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 2001 Mercury Sable owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Transmission issues included a near death experience when faulty cruise control wiring / functionality caused automatic transmission to rev to to high rpms. Was unable to shift to neutral gear and was forced to jump from vehicle to avoid potentially fatal wreck. Brake pads burned through to the calipers when trying to brake.
I purchased a 2001 Mercury Sable, I took the auto and on the second day I put the auto in drive, the motor raced like the pedal was pushed to the floor,I called the dealer and told them I will not drive this auto they sent atow truck andthe next day they gave me a new Sable. Since I have this new Sable the gas pedal gives me the same reaction as the old one. It occurred about 9 or 10 times over the last 9 years. Very rare but it does occur. My wife refuses to drive it. Because of what happens to the accelerator. Every time I start the car I make sure my foot is on the brake pedal when I put the car in drive. I feel its the computer that occasionally goes beserk. I bring this up because I see where Toyota is having problems with there computers also. It's very frightening when the car accelerates like something is controlling the gas pedal at this high rate of speed. …
Dt*: the contact stated there were two problems with the vehicle. The first being the engine would not start intermittently. The engine would start if it was boosted. The vehicle was taken to the local independent repair shop for inspection. The repair personnel discovered the battery cables had separated from the terminals. The cables were repaired. The second was a transmission failure. The transmission was shifted into park and the vehicle lurched forward. After this incident, the vehicle would not go into any gear. The vehicle was towed to the local repair shop for inspection. The transmission was rebuilt and the vehicle drives normal. The front bumper fascia cracked. The left rear tire failed. Updated 03/03/06.
My Mercury Sable 2001 ls wagon transmission failed in May 2002 (25 k miles). At that time Ford voided my warranty saying I had abused the car (drag racing). I had the transmission replaced by a transmission specialty shop, cost $3,000). That transmission failed in May 2004 (52K miles) and was rebuilt by aamco transmissions (cost $2,200). That transmission failed December 2006 (78K miles). It is currently in the shop for transmission repair. In July 2002 I had initiated an independent report done on the car, there is a serious defect in the transmission design. My cost for transmission repairs is in excess of $5,000 prior to this latest transmission failure.
Mercury Sable 2001 sedan, 47,300 miles, both front axle seals warped. This was discovered during an oil change when the car was on a lift. Many other consumers May not be aware that this May be occurring in their cars. Icalled Ford customer service center and they would not warranty beyond 36,000 miles. Ithe consumer told them there was nothing in the printed owner's manual concerning extended drivetrain warranty. They should not be failing at such a low mileage. It May lead to serious problems, and consumers should not be responsible to fix this-- there should be a recall.
2001 Mercury Sable, 31,000 miles. Got into vehicle after work,put into reverse to back out of parking spot, vehicle lunged forward. Transmission found to have failed-locked into forward gear. All gear selector positions are now forward including neutral and reverse. Dealer and Ford motor company notified of situation. Transmission to be replaced. Old transmission May be available after work is complete. I am dissatisfied with Ford's response to this issue, both financially and the lack of concern from the safety issue this could create.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that while sitting at a traffic stop, the gear shifter engaged from drive to neutral. The failure was experienced several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic performed. The failure was located at the trans axle and the contact was advised that the torque converter was not engaging. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 182,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that while the brakes being depressed, the engine rmps increased. The brake pedal was released and the vehicle accelerated. The contact was able to place the vehicle in park and there was smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,133 and the current mileage was 68,136.
My mechanic advised that the coil spring is lacking a cover and is rusting and May break. My transmission "slips" and "revs" at random. Both of these items are supposedly under recall, but Ford will not honor the recalls.
The transmission would lock in park and disengage at 40K, a sensor was replaced. Then at 49K the transmission blew while driving (internal). Poor transmission engineering. I'll never buy another Ford/Mercury.
Transmission complaints in other Sable years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Mercury Sable?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Mercury Sable, 5% of the model year's 430 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Mercury Sable transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2001 Mercury Sable, though it has 8 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 2001 Mercury Sable transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 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.