Owners have filed 251 complaints
about the 2003 Mercury Sable with NHTSA between 2003 and 2023.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 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 — 35
Against the median year of the Mercury Sable. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 60
11.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 41
24% 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.
Front
1928.8%
Coil Springs
1522.7%
Fan/Motor
69.1%
Switch
69.1%
Body
69.1%
Windshield
57.6%
Automatic Transmission
57.6%
FAN
46.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
63.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
73.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
178.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3216.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4422.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2915.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3518.2%
150,000+ miles
2211.5%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2003 Mercury Sable 4-DR.
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2003 Mercury Sable 4-DR. Wagon
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2003 Mercury Sable 4-DR. w/SAB
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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 2003peak 7Mar 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 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...
EA08018Opened 28 Aug 2008Closed 30 Jun 2011SUSPENSION: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...
DP06005Opened 4 Dec 2006Closed 28 Dec 2007FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
ENGINE STALLING FFV
ON OCTOBER 11, 2006, PUBLIC CITIZEN PETITIONED ODI TO INVESTIGATE REPORTS OF ENGINE STALLS CAUSED BY E85 FUEL IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 - 2005 FORD TAURUS FLEX-FUEL VEHICLES (FFV). ODI'S REVIEW OF THE PETITION AND OTHER AVAILABLE DATA FOUND A LOW STALL RATE ATTRIBUTABLE TO E-85 FUELING AND THAT THE MAIN CONCERNS,PROLONGED ENGINE START AND ROUGH IDLE DURING COLD ENGINE STARTUP AT WINTER TEMPERATURES, WERE RESOLVED BY AN ENGINE SOFTWARE UPDATE.TO ENSURE THAT ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES RECEIVE THIS UPDATE, FORD INITIATED A NOTIFICATION CAMPAIGN TO OFFER FREE ENGINE COMPUTER RECALIBRATION.BASED ON...
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...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 100,000 milesMissouri City, TXCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK, WHICH FORCED THE CONTACT TO STRIKE THE STEERING WHEEL DURING THE CRASH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, BACK, AND NECK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME AND THEN TOWED TO A JUNK YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10948477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesMissouri City, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK, WHICH FORCED THE CONTACT TO STRIKE THE STEERING WHEEL DURING THE CRASH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, BACK, AND NECK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME AND THEN TOWED TO A JUNK YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10948477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesShavertown, PACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
CAR WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED. WHEN ENGAGED INTO REVERSE, CAR MADE LOUD NOISE, TIRES SQUEALED, ENGINE RACED AND CRASHED INTO PARKED CAR BEHIND IT AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED. PARKED VEHICLE THAT WAS STRUCK THEN STRUCK CAR NEXT TO IT SINCE IMPACT WAS SO GREAT. CAR WAS UNCONTROLLABLE, COULD NOT BE STOPPED VIA BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #10724265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesBAY Village, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY ON FRONT IMPACT CAR CRASH. THE CAR IS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DID DEPLOY (THOUGH THERE WAS NO PASSENGER). THE HIGHWAY PATROL CUT OPEN THE STEERING WHEEL COVER TO REVEAL THAT THERE WAS INDEED A DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG WITH THE NUMBER TGP037SPAEIT P5206000-00EE09. THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE IS [XXX] MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND IS UNSURE OF THE SPEED OF THE CAR WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND HIT THE WALL. I'M GUESSING IT WAS IN THE 35-45 MPH RANGE. HER INJURIES WERE MINOR - THANKS TO THE SEAT BELT - I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY TO OFFER HER FURTHER PROTECTION AS EXPECTED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10279085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesHyannis, MACrashFire1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
DO ANY NEW CARS OFFER AN AUTOMATIC RELEASE OF THE REAR DOOR CHILD LOCK DEVICE. THIS MEANS THAT THE CHILD LOCK WILL AUTOMATICALLY UN-SET UPON IMPACT OF AN ACCIDENT SO PEOPLE IN THE BACK SEAT CAN QUICKLY GET OUT. I HAD AN INCIDENT IN A MERCURY SABLE WHERE THE BACK SEAT PASSENGER WAS NEARLY BURNED BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE BACK SEAT (GET THE REAR DOOR OPEN). THIS KIND OF PROBLEM IS DESCRIBED ON A WEBSITE WWW.CARSAFETYUSA.COM IN DETAIL. DOES ANY CAR HAVE THIS FEATURE FOR AUTOMATIC CHILD LOCK RELEASE AFTER AN ACCIDENT ? I WOULD LIKE FOR MY NEXT PURCHASE TO HAVE THIS FEATURE.
NHTSA complaint #10184929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesHyannis, MACrashFire1 injured
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
DO ANY NEW CARS OFFER AN AUTOMATIC RELEASE OF THE REAR DOOR CHILD LOCK DEVICE. THIS MEANS THAT THE CHILD LOCK WILL AUTOMATICALLY UN-SET UPON IMPACT OF AN ACCIDENT SO PEOPLE IN THE BACK SEAT CAN QUICKLY GET OUT. I HAD AN INCIDENT IN A MERCURY SABLE WHERE THE BACK SEAT PASSENGER WAS NEARLY BURNED BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE BACK SEAT (GET THE REAR DOOR OPEN). THIS KIND OF PROBLEM IS DESCRIBED ON A WEBSITE WWW.CARSAFETYUSA.COM IN DETAIL. DOES ANY CAR HAVE THIS FEATURE FOR AUTOMATIC CHILD LOCK RELEASE AFTER AN ACCIDENT ? I WOULD LIKE FOR MY NEXT PURCHASE TO HAVE THIS FEATURE.
NHTSA complaint #10184929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 83,000 milesLake Worth, FL
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Sable. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
NHTSA complaint #11511556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesWest Islip, NY
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11387850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,277 milesPalm Beach Gardens, FL
POWER TRAIN
IDRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS ON A CITY STREET IN 2003 MERC SABLE WITH 33K MILES. WHILE IN MOTION, THE TRANSMISSION FAILS WITH NO FORWARD OR REVERSE WORKING OR ANY OTHER MECHANICAL WARNINGS.( NO TRANSMISSION CODES ON OBDII. I WAS IMMEDIATELY ABLE TO COAST INTO A DRUGSTORE PARKING LOT. CAR TOWED TO LOCAL FORD DEALER. DEALER INFORMED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER SPLINES HAVE FAILED AND TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDS TO REPLACED FOR $ 1726.00. DEALER REPAIRED VEHICLE, REPLACED WITH FORD RE-MANUAFACTURED TORQUE CONVERTER. SEARCHED INTERN NET AND FOUND SAME NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF FORD TORQUE CONVERTERS SPLINE FAILURES. BASED ON THE TYPE AND NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS THIS APPEARS TO WARRANT AN AUDIT OF THIS SAFETY PROBLEM. THERE ARE OTHER REPORTED COMPLAINTS THAT VEHICLES WERE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAYS AND SUFFERED TRANSMISSION FAILURES WHILE IN MOTION WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS.
NHTSA complaint #11328198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 285,000 milesSpringfield, MO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SO SORRY TO BOTHER YOU. I HAVE A MERCURY SABLE 03 WHICH HAS BEEN ACCELERATING BY ITSELF BECAUSE THE THROTTLE CABLE GETS STUCK. I SAW AN ARTICLE THAT SAID MY YEAR TAURUS AND SABLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM AS WELL AS SAW THAT ALL THOSE IN THE JUNK YARD HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. IN THE ARTICLE IT SAID FORD AGREED TO FIX THOSE TO STOP FURTHER INVESTIGATION. HOW WOULD I GO ABOUT GETTING THIS FIXED? PLEASE AND THANK YOU. MY VEHICLE STARTED GOING 79 AND WOULDN'T STOP. EVEN IN NEUTRAL IT WENT 4000 RPM UNTIL THE THROTTLE CABLE WAS UNJAMMED. AND CONTINUES TO DO SO
NHTSA complaint #11204859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesNewmarket, NH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON A CITY STREET AND THE CAR STARTED ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN AND I TRIED TO BRAKE BUT MY BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. I HAD TO PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BREAK TO SLAM HARD ENOUGH TO TRY TO GET IT TO SLOW DOWN EVEN A LITTLE. I FOUND OUT THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE GOT STUCK AND COULD NOT GO BACK IN CAUSING THE CAR TO KEEP ACCELERATING.
NHTSA complaint #11191700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockville, MD
ENGINE
2003 MERCURY SABLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BEING CHARGED FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS THAT WERE UNDER WARRANTY. *LD
NHTSA complaint #11061848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,500 milesRockville, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHY WAS I CHARGED $249.90 LABOR CHARGES WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY IN MY HANDS FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER BEING PURCHASED FROM KING BUICK BUT NOT FOR PARTS, SHOP MATERIALS AND USE OF A LOANER CAR. I SHOULD HAVE PAID NOTHING UNDER A WARRANTY AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF FORD HAS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THAT. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL MY CALL ON [XXX](C) OR [XXX](H) IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS. I WAS RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE COMMUNITY WHERE I RESIDE AND DROVE THE CAR TO KING BUICK GMC IMMEDIATELY. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11052089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8 milesSAN Diego, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
1. THE HOOD CLOSES APPARENTLY FINE, IT DOES NOT OPEN IF I TRY TO, HOWEVER KEEPS OPENING EVERY 20 MINUTES AFTER DRIVING. I COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE. 2. VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS KEEPS OCURRING, NO SIGNS OR DROPS OR VIISUAL LEAK PUDDLE.
NHTSA complaint #11047279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8 milesSAN Diego, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1. THE HOOD CLOSES APPARENTLY FINE, IT DOES NOT OPEN IF I TRY TO, HOWEVER KEEPS OPENING EVERY 20 MINUTES AFTER DRIVING. I COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE. 2. VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS KEEPS OCURRING, NO SIGNS OR DROPS OR VIISUAL LEAK PUDDLE.
NHTSA complaint #11047279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesEast Windsor, NJ
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED, IT LOST ENGINE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DOM'S GETTY SERVICE STATION (308 MERCER ST, HIGHTSTOWN, NJ) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 57,000.
NHTSA complaint #11022792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesEast Windsor, NJ
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED, IT LOST ENGINE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DOM'S GETTY SERVICE STATION (308 MERCER ST, HIGHTSTOWN, NJ) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 57,000.
NHTSA complaint #11022792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesEast Windsor, NJ
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DOM'S GETTY STATION (HEIGHTSTOWN, NJ 08520, PHONE (609) 448-4146) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE TRANSMISSION INPUT SHAFT AND TORQUE CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
NHTSA complaint #11022106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesColton, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY ON ITS OWN WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE "CHECK ENGINE" INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. FAIRWAY FORD IN SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA DETERMINED THAT THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000. ...UPDATED 10/23/17 *BF UPDATED 11/1/2017
NHTSA complaint #10994484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,000 milesCapital Heights, MD
INTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY IDLED BETWEEN 3-4 RPMS AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AUTO ZONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 12281999. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: SB-10052600-3673. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER RECALL BUT, SHE WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE FOR THE RECALL TO BE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AT NO CHARGE. UPDATED 05/31/2017
NHTSA complaint #10992124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,000 milesCapital Heights, MD
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY IDLED BETWEEN 3-4 RPMS AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AUTO ZONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 12281999. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: SB-10052600-3673. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER RECALL BUT, SHE WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE FOR THE RECALL TO BE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AT NO CHARGE. UPDATED 05/31/2017
NHTSA complaint #10992124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,000 milesCapital Heights, MD
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY IDLED BETWEEN 3-4 RPMS AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AUTO ZONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 12281999. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: SB-10052600-3673. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER RECALL BUT, SHE WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE FOR THE RECALL TO BE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AT NO CHARGE. UPDATED 05/31/2017
NHTSA complaint #10992124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,373 milesJoppa, MD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO STOP WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNT AND RADIATOR HOSE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 121,373.
NHTSA complaint #10972315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,373 milesJoppa, MD
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO STOP WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNT AND RADIATOR HOSE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 121,373.
NHTSA complaint #10972315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesMissouri City, TXCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK, WHICH FORCED THE CONTACT TO STRIKE THE STEERING WHEEL DURING THE CRASH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, BACK, AND NECK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME AND THEN TOWED TO A JUNK YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10948477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesMissouri City, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK, WHICH FORCED THE CONTACT TO STRIKE THE STEERING WHEEL DURING THE CRASH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, BACK, AND NECK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME AND THEN TOWED TO A JUNK YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10948477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesFountain Valley, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V106000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #10930234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kirbyville, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
I OWN A 2003 MERCURY SABLE, I REPLACED THE BRAKES , AND AN ASSORTMENT OF PROBLEMS FOLLOWED. FIRST THEY BEGAN LOCKING , THEN THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP AT ALL. I REPLACED PADS.ROTORS.TIRES ,BLEED THE BREAKS ALL IN AN EFFORT TO FIND THE PROBLEM. I COULD NOT, SO THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING ABOUT A YEAR. THEN I RECEIVED THE RECALL ON THE BREAKS , NOW EVERYTHING MAKES SENSE.
NHTSA complaint #10885758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marion, NC
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS STUCK AND COULD NOT MOVE OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE WIRING HAD TO BE PUSHED DOWN TO OVERRIDE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V106000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10872217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marion, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS STUCK AND COULD NOT MOVE OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE WIRING HAD TO BE PUSHED DOWN TO OVERRIDE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V106000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10872217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesEssex Junction, VT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING EAST ON I-70 FROM KANSAS CITY MO. CRUISE WAS SET AT 78. 4 LANES. WAS IN LEFT PASSING LANE AND HAD TO SLOW DOWN QUICKLY BECAUSE OF VEHICLE IN FRONT WAS DOING ABOUT 50MPH. THE RIGHT WAS CLEAR AND I STARTED MOVING TO THE RIGHT TO PASS. THE CAR INSTANTLY ACCELERATED AS I STARTED TO TURN RIGHT. THE ACCELERATION ACTUALLY PULL THE CAR FORWARD SO FAST THE REAR END SLID TO THE LEFT. CAR MOVED A CROSSED THE RIGHT 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC AT ABOUT A 60 DEG ANGLE. I MANAGED TO TURN THE CAR INTO THE SKID TO AVOID THE GUARD RAILS AND STARTED BACK ACROSS THE LANES WITH COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR AS IT DID A COMPLETE 360. AS I WAS RETURNED TO FACING EAST AGAIN I PULLED OFF INTO THE MEDIAN AS I WAS AGAIN IN THE FAR LEFT LANE NOW IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE I HAD STARTED TO PASS. HAVING BEEN IN MANY EMERGENCY SITUATION IN MY 67 YEARS. I JUST ROAD OUT THE TURN. I WAS NO FUN WATCHING THE VEHICLE I WAS TRYING TO PASS APPROACH ME WHILE I WAS COMPLETING THE 360. WITH SO MANY VEHICLES SURROUNDING THE GAP I WAS IN, I AM STILL AMAZED NO ONE WAS KILLED, AND NO COLLISION OF ANY SORT OCCURRED. TOOK TO THE DEALER AND IT WAS SUGGESTED THE PCV VALVE WAS PLUGGED. REPLACED. AROUND FEB 2 2016 I WAS DRIVING I 95 TO FLORIDA. I NOTICED THE CRUISE DROPPING OUT TWICE WITHOUT BRAKING AND ONCE ACCELERATING WITHOUT RESETTING. I UNDERSTOOD NOW THAT THE I-70 INCIDENT WAS ACTUALLY THE CRUISE CONTROL. I WILL HAVE IT DISCONNECTED SO THAT IT CAN NOT BE USED AGAIN. HOW I SURVIVED IS BEYOND BELIEF. I AM EXTREMELY GLAD NO ONE WAS WITH ME.
NHTSA complaint #10839108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.