at the Chicago assembly plant.In the dealer letter for the program, Ford indicates that the Speed Control Cables on affected vehicles may be susceptible to damage or becoming partially disconnected during under hood vehicle maintenance (e.g., replacing a battery or changing the air filter) and that a damaged Speed Control Cable could interfere with the thro...
EA06002Opened 24 Jan 2006Closed 5 Feb 2007SUSPENSION:REAR
REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURE
ODI'S ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED A HIGH COMPLAINT RATE FOR THE REAR COIL SPRINGS IN THE SALT BELT STATES (APPROXIMATELY 250 PER 100,000 VEHICLES).APPROXIMATELY 59 PERCENT OF THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT THE COIL SPRING FAILURE CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE ADJACENT REAR TIRE, WITH ABOUT HALF OF THESE (30 PERCENT OF TOTAL COMPLAINTS) ALLEGING THAT THE DAMAGE RESULTED IN AIR LOSS.BECAUSE AIR LOSS FROM A REAR TIRE CAN RESULT IN CHANGES IN VEHICLE HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS, ODI EXAMINED FIELD DATA, TEST DATA AND INTERVIEWED CONSUMERS TO ASSESS THE SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATI...
PE05054Opened 27 Sep 2005Closed 24 Jan 2006SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURE
THE OFFICE OF DEFECT INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION, PE05-054, BASED ON 131 VEHICLE OWNER QUESTIONNAIRES RELATED TO ALLEGED REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURES.SINCE OPENING THE INVESTIGATION THERE HAVE BEEN AN ADDITIONAL SIXTY-THREE (63) COMPLAINTS ALLEGING REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURE.AN ANALYSIS OF THE VEHICLE OWNER QUESTIONNAIRES (VOQS) SUBMITTED TO ODI REVEALS THAT 42% OF THE COMPLAINANTS ALLEGE THAT THE ADJACENT TIRE WAS PUNCTURED AS RESULT OF A REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURE. ADDITIONALLY, AN ANALYSIS OF THE COMPLAINT DATA RECEIVED BY ODI FROM FORD REVEALS THE FOLLOWING: THERE WERE A...
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...
RP03001Opened 31 Oct 2003Closed 23 Mar 2004SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
BRAKE/ACCELERATOR PEDAL APPLICATION
MS. RODMAN REPORTED THAT AFTER HER VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR THE RECALL, HER MOTHER EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND CRASHED THE SABLE INTO A LIGHT POLE.PREVIOUSLY NHTSA HAD CONDUCTED AN INVESTIGATION FOR THIS ISSUE (PE02-035) THAT RESULTED IN THE RECALL (02V-266) OF 369,000 MY 2000-2002 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS TO INSURE THAT THE SEPARATION BETWEEN THE PEDALS WAS AT LEAST 50MM..A REVIEW OF ODI'S DATABASE FOR COMPLAINTS REGARDING RECALL 02V-266 DID NOT IDENTIFY ANY RECALL REMEDY COMPLAINTS OTHER THAN THE PETITIONER'S.MS. RODMAN?S VEHI...
RQ03008Opened 23 Oct 2003Closed 5 Mar 2004EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE
FORD CONDUCTED A RECALL IN MARCH, 2001 TO CORRECT A DEFECT AFFECTING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IN MY 2000 THROUGH EARLY-2001 TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS (RECALL 01V-078).RQ03-008 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE REMEDY AND SCOPE OF 01V-078.ODI'S ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED CONCERNS WITH POST-REPAIR FAILURES IN RECALLED VEHICLES,FAILURES IN MY 2001-02 VEHICLES WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 01V-078, AND FAILURES IN MY 2000 VEHICLES WITH FIXED PEDALS.(NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER FAILURE DATA IN THIS RESUME INCLUDES ALL CRASHES AND I...
EA03010Opened 2 Jul 2003Closed 23 Jun 2004AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
FRONTAL AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT IN CRASH
THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED A TOTAL OF 427 REPORTS ALLEGING NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS.OF THE 427 REPORTS, TWO INCIDENTS (FATAL CRASHES) HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS SEVERE FRONTAL CRASHES IN WHICH THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.A DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED...
PE03002Opened 6 Jan 2003Closed 2 Jul 2003AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
FRONTAL AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT IN CRASH
FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS IDENTIFIED 260 REPORTS ALLEGING FRONTAL AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT FOR ANY (SEVERITY) FRONTAL OR NEAR-FRONTAL CRASH ON MODEL YEAR 2000-2001 FORD TAURUS AND MERCURY SABLE VEHICLES.ADDITIONAL CRASH REPORTS ARE CONTAINED IN NHTSA'S FATALITY ANALYSIS REPORTING SYSTEM (FARS) DATABASE.THE SINGLE ODI REPORT LISTED IN THE REPORT SUMMARY IS NHTSA'S SPECIAL CRASH INVESTIGATION'S CASE NO. CA00-020 THAT INVOLVED A HIGH-SPEED CRASH NON-DEPLOYMENT INVOLVING A DRIVER FATALITY AND FRONT PASSENGER INJURY.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-010) AND...
Recalls on the 2000 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.
04V106000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
02V266000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PADELS ARE BEING RECALLED IN ORDER TO ADJUST THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS TO A MINIMUM OF 50 MM OF LATERAL SEPARATION. SIMULTANEOUS APPLICATION OF BOTH THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS COULD RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN A CUSTOMER EXPERIENCING AN "UNINTENDED VEHICLE SPEED INCREASE" OR A PERCEIVED "UNABLE TO STOP" CONDITION.
01V258000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.
Risk: LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
01V078000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS:SWITCH
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS. IF THE GREASE FROM THE ADJUSTABLE PEDAL ASSEMBLY ENTERS THE STOP LAMP SWITCH, IT CAN CONTAMINATE THE CONTACTS LEADING TO CARBON BUILD UP, AND POTENTIALLY, A SHORT CIRCUIT.
Risk: A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO EITHER THE BRAKE LAMPS STAYING ON, OR TO A LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP FUNCTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
01V075000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. DUE TO THE USE OF INCORRECT MATERIAL BY A SUPPLIER, THE HEADLAMP SWITCH KNOB CAN FRACTURE AND SEPARATE FROM THE HEADLAMP SWITCH.
Risk: THIS WOULD CAUSE DIFFICULTY FOR THE DRIVER TO ACTIVATE THE HEADLAMPS, WHICH COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
00V242000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE "VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT" AND "DESIGNATED SEATING CAPACITY" INFORMATION WAS NOT PRINTED ON THE SAFETY CERTIFICATION LABELS AFFIXED TO THESE VEHICLES. ON AFFECTED SABLE SEDAN VEHICLES, THE "VEHICLES CAPACITY WEIGHT" (AND ALSO THE LUGGAGE LOAD) INFORMATION PRINTED ON THIS LABEL IS INCORRECT - SABLE WAGON LUGGAGE LOAD WAS INCORRECTLY USED FOR THE SABLE SEDAN. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE LABEL REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Risk: EXCESSIVE LOADING CAN CAUSE TIRE AND VEHICLE DAMAGE THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 100,000 milesHermitage, ARFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE DASHBOARD AREA WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY NEIGHBORS. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT FILED, AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES DUE TO THE FIRE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11046636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesHermitage, ARFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE DASHBOARD AREA WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY NEIGHBORS. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT FILED, AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES DUE TO THE FIRE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11046636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesHattiesburg, MSCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A GATE. THE CONTACT APPLIED CONSTANT PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY FOUR CAR LENGTHS BEFORE STOPPING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 112,000. *TR UPDATED 04/10/13*LJ...UPDATED 04/25/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE GATE CRUSHED THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE FROM THE FRONT BUMPER TO THE REAR BUMPER. THE IRON GATE BENT ALMOST IN HALF TAKING IT OFF THE TRACK AND RENDERING IT INOPERABLE. UPDATED 06/04/2013
NHTSA complaint #10501210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,213 milesAllison Park, PACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING MY 2000 MERCURY SABLE AROUND A CURVE TO THE LEFT WHEN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE TO THE LEFT CAUSING HER TO LOOSE CONTROL AND STRIKE 2 GUARD RAILS,2 VEHICLES TRAVELING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION AND THEN HEAD-ON INTO A STONE RETAINING WALL. VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGE AND MY DAUGHTER SUFFERED A MINOR HEAD INJURY. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN AFTER STRIKING THE WALL HEAD-ON. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE DEFECTIVE, RUSTED AND MAY HAVE CAUSE HER TO LOOSE CONTROL AND THE REAR-END OF THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE TO THE LEFT. 1 WEEK PRIOR TO VEHICLE CRASH/INCIDENT, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE SLID TO THE LEFT ON DRY PAVEMENT WHILE TURNING TO THE RIGHT. VEHICLE TIRES WERE FAIRLY NEW AND IN GOOD CONDITION. PLEASE REVIEW THE 2000 MERCURY SABLE FOR DEFECTS IN THE REAR COIL SPRINGS AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10483131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,213 milesAllison Park, PACrash1 injured
SUSPENSION
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING MY 2000 MERCURY SABLE AROUND A CURVE TO THE LEFT WHEN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE TO THE LEFT CAUSING HER TO LOOSE CONTROL AND STRIKE 2 GUARD RAILS,2 VEHICLES TRAVELING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION AND THEN HEAD-ON INTO A STONE RETAINING WALL. VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGE AND MY DAUGHTER SUFFERED A MINOR HEAD INJURY. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN AFTER STRIKING THE WALL HEAD-ON. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE DEFECTIVE, RUSTED AND MAY HAVE CAUSE HER TO LOOSE CONTROL AND THE REAR-END OF THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE TO THE LEFT. 1 WEEK PRIOR TO VEHICLE CRASH/INCIDENT, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE SLID TO THE LEFT ON DRY PAVEMENT WHILE TURNING TO THE RIGHT. VEHICLE TIRES WERE FAIRLY NEW AND IN GOOD CONDITION. PLEASE REVIEW THE 2000 MERCURY SABLE FOR DEFECTS IN THE REAR COIL SPRINGS AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10483131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN1 injured
AIR BAGS
AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10425307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 130,000 milesCamp Hill, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE HEATER FAILED TO BLOW HOT AIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LB SMITH FORD LOCATED AT 1100 MARKET ST, LEMOYNE, PA 17043, (717)761-6700, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEATER COIL WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11322616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesCamp Hill, PA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE HEATER FAILED TO BLOW HOT AIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LB SMITH FORD LOCATED AT 1100 MARKET ST, LEMOYNE, PA 17043, (717)761-6700, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEATER COIL WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11322616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesCamp Hill, PA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE HEATER FAILED TO BLOW HOT AIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LB SMITH FORD LOCATED AT 1100 MARKET ST, LEMOYNE, PA 17043, (717)761-6700, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEATER COIL WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11322616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesOakwood Village, OH
ENGINE
I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT STALLING CONSTANTLY WHEN I HAVE SAT AT A LIGHT I DONT JAVW THE MONEY TO FIX THIS DUE TO ON A FIXED INCOME WAS TOLD IT HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE THROTTLE CONTROL ISSUE AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON IT DUE THIS
NHTSA complaint #11267023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houghton, MI
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HANDLED POORLY AND WAS UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE SUSPENSION WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS INVALID.
NHTSA complaint #11195649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,485 milesSAN Antonio, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE CAP INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON. AFTER CHECKING IT SEVERAL TIMES I WAS INFORMED BY AN AUTO TECHNICIAN THAT THE NECK OF THE FUEL PIPE NEEDS TO BE REPLACE.
NHTSA complaint #11181221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesCamp Hill, PA
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEFROST FEATURE FOR THE FRONT WINDSHIELD DID NOT WORK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY TIME THE DEFROSTER WAS ACTIVATED FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11140292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesHermitage, ARFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE DASHBOARD AREA WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY NEIGHBORS. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT FILED, AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES DUE TO THE FIRE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11046636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesHermitage, ARFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE DASHBOARD AREA WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY NEIGHBORS. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT FILED, AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES DUE TO THE FIRE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11046636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesWilliamsburg, KY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE RPMS INCREASED TO 500 OR MORE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
NHTSA complaint #11023485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesMuscatine, IA
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH OVER A BUMP, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT BOTH SPRINGS HAD FRACTURED. THE MECHANIC ALSO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKES AND BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE SPRINGS WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10860903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesDenver, CO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS IN A PARKING LOT OF A STORE, STARTED MY CAR, HEADED OUT ONTO A CITY STREET, TURNED RIGHT. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY VEHICLE TOOK OFF, STARTED SPEEDING UP. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, IT SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN A LITTLE, BUT THE BRAKE FELT LIKE AIR AND DIDN'T FEEL LIKE IT WAS BRAKING CORRECTLY. LUCKILY, I HAD A GREEN LIGHT, WENT THROUGH THAT, KEPT BRAKING. THE CAR SLOWED DOWN A LITTLE BIT BUT THEN WOULD NOT STOP COMPLETELY, SURGED A LITTLE MORE; I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT; BRAKED AGAIN, MY CAR KEPT GOING AT SLOW SPEED; I PULLED ON MY PARKING BRAKE, NOTHING HAPPENED. THEN, I PUT THE CAR INTO PARK, WHICH STOPPED IT. THEN I PULLED OUT THE KEY. I CALLED THE MECHANIC I USE. HE SENT A TOW TRUCK TO ME. MY CAR IS AT THE MECHANICS NOW.
NHTSA complaint #10809530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesDenver, CO
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS IN A PARKING LOT OF A STORE, STARTED MY CAR, HEADED OUT ONTO A CITY STREET, TURNED RIGHT. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY VEHICLE TOOK OFF, STARTED SPEEDING UP. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, IT SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN A LITTLE, BUT THE BRAKE FELT LIKE AIR AND DIDN'T FEEL LIKE IT WAS BRAKING CORRECTLY. LUCKILY, I HAD A GREEN LIGHT, WENT THROUGH THAT, KEPT BRAKING. THE CAR SLOWED DOWN A LITTLE BIT BUT THEN WOULD NOT STOP COMPLETELY, SURGED A LITTLE MORE; I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT; BRAKED AGAIN, MY CAR KEPT GOING AT SLOW SPEED; I PULLED ON MY PARKING BRAKE, NOTHING HAPPENED. THEN, I PUT THE CAR INTO PARK, WHICH STOPPED IT. THEN I PULLED OUT THE KEY. I CALLED THE MECHANIC I USE. HE SENT A TOW TRUCK TO ME. MY CAR IS AT THE MECHANICS NOW.
NHTSA complaint #10809530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,216 milesKettering, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I DROVE THE CAR HOME AFTER PURCHASING IT AND IT WAS WOBBLING AND I PULLED OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AND DID NOT KNOW WHY IT WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE. THE MECHANIC SIAD A WHEEL BEARING IS BROKEN ON A TIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10806676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,216 milesKettering, OH
WHEELS
I DROVE THE CAR HOME AFTER PURCHASING IT AND IT WAS WOBBLING AND I PULLED OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AND DID NOT KNOW WHY IT WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE. THE MECHANIC SIAD A WHEEL BEARING IS BROKEN ON A TIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10806676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,216 milesKettering, OH
SUSPENSION
I DROVE THE CAR HOME AFTER PURCHASING IT AND IT WAS WOBBLING AND I PULLED OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AND DID NOT KNOW WHY IT WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE. THE MECHANIC SIAD A WHEEL BEARING IS BROKEN ON A TIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10806676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,220 milesKettering, OH
SUSPENSION
I JUST BOUGHT A 2000 MERCURY SABLE, WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND MAKING A TURN, I FELT SOMETHING POP & A SPRING COIL ON THE DRIVERS SIDE BROKE.
NHTSA complaint #10806675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,000 milesMilwalkee, WI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR PRESENT INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
NHTSA complaint #10690259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 192,000 milesSussex, NJ
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000.
NHTSA complaint #10681329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,000 milesDenver, PA
ENGINE
SUBJECT:2000 MERCURY SABLE LS. WHEN STARTING VEHICLE WHEN RAINING VEHICLE TENDS TO CHOKE OUT OR MISS AND NOT HAVE ANY POWER. IF ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. SOMEONE MENTIONED TO ME THAT COMPUTER COULD BE GETTING WET OR HOLDING CONDENSATION. THE WARNING ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON. IF DRIVEN FOR A DISTANCE AFTER RAIN IS OVER THE NEXT DAY OR SO THE LIGHT WILL GO OFF. IS THIS A PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR CAR? THE ENGINE WAS TUNED FIVE YEARS AGO WHEN PURCHASED. WHEN THE WEATHER IS DRY OR JUST SNOWING THE CAR IDLES OKAY AND RUNS SMOOTH.
NHTSA complaint #10678813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,204 milesST Peters, MO
POWER TRAIN
THE TORQUE CONVERTER IN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE STOPPED DEAD IN THE STREET. I WAS ON A SIDE STREET AT THE TIME AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. I CALLED 4 TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOPS IN THE ST. CHARLES, MO AREA FOR PRICING. THEY WERE ALL AWARE OF THIS DEFECT BUT FORD DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL AND WILL NOT OFFER ANY TYPE OF SATISFACTION FOR THE REPAIR. IF I HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED, ON A BUSY STREET OR HIGHWAY, AN ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. I THINK THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD. I DON'T KNOW THAT ANY OTHER CONSUMERS HAVE COMPLAINED BUT A SURVEY OF TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOPS WOULD SURELY REVEAL THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10661174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesMineral, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
ALL LIGHTS GO OUT WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA complaint #10594131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesMineral, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ALL LIGHTS GO OUT WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA complaint #10594131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesChristiansburg, VA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THIS SABLE HAD THE STUCK THROTTLE PROBLEM RECALL PERFORMED IN OCTOBER 2013. YESTERDAY, A DANGEROUS ACCELERATION CONDITION OCCURRED. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT, THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING EVEN AFTER TAKING ALL PRESSURE FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I ENTERED AN ON RAMP AND ACCELERATED TO JOIN WITH TRAFFIC. EVEN AFTER COMPLETELY REMOVING MY FOOT FROM THE PEDAL THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING TO OVER 75 MILES AN HOUR. I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, BUT HAD TO SHUT OFF THE IGNITION TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND IT IMMEDIATELY WENT TO 5500 RPM AND STARTED CUTTING OUT (MISFIRING- I ASSUME WAS CAUSED BY A REV LIMITER). I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AGAIN. AFTER TWO MORE TRIES STARTING, AND REVVING TO 5500 RPM, IT FINALLY STARTED AND IDLED AT 800 RPM. WHILE CLIMBING A HILL THE ACCELERATOR STUCK AGAIN, BUT AT 3000 RPM. I AGAIN HAD TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE IN ORDER TO STOP. WHEN I RESTARTED, IT REVVED TO 3000 RPM. I SHUT IT OFF AGAIN AND OPENED THE HOOD. I MANUALLY PULLED ON THE THROTTLE CABLE TO INSURE IT WAS NOT APPLYING PRESSURE. I THEN STARTED THE ENGINE AND IT IDLED AT 800 RPM. THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED IN OCTOBER 2013I HAVE THE SABLE AT A DEALER AT PRESENT TO REPAIR THE THROTTLE PROBLEM. AT NO TIME WAS CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. HAD MY WIFE BEEN DRIVING, I'M NOT SURE SHE WOULD NOT HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT. TURNING OFF THE IGNITION WAS THE ONLY WAY TO PREVENT ENGINE DAMAGE AND SLOW THE CAR TO AVOID A HIGH SPEED ACCIDENT. I JUST RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALER. THE RECALL (AT A DIFFERENT DEALER) WAS PERFORMED INCORRECTLY. THE CLIP WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY ACCORDING TO THE DEALER WHO NOW INSTALLED AND COMPLETED THE RECALL CORRECTLY!
NHTSA complaint #10588947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesChristiansburg, VA
ENGINE
THIS SABLE HAD THE STUCK THROTTLE PROBLEM RECALL PERFORMED IN OCTOBER 2013. YESTERDAY, A DANGEROUS ACCELERATION CONDITION OCCURRED. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT, THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING EVEN AFTER TAKING ALL PRESSURE FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I ENTERED AN ON RAMP AND ACCELERATED TO JOIN WITH TRAFFIC. EVEN AFTER COMPLETELY REMOVING MY FOOT FROM THE PEDAL THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING TO OVER 75 MILES AN HOUR. I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, BUT HAD TO SHUT OFF THE IGNITION TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND IT IMMEDIATELY WENT TO 5500 RPM AND STARTED CUTTING OUT (MISFIRING- I ASSUME WAS CAUSED BY A REV LIMITER). I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AGAIN. AFTER TWO MORE TRIES STARTING, AND REVVING TO 5500 RPM, IT FINALLY STARTED AND IDLED AT 800 RPM. WHILE CLIMBING A HILL THE ACCELERATOR STUCK AGAIN, BUT AT 3000 RPM. I AGAIN HAD TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE IN ORDER TO STOP. WHEN I RESTARTED, IT REVVED TO 3000 RPM. I SHUT IT OFF AGAIN AND OPENED THE HOOD. I MANUALLY PULLED ON THE THROTTLE CABLE TO INSURE IT WAS NOT APPLYING PRESSURE. I THEN STARTED THE ENGINE AND IT IDLED AT 800 RPM. THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED IN OCTOBER 2013I HAVE THE SABLE AT A DEALER AT PRESENT TO REPAIR THE THROTTLE PROBLEM. AT NO TIME WAS CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. HAD MY WIFE BEEN DRIVING, I'M NOT SURE SHE WOULD NOT HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT. TURNING OFF THE IGNITION WAS THE ONLY WAY TO PREVENT ENGINE DAMAGE AND SLOW THE CAR TO AVOID A HIGH SPEED ACCIDENT. I JUST RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALER. THE RECALL (AT A DIFFERENT DEALER) WAS PERFORMED INCORRECTLY. THE CLIP WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY ACCORDING TO THE DEALER WHO NOW INSTALLED AND COMPLETED THE RECALL CORRECTLY!
NHTSA complaint #10588947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.