The 1991 Mercury Sable has 5 safety recalls and 221 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (109 complaints).
Recalls5safety recalls
Complaints221filed by owners
Crashes · fires11 · 9reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths8 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Structure › Frame and members
NHTSA recall 98V323000 · Dec 16, 1998 · 2,697,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGNIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT CAN EXPERIENCE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IF SUBJECTED TO LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALTS. THIS CAN RESULT IN FRACTURE AND LOSS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENT. DETACHMENT OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWS THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.
Risk: IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.
Vehicle speed control
NHTSA recall 97V025000 · Feb 26, 1997 · 212,700 vehicles
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L ENGINES AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. WATER CAN ACCUMULATE WITHIN THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT. IF ENOUGH WATER ACCUMULATES, IT COULD FREEZE WITHIN A LOW AREA OF THE CABLE ROUTING WHEN EXPOSED TO A LONG TERM COLD SOAK AT TEMPERATURES AT LEAST SEVERAL DEGREES BELOW FREEZING.
Risk: DRIVER CONTROL OF VEHICLE SPEED USING THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OR THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM WOULD BE DIMINISHED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL ADD A BOOT TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE.
Suspension › Front › Shock absorber
NHTSA recall 94E036000 · Nov 25, 1994 · 98,000 vehicles
Problem: THE ARC WELDS ON THE SWAY BAR BRACKET, WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE STRUT RESERVE TUBE, DID NOT FUSE PROPERLY.
Risk: OVER TIME, A PORTION OF THE BRACKET CAN TEAR AWAY FROM THE STRUT, FALLING INTO AND PUNCTURING THE TIRE OR CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Fix: MONROE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STRUT FREE OF CHARGE.
Wheels
NHTSA recall 92V065000 · May 11, 1992 · 654,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: CHILDREN CAN ACCIDENTALLY LOCK THEMSELVES IN THE FOOTWELL AREA OF THE REAR-FACING THIRD SEAT, OR IN THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN STATION WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THIRD SEAT. ONCE THE COMPARTMENT IS CLOSED IT CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.
Risk: THERE IS A DANGER OF AIR DEPRIVATION, HYPERTHERMIA,AND/OR PANIC RESPONSE TO A CHILD WHO HAS LOCKED HIMSELF OR HERSELF INTO THECOMPARTMENT, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF ASPHYXIATION.
Fix: REPLACE THE SELF-LATCHING ASSEMBLY CURRENTLY USED IN THE REAR STORAGE COMPARTMENT WITH A LATCH ASSEMBLY THAT CAN ONLY BE CLOSED WITH A KEY.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
NHTSA recall 91V134000 · Aug 6, 1991 · 325,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED IN AREAS WHERE CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE ARE USED EXTENSIVELY.
Risk: SEVERELY CORRODED ROTORS MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE NEARTHE INNER EDGES OF THE BRAKE DISCS RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS,HIGHER THAN NORMAL PEDAL EFFORTS, LOUD GRINDING NOISES, AND MODERATE PULLS WHENTHE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS MAY INCREASE MINIMUMSTOPPING DISTANCES, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
Fix: REPLACE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH FULL CAST FRONT BRAKE ROTORS.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
1991 Mercury Sable 4-DR.
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
1991 Mercury Sable 4-DR. Wagon
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Sable
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
Sable Wagon
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
Sable
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
Sable Wagon
18mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Power train Automatic transmission; Manual transmission
109
0
0
2
—
Engine and engine cooling Engine; Engine › Gasoline
66
1
4
0
—
Steering Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections; Rack and pinion
29
0
1
0
—
Service brakes, hydraulic Foundation components › Disc › Rotor; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
29
1
0
0
—
Structure Frame and members; Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
20
0
0
0
—
Electrical system Ignition › Switch; Wiring › Front underhood
16
0
4
0
—
Suspension Front › Shock absorber; Front
12
1
0
0
—
Air bags Frontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module
11
5
0
4
—
Visibility Windshield wiper/washer; Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Vehicle speed control Accelerator pedal; Cruise control
7
1
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jun 29, 2008 · 57,000 milesStructure › Frame and members I HIT A SMALL POTHOLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY MOVED TO A ONE O'CLOCK POSITION WHILE THE WHEELS WERE POINTING STRAIGHT AHEAD. MY ALIGNMENT SHOP INSPECTED THE CAR AND FOUND THAT THE CAUSE WAS A FAILURE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE SUB-FRAME MOUNTING BOLT ANCHOR. THE LOCAL DEALER SAID MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL (98S36) I DEMAND AN ANSWER AS WHY MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED. *TR
Dec 7, 2002 · 80,000 milesVehicle speed control › Cruise control DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THERE WAS A NOTICEABLE DELAY TO DISENGAGED THE SPEED CONTROL. THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE PUMPED SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL THE DRIVER REGAINED CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE'S SPEED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER # 97V025000 BUT MISPLACED IT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO REFUSED TO PRODUCE A NEW LETTER BECAUSE THE RECALL WAS TOO OLD. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN BECAUSE THE SPEED CONTROL MALFUNCTIONING ENTAILED A SERIOUS SAFETY RISK.
Apr 6, 2003 · 100,000 milesExterior lighting › Headlights WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATES THE HEAD LAMP SENSOR SWITCH BURNED. A RECALL WAS ISSUED, HOWEVER THE VIN NUMBER IS OUTSIDE OF THE REMEDY SCOPE. *MR
Mar 15, 2003Steering OTHER THAN THE REST OF MY PROBLEMS WITH THE ABOVE MY NEWEST COMPLAINT IS THAT I JUST FOUND OUT THAT DUE TO THE FACT FORD INSTALLED AN ALUMINIM PISTON WHERE THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A STEEL ONE WHICH IS THE ONLY ONE AVAILABLE NOW SINCE YOU DISCOVERED YOUR PROBLEMS. MY CAR IS IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW AND I'M BEING TOLD IT WILL COST BETWEEN $1200.00 - $1500.00 TO FIX DUE TO FORD'S POOR DESIGN. THIS IS NOT MY FIRST SABLE WAGON. THE FIRST ONE HAD ALL KINDS OF A/C PROBLEMS AND I'M GETTING TIRED OF PAYING FOR YOUR MISTAKES. MY A/C IS OUT NOW, I REPLACE BRAKE PADS ALL THE TIME.
May 30, 2003 · 130,000 milesStructure › Frame and members NORTHPORT FORD IN COMMACK, NY FAILED TO PROPERLY PERFORM SAFETY RECALL 98S36 FOR THE SUBFRAME ON MY 1991 MERCURY SABLE. THE SUBFRAME SUBSEQUENTLY BROKE FREE CAUSING DAMAGE TO MY MOTOR MOUNTS, TRANSMISSION AND STEERING COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CLOSEST FORD DEALER IN PATCHOGUE NY. FORD AGREED TO REINSTATE THE RECALL FOR THE DEALER TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE. THE DEALER CALLED FORD WITH THE PRICE OF THE SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE AND FORD WITHDREW THE OFFER TO REPAIR. THEY WANTED TO BUY THE VEHICLE BACK AT A PRICE THEY DECIDED ON. I AM ON DISABILITY WITH A WORK RELATED ACCIDENT. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO BE WITHOUT MY VEHICLE. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE AT THE BUYOUT PRICE FORD WANTS…
Jul 2, 2003Suspension CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE BUSHINGS ARE MADE OF A VIBER MATERIAL THAT WEARS OUT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STEER IMPROPERLY. *AK
Apr 12, 2003Steering THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHEN THE CONSUMER MADE LEFT TURNS. *NLM
May 16, 2003Structure › Frame and members THE LEFT REAR SUB-FRAME MOUNT BROKE. THE RIGHT REAR SUB-FRAME MOUNT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS ABOUT TO BREAK. *NLM
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
EA96024 · opened Sep 30, 1996 · closed Apr 15, 1997 · led to recall 97V019000ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES There is no summary currently available
PE96033 · opened May 2, 1996 · closed Sep 30, 1996 · led to recall 97V019000ENGINE 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.
DP95004 · opened Aug 8, 1995 · closed Aug 30, 1995ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS
EA94008 · opened Feb 16, 1994 · closed Feb 27, 1995BROKEN TIE RODS There is no summary currently available
PE93100 · opened Dec 2, 1993 · closed Jun 30, 1994POLYCAST ROAD WHEEL CRACKS There is no summary currently available
PE93070 · opened Jul 27, 1993 · closed Nov 22, 1993FAILURE OF WHEEL STUDS There is no summary currently available
PE93065 · opened Jul 15, 1993 · closed Nov 30, 1993UNDERBODY FUEL LINE FAILS There is no summary currently available
PE93058 · opened Jun 15, 1993 · closed Feb 16, 1994BROKEN TIE RODS There is no summary currently available
EA92040 · opened Nov 30, 1992 · closed Jun 30, 1993 · led to recall 93V106001SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAIL There is no summary currently available
EA91042 · opened Oct 28, 1991 · closed May 21, 1992 · led to recall 92V065000STORAGE COMPAR SUFFOCATION ===
PE91108 · opened Aug 1, 1991 · closed Oct 28, 1991STORAGE COMPAR SUFFOCATION There is no summary currently available