Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
I bought a used 1999 Mercury Sable gs with the u type 3.0l v6 engine 2 months ago. Just recently I noticed the car wanting to lunge forward while holding the brake at stops. Then a few days later whenever I start the car it lunges forward. Nothing dramatic but definitely noticeable. I started looking online to see about a recall and 1 was present a long time ago. Is it to late to get my car checked or how to see if it was ever serviced or called for the recall.
Car has always shifted hard. At approximately 90K miles automatic transmission started to fail evidenced by gear slippage and car decellerating while being driven. Transmission pump was also "knocking". Car was taken to transmission shop and they stated that a 10 cent "o" ring had failed in the transmission pump and that the transmission pump had literally "come apart". Also, the transmission pan had a smal, shiny indention where the pump was located, further evidence of where the problem possibly originated. They had also stated that they have seen numerous tuarus' and sables with the same problem. Transmission was completely rebuilt at a cost of $1700.00 and the pump was replaced with one with a metallic "o" ring to help eliminate further failures. …
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.
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* - the contact stated that the ABS tone rings cracked. The driver felt the ABS pump. He took the vehicle in for repair and was told the tone rings are wearing and cracked, and the axle would need to be replaced. The contact has had the vehicle repaired .
Note******I did not have any failures!! My reason for writing is to complain about the frequent shifting of the automatic transmission. In addition, the brakes vibrate at high speed usually between 55-70 when braking. To be fair I reported and had the car serviced when the brakes first vibrated. The service manager reported that there were heat marks on the disc's. My principal driving is highway with limited braking. The dealer shaved the rotors (which bothered me given that there was less then 10,000 miles at the time), and the vibration disappeared. I am however once again seeing some slight vibration. Tire wear appears to be normal. Getting back to the rotors, I am concerned that the life of the rotors having been cut will be short. As for the transmission this has just started, and I haven't yet scheduled a service call. …
Hard upshift and downshift while coming to a stop or pulling away. Once vehicle was stopped it would have a tendency at times to lurch forward while brake was on.. Upon taking the transmission down, the dealer found clutch material in transmission the ss3 was sticking, the accumulator o-ring was cut the forward drum ck.vall sticint overdrive band burned and needed to exchange the entire transmission. Thankfully the trany was under warranty. However, now the repaired assy is only covered for 12000 miles or 12 months whichever comes first and we are naturally concerned that this might be a defect as the Ford taures seemed to have trany problems in the 1197 to 1999 range which is why we did not buy one but went with the Sable after checking NHTSA reports re: the vehicle itself.
When shifting the car into reverse it would hesitate and would eventually shift after repeated attempts. After a couple days the car would not shift into reverse from park but would if it was first put into drive and then reverse. Then it would not shift into any gear and would freely coast on an incline. I had to have the car towed on a flatbed from my driveway to a dealership. They had it for 5 days, did not fix it correctly and I had to take it back in for service. The shift cable had to be replaced.
Consumer experiencing problem with dealer honoring mfr. Recall notice # 98s-31 & NHTSA recall 98v-288 000 concerning Ford/ transmssion oil cooler line . An incorrect transmission oil cooler line was installed, the line contacts the anti-lock braking system module support bracket and overtime. Can wear and develop a leak onto the exhaust manifold or catalytic converter, which can result in a fire.
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.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equpped with the "california" emissions package. An incorrect transmission oil cooler line was installed. The line contacts the anti-lock braking system module support bracket and over time, can wear and develop a leak.
Remedy: Dealers will install the appropriate transmission oil cooler line.
Transmission complaints in other Sable years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Mercury Sable?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Mercury Sable, 11% of the model year's 258 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Mercury Sable transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-288 (cooling unit and lines, Nov 9, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 Mercury Sable transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.