FaultScore

FaultScore report

2002 Mercury Sable problems

Owners have filed 541 complaints about the 2002 Mercury Sable with NHTSA between 2002 and 2022. The largest single group is the suspension. Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 15 worst.

C

FaultScore 60/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mercury Sable.

How this is worked out

The numbers

541

Complaints

39

Crashes reported

5

Fires reported

21

Injuries reported

2 complaints report a death.

75,650 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

13%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 74 vs 50 Severity 64 vs 50 Early failure 21 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 74
Against the median year of the Mercury Sable. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 64
12.4% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 21
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2002 compares with every other Mercury Sable

Click any bar to open that year's report.

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

What breaks on a 2002 Mercury Sable

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

Suspension 268 49.5%

2 crashes, 1 fires · median 81,811 mi

6 crashes, 0 fires · median 87,755 mi

Median failure at 56,010 miles

Brakes 27 5.0%

7 crashes, 0 fires · median 36,251 mi

Airbags 25 4.6%

21 crashes, 0 fires · median 49,000 mi

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 60,643 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 45,000 mi

Median failure at 51,000 miles

Lights 14 2.6%

Median failure at 68,000 miles

Median failure at 52,723 miles

Tires 9 1.7%

Median failure at 55,000 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 9 1.7%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 89,500 mi

Wheels 6 1.1%

Median failure at 79,000 miles

Other & Unspecified 4 0.7%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 131,000 mi

Doors, Latches & Locks 4 0.7%

Median failure at 81,276 miles

Steering 4 0.7%

Median failure at 89,800 miles

Seat Belts 3 0.6%

Median failure at 89,000 miles

Equipment & Accessories 2 0.4%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 62,973 mi

Child Seats 1 0.2%
Stability & Traction Control 1 0.2%

Exactly what failed

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

Coil Springs 97 37.5%
Front 67 25.9%
Rear 24 9.3%
Coil Springs 23 8.9%
Frontal 16 6.2%
Windshield 13 5.0%
Automatic Transmission 10 3.9%
Springs 9 3.5%

When it fails

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

Under 1,000 miles 2 0.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 9 2.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 17 3.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 71 16.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 112 25.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 125 28.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 88 20.0%
150,000+ miles 16 3.6%

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.

Apr 2002 peak 13 Oct 2022

NHTSA investigations into the 2002 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.

PE12033 Opened 24 Oct 2012 Closed 26 Jun 2013 VEHICLE 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...

EA08018 Opened 28 Aug 2008 Closed 30 Jun 2011 SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture

To date, ODI is aware of 2,401 non-duplicative complaints related to the alleged defect. In addition, ODI is aware of 1,411 subject vehicles with one or more warranty claims related to the alleged defect. In total, ODI is aware of 3,645 unique subject vehicles that have experienced one or more front suspension coil spring fractures. ODI is also aware of four minor crashes related to the alleged defect resulting in one minor injury.With greater than eight years of exposure, a large subject vehicle population and approximately 2,052 reported front tire punctures caused by fractured coil springs...

RP03001 Opened 31 Oct 2003 Closed 23 Mar 2004 SERVICE 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...

RQ03008 Opened 23 Oct 2003 Closed 5 Mar 2004 EXTERIOR 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...

Recalls on the 2002 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.

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.

03V087000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." THE WINDSHIELDS MAY POTENTIALLY EXHIBIT INCREASED WIND NOISE, WATER LEAKAGE, AND SQUEAKS AND RATTLES.

Risk: POTENTIAL LOSS OF WINDSHIELD RETENTION MAY ALSO REDUCE OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

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.

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

Complaints that involved harm

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

at 177,000 miles Bethel, OH Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

CAR FIRE DUE TO RECALLED FUSES HAD THIS CAR FOR 5 YEARS AND HAD NO ISSUES

NHTSA complaint #11102972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles Murfreesboro, TN Crash 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB AND STRUCK A METAL TABLE OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP EVEN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT FEEL AS THOUGH THEY WERE FULLY OPERATIONAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES TO THE KNEE, BACK, AND NECK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION AND PHYSICAL THERAPY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #10881593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles Murfreesboro, TN Crash 1 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB AND STRUCK A METAL TABLE OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP EVEN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT FEEL AS THOUGH THEY WERE FULLY OPERATIONAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES TO THE KNEE, BACK, AND NECK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION AND PHYSICAL THERAPY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #10881593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 156,000 miles Oxnard, CA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

THIS HAS CAUSED ME MUCH PROBLEMS AS MY BROTHER NO LONGER LET'S ME DRIVE MY MOM'S CAR THINKS HE'S RUNNING THE SHOW WHICH IS QUICKLY CHANGING... PULLED INTO GARAGE AT 2 MILES A HOUR. SPEED RAPIDLY CHANGED COULDN'T STOP CENTER PINGED THE WASHER AND DRYER END OF THEM. I'M VERY SICK AND UNABLE TO GO TO ALL MY DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS. THANK YOU MERCURY!

NHTSA complaint #10538417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Diego, CA Crash 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DESCENDING A HILL AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A FENCE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND NO POLICE REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. UPDATED 11/12/13

NHTSA complaint #10532414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 113,000 miles Little Canada, MN Crash

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE GS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW. THE CONTACT ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS SHE MERGED ONTO THE SHOULDER AND ROLLED INTO A DITCH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DAMAGED. THE TIRE WAS REMOVED AND THE SPARE WAS INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TIRE WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED AND AFTER INSPECTION, THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE COIL SPRING CAUSED THE TIRE DAMAGE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE COIL SPRING FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.

NHTSA complaint #10439752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

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

Milwaukee, WI

POWER TRAIN

10/2/2022 was on I 94 east bound lost momentum rpms jump to 6k then lost all gears in transmission car has 88639 miles on it hardly driven changed trans fluid hoping to get trans working again and still won't move in any gear had to wait 4 hours on freeway for a tow just to get it off the freeway had to fight with AAA for the 4 hours to get it towed now in my driveway and still won't move at all

NHTSA complaint #11487805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Union, NJ

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2002 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light and transmission symbol remained illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered and stalled occasionally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11487204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Union, NJ

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2002 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light and transmission symbol remained illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered and stalled occasionally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11487204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Shelbyville, TN

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The contact owns a 2002 Mercury Sable. The contact stated while attempting to shift the vehicle out of park, the gear shifter failed to move out park. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken into a local mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V106000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #11438044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 37,500 miles East Patchogue, NY

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE EXPLODED. THE SUSPENSION COIL SPRING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRACTURED AND SLASHED THE TIRE CAUSING THE TIRE TO EXPLODE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,500.

NHTSA complaint #11361053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 177,000 miles Bethel, OH Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

CAR FIRE DUE TO RECALLED FUSES HAD THIS CAR FOR 5 YEARS AND HAD NO ISSUES

NHTSA complaint #11102972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,000 miles Westland, MI

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS RELAY SODDARD INTO BACKSIDE OF FUSE PANEL (GEM) WAS BAD LOCATION FOR A PERSON WITH NO EXPERIENCE TO FIX OR LOCATE MOST PEOPLE NEVER GOT IT FIXED BECAUSE OF NO EXPERIENCE AND AMOUNT OF MONEY TO HAVE AN ELECTRICAL MECHANIC TO FIX. I UNDERSTAND THERE WAS A FEW PEOPLE DID GET IT FIXED THROUGH A RECALL BUT I DIDN'T AND I NEVER GOT A RECALL FOR THIS IN THE MAIL. I WOULD LIKE FORD MOTOR COMPANY FIX THIS BECAUSE I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS PROBLEM. MY CAR HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 12 YEARS.

NHTSA complaint #11100705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,000 miles Westland, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS RELAY SODDARD INTO BACKSIDE OF FUSE PANEL (GEM) WAS BAD LOCATION FOR A PERSON WITH NO EXPERIENCE TO FIX OR LOCATE MOST PEOPLE NEVER GOT IT FIXED BECAUSE OF NO EXPERIENCE AND AMOUNT OF MONEY TO HAVE AN ELECTRICAL MECHANIC TO FIX. I UNDERSTAND THERE WAS A FEW PEOPLE DID GET IT FIXED THROUGH A RECALL BUT I DIDN'T AND I NEVER GOT A RECALL FOR THIS IN THE MAIL. I WOULD LIKE FORD MOTOR COMPANY FIX THIS BECAUSE I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS PROBLEM. MY CAR HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 12 YEARS.

NHTSA complaint #11100705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 101,000 miles Hanahan, SC

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

DRIVING(IN MOTION) ON BUSY ROAD(CITY STREET) NEAR HOME, ACCELERATED TO 45MPH, TRIED TO SLOW DOWN FOR LIGHT, REMOVED FOOT OFF GAS AND CAR DID NOT SLOW. HAD TO SLAM ON BRAKES IN ORDER TO AVOID CAR STOPPED AT LIGHT. TOOK ALL MY STRENGTH ON BRAKE TO KEEP CAR STOPPED. PUT IN NEUTRAL, NO CHANGE. PUT IN PARK NO CHANGE,STILL 4000 RPMS. WANTED TO GET VEHICLE HOME SO I PUT ON FLASHERS DROVE HOME WHILE APPLYING BRAKES.I WAS SCARED TO DEATH. SHOULD HAVE PULLED OVER AND TURNED CAR OFF BUT WANTED TO GET IT HOME SO I COULD AVOID A TOW. I AM PRETTY HANDY AND AM DOING RESEARCH IN ORDER TO FIX MYSELF.POPPED THE HOOD AT HOME AND IMMEDIATELY SAW THAT THE CABLE GOING TO THE THROTTLE BODY WAS BROKEN AND HUNG UP ON A CLIP ON THE LINKAGE COVER. IMAGE IS OF ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10990855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 189,000 miles Seymour, IN

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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

NHTSA complaint #10981455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 189,000 miles Seymour, IN

STEERING

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

NHTSA complaint #10981455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 63,512 miles Lockport, NY

SUSPENSION

ON 2/6/2017 MY 2002 MERCURY SABLE WAGON WITH 63512 MILES ON IT THE FRONT SPRING BROKE TORE THE INSIDE OF TIRE APART NOT SURE WHAT ELSE WAS DAMAGED AT THIS POINT . MY CAR BEING IN VERY GOOD CONDITION NOT YOUR TYPICAL N.Y RUST NOT A ISSUE THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS DESIGN DEFECT.

NHTSA complaint #10949982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 58,000 miles North Providence, RI

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT MOVE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. UPON INSPECTION, THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED AND DETACHED, DAMAGING THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V332000 (SUSPENSION), BUT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000.

NHTSA complaint #10947588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,287 miles Wilmington, DE

ENGINE

MILES 70,290 (ACC) I WAS DRIVING OB THE HIGHWAY , TO AVOID A CRASH I HAD TO STOP QUICKLY. ALL INDICATOR LAMPS CAME ON BUT THE CAR DID NOT SHUT OFF. SMALL CLOUDS OF SMOKE FROM EXHAUST (WHITE-GREY). IT WAS PARKED FOR 2 DAYS , START UP WAS FINE DRIVING WAS FINE ALSO. ONCE AGAIN A( LEAD FOOT) DRIVER CUT ME AND ANOTHER CAR OFF. SAME THING AVOIDING A CRASH SLAMMING ON MY BREAK. AGAIN ALL INDICATOR LIGHTS ON BUT THE CUT SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY. TURN IT BACK ON ITS WAS HESITATION SMOKE AND SHAKING. AND MORE. A TSB WAS ISSUED FOR A PART/PIECE THAT WILL CAUSE PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #10938399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Miramar, FL

POWER TRAIN

I HAVE JUST FOUND OUT FROM MY MECHANIC THAT THE TRANSMISSION, AX4N, THAT IS IN MY MERCURY, HAVE SUDDEN AND IMMEDIATE FAILURES DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER. WHEN I CALLED SEVERAL LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOPS, THEY ARE ALL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. COST TO FIX, APPROXIMATELY $1800 FOR A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER. WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING THE CAR IT WILL ACT LIKE YOU SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, BUT THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARD. YOU IMMEDIATELY HAVE TO FIND A PLACE TO PULL OVER TO. THIS CAN BE QUITE HAZARDOUS IF YOU ARE ON THE EXPRESSWAY. THERE IS NO PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE HYDRAULIC PUMP SHAFT HAS APPROXIMATELY TWO INCHES OF MAIL SPLINE. THE FEMALE COUNTERPART WHICH IS IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER IS APPROXIMATELY ONE EIGHTH OF AN INCH IN THICKNESS. THE HYDRAULIC PUMP SHAFT WILL STRIP THE TEETH ON THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO BECOME INOPERABLE. WHAT IS FRUSTRATING IS THAT YOU WILL HAVE NO WARNING WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN. AND YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY WARNING OF AN IMPENDING PROBLEM. YOU ARE NOW LOOKING AT A $1800, FOR A REPLACEMENT TORQUE CONVERTER. THE REBUILD COMPANY THAT SELLS REBUILT TORQUE CONVERTERS REPLACES THE 1/8 INCH FEMALE SPLINE,THAT HAS STRIPPED, IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER WITH A NEW 1/4 INCH THICK FEMALE SPLINE IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER. IT CERTAINLY SEEMS THAT FORD WAS NEGLIGENT WHEN ASSEMBLING THIS TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. MY CAR CAN LOOSE POWER AT ANY TIME. WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC OR ON THE ROAD WHILE TRAVELING ON THE EXPRESSWAY. I NOW HAVE TO DRIVE THIS CAR AND BE PARANOID WHILE ON THE ROAD. THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM. I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER FOR PEACE OF MIND WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR. IT ONLY HAS 69,000 MILES ON IT. FORD SAID MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. SINCERELY [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10926634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 39,000 miles West Allis, WI

POWER TRAIN

THE TRANSMISSION FROZE UP BREAKING THE AXLE RIGHT OFF AS I PULLED OUT OF A DRIVE WAY ONTO THE STREET WITH ON COMING TRAFFIC.

NHTSA complaint #10891752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kansas City, MO

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WAS PULLING INTO PARKING LOT BRAKES WENT OUT TOTALLY NO WARNING STOPPED BY EMERGENCY BRAKE HAVE NO BRAKES AT ALL TURNING AFTER 45 MPH THEN TO A STOPLIGH INTOTHE CITY'S RESTURANT

NHTSA complaint #10885270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kansas City, MO

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

WAS PULLING INTO PARKING LOT BRAKES WENT OUT TOTALLY NO WARNING STOPPED BY EMERGENCY BRAKE HAVE NO BRAKES AT ALL TURNING AFTER 45 MPH THEN TO A STOPLIGH INTOTHE CITY'S RESTURANT

NHTSA complaint #10885270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kansas City, MO

SERVICE BRAKES

WAS PULLING INTO PARKING LOT BRAKES WENT OUT TOTALLY NO WARNING STOPPED BY EMERGENCY BRAKE HAVE NO BRAKES AT ALL TURNING AFTER 45 MPH THEN TO A STOPLIGH INTOTHE CITY'S RESTURANT

NHTSA complaint #10885270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 300,000 miles Haines City, FL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF HOW THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT PERFORMED A TEMPORARY REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000.

NHTSA complaint #10884287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 300,000 miles Haines City, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF HOW THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT PERFORMED A TEMPORARY REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000.

NHTSA complaint #10884287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles Murfreesboro, TN Crash 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB AND STRUCK A METAL TABLE OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP EVEN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT FEEL AS THOUGH THEY WERE FULLY OPERATIONAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES TO THE KNEE, BACK, AND NECK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION AND PHYSICAL THERAPY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #10881593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles Murfreesboro, TN Crash 1 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB AND STRUCK A METAL TABLE OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP EVEN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT FEEL AS THOUGH THEY WERE FULLY OPERATIONAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES TO THE KNEE, BACK, AND NECK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION AND PHYSICAL THERAPY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #10881593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Lake, MI

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

CAR DOES NOT SLOW DOWN WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED.

NHTSA complaint #10875324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 102,000 miles Norwhich, CT

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE VEHICLE REVVED TO 4,000 RPMS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE ATTACHED TO A CLIP WAS STUCK IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 102,000.

NHTSA complaint #10873155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.