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 2000 Mercury Sable owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Subject:2000 Mercury Sable ls. When starting vehicle when raining vehicle tends to choke out or miss and not have any power. If attempting to drive vehicle will stall out. This has happened several times. Someone mentioned to me that computer could be getting wet or holding condensation. The warning engine light will come on. If driven for a distance after rain is over the next day or so the light will go off. Is this a problem with this particular car? The engine was tuned five years ago when purchased. When the weather is dry or just snowing the car idles okay and runs smooth.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the heater failed to blow hot air. The contact stated that the windshield defroster was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to lb smith Ford located at 1100 market st, lemoyne, pa 17043, [phone], to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the heater coil was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
When the key was turned in the ignition there was an explosion. The air intake manifold on top of the engine exploded into pieces. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The dealership inspected the vehicle, but couldn't indicate what caused the explosion. The manifold, spark plug and 3 types of springs were replaced.
I am having problems with it stalling constantly when I have sat at a light I dont javw the money to fix this due to on a fixed income was told it has a problem with the throttle control issue and they said there was a recall on it due this
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Mercury Sable. The vehicle had the same failures as mentioned in the recall regarding 2000 Mercury sables. The only difference was that the rear coil spring failed and punctured the tire while driving at 35 MPH. An unusual noise was heard before the tire was punctured. Ford stated that nothing could be done because the recall applied only to the front coil springs. The service dealer replaced the failed springs with ones from the manufacturer, and stated that the noise was due to the muffler baffle. Also, the dealer mentioned that Ford was in the process of developing a different type of spring that has not yet been released. The current mileage is 39,798 , and failure mileage was 39,700. The consumer stated that the vehicle was taken to another dealer who then replaced the struts and that solved the problem. Updated 06/09/07
I drove my Mercury Sable 2000 today. Just seconds after I got off from a highway to a local road, my filled my car accelerated when I hit the brake. I had to hit the brake hard to stop the car in a traffic light. However, the engine rushed to 4000rpm. I switched to park gear and turned off the ignition. After a few seconds, I turned on the car again but the engine rushed to 4000rmp. Had no idea what happened. Wait for a minute and turned the car on again. Same problem exists. In the park position, I hit the gas pedal gently and the engine running back to normal. Then I was able to drive the car back home (~10miles). It was so scary and have no idea when this problem will come back again.
2000 Mercury Sable with Duratec v6 24v engine. Started car; loud bang; intake manifold exploded. No previous problems with starting or driving the vehicle. All maintenance done in timely manner. When intake manifold exploded pieces of plastic flew and insulation under hood was actually shredded. Could have caused serious injury had someone had hood open when car was started. Car currently at new brighton Ford waiting for repair.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Mercury Sable. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle continued to accelerate. In addition, the RPM's increased. The manufacturer stated that her VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 02V266000 (service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages). The contact would be responsible for the repair costs. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 120,000.
Tl* - the contact owns a 2000 Mercury Sable, and she was having a problem with the oil pan leaking. The contact stated that there was a technical service bulletin on this failure. The contact had this repaired in April 2004, and it still did not work properly. She had it repaired again shortly after April 2004 and it still did not work properly. The oil pan leak was discovered because it was visible in the driveway.
When the gear shifter lever was put into drive from reverse vehicle failed to accelerate when the gas pedal was depressed. This occurred while the consumer was reversing. Vehicle was towed to the dealership, and mechanic determined that the problem was due to a failure in the catalytic convertor because of the weak transmission being used. Also, indicated that this was a common problem with these vehicles.
Engine complaints in other Sable years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2000 Mercury Sable?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2000 Mercury Sable, 6% of the model year's 464 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Mercury Sable engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2000 Mercury Sable, though it has 7 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 2000 Mercury Sable engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 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.