1989 Mercury Sable
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Mercury › Sable › 1989
These records cover every 1989 Mercury Sable. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 recalls name the 1989 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.
This IS not a safety recall in accordance with federal regulation 573. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. ford IS initiating an owner notification program that will provide an extended warranty, 12 years and unlimited mileage, for all seat belt buckles with functional concerns.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a collision, the occupant of the seat may not be properly restrained and personal injury could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assembly, for 12 years and unlimited mileage.
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.
The rigid mounted safety belt buckles are defective in three ways. First, a fastened safety belt buckle will not unlatch when the release button IS depressed. This results from interference between the buckle ejector finger and the buckle tongue window. The second defect IS the safety belt buckle may not latch. The third possible defect IS that the tongue…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An insufficiently latched or unlatched safety beltincreases the risk of injury to seat occupants in the event of a sudden stop oraccident. If the safety belt buckle will not unlatch, it will not allow theoccupant to get out of the vehicle in an emergency situation.
Remedy
Ford will replace the rigid mounted safety belt buckles with end release safety belt buckles designed to prevent latch problems.
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.
Front side marker lamps were unintentionally equipped with clear bulbs, instead of amber colored bulbs as specified in fmvss 108.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Vehicles would not comply with standard.
Remedy
Replace clear bulbs with amber colored bulbs.
Owner complaints
238 complaints13 involved a crash64 involved a fire11 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Frame and members
Corrosion-related deterioration in 1989 mercury sable resulted in detachment of sub-frame rear plate nut and bolt pulling through. Symptoms as described in recalls 93v106002 and 98v-323/98s36. Advised by ford dealer that these recalls do not apply to my vin and are limited to eastern us states.…
Corrosion-related deterioration in 1989 mercury sable resulted in detachment of sub-frame rear plate nut and bolt pulling through. Symptoms as described in recalls 93v106002 and 98v-323/98s36. Advised by ford dealer that these recalls do not apply to my vin and are limited to eastern us states. however 98v-323 states that vehicles with these symptoms are to be repaired free by dealers. No accident/injury has occurred and the vehicle IS scheduled for repair on monday april 29 2007. I need to know if the recall will be extended to cover my vehicle repair and if not, why not. Salt IS used extensively in ut for snow and ice control. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
This morning (7-8-04) I was pulled over for the first time ever and the officer said I was doing 75 in a 55 when my speedometer read 65. I asked the gentleman if there was someway he could forget the ticket since it was my first time ever and he said no. He did not explain to me everything on the…
This morning (7-8-04) I was pulled over for the first time ever and the officer said I was doing 75 in a 55 when my speedometer read 65. I asked the gentleman if there was someway he could forget the ticket since it was my first time ever and he said no. He did not explain to me everything on the ticket and you can hardly read half the?!@#$% he wrote. I am going to take this to court since he did not have me sign the ticket like it IS suppose to be. They don't put the word "signature" on the a line for nothing. I would appreciate it if I received a call or at least an e-mail with in the nest 24 hours. Thank you and please do drive slow.*ak
- Steering › Column locking › Anti-theft device
While making a left hand u-turn at 30 mph steering wheel locked up. This caused consumer to hit a curve. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *Ak vehicle also jumped up into a curve and dented the left fender by a tree. *la
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
We parked in the driveway, gathered our things and went in to the house. The next morning I went to brush the snow off of the car and noticed the windshield was broken, I opened the driver door and discovered the whole dashboard was melted like a candle, we had just filled up the tank the previous…
We parked in the driveway, gathered our things and went in to the house. The next morning I went to brush the snow off of the car and noticed the windshield was broken, I opened the driver door and discovered the whole dashboard was melted like a candle, we had just filled up the tank the previous day and were very lucky we didn't lose our home also. We figure the reason the car didn't become fully involved was because the windows were rolled up tight and it suffocated the flames, the car IS still a complete loss. The wiring in that car had never been touched,cut or modified. There was no reason for this to happen except for a manufacturer defect. The way we see it mercury should owe us one car or blue book value. Any help would be appreciated. *la
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Both front seat belts do not latch properly. the warranty program on the seat belts has expired. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
While driving at highway speed the vehicle jump into overdrive without warning. Please feel free to add any addtional information. Ts
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
While driving, the right front tire fell off, causing damage to the vehicle, all 5 lug bolts were broken off, ohio traffic crash report. *slc
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Power train › Manual transmission
While driving around a curve in traffic, vehicle stalled, consumer also states that the motor mounts are faulty. *slc
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
After the vehicle was parked, the consumer saw smoke coming from under the hood, consumer opened the hood and saw fire, consumer states that the fire was caused by the part that controls the heater underneath the dashboard. *slc
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Driver's side seatbelt retractor willclick in, but willnot stay open. dealership IS aware of problem.*ak
- Suspension
Noticing clunking noise when driveing/ stopping and going. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While stopped at a light, the vehicle overheated and the head blew.*ak. Consumer stated the engine had to be replaced, the mechanic stated that the head appeared to have abnormalities, suggesting poor manufacturing.*jb
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Seat belt that slides into the buckle will not latch. Contacted dealer, and dealer contacted manufacturer. Manufacturer stated seat belt was under warranty for 12 years, and warranty expired .*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Driver seat belt buckle releases on its own. Sometime engages when buckling up. Stays latched & could self release @ anytime. Many times have to struggle for latching to take place. This has been happening for the last 16 months. Please let me know asap what could be done! Thanks! b.e.*ak
- Suspension
Bushings and radius arm are gone on right side. Heared a loud banging noise when backing or going forward. contacted dealer, and took vehicle in to be checked.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Power train › Manual transmission · Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump
Consumer states there IS a whistling sound coming from the engine, dealership advised consumer that engine was bad. *jb
- Structure › Frame and members
Recall for subframe corrosion was repaired. some years later this problem has happened again. *ak
- Structure › Frame and members
Vehicle failed prior to recall 98s36, when consumer received recall notice, the vehicle was taken to the dealer to perform recall, dealer repaired, but would not reimburse consumer for prior failure *slc
- Electrical system › Ignition
When driving at any speed and without prior warning vehicle cut off, causing loss of all power steering/brakes, making it very difficult to operate control vehicle. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer unable to determine cause. Please provide any further details.*ak
- Vehicle speed control
While driving vehicle suddenly accelerated which almost caused a crash. Will be taking vehicle to dealer. please provide further information.*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Recall 97i003000/ ABS brakes. contacted dealer to schedule an appointment, manufacturer said they need to know date of manufacturing of vehicle. manufacturer said to take it to dealer. deaelr said it was part of recall, but could not order parts because they didn't have part number. seatbelt buckle was broken which won't protect occupant in event of a crash. *ak *slc
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Experienced continuous overheating problems, cooling system repairs at 62539,72,913 with no improvements. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving could smell like a burning rubber inside of vehicle. transmission stopped working in forward position, and only gear that was working was reverse for a number of months.*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Seat belts are difficult to fasten. *slc
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While having vehicle serviced technician noticed engine monts were broken. please provide further information.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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
===
- Fires in ignition switch
There is no summary currently available
- Storage compar suffocation
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
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.
- 606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 46461The power steering system may have a 'grunt' and/or 'groan' noise. This may be caused by hydraulic fluid movement within the power steering rack.
- 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.