Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Mercury Sable owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Problems with ABS. The vehicle was in two accidents due to the inability to control the vehicle during normal driving conditions, where the ABS did not work. The vehicle was in for repair 7 times. The following are repairs and or problems the vehicle experienced: torque converter replaced after transmission fluid was found low, exhaust leak fixed, washer fluid would spray when the turn signal and lights were on, shaking when the brakes were applied/resurfaced rotors, trunk leaked water, replaced multi-function switch to fix washer fluid problem, ABS not working when there was a panic stop, left and right spindle assembly was replaced, front end rotors were replaced again, wheel alignment, the ABS did not engage and caused an accident, and replaced left side outer tie rod end.
While driving in heavy rain storm, engine crankshaft pulley assy broke causing the loss of power steering immediately, I struggled to maintain control of vehicle. I had repaired at local shop in long island ,ny , mechanic said new replacement unit was much different than original indicating that there was problem with design of original unit.had I not been able to steer vehicle there could have been a collision resulting in injuries , etc. I checked recalls & there were non related to this mechanical failure. I paid $309.91 for repairs to vehicle. VIN# [redacted], I retained broken original pulley & bracket assembly. Updated 07/26/2012
Tl* - the contact has a 1999 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that when she purchased the vehicle May 22 2006, the vehicle did not have heat. The contact stated that she has had many problems with this vehicle since she purchased it. The vehicle operates with a high temperature reading, and the transmission seems to slip gears when you apply the gas pedal and back fires while switching gears. The dealer has not addressed the failures that the contact has experienced with her vehicle. The contact stated that October of 2006 was the last time she corresponded with the dealer and they still have done nothing to help her.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Mercury Sable. While driving at an unknown speed, the consumer drove over a small puddle of water, which caused the power steering to lock up. A few seconds later, the power steering returned. The contact believes that the steering fails whenever the serpentine belt gets wet. The belt must dry off before he can gain control of the vehicle. The vehicle has not been diagnosed. The failure has occurred between five and six times. The failure and current mileages were 140,000. Updated 07/17/09. Updated 07/20/09.
Engine cooling system is faulty. I have had 3 freeze plugs replaced in engine over past year and a half at cost of $500.00 I am told if the others rust behind the engine it will be another $500.00 just had the system flushed last year, now it is rusty again. Cooling system is corrosive! Does that make sense?
1999 Mercury Sable head gasket blown. There was no warning. Driving the speed limit in town. The battery light came on, smell of coolant, service engine light came on and car stopped. Car had to be towed.
A burning odor was coming from the vents. Consumer noticed while turning on the heater this problem occurred more than once. Consumer took vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the heater core needed to be replaced due to corrosion. The consumer stated that Ford put the wrong fluid into the cooling system causing core to fail.
Vehicle was backfiring due to an unknown component which consumer felt could possibly result in a fire. Consumer has taken vehicle to a Ford dealership three times, and was not able to determine cause of backfiring. This occurred approximately 75% of time during start up. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Vehicle had a massive transmission fluid leak and broke down. Vehicle checked by dealer, who replaced transmission. Two weeks later, leak began again. Vehicle was checked again by dealer ,who determined that gasket was is leaking. Gasket was replaced. Approximately two weeks later, vehicle vehicle had 2 oil leaks.
Problem first noticed as engine overheated and a coolant leak occurred... Debris in cooling system creates a blockage and heater works intermittently. Still overheats after radiator flushes to clean system. I have been advised by the mechanic to either sell the car or replace the entire cooling system.
Engine complaints in other Sable years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 Mercury Sable?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 Mercury Sable, 9% of the model year's 258 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Mercury Sable engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1999 Mercury Sable, though it has 5 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 1999 Mercury Sable engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 3 injuries to engine & cooling 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.