Owners have filed 528 complaints
about the 2001 Mercury Sable with NHTSA between 2001 and 2022.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 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 — 73
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 — 28
16% 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.
Coil Springs
9540.9%
Rear
4017.2%
Springs
2912.5%
Coil Springs
2812.1%
Automatic Transmission
135.6%
Accelerator Pedal
114.7%
Pedals AND Linkages
104.3%
AIR Conditioner
62.6%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
41.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
61.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
215.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
7620.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
9425.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
9224.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
5915.8%
150,000+ miles
215.6%
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 2001peak 14Feb 2022
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 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...
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...
PE02035Opened 15 Mar 2002Closed 22 Oct 2002SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKE/ACCEL PEDAL SEPARATION
Recalls on the 2001 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
16E026000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.
Risk: A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
01V144000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS. THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE TONGUE MAY NOT FULLY EJECT FROM THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WHEN THE RELEASE BUTTON IS PUSHED SLOWLY. THIS CONDITION COULD ALSO RESULT IN A PARTIAL LATCH OF THE TONGUE IN THE BUCKLE.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
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.
00V396000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE AFFECTED EXPEDITION/NAVIGATOR OWNER GUIDES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE LOCATIONS OF SEATING POSITIONS EQUIPPED WITH TETHER ANCHORAGES, AND DO NOT PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SECURING CHILD SEATS TO THESE TETHER ANCHORAGES. THE F150 SC OWNER GUIDES DO NOT PROVIDE THE PROCEDURE FOR SECURING CHILD SEATS TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGES. THE TAURUS/SABLE OWNER GUIDES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE CENTER REAR SEATING POSITION AS HAVING LATCH COMPATIBLE LOWER ANCHORAGES.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
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 130,000 milesBethlehem, PAFire
WHEELS
I GOT IN MY CAR STARTED TO DRIVE AND HEARD SOMETHING SNAP THEN SMOKE CAME FROM THE HOOD AND THE CAR PULLED HARD RIGHT. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND PARKED THE CAR. THE COIL SPRING BROKE AND DUG INTO MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE AND IT PULLED THE AXLE OUT OF THE CV JOINT.I WAS IN ALLENTOWN,PA. ON A MAIN ROAD IN THE CITY. FEB.8,2020.
NHTSA complaint #11321890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesBethlehem, PAFire
STEERING
I GOT IN MY CAR STARTED TO DRIVE AND HEARD SOMETHING SNAP THEN SMOKE CAME FROM THE HOOD AND THE CAR PULLED HARD RIGHT. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND PARKED THE CAR. THE COIL SPRING BROKE AND DUG INTO MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE AND IT PULLED THE AXLE OUT OF THE CV JOINT.I WAS IN ALLENTOWN,PA. ON A MAIN ROAD IN THE CITY. FEB.8,2020.
NHTSA complaint #11321890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesBethlehem, PAFire
SUSPENSION
I GOT IN MY CAR STARTED TO DRIVE AND HEARD SOMETHING SNAP THEN SMOKE CAME FROM THE HOOD AND THE CAR PULLED HARD RIGHT. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND PARKED THE CAR. THE COIL SPRING BROKE AND DUG INTO MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE AND IT PULLED THE AXLE OUT OF THE CV JOINT.I WAS IN ALLENTOWN,PA. ON A MAIN ROAD IN THE CITY. FEB.8,2020.
NHTSA complaint #11321890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesJackson, GACrash
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION ISSUES INCLUDED A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE WHEN FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL WIRING / FUNCTIONALITY CAUSED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO REV TO TO HIGH RPMS. WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL GEAR AND WAS FORCED TO JUMP FROM VEHICLE TO AVOID POTENTIALLY FATAL WRECK. BRAKE PADS BURNED THROUGH TO THE CALIPERS WHEN TRYING TO BRAKE.
NHTSA complaint #11067172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesJackson, GACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TRANSMISSION ISSUES INCLUDED A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE WHEN FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL WIRING / FUNCTIONALITY CAUSED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO REV TO TO HIGH RPMS. WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL GEAR AND WAS FORCED TO JUMP FROM VEHICLE TO AVOID POTENTIALLY FATAL WRECK. BRAKE PADS BURNED THROUGH TO THE CALIPERS WHEN TRYING TO BRAKE.
NHTSA complaint #11067172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesJackson, GACrash
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TRANSMISSION ISSUES INCLUDED A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE WHEN FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL WIRING / FUNCTIONALITY CAUSED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO REV TO TO HIGH RPMS. WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL GEAR AND WAS FORCED TO JUMP FROM VEHICLE TO AVOID POTENTIALLY FATAL WRECK. BRAKE PADS BURNED THROUGH TO THE CALIPERS WHEN TRYING TO BRAKE.
NHTSA complaint #11067172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Corpus Christi, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Lately my car has been over accelerating to about 4,000 rpm’s at random moments. I almost got into a wreck today and I was driving 30 mph. I’ve cleaned the throttle body and the idle air control valve and still the same issue. The car only has 113,000 miles on it but now I’m too scared to even drive it!
NHTSA complaint #11452347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesBethlehem, PAFire
WHEELS
I GOT IN MY CAR STARTED TO DRIVE AND HEARD SOMETHING SNAP THEN SMOKE CAME FROM THE HOOD AND THE CAR PULLED HARD RIGHT. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND PARKED THE CAR. THE COIL SPRING BROKE AND DUG INTO MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE AND IT PULLED THE AXLE OUT OF THE CV JOINT.I WAS IN ALLENTOWN,PA. ON A MAIN ROAD IN THE CITY. FEB.8,2020.
NHTSA complaint #11321890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesBethlehem, PAFire
STEERING
I GOT IN MY CAR STARTED TO DRIVE AND HEARD SOMETHING SNAP THEN SMOKE CAME FROM THE HOOD AND THE CAR PULLED HARD RIGHT. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND PARKED THE CAR. THE COIL SPRING BROKE AND DUG INTO MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE AND IT PULLED THE AXLE OUT OF THE CV JOINT.I WAS IN ALLENTOWN,PA. ON A MAIN ROAD IN THE CITY. FEB.8,2020.
NHTSA complaint #11321890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesBethlehem, PAFire
SUSPENSION
I GOT IN MY CAR STARTED TO DRIVE AND HEARD SOMETHING SNAP THEN SMOKE CAME FROM THE HOOD AND THE CAR PULLED HARD RIGHT. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND PARKED THE CAR. THE COIL SPRING BROKE AND DUG INTO MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE AND IT PULLED THE AXLE OUT OF THE CV JOINT.I WAS IN ALLENTOWN,PA. ON A MAIN ROAD IN THE CITY. FEB.8,2020.
NHTSA complaint #11321890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesST Petersburg, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH FULL FORCE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO EVENTUALLY STOP. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V266000 (SERVICE BRAKES). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
NHTSA complaint #11191343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,200 milesMissouri City, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHILE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOORBOARD TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT POWERED OFF AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE WHILE AT A RED LIGHT AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO HELFMAN FORD (LOCATED AT 12220 SOUTHWEST FWY, STAFFORD, TX 77477, (281) 240-3673) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY BRAKE SENSOR THAT NEEDED A BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,200. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11189691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesSacremento, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SUDDENLY DROPPED DOWN AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 120 MPH. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, BUT THE RPMS CONTINUED REVVING AT MAXIMUM CAPACITY. WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN, THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY CAME TO A ROLLING STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT WAITED TEN MINUTES AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE ENGINE REVVED UP AGAIN; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT QUICKLY TURNED THE VEHICLE BACK OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. FUTURE FORD OF SACRAMENTO (4625 MADISON AVE, SACRAMENTO, CA 95841, (916) 473-1047) STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11180282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesSacremento, CA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SUDDENLY DROPPED DOWN AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 120 MPH. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, BUT THE RPMS CONTINUED REVVING AT MAXIMUM CAPACITY. WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN, THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY CAME TO A ROLLING STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT WAITED TEN MINUTES AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE ENGINE REVVED UP AGAIN; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT QUICKLY TURNED THE VEHICLE BACK OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. FUTURE FORD OF SACRAMENTO (4625 MADISON AVE, SACRAMENTO, CA 95841, (916) 473-1047) STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11180282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesFrankfort, IL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE BRUSHED AGAINST A CURB AND THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TERRY'S FORD OF PEOTONE (363 S HARLEM AVE, PEOTONE, IL 60468, 708-258-9200) AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED, BUT IT WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11151781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,000 milesNorth Liberty, IA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND CONTINUED HIGH RPMS. ACCELERATES WITHOUT DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR MERCURY SABLE / FORD TAURUS 2000-2003 AND I JUST DISCOVERED A RECALL WAS DONE IN 2013 BY FORD. THE CAUSE IS A MALFUNCTIONING OF THE THROTTLE BODY AND/CRUSIE CONTROL CABLES.
NHTSA complaint #11121080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesJackson, GACrash
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION ISSUES INCLUDED A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE WHEN FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL WIRING / FUNCTIONALITY CAUSED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO REV TO TO HIGH RPMS. WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL GEAR AND WAS FORCED TO JUMP FROM VEHICLE TO AVOID POTENTIALLY FATAL WRECK. BRAKE PADS BURNED THROUGH TO THE CALIPERS WHEN TRYING TO BRAKE.
NHTSA complaint #11067172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesJackson, GACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TRANSMISSION ISSUES INCLUDED A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE WHEN FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL WIRING / FUNCTIONALITY CAUSED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO REV TO TO HIGH RPMS. WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL GEAR AND WAS FORCED TO JUMP FROM VEHICLE TO AVOID POTENTIALLY FATAL WRECK. BRAKE PADS BURNED THROUGH TO THE CALIPERS WHEN TRYING TO BRAKE.
NHTSA complaint #11067172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesJackson, GACrash
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TRANSMISSION ISSUES INCLUDED A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE WHEN FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL WIRING / FUNCTIONALITY CAUSED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO REV TO TO HIGH RPMS. WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL GEAR AND WAS FORCED TO JUMP FROM VEHICLE TO AVOID POTENTIALLY FATAL WRECK. BRAKE PADS BURNED THROUGH TO THE CALIPERS WHEN TRYING TO BRAKE.
NHTSA complaint #11067172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,600 milesTellico Plains, TN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I HAVEN'T HAD THIS CAR VARY LONE AND I WAS DRIVING CLOSE TO MY HOME IN WITCH I LIVE IN THE TN. SMOKY MOUNTAINS. THE ROADS ARE CURVY I HAD JUST PULLED OUT FROM A TEE INTERSECTION AND A CAR CAME FAST UP BEHIND ME SO I STEPPED ON IT AND THAT IS WHEN THE THROTTLE STUCK SO I KICKED IT FAST AND HARD AND IT FREED UP. IF THIS HAD BEEN IN A DIFFERENT SITUATION I MAY HAVE WRECKED THE CAR. SO I STARTED TO DO SOME RESEARCH ON THIS AND FOUND RECALLS SO I DID A VIN# CHECK AND FOUND OUT THE RECALLS FOR THIS CAR WERE DONE AND ALL THIS HAPPENED ON 11-19-2016 SO ON 11-21-2016 I HAD TO GO OUT AND I STOPPED BY A DEALER TO CHECK ON MY FINDINGS AND I WAS TOLD THE SAME THING AND AT THAT POINT I WENT TO CHECK ON A NEW THROTTLE CABLE AND MAYBE THE PART THAT WAS PUT ON TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND THAT THE PARTS WOULD NEED TO BE ORDERED AND THATS WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT IT WASN'T THE CABLE THAT WAS THE PROBLEM THAT LATER FORD HAD FOUND THAT IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY THAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM AND OF COURSE THAT WAS NEVER REVELED BECAUSE THAT PART IS A 400.00 PART AND THE CABLE WAS A 100.00 PART. SO THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AGAIN. MY CAR HAS 154500 MILES. NHTSA ' VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEMS 2001 MERCURY SABLE NHTSA ' VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: ACCELERATOR PEDAL PROBLEMS 2001 MERCURY SABLE CLOSE INVESTIGATION SUBJECT : SPEED CONTROL CABLE DAMAGE DATE INVESTIGATION OPENED: OCT 24, 2012 DATE INVESTIGATION CLOSED: JUN 26, 2013 NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE12033 COMPONENT(S): VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL ALL PRODUCTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS INVESTIGATION EXPAND DETAILS CLOSE 10 ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS EXPAND MANUFACTURER: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
NHTSA complaint #10927412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 203,197 milesColumbus, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY 17 YEAR OLD WAS DRIVING THE 2001 MERCURY SABLE AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A LIGHT ON A BUSY INTERSECTION HOWEVER, THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY ACCELERATED EVEN WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE ACCELERATION STUCK AND FORTUNATELY HE WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE WITHOUT HITTING ANYONE AND CAUSING AN ACCIDENT BUT IMMEDIATELY MANAGED TO GET IT TO AN OPEN LOT TO SHUT THE CAR OFF. HAD SOMEONE LOOK AT IT, AND IT WAS THE THROTTLE CABLE THAT SNAPPED. IT IS ONLY TEMPORARILY FIXED AT THIS TIME. ALSO, WHEN DRIVING IN AREAS WHERE THERE IS ANY TYPE OF SMALL BUMP, SUCH AS THE END OF OUR DRIVEWAY, THE FRONT END SUSPENSION JUST ISN'T THERE. IT HITS EXTREMELY HARD.
NHTSA complaint #10920173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 203,197 milesColumbus, OH
SUSPENSION
MY 17 YEAR OLD WAS DRIVING THE 2001 MERCURY SABLE AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A LIGHT ON A BUSY INTERSECTION HOWEVER, THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY ACCELERATED EVEN WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE ACCELERATION STUCK AND FORTUNATELY HE WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE WITHOUT HITTING ANYONE AND CAUSING AN ACCIDENT BUT IMMEDIATELY MANAGED TO GET IT TO AN OPEN LOT TO SHUT THE CAR OFF. HAD SOMEONE LOOK AT IT, AND IT WAS THE THROTTLE CABLE THAT SNAPPED. IT IS ONLY TEMPORARILY FIXED AT THIS TIME. ALSO, WHEN DRIVING IN AREAS WHERE THERE IS ANY TYPE OF SMALL BUMP, SUCH AS THE END OF OUR DRIVEWAY, THE FRONT END SUSPENSION JUST ISN'T THERE. IT HITS EXTREMELY HARD.
NHTSA complaint #10920173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesAkron, OH
ENGINE
THROTTLE GOT STUCK FORCING CAR TO ACCELERATE EVEN WHEN NOT TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL. THANKFULLY THE BRAKES WORKED AND I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AND PUT IT INTO PARK, AT WHICH POINT THE ENGINE REVVED TO 4000 RPM. ONCE THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF, IT LET OFF SOME WHITE SMOKE WITH A BURNING OIL SMELL. ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC, THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE COLLAR FRACTURED. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED, DOING 65 MILES PER HOUR.
NHTSA complaint #10882952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesHollywood, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO SLOW IT DOWN, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV AT A HIGH RPM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10852168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lehigh, IA
SUSPENSION
FRONT COIL SPRINGS BOTH BROKEN AND REPLACED. REAR COIL SPRING BROLE AND PUNCTURED TIRE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BECOME STRANDED.
NHTSA complaint #10839949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesVA Beach, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
FOR OVER TEN (10) YEARS THE HEADLIGHTS (BUT NOT THE SIDE DRIVING LIGHTS) HAVE BEEN GOING OFF (FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES) AND THEN COMING BACK ON. THIS DOES NOT OCCUR EVERY TIME THE LIGHTS COME ON AND SEEMS TO BE MORE FREQUENT IN THE SUMMER TIME WHEN IT IS WARM OR HOT OUTSIDE. THE DATE BELOW IS JUST APPROXIMATELY WHEN THIS PROBLEM STARTED AND IS NOT THE ONLY DATE/'TIME IT HAS OCCURRED, IT HAS OCCURRED SPORADICALLY BUT CONTINUOUSLY SINCE THAT DATE.
NHTSA complaint #10811845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesVA Beach, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FOR OVER TEN (10) YEARS THE HEADLIGHTS (BUT NOT THE SIDE DRIVING LIGHTS) HAVE BEEN GOING OFF (FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES) AND THEN COMING BACK ON. THIS DOES NOT OCCUR EVERY TIME THE LIGHTS COME ON AND SEEMS TO BE MORE FREQUENT IN THE SUMMER TIME WHEN IT IS WARM OR HOT OUTSIDE. THE DATE BELOW IS JUST APPROXIMATELY WHEN THIS PROBLEM STARTED AND IS NOT THE ONLY DATE/'TIME IT HAS OCCURRED, IT HAS OCCURRED SPORADICALLY BUT CONTINUOUSLY SINCE THAT DATE.
NHTSA complaint #10811845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesFairfield, ME
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING THE SABLE AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MI. PER HR.(CLEAR ROAD,DRY CONDITIONS)IN CONGESTED TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. GOING THROUGH A SET OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS,LUCKILY THE LIGHT HAD JUST TURNED GREEN,,THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED UP TO 3000 RPM. FORTUNATELY,GOING THROUGH THE LIGHTS, MY FOOT WAS NEAR THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN I HEARD AND FELT THE ACCELERATION ,I IMMEDIATELY HIT THE BRAKE AND KEPT MY RIGHT FOOT ON IT AS THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO PUSH FORWARD WITH FULL BRAKES APPLIED. LUCKILY THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER THE BRAKES CONTROL,WHILE STILL REVVVVING, I PUT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND PULLED OVER,TUNED IGNITION OFF. THE FRONT DISC BRAKES WERE SMOKING. OPENED HOOD,NOTICED NOTHING UNUSUAL, THIS IS THE ONLY REPORT OF THIS INCIDENT.WILL SEEK IMMEDIATE CURE TODAY. THIS IS MY 66 Y.O. GIRL FRIEND CAR.SHE IS NOW HORRIFIED TO USE IT! NOVEMBER 5,2015.
NHTSA complaint #10788554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesFairfield, ME
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING THE SABLE AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MI. PER HR.(CLEAR ROAD,DRY CONDITIONS)IN CONGESTED TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. GOING THROUGH A SET OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS,LUCKILY THE LIGHT HAD JUST TURNED GREEN,,THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED UP TO 3000 RPM. FORTUNATELY,GOING THROUGH THE LIGHTS, MY FOOT WAS NEAR THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN I HEARD AND FELT THE ACCELERATION ,I IMMEDIATELY HIT THE BRAKE AND KEPT MY RIGHT FOOT ON IT AS THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO PUSH FORWARD WITH FULL BRAKES APPLIED. LUCKILY THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER THE BRAKES CONTROL,WHILE STILL REVVVVING, I PUT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND PULLED OVER,TUNED IGNITION OFF. THE FRONT DISC BRAKES WERE SMOKING. OPENED HOOD,NOTICED NOTHING UNUSUAL, THIS IS THE ONLY REPORT OF THIS INCIDENT.WILL SEEK IMMEDIATE CURE TODAY. THIS IS MY 66 Y.O. GIRL FRIEND CAR.SHE IS NOW HORRIFIED TO USE IT! NOVEMBER 5,2015.
NHTSA complaint #10788554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,000 milesAnnapolis, MD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNINTENTIONALLY WHEN DRIVING. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FIRM PRESSURE HAD TO BE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM LUNGING FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000.
NHTSA complaint #10785966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Acton, MA
POWER TRAIN
MY MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE COIL SPRING IS LACKING A COVER AND IS RUSTING AND MAY BREAK. MY TRANSMISSION "SLIPS" AND "REVS" AT RANDOM. BOTH OF THESE ITEMS ARE SUPPOSEDLY UNDER RECALL, BUT FORD WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALLS.
NHTSA complaint #10781350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.