1988 Mercury Sable
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Sable › 1988
These records cover every 1988 Mercury Sable. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1988 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 this recall campaign has been superseded by recall 98v-323.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.
The power seat switch wiring IS routed over rather than under the front seat support brace, allowing damage by seat cushion spring ends when seat IS occupied.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Power seat switch wiring insulation may become abraded,or punctured, and an electrical short could occur that could result in a firein the seat cushion material.
Remedy
Revise routing of power seat wiring to prevent damage from seat cushion spring contact.
Owner complaints
126 complaints4 involved a crash27 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Initially the gears were slipping while driving. Currently, the consumer cannot shift the vehicle into any gear. The dealer determined that the automatic transmission must be rebuilt. *ak . The consumer IS seeking assistance to correct his vehicle because of the faulty defect design in the…
Initially the gears were slipping while driving. Currently, the consumer cannot shift the vehicle into any gear. The dealer determined that the automatic transmission must be rebuilt. *ak . The consumer IS seeking assistance to correct his vehicle because of the faulty defect design in the transmission which caused slippage while operating. *cb several years ago the disc brake separated from the rotor ring while driving. After seeking assistance, the consumer discovered there was a recall regarding the rotor, however his vehicle was not included.*jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum · Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar · Tires · Unknown or other
Transmission has failed twice. currently in the vehicle radio light and dome light intermittenly comes on. Horn also honks as I drive . steering wheel feels wobbly and there are popping noises come from around the steering column. front passenger seat lumbar button IS stuck. tires have been…
Transmission has failed twice. currently in the vehicle radio light and dome light intermittenly comes on. Horn also honks as I drive . steering wheel feels wobbly and there are popping noises come from around the steering column. front passenger seat lumbar button IS stuck. tires have been changed 4 times in the front. electric windows failed the first day I bought the car. the most dangerous part of the whole deal IS that the car will stop running when your driving AT55 mph; this happened to me twice. mr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Ongoing problem with engine stalling at any speed. vehicle been into dealer shop on four occasions, and dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. *Ak *yh
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections · Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
Power assist hose IS too close to exhaust manifold. Heat IS burning a hole through rubber hose, causing fluid leakages and loss of power steering assist. also, can lead to a possible fire. Dealer was notified and informed consumer that they have a heat service shield kit available at a cost to the consumer. Asking nhtsa to look into this matter. *Ak *slc
- Electrical system › Ignition
While traveling 65mph vehicle suddenly stalled in middle of traffic. Was not able to restart it. Towed to dealership, and had distributor/ rotor, and cap replaced.*ak
- Power train › Driveline › Constant velocity joint
Cv joint which IS a part of axle assembly broke, causing loss of vehicle control. please give any further details.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Axod transmission has failed due to faulty manufacturing.please provide further information.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
While driving, vehicle stalled, a garage man found the problem to be a faulty ignition module. *slc
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Disc brake rotors have rusted out due to lack of corrosion protection on 2 pieces of metal, causing loss of brakes. *ak the composite disk brakes rotor's bond between the disk brake pad contact area fractured from the sheet metal hub causeing the brake. *yh
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
The rotor disc rusted through and broke at the hub, this IS like recall 91v134, however the consumer's state of missouri IS not included. *slc
- Tires › Tread/belt
Ea00023; tire tread separation: while driving about 65 mph tread on the rear passenger's side tire peeled off. Driver was able to maintain control of vehicle. Tire sixe p20570r14. Tire on a 1988, mercury, sable. Firestone was contacted about the tire. Please provide any further information.*ak firestone tire dot # e2t9f5a065, the tread separation caused the bumper to separate from the vehicle. *slc
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While test driving slide contacts went out, then 2 monthes later they went out again then 10 monthes later went out again. then head gasket went out. cruise dosn't work or horn. ford dealership said they couldn't find replacement so I have to just live without horn and cruise. I think I have short because of horn now but want to charge me to look at it, and it can no longer be driven because of head gasket. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
Five hours after last use horn went off,when I went to see the problem smoke pourihg out crack made in windshield from fire.battery disconnected stopped fire,however police still had fire dept. Give it a good hosing.
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Hoses/lines/piping/fittings · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Power train › Automatic transmission · Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections · Unknown or other
Power steering leaks started in 1995 after the motor mounts broke and the automobile was taken in many times to repair the leaks to no avail. hoses and lines were replaced twice, seals were replaced on ps pump, and finally in 1998 the vehicle was taken to a non ford dealer and they were able to…
Power steering leaks started in 1995 after the motor mounts broke and the automobile was taken in many times to repair the leaks to no avail. hoses and lines were replaced twice, seals were replaced on ps pump, and finally in 1998 the vehicle was taken to a non ford dealer and they were able to fix the problem by replacing the power steering rack and pinion. the money spent was well over $2100.00 to finally repair the leaks. this included the replacement of the motor mounts which were a recall item and I paid for this. I was told that it was not a warranty or recall problem. this failure led to the excessive expenditures for repairs. the latest problem with the car IS the head gaskets failed. This IS the second time and the estimate IS for $1000.00. the headgasket secret warranty only covers through dec. 1998. I have yet to tally all repairs for this vehicle, but I am sure it IS well over $5000.00 over the life of the vehicle. transmission replaced, alternator, two power steering pumps, rack and pinion, radiator, two head gasket failures, excessive brake jobs ever since the recall of the rotors, almost yearly after this recall. numerous vacuum leaks under the dash and one again last week. Two sets of power steering lines. the car never stays running when it IS hot. it has been taken back numerous times with no resolution. the throttle cable stuck while crossing an intersection and almost caused an accident and then broke after driving it to the dealer to check the problem. The rear alignment bolts are frozen. engine and transmission have always leaked excessively. frozen calipers has been a common problem. *ak
- Seats
Driver seat outer bracket broke at front bend, seat IS loose, car has failed nj state inspection for safety. Seat can break completely loose in a collision causing additional injuries and deaths. There are already 10 odis that I found for the same problem. this IS a fatigue failure, so over time…
Driver seat outer bracket broke at front bend, seat IS loose, car has failed nj state inspection for safety. Seat can break completely loose in a collision causing additional injuries and deaths. There are already 10 odis that I found for the same problem. this IS a fatigue failure, so over time many more will fail. this IS a serious design defect trend, a recall should be ordered to replace the track (see oids 545300,963608,483070,947504,924010,935076,372411,389368,712732,942605)
- Vehicle speed control
While waiting at stop light with foot on brake pedal engine started racing & then jerked forward. Turned vehicle off to stop it. Was able to take vehicle to dealership, but vehicle was not repaired. *ak
- Seat belts
Shoulder belt and the lap belt don't work on the driver's side and passenger's sides. Consumer can hear the seat belt motor running, but the seat belt doesn't work. *ak
- Seats
The original defect occurred on 3/11/91 as indicated in the questionnaire and was repaired by hempstead lincoln mercury. the car was picked up on 3/13/91. unfortunately, on 3/28/91, the car was brought in again for the aforementioned problem (drivers side power seat track, broken and dislodged).…
The original defect occurred on 3/11/91 as indicated in the questionnaire and was repaired by hempstead lincoln mercury. the car was picked up on 3/13/91. unfortunately, on 3/28/91, the car was brought in again for the aforementioned problem (drivers side power seat track, broken and dislodged). the replacement part was not in stock and had to be ordered. the repair was completed and the vehicle was picked up a few days later. both of these repairs were done under owner's warranty (in addition to purchasing an extended 5-YR warranty). last week, the same problem occurred. drivers seat does not stay in position when accelerating, which IS a safety problem. I returned to hempstead lincoln mercury, told them of the current problem and showed them paper work of the two previous repairs. the service representative indicated that no documentation existed since the car IS out of warranty, eventhough the problem has existed throughout numerous repairs as previously discussed. Have other complaints been documented that are similar to mine? do I have to be charged the full amount for repair since this problem has occurred numerous times and has been covered under warranty? please advise.
- Suspension · Wheels
Was coming to a stop sign. Heard a loud bang, vehicle started pulling to left. Right wheel had broken due to corrosion. *ak
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Discharge line to air conditioner was not installed correctly. It came loose & released freeon into atmosphere of vehicle. Independent inspector had check it. Took to dealer & mechanic was going to replace with same part. Had refused to have old part replaced new part, just liked old. *ak
- Vehicle speed control
When driving at any speed vehicle will accelerate at high speed. *ak
- Structure › Frame and members
Vehicle experienced failure of the sub-frame body mount, recall on component however consumer was not notified (98v-323). Mjs
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
I have tried to work with the car lot on this, they refuse & I reported problems within 48 hours of purchase
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections · Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump
11/8/98 returned home after taking husband to work 4 mile round trip. Parked 2 doors down, 20 to 25 minutes, heard an explosion and got a telephone call from neighbor that my car was on fire , fire truck arrived and said my battery caused the fire. My car was ruled as totaled. I do have a report…
11/8/98 returned home after taking husband to work 4 mile round trip. Parked 2 doors down, 20 to 25 minutes, heard an explosion and got a telephone call from neighbor that my car was on fire , fire truck arrived and said my battery caused the fire. My car was ruled as totaled. I do have a report from the fire mashall's office. 2ND complaint, relpaced 2 pressure power steering hose and 1 return hose and still had a power steering leak. Also 3 batteries and 2 tensioners.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission IS slipping, causing the vehicle to lunge forward which may cause a crash. please provide further information. *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
- Underbody fuel line fails
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
- Power steering leaks/fires
There is no summary currently available
- Engine mount failure
There is no summary currently available
- Storage compar suffocation
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- 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
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- 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
- Head rest drops
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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.
- 613234Information regarding tsb 98-5a-12 (transaxle/transmission/transfer case-vehicles towed behind recreational vehicles-recommended guidelines) does not list towing information for certain model vehicles. *Mjs
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 607497Information regarding the the availability of the revised headgasket for coolant loss conditions on some engines.
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 603583Some vehicles with 3.8L engine may use shorter head bolts in the outboard position.
- 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.
- 601270Concerns with coolant may leak from the head gaskets and / or the vehicle may overheat.
- 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.
- 51361Some power steering hoses have been replaced with a revised design and should no longer be used for service.
- 51184Verify the transaxle installed in the vehicle IS the correct model and model year for the vehicle.
- 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.
Every Mercury Sable model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.