1987 Mercury Sable
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Sable › 1987
These records cover every 1987 Mercury Sable. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
9 recalls name the 1987 Mercury Sable. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If both rear corners drop, steering would become suddenly very difficult, affecting vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install subframe rear mount bolts, reinforcement plates, and plate nuts.
The arc welds on the sway bar bracket, where it attaches to the strut reserve tube, did not fuse properly.
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Monroe dealers will replace the strut free of charge.
Vehicle description: taurus and sables built from 10-14-85 through 8-19-88, and lincoln continentals built from 11-4-87 through 9-30-88 (except 1989 - 1991 2.5L taurus and 1989 - 1992 sho). The affected cars were originally sold or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If one of the rear corners drops, only minor indications of a malfunction such as a clunking noise or slight change in steering wheel alignment are noticeable. however, if both rear corners of the subframe drop, steering becomes very difficult, which could adversely affect vehicle control and possibly result in an accident.
Remedy
Install a corrosion-resistant reinforcing plate and a new bolt on both rear subframe mounts. this recall campaign has been superseded by recall 98v-323.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
Replace the self-latching assembly currently used in the rear storage compartment with a latch assembly that can only be closed with a key.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
Replace front brake rotors with full cast front brake rotors.
Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Coupling could disengage due to fuel pressure,vibration, and engine movements; this would cause loss of fuel which, inpresence of an ignition source, creates a fire risk.
Remedy
Install retainer clips over the couplings to prevent coupling separation and fuel leakage.
Road salt induced erosion of the wiper motor conductor strips could cause localized thermal stress within the glass.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Glass could fracture while station wagon IS being drivenor parked, creating a risk of injury to occupants or sudden distraction to thedriver.
Remedy
Apply sealant to conductor strips and protective tape to lower backlites.
Left and/or right rear spindle assemblies may have been improperly heat treated. consequence of defect: if spindle stem separates, loss of vehicle control could occur without prior warning.
Steering shaft assemblies contain lower shafts of insufficient length for proper attachment to the shaft insulator flange. consequence of defect: shaft could separate, resulting in total loss of steering control and a possible accident.
Owner complaints
76 complaints3 involved a crash7 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Frame and members
Vehicle experienced same problem as nhtsa 98v323000. Subframe bushings broke loose cause near accident and loss of steering. Local ford motor company denied to fix because of vin number.
- Seat belts · Service brakes, hydraulic
While driving 65 mph and when depressing the brakes consumer was unable to stop the vehicle. This caused a rear end collision. drivers side seat belt unlatched, and driver sustained injuries. *ak
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system · Seats › Front assembly › Recliner · Structure › Body › Door
Drivers seat broke loose from mount. Seat rocks forward and back. door ajar light stays on all the time. Doors are closed. fuel gauge inaccurate.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
Ignition switch failed while on vacation in flordia, I when to a auto shop and brought a push pull 50 amp switch and by passed the parts of the switch that had melted. I replaced the push switch a number of times, cheaper then going to a dealer and getting robbed for part that was defective in the first place.*ak
- Electrical system · Structure › Body › Door
While driving light for driver's door will illuminate. Driver's side door will then unlock on its own. cause of problem IS unknown. Dealer has not been contacted. Please provide any further information.*ak
- Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire
The original spare tire, which was never used, was installed on the vehicle, while driving the tire experienced tread/belt separation, the tire make/model was not given because the consumer stated that it was unreadable, the tire had under 300 miles on it, specific injury information was not given. nlm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings · Wheels › Hub
While going 30-35 mph smelled smoke. After pulling over consumer noticed front left wheel hub base cover melted. Contacted dealer. problem may be linked to brake vacuum plate. please provide any further information.*ak
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
While driving the left front wheel rim and tire separated from the vehilcle, resulting in damage to vehicle. (ohio traffic crash report) *mjs
- Steering › Rack and pinion
Bolt that holds steering rack pulled thought the frame. vehicle was not steerable, and had to be towed to mechanic
- Structure › Frame and members
Vehicle experienced failure of recall (98s36) sub-frame mounts prior to recall notice while driving causing difficulty in steering. *mjs
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
The stalling problem has existed since we bought the car. the dealer said they spoke to the manufacturer's engineer, but, he too was unable to correct the problem. the dealers washed his hands. the manufacturer too wouldn't response. so we gave up. but heard of a recent law suit in california.…
The stalling problem has existed since we bought the car. the dealer said they spoke to the manufacturer's engineer, but, he too was unable to correct the problem. the dealers washed his hands. the manufacturer too wouldn't response. so we gave up. but heard of a recent law suit in california. would like your advice. although the car has a lot of mileage but we have been involved in near misses several times. we try to avoid congested raods and roads where we could get trapped. thank you for your anticipated prompt response.
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Driver's and passenger's seatbelt buckles broke off, causing no protection to the occupants in event of a crash. replaced buckles. please provide further information and vin#. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
While driving at any speed, and without prior warning vehicle stalls and shuts down. Also, driver's side seat IS loose, causing seat to move forward and backward. Dealer IS aware of problem. *ak
- Steering · Steering › Rack and pinion
Steering wheel would not turn fluid leaks from rack and pinion. Also makes nois ein power steering. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Equipment › Electrical · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump · Suspension › Front › Shock absorber · Suspension › Rear › Shock absorber
Replacement of three failed radiators since purchase.
- Structure › Frame and members
Vehicle IS experiencing failure of the recall (93v106000) component, however denied service due to vin #. (Mjs)
- Structure › Frame and members
Recall repair work not completed on the sub-frame body mounts (#93v106000), due to dealership scheduling problem.
- Structure › Frame and members
Subframe bolts failed, causing subframe to collapse and crash to the ground, prior to recall.
- Seats
Driver's seat mount broke which caused loss of control. If my family and I were on the open highway and the mount broke, we could have had a bad accident. If there would have been an accident and the mount broke, I would have been seriousy injured because the seat IS the anchor. The local ford dealership welded the mount to the frame. When the seat mount breaks the seat moves all over the place. *ak
- Power train › Axle assembly
While driving the vehicle uphill and applying gas there was a loud noise and smoke come from under the hood. Suddenly vehicle would not go into any gear. Dealer said the transaxle needed to be replaced. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Steering
While driving the vehicle heard a noise coming from underneath the vehicle and then the vehicle lost its steering. the vehicle had to be towed. *ak
- Structure › Body › Door
Three interior door handles broke off flush on doors.
- Unknown or other
Unspecified.
- Electrical system › Wiring · Fuel system, gasoline · Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving at any speed transmission IS slipping and vehicle stalls. Also, there IS a leakage within the vehicle, and there IS a short in the wires. Vehicle has been in the shop for repair service, and they can't determine the problem. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission doesn't shift out of first like it IS suppose to do. Gear drags, causing vehicle to stall. Dealer has been contacted. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear lower subframe assembly
To determine whether the cars that were not included in the safety recall 93v-106 should be recalled due to the same failure phenomenon, and to determine if there IS remedy failure issue
- Alleged defective tie rods
Alleged defective tie rods
- Broken tie rods
There is no summary currently available
- Polycast road wheel cracks
There is no summary currently available
- Broken tie rods
There is no summary currently available
- Sub-frm/unibody absor.fail
There is no summary currently available
- Sub-frm/unibody absor.fail
There is no summary currently available
- Storage compar suffocation
===
- Fires in ignition switch
There is no summary currently available
- Storage compar suffocation
There is no summary currently available
- Door handles breakage
There is no summary currently available
- Brake disc hub separations
===
- Throttle sticking
There is no summary currently available
- Brake disc hub failure
There is no summary currently available
- Throttle sticking
There is no summary currently available
- Speed control failure
There is no summary currently available
- Front seat bracket
Summary:the loss of vehicle control appears to be the potentialconsequence of a seat bracket failure.===
- Exhaust gas intrusion
Summary: owners complain of exhaust gases, including hydrogen sulfide,leaking into the passenger compartment causing nausea, headaches, anddiscomfort.hydrogen sulfide (H2S) IS a colorless, flammable, andvery poisonous gas.===
- Front seat bracket
Briefing notes odiscussion of the reported defect & its consequences ofailure mileage analysis owarranty data analysis oford's body & chassis engineering report ocomparison with other seat-track analyses===
- Head rest drops
===
- Stalling
===
- High brake pedal effort
===
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090051Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 3031400Unknown
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 622665On some vehicles, engine oil may continue to leak from the engine oil pan gasket area after an engine oil pan gasket repair has been performed.
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 603573A revised forward clutch inner seal for the axod, axode, AX4S & AX4N transaxle IS available with improved sealing and reduced chance of the seal rolling during installation.
- 601343A new silicone gasket and sealant.
- 601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system.
- 601290Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance.
- 601269Announcing the ford oem air conditioning retrofit kit availability.
- 601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart.
- 601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable.
- 600591Transaxles use a new transmission fluid.
- 600586Front and rear bumpers made of xenoy plastic have had the conductive primer removed from service parts.
- 53660Vehicles exhibiting a "squeaking" or "chirping" from the blower motor at low blower motor speeds.
- 51990Blower motor- "chirping" or "squeaking" from blower motor at low speeds.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 51682Blower motor- "chirp" or "squeak" from blower motor at low speeds.
- 50997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip.
- 50940Windshield and interior glass - fog/film.
- 50908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip.
- 50905Wiring - electrical diode identification and service replacements.
- 50542Procedure for updating the calibration from R-11 to R-12 for stalling on decel & misfire codes on 3.0L vehicles.
- 50503Information for concerns of grunt or groan during wheel return from full right turn.
- 46478The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable because it may be incompatible with the rubber material used in the disc brake system. If petroleum-based grease IS used to lubricate any part of the disc brake system, it could cause rubber parts to swell if lubricant contacts the rubber material.
- 45937The torque converter identification codes have been revised as of 3/1/95.
- 42077Unknown
- 41025A revised service windshield wiper motor IS now available.
- 39903Chirp or squeak noise from blower motor at low speeds.
- 39900Roughness concern during brake application.
- 39884Chirp or squeak from blower motor.
- 39880Premature wear on inner edges of rear tires may be caused by rear camber and toe settings that are not within specification.
- 39717Wiper motor replacement - upgraded service kits.
- 39237Revised wiper motor.
- 39127Premature wear on the inner edges of rear tires.
Every Mercury Sable model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.