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 2003 Mercury Sable owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that the vehicle independently idled between 3-4 rpms and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the interior lighting failed to illuminate. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The contact took the vehicle to auto zone. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number: 12281999. The contact was informed of service bulletin number: sb-10052600-3673. The failure mileage was 164,000. The consumer stated the vehicle was under recall but, she was not notified. The consumer would like for the recall to be performed on the vehicle at no charge. Updated 05/31/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mercury Sable. While driving various speeds, the vehicle began to accelerate independently without warning. The vehicle was able to stop with the brake pedal being depressed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the motor mount and radiator hose failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,373.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mercury Sable. While the vehicle was operated, it lost engine power without warning. The vehicle was towed to dom's getty service station (308 mercer st, hightstown, nj) where it was diagnosed as a transmission failure. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Vehicle accelerates on it's own. Have had multiple problems where I go to stop and car accelerates at a stop sign or light. I have almost rear ended multiple cars because of this. While going from a red to green light on a hill my Sable stalled and began to roll backwards, almost crashing into the car behind me, if it hadn't been for my quick reaction. Vehicle will idle very high, 2.5rpms at the lowest, while sitting in park after startup. After a 5 minutes it will sometimes drop down to 750-1000rpms, other times it will continue to idle high. During drive it will continually accelerate to around 40 MPH on it's own. When I brake it will idle high and lurch forward, until I'm forced to push the brake all the way to the floor. Then car will either continue to idle high or drop so low that it stalls. Usually I drive with two feet at lights or signs to be able to rev engine from stalking. …
2003 Mercury Sable blower motor inoperable. Occurred in January as an intermittent issue. Motor failed completely in mar 2005. Technical service bulletin issued effective 7/16/2004 states: 2001-2004 taurus/Sable: water in blower case-blower motor/resistor failure-vehicles built between 5/1/2003 to 12/15/2003. Some vehicles May exhibit water in blower case, resulting in leakage to interior passenger floor. Inspect and seal cowl area and install rain-hat. Inspect and replace blower motor. The blower motor was replaced as was the resistor. The cowl leak is not on recall even though it causes significant water damge to electrical components and interior passenger space. This is a manufacturer defect and should not be the burden of the consumer.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that the windows fogged up and the defogger failed to activate. The driving visibility was reduced as a result. Prior to the defogger failing the contact noticed water on the driver's side floor. The vehicle was still having this failure, and vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealer. There was recall # 03V087000 concerning visibility:windshield, but the contacts vehicle was not included. The current mileage is 42,000, and failure mileage was 40,500. The consumer stated the fan motor caused by consistent water intrusion into the vent. The consumer provided a copy of the repair invoice and receipt. Updated 07/06/07
I pulled up to a stoplight. When it turned green, I depressed the accelerator and the vehicle's engine revved as though it were in neutral. When shifted into any forward gear or reverse gear, it would not move. It was as though it were stuck in neutral. The transmission specialist said it was a common problem, knew exactly what it was, and quipped that he was surprised mine had lasted this long. Upon researching online, it appears that this is an incredibly widespread problem. In fact, Ford knows it is a problem as it has recalled two of their minivans that contain the very same transmission. It is the same part failing. Why does it warrant a recall in one vehicle but not another??
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that the vehicle would involuntarily accelerate while at complete stops. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they stated that the failure was due to a sensor that could not be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 1,000 and the current mileage was 65,000. Updated 04/10/12 the consumer stated when the engine was started, it would run at a high rate above idle. It would continue until the engine warmed up. The consumer stated the idle speed can not be regulated. Updated 04/13/12
Throttle cable stuck, engine at 1800 tpm, engine revved to 2600 RPM, inability to slow vehicle, surging. Required hard breaking. Once car stopped, idle dropped to 900 RPM after 15-30 seconds. Happens with increasing frequency. Engine surges at start, revs to 2100 then to 2600. Inspected cable, throttle and cruise control cable point of entry to supporting bracket plastic shattered. Cable emits sound from binding. Took to Ford dealer, they indicated my vehicle was not part of the recall although the problem has been clearly documented with the same make, model, year and engine.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Mercury Sable. The fan motor chirped when the fan was activated. The dealer stated that the fan motor was leaking water and they made the repair. However, the failure recurred and the air conditioner malfunctioned. The dealer stated that the A/C blower motor was rusted due to water leakage. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 03V087000 (visibility:windshield). The failure mileage was 51,000 and current mileage was 80,000.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
On certain vehicles, the air filter paper in these vehicles can smolder or burn.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the air filter element. Owner notification began on March 10, 2004. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Engine complaints in other Sable years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2003 Mercury Sable?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2003 Mercury Sable, 13% of the model year's 201 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system › fan (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Mercury Sable engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-105 (engine and engine cooling, Mar 2, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Mercury Sable engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
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.