Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 5 | 25% | 41,000 miles |
| 2008 | 6 | 10% | 50,000 miles |
| 2005 | 8 | 10% | 80,000 miles |
| 2004 | 5 | 10% | 100,000 miles |
| 2003 | 27 | 13% | 70,000 miles |
| 2002 | 24 | 5% | 70,000 miles |
| 2001 | 27 | 6% | 61,000 miles |
| 2000 | 30 | 6% | 65,000 miles |
| 1999 | 22 | 9% | 70,000 miles |
| 1998 | 19 | 10% | 60,000 miles |
| 1997 | 42 | 18% | 70,000 miles |
| 1996 | 62 | 20% | 97,000 miles |
| 1995 | 133 | 38% | 71,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While cruising on interstate highways, on three occasions, the engine has quit running. The first incident occurred October 12, 2012 with about 18,000 miles on odometer.the second incident occurred during May, 2014 with about 34,000 miles on odometer. The third incident occurred on April 20, 2016 with 40,665 miles on odometer. It is interesting to note that while this vehicle is used primarily for out-of-state travel, all 3 incidents have occurred while returning home from out of state trips and within about a 70 mile radius in central illinois. The engine will readily restart after a shutdown. The engine ran smoothly both before and following each shutdown, as well as all other times during the life of this vehicle. The Ford dealer checked the engine this week and found no cause for engine shutdown nor vehicle recalls. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Mercury Sable. When the contact turned the steering wheel while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle felt as if it would stall and an abnormal noise was heard. The traction control warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
On April 12 I exited my drive onto the 55 mph highway in front of my house when suddenly the car began to shudder. I jammed the gas to get up to speed to prevent oncoming cars from hitting me which made the problem much worse. It was violently shuddering and wouldn't accelerate. I took my foot off the gas which stopped the shaking. I gassed it slowly and I could accelerate to speed much slower than I would have liked. It wasn't smooth. One half mile later it suddenly and violently began again. Taking my foot off the gas it smoothed out and I could accelerate again. I changed plans and went to the service garage to see what the problem was. It seems the problem is a known issue that hasn't been addressed. I'm glad there were no cars coming from the opposite direction which could have impacted the drivers side while I was floundering out of my drive. I will enclose the garages assessment.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mercury Sable. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the engine, throttle, wrench, and air bag indicators remained illuminated simultaneously. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and the engine was turned off. The vehicle was restarted and the gear shifter was placed in reverse, and the contact heard a loud knocking noise from the transmission. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 85,000.
This 2005 Mercury Sable (ls premium) just fell out of gear as I was on the road. Totally out of the blue with no warning whatsoever. I know now the transmission must be replaced for upwards of $1800.00. This car has just 30,000 miles on it. I find it completely unacceptable for a mildly driven car, owned by an elderly woman, should fail so badly after only 30,000 miles. This seems to be a common occurrence with this particular transmission also involving the Ford taurus and the windstar...which I understand was recalled. This particular transmission is known to fail prematurely and without notice. This is an accident waiting to happen and I hope this is taken seriously. This is a defect that is way too common in these models and I will be looking into legal recourse against any and all involved. Please check into this unfortunate public safety hazard. Thank-you.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Mercury Sable. While driving various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop as the rpms increased. The contact stated that the failure would occur occasionally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred prior to purchasing the vehicle. The contact requested that the dealer repair the vehicle before the sale was finalized, but the issue persisted. The contact was unaware of the repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mercury Sable. While driving at high speeds, the rpms increased without warning. The vehicle surged forward and exhibited rapid acceleration. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
My Mercury Sable 2004 began accelerating on its own. The first time I was cruising at 35mph and had trouble stopping at a stop sign. Braking caused a vibration the RPM's were not going down. Driving further I noted the car would accelerate by itself. Tapping the the gas pedal quickly sometimes caused the RPM's to go back to normal. I took the vehicle to a local garage and had the throttle (cables, etc) checked. All were reported OK. The issue has happened off and on but yesterday (11/28/12) was the worst. I did some research and my issue is exactly the unintended acceleration issue reported by many other taurus/Sable owners. I have two children and am now concerned for my safety and the safety of my family. I contacted Ford and got a case number assigned. I am waiting to hear back from them.
Related recalls (3)
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 and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
Vehicle description: taurus/sable vehicles equipped with 3.0l and 3.8l engines and mustang vehicles with 3.8l and 5.0l engines. It is possible for the engine cooling fan bearing to seize.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine cooling fan assembly and install a circuit breaker. If the cooling fan is inoperative, the fan and motor assembly will be replaced. Owner notification began December 28, 2001.
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
These vehicles are originally sold or currently registered in the following states: alaska, iowa, minnesota, nebraska, north dakota, and south dakota. The vehicles involved are 1992-1994 tempo/topaz vehicles with 3.0l engines; 1994 tempo/topaz with 2.3l engines; 1992-1995 taurus/sable with 3.8l engines; 1994-1995 taurus/sable…
Remedy: Dealers will install an electrical jumper harness containing an automatic resetting circuit breaker to protect the fan motor low speed circuitry from overheating.
NHTSA investigations
Engine cooling fan fires
In December 1995, Ford recalled 119,313 vehicles in Canada to remedy the subject condition in certain 1992-95 taurus, sable, tempo, topaz and continental vehicles.Ford is aware of similar incidents occurring in northern regions of the united states, but maintains that the frequencies do not warrant a finding of an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.
Engine cooling fan fires
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercury Sable years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (133), 1996 (62), 1997 (42), 2000 (30) and 2001 (27) model years. Engine complaints make up 38% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Mercury Sable engine problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 04V-105 (engine and engine cooling, Mar 2, 2004); 01V-390 (fan, Dec 21, 2001); 97V-019 (fan, Feb 25, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mercury Sable engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles; 30% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (108 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (87).
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.