The 1992 Mercury Sable has 5 safety recalls and 364 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (183 complaints).
Recalls5safety recalls
Complaints364filed by owners
Crashes · fires12 · 6reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths7 · 4reported 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.
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
NHTSA recall 97V019000 · Feb 25, 1997 · 75,200 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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 WITH 3.0L ENGINES AND 1992-1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL VEHICLES WITH 3.8L ENGINES. DURING HIGH WINDS, HEAVY, BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW, AND LOW TEMPERATURES, THE ENGINE COOLING FAN CAN BECOME BLOCKED OR FROZEN WITH SNOW. THE FAN MOTOR MAY NOT ROTATE AND COULD OVERHEAT.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE SMOKE OR FLAMES FROM THE FAN AND/OR SHROUD, THE FAN ELECTRICAL WIRING, OR THE FAN MOTOR RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.
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.
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
1992 Mercury Sable 4-DR.
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
1992 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
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
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*
Engine and engine cooling Engine; Engine › Gasoline
183
0
3
0
47,000 mi
Power train Automatic transmission; Manual transmission
65
0
2
0
—
Service brakes, hydraulic Foundation components › Disc › Rotor; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
51
1
0
0
—
Steering Rack and pinion; Linkages › Tie rod assembly
31
0
2
0
—
Electrical system Ignition › Switch; Ignition
30
0
0
0
—
Structure Frame and members; Body › Door
30
1
0
1
95,801 mi
Vehicle speed control Cables; Cruise control
22
3
0
2
—
Suspension Rear; Front
21
0
0
0
—
Exterior lighting Headlights; Tail lights
15
0
0
0
—
Air bags Frontal
14
7
0
5
—
Visibility Windshield wiper/washer; Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
14
0
0
0
—
Tires Tread/belt; Sidewall
10
2
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jun 15, 2010 · 132,300 milesTires THE TIRE VALVE ON MY RIGHT REAR TIRE FAILED WHILE THE CAR WAS GARAGED. THIS WAS THE SECOND VALVE FAILURE IN A PAIR OF TIRES INSTALLED ON 04/27/2007. THE FIRST VALVE FAILED (ON THE OTHER TIRE IN THE PAIR) ON 04/26/2009 WHILE THE CAR WAS ALSO PARKED, BUT ABOUT 30 MILES FROM HOME (SEE ODI NUMBER 10279930). *TR
Apr 26, 2009 · 124,600 milesTires WHILE AT A DESTINATION ABOUT 30 MILES FROM HOME, MY LEFT-FRONT TIRE VALVE FAILED JUST AS I WAS ABOUT TO ENTER THE PARKED CAR TO HEAD HOME. THE AIR WHOOSHED LOUDLY OUT OF THE TIRE AS I WATCHED IT DEFLATE BEFORE MY EYES. I CALLED AAA FOR ASSISTANCE IN CHANGING THE TIRE AND TOOK THE FLAT TIRE TO MY DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE TIRE VALVE. THE VALVE WAS INSTALLED AS PART OF A NEW-TIRE INSTALLATION ON 04/24/2007 BY MY FORD DEALER. *TR
Sep 4, 1992 · 85,591 milesStructure › Frame and members TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY SABLE. WHEN THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, CORROSION WAS DISCOVERED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. HE ALSO DISCOVERED THAT HE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V323000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE; HOWEVER, THEY STATED THAT BECAUSE IT HAD EXCEEDED TEN YEARS, THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 85,591. UPDATED 10/16/08. *LJ THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE SIDE. UPDATED 10/17/08. *JB
Sep 24, 2007 · 100,000 milesSuspension › Front › Stabilizer bar TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD THUMPING NOISE. APPROXIMATELY THIRTY SECONDS LATER, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. HE PUSHED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT FRAME FAILED. TWO DAYS LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AAA. A LOCAL MECHANIC ARRIVED A WEEK LATER AND STATED THAT THERE WAS WEAR AND TEAR ON THE FRONT FRAME BUSHING SWAY BAR, WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT FRAME TO FAIL. HE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE REAR FRAME, BUT NOT THE FRONT. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT WORTH…
Nov 10, 2005 · 47,000 milesEngine and engine cooling › Engine DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS DOWN A HILL AND TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE STALLED. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE STALLING. THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE PARKING BRAKE MUST BE USED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK UPDATED 1/25/2006 - THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THERE WERE NOT RECALLS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. *NM
Nov 1, 2005Tires › Tread/belt THE CONSUMER'S GENERAL TIRES DEVELOPED SEPARATION BETWEEN THE TREAD AND THE CORE. *TS *SC
Nov 9, 2005 · 180,000 miles · crashService brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE CONSUMER STRUCK A DEER AND EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY STOPPING WITH THE BRAKES. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT HOOD AND HEADLIGHTS. NO POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. HE DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. UPON INSPECTION THERE WAS CORROSION ON BRAKE LINES. HE SUSPECTED THIS WAS DUE TO DISSIMILAR METAL CORROSION AND ROAD SALTS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. *AK UPDATED 12/27/05. *JB THE BRAKE LINE BURST.
Sep 2, 2004 · 83,983 milesSteering › Rack and pinion MERCURY SABLE 1992 POWER STEERING LEAKED. *BF THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM THE RACK AND PINION. *NM
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
EA96019 · opened Jul 31, 1996 · closed Jan 26, 1998 · led to recall 98V009000HEADLIGHT FAILURE EXCESSIVE HEAT IN AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED CIRCUIT BREAKER WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CAUSED THAT CIRCUIT BREAKER TO OPEN FOR TIME PERIODS OF VARYING LENGTH TO COOL OFF.OPENING OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER IN THIS MANNER INTERRUPTS ELECTRIC CURRENT FLOW TO THE HEADLIGHTS, SHUTTING THEM OFF.HEADLIGHT OUTAGES HAVE RANGER FROM BRIEF FLICKERS (LESS THAN ONE SECOND) TO GREATER THAN 20 SECONDS.OVER TIME, THE OUTAGES GROW IN LENGTH AND DURATION BECAUSE OF HEAT-INDUCED DETERIORATION OF THE SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING.RECALL 98V-009 WILL APPLY TO APPROXIMATELY 506,000 TAURUS, SABLE, MARK VIII, AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM 1-DEC.-92 THROUGH 30-SEP-93 AT THE ATLANTA, CHICAGO,AND WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANTS.87% OF MY 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE AND 97% OF MY 1993-1995 MARK VIII WARRANTY REPAIRS (HEADLIGHT SWITCH REPLACEMENT) INVOLVED VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE DEC. 92 - OCT. 93 BUILD RANGE.
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
EA93022 · opened Jul 30, 1993 · closed Aug 31, 1994IDLE AIR SPD CTRL VLV MALF 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
PE93010 · opened Mar 2, 1993 · closed Jul 30, 1993IDLE AIR SPD CTRL VLV MALF 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