Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Mercury Sable owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Mercury Sable. The contact had been parked for two hours in the parking lot of a small community park. As the contact was driving approximately 5-10 MPH, the vehicle suddenly accelerated at a high speed. The contact did not have time to check the speedometer before the turn was completed. The vehicle failed to slow down when engaging the brake pedal and because the turn had not been completed the contact veered off to the left of the road and then crossed the road to the right. As the contact tried to get back on the road, she drove over a two-foot boulder and several smaller boulders and then crashed into a fence of tall bushes and came to a stop approximately ten feet past the boulders that had been dragged in the middle of the driveway. The air bags deployed as the vehicle came to a stop. This all took place in a matter of seconds. …
Dt*: the contact stated while driving in stop and go traffic, the vehicle lurched forward without prior warning. Although brake pressure remained constant, the vehicle continued forward motion. The vehicle gently tapped another vehicle on the rear bumper. The driver turned off the key in the ignition and the vehicle stopped. There was damage to the Sable's bumper, grill and headlights. No physical injuries were sustained. The police were on the scene and a report was taken. The vehicle was seen by a dealer. A diagnostic test was performed, but the test did not detect any failure codes. Upon further inspection by the service department, the throttle plate and air motor were carbonated and it was suspected that this possibly caused the throttle to stick causing the sudden acceleration. Updated 2/13/2006 -
On February 14, 2006 as I drove up to my neighbor's garage door, my 1998 Mercury Sable wagon had 'a mind of it's own'. It would not respond to the brake but accelerated 'on it's own' causing me to go through the door and hit the side brick wall of the garage. The insurance company totaled the car. After much research, I found many such stories with several makes of cars. The cruise control causes an 'sudden involuntary acceleration' which does not allow the brake to work these are only a couple of the links I found. Http://www.safetyforum.com/fordsua/ http://www.antony-anderson.com/cruise/9.5-links.html#Ford many people have been injured or killed. Fortunately, I had no injuries except to my emotions. I can still see myself going through that garage door and not being able to stop it. Lorraine barnicle.
While sitting at a stop sign, the consumer's vehicle accelerated, resulting in a rear end collision the vehicle in front. The consumer's vehicle proceeded to knock down a stop sign. The vehicle was totaled. (sudden acceleration) there was a repair for the same problem in June 02, 2004. The problem would occur when the brake was released and there was a strong pull when in reverse. This problem was diagnosed as an idle air control issue.
1) vehicle was having shifting problems with not easily coming out of the 'park" position. Dealer kept stating there was no problem. 2) oct.30--traveling at 70 MPH heading for a downhill with relatively sharp curve at bottom, braked to cancel cruise control with no response. Again braked hard with no response. Cancelled cruise control manually with steering wheel "off" button---just in time to avoid a certain disaster! Later, I engaged the cruise control again on a straight stretch of road and again, the brake did not cancel the system! 3) dealer determined that the brake switch and harness had a strange burn in the wiring. Harness was replaced and (console) shift control and cruise control now are working normally.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that the vehicle would accelerate independently when driving at various speeds. In addition, the horn would sound independently. The contact further inspected the vehicle and stated that there was a buildup of corrosion found on an unknown pin inside of the steering column. The contact believed the failure was caused by the corrosion of the steering column components. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 7,000 and the current mileage was 12,000.
1999 Mercury Sable accelerated without warning. The customer stated the vehicle accelerated as he was attempting to brake at an intersection to make a right turn. The consumer was able to get the vehicle under control after putting it in neutral. Updated 03/22/10 updated 05/28/10.
Stopping at intersection with brakes applied, engine began throttling and caused racing and subsequent collision with another vehicle in front. Standing on the brakes did not control the car and disengaging the transmission into "n" left the engine still racing!
While driving at any speed overdrive light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. This caused the speedometer to drop to zero, and the SRS light illuminated on the dashboard. Also, horn became inoperative. Vehicle was taken tot he dealer for inspection.
While consumer's wife was traveling at approximately 5 to 10 MPH and slowing down to make a turn, brakes would not completely engage to stop vehicle. Engine accelerated while brakes were being applied. Dealership could not determine that there was a defect in vehicle. Then, on May 14th, 2001 consumer's wife went to stop vehicle while approaching a red light and brakes did not work/ would not bring vehicle to a complete stop. Engine acted as though it wanted to accelerate. The brake had failed twice.
Acceleration complaints in other Sable years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 1998 Mercury Sable?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 1998 Mercury Sable, 17% of the model year's 190 complaints. The component named most often is cruise control (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Mercury Sable acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 1998 Mercury Sable, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Mercury Sable acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.