Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Wire harness failure in rubber boots from body of car to rear lift gate on station wagon model. Insulation cracking and wire breaking completely in flexible rubber boot causes erratic behavior and ultimate failure of high brake light, back up lights, license plate lights, rear windshield wiper, rear window defroster, open lift gate and open rear window safety sensors and stereo speakers. Insulation and wiring within boot has become brittle and fatigued. Clean breaks in wires from opening and closing lift gate are evident. Wires where insulation has broken through are coming in contact with other circuits where that insulation has broken through and results in "confusing" operation of lights. Ie put car in reverse and high brake light comes on - put foot on brake and high brake light goes out. Backup lights don't come on at all. …
I have a 2002 Mercury Sable that when ever it rained started to get water leakage on the passenger side. As a result of the leak my fan blower burnt out costing $180.00. After doing some research I found out there was a silent recall. They claimed the fix was free under the bumper to bumper warranty coverage under TSB-03-15-6. I took my vehicle to into the dealer and he did a water leak test and it showed that I needed a "rain hat assembly and weather strips" at a cost to me of $289.00 and it would not be covered under the bulletins. I disagreed with him, however what choice would I have if it rained again I would be out another $180.00 for a blower motor. Reference recall number 03V087000 and complaints also reported william Ford, 10184014 and jim collins, 10184756.
Dt: consumer stated the windshield leaked, which, in turn, blew out air conditioner blower motor. The leak started at approximately 45,000 miles. Ford sent the department of transportation a letter stating that this would happen , and the dealers should contact the consumer, she found that information online. Vehicle was purchased used, and the dealer never disclosed this information. When the leak started she did contact the dealership and manufacturer, and they told her there was nothing they could do. The windshield leaked whenever it rained. The problem was the mounting brackets according to the letter online. Consumer still had the blower motor to show the water damage.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, there was a large puddle of water in the vehicle causing the interior and floor to be soaked. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that there was a leak in the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
Leaking connection between windshield water and blowing motor of heating/ventilation causing windows to fog up after starting and beginning driving. When opening the blower motor compartment you can actually water see dripping out. Also a soaking wet floor will occur right after a severe rainstorm. This is a mayor safety issue due to bad visibility!
While driving to work on one of the first "cold" days this fall, my wife had the right rear window implode into the back seat. There was no apparent projectile, no forewarning other than a light crackling noise before the glass rained into the car.
Water leaked through windshield cowl onto the passenger floor board and causing blower fan motor to short out. Ford admits this manufacturing defect in TSB 04-15-3. Has caused me respiratory issues due to build up of mold in dash and carpeting.
Cowl of windshield leaking alot of water in front passanger side. About three months ago blower motor stopped working leading to visibility problems, fogging windows and inability to drive safely also loss of heat in very cold weather.
2002 Mercury Sable water leaks into the passenger side compartment of vehicle. The heater blower motor gets water and has to be replaced. Botor works on and off. Reference complaint # 101840014. Also Ford related recall 03V087000.
Consumer received recall 03V087000 concerning windshield mounting. The vehicle has severe noise from the windows. Also the windows squeak and rattle severely. The recall did not cover consumer's vehicle due to VIN.
Related recalls
Visibility › Windshield
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, "windshield mounting." the windshields May potentially exhibit increased wind noise, water leakage, and squeaks and rattles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these windshields. Owner notification began on March 31, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
Window & Wiper complaints in other Sable years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2002 Mercury Sable?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2002 Mercury Sable, 5% of the model year's 440 complaints. The component named most often is windshield (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Mercury Sable window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-087 (windshield, Mar 10, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Mercury Sable window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.