The 1994 Mercury Sable has 5 safety recalls and 387 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (161 complaints).
Recalls5safety recalls
Complaints387filed by owners
Crashes · fires16 · 9reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths19 · 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.
Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
NHTSA recall 98V009000 · Jan 21, 1998 · 506,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHTS CAN FLASH INTERMITTENTLY AS A RESULT OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER OPENING. THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS CAN GO OUT FOR BRIEF INTERVALS.
Risk: LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION CAN AFFECT A DRIVER'S ABILITY TO NAVIGATE THE ROADWAY AND REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLIGHT SWITCH THAT INCORPORATES A CRICUIT BREAKER OF REVISED DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR AND WIRING, IF NEEDED.
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.
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
1994 Mercury Sable 4-DR.
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 / 27 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 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
Sable
20mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
Sable Wagon
20mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/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
161
2
2
7
75,250 mi
Power train Automatic transmission; Manual transmission
102
1
2
0
108,184 mi
Electrical system Ignition; Alternator/generator/regulator
33
0
2
0
48,658 mi
Exterior lighting Headlights › Switch; Headlights
29
0
2
0
98,000 mi
Visibility Windshield wiper/washer; Power window devices and controls
25
0
0
1
94,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components
Steering Rack and pinion; Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
14
1
0
1
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jul 18, 2016 · 96,000 milesEngine TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OR IDLING, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Jul 15, 1999 · 98,000 milesUnknown or other NEED PROOF OF TOTAL RECALL OF THIS VEHICLE BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY. I HAVE A LIST OF COMPLAINTS, I NEED PROOF OF THE TOTAL RECALL OF THIS VEHICLE. VIN # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Apr 19, 2011 · 210,000 milesStructure › Frame and members MANUFACTURER WILL NOT HONOR RECALL: SEVERE CORROSION OF THE REAR LOWER RETAINING PLATES FOR THE SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY SUPPORTING THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION. RISK IS DETACHMENT OF BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME. EXISTING RECALL 98V-323 ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM IN CERTAIN VEHICLES. MY VEHICLE WAS OF THE YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL COVERED BY THE RECALL, AND HAS THIS PROBLEM, BUT FORD IS CLAIMING THAT MY VIN# DOES NOT MAKE ME ELIGIBLE FOR THE RECALL. *TR
Jan 28, 2011 · 139,500 milesSuspension › Front TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A POTHOLE AND THE FRONT STRUT BROKE ON BOTH SIDES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS A RELATED RECALL 94E036000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: SHOCK ABSORBER). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 139,500. UPDATED 07/08/11*LJ THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE FRONT STRUT HAD BROKEN IN HALF. THE REMAINING STRUTS CONTAINED STRESS CRACKS. UPDATED 07/20/11
Jan 8, 2007 · 102,515 milesTires TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN RIGHT FRONT TIRE NEAR INSTANTLY DEFLATED CAUSING TOTAL TIRE FAILURE BEFORE THE VEHICLE COULD BE PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD. TIRE SIDEWALL WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED. SPARE INSTALLED. VISITED THE TIRE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE FOUR NEW REPLACEMENT TIRES WERE INSTALLED 2 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AND 23,911 MILES PRIOR. NO PUNCTURES, TEARS OR CUTS WERE FOUND ANYWHERE ON THE TIRE TREAD OR SIDEWALL. THE ONLY KNOWN CAUSE OF THE TIRE FAILURE WAS A CRACKED (CUT) VALVE STEM (AS DOCUMENTED BY DEALERSHIP) IN THE AREA WHERE THE STEM SEATS AGAINST THE ALUMINUM WHEEL ALLOWING AIR TO EXHAUST QUICKLY FROM THE TIRE ONCE THE CRACK PROPAGATED TO INSIDE. A NEW TIRE WAS INSTALLED ALONG WITH A…
Mar 26, 2007 · 104,672 milesTires TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 120 MILES FROM HOME. UPON ARRIVING AT THE DESTINATION, I NOTICED THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS EXTREMELY LOW WITH AS ESTIMATED 10 P.S.I. AIR PRESSURE REMAINING. KNOWING THAT I HAD TWO PREVIOUS TIRE BLOWOUTS ON THIS VEHICLE DUE TO CRACKED VALVE STEMS AND OCCURRING WITHIN THE PREVIOUS 4 MONTHS, I MOVED THE VALVE STEM SLIGHTLY BACK AND FORTH AND NOTICED AIR ESCAPING FROM THE AREA WHERE THE STEM SEATS AGAINST THE ALUMINUM WHEEL. I PUT SOME SOAP BUBBLES AROUND THE STEM AND CONFIRMED THAT AIR WAS ESCAPING FROM A CRACK IN THE VALVE STEM. REFERENCE ODI #'S 10254187 AND 10254189 AS A REFERENCE ON THE PREVIOUS TWO VALVE STEM ISSUES ON SAME VEHICLE. SPARE INSTALLED. VISITED THE TIRE…
Nov 30, 2006 · 101,636 milesTires TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 65MPH WHEN LEFT FRONT TIRE NEAR INSTANTLY DEFLATED CAUSING TOTAL TIRE FAILURE BEFORE THE VEHICLE COULD BE PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD. TIRE SIDEWALL WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED. SPARE INSTALLED. VISITED THE TIRE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE FOUR NEW REPLACEMENT TIRES WERE INSTALLED 2 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AND 23,032 MILES PRIOR. NO PUNCTURES, TEARS OR CUTS WERE FOUND ANYWHERE ON THE TIRE TREAD OR SIDEWALL. THE ONLY KNOWN CAUSE OF THE TIRE FAILURE WAS A CRACKED VALVE STEM IN THE AREA WHERE THE STEM SEATS AGAINST THE ALUMINUM WHEEL ALLOWING AIR TO EXHAUST QUICKLY FROM THE TIRE ONCE THE CRACK PROPAGATED TO INSIDE. A NEW TIRE WAS INSTALLED ALONG WITH A NEW VALVE STEM. CRACKED VALVE STEM…
Jan 19, 2008 · 98,000 miles · fireExterior lighting › Headlights TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER HEADLIGHTS WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY AND THEN ILLUMINATE AGAIN. SHE NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED IN BRIEF INTERVALS AND SHE SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. THE DEALER INSTALLED A NEW HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND, CONSEQUENTLY, THE DASHBOARD SWITCH MELTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. FORD STATED THAT HER VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V009000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 98,000.
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
RQ99017 · opened Aug 9, 1999 · closed Feb 16, 2000 · led to recall 98V094000FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING There is no summary currently available
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.