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 2002 Mercury Sable owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2002 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light and transmission symbol remained illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered and stalled occasionally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was unknown.
10/2/2022 was on I 94 east bound lost momentum rpms jump to 6k then lost all gears in transmission car has 88639 miles on it hardly driven changed trans fluid hoping to get trans working again and still won't move in any gear had to wait 4 hours on freeway for a tow just to get it off the freeway had to fight with AAA for the 4 hours to get it towed now in my driveway and still won't move at all
Dt*: the contact stated that the vehicle jerked forward at an alarming rate of speed whenever the accelerator was depressed. The sudden acceleration caused an accident with another vehicle and a police report was filed. The vehicle was inspected by the service dealer who determined that the transmission was the cause of the problem. The transmission was replaced. The contact asked for the old parts and the service dealer refused to supply those parts. The manufacturer was contacted and refused assistance because the vehicle was involved in an accident.
My daughter had just merged onto the highway going approximately 65mph. Initially it felt difficult to get the car up to speed. She noticed she was edging up on the vehicle in front of her and took her foot off the accelerator to slow down but instead the car sped up. She applied the brakes which did not slow the car down. She applied pressure to the accelerator in an attempt to "unstick" it which had no effect on the speed of the car. She then attempted to apply the brakes further at which time the brakes began smoking. The car had reached 90mph at this point and was shaking. While continuing to keep her foot on the brakes, she was able to pull into the breakdown lane and put the car into neutral but the vehicle only slowed down minimally at which time she put the car into park. …
This mechanical problem has happened two times. The first time was at approximately 120,000 miles.the car is always serviced, well maintained and runs terrific. I was driving for about 30 minutes on the parkway. Suddenly I experienced the car sticking like it was choking, losing power and then surging ahead. I was shocked, continued to drive and it eventually cleared itself. I have never had any other symptoms or incidents like this in the past. I thought it might be a clogged fuel injector so I immediately added some fuel injector cleaner. I brought the car to my mechanic the next morning but he couldn't find anything wrong with the car. The second time it happened was about 3 - 4 weeks later and I called the mechanic again. We only found a small transmission leak but nothing else. …
I have a 2002 Mercury Sable w/ 40,000 miles on it. The car had to be taken back numerous times the hub caps fell off after the 6th time they replaced with alloy wheels. The right & left sway bar end links have been replaced. The altenator went out and was replaced. The transmission had to completely be overhauled. The powertrain control module replaed, the spark plug wire replaced, replaced processor and key. #4 plug wire shorting out caused coil to go bad and fouled #3 ac coil asy-ign replaced after fixing $3 & #4 showed up on power balance retest,but said road test was OK at this time suggested fel management. It scares me that so much can go wrong on a 2002 auto. I did have extended warranty on the altenator and transmission, but I would have hated to pay the $3028.00 charge to fix the problem, I wasn't real happy to pay the deductible. …
I own a 2002 Mercury Sable VIN # [redacted]. The automatic transmission slips badly when going from first to second gear. I have been trying to get the dealer, fairfeild Lincoln Mercury, 6065 dixie highway, fairfeild ohio, 45014, to repair the problem since 11/17/03 with no result. On October 25, 2004 I pulled out in traffic and was almost struck when the vehicle failed to shift and accelerate through the intersection. The transmission fails to shift and the rpms maxed out. The vehicle simply coasted through the intersection and the other vehicle was able to narrowly avoid hitting me. On the three occasion (which I can document) the dealership said they drove the vehicle and could not duplicate the failure and thus they could not repair the vehicle.
Hit the brakes while driving and the engine revs up. Multiple times to dealer and still not fixed- I requested a new computer or brain for the car while under extended warranty- no go from dealer. On snow this is very scary-on wet roads in florida I put it in neutral and the engine revs when I hit the brakes-when someone gets hit and killed I will be told I should have told someone -multiple drivers and people have been with me when this has occurred- including mechanics from a Lincoln Mercury dealer in orchard park ny.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that the brake lights stopped working and the gear shifter failed. He referenced NHTSA campaign id number 04V106000 (exterior lighting:brake lights:switch). The dealer stated that the brake switch and wiring harness were faulty. They would not repair the vehicle according to the recall because his VIN was not included. The contact was informed that he would have to pay for the repairs. The failure mileage was 64,000.
Car surges.transaxle light comes on and continually blinks until the ignition is turned off. Been to the dealer 3 times where error po734 was retrieved each time. Dealer replaced some transmission parts. Dealer unable to duplicate the problem. The problem is intermittent and still exists. Called Ford motor company (Mercury) customer service. No help. Requested a dispute application form.
Transmission complaints in other Sable years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Mercury Sable?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Mercury Sable, 5% of the model year's 440 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Mercury Sable transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2002 Mercury Sable, though it has 3 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 2002 Mercury Sable transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 20% 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.