1991 Mercury Sable
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Sable › 1991
These records cover every 1991 Mercury Sable. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1991 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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Dealers will add a boot to the speed control cable.
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.
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.
Owner complaints
221 complaints11 involved a crash9 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Frame and members
I hit a small pothole and the steering wheel suddenly moved to a one o'clock position while the wheels were pointing straight ahead. my alignment shop inspected the car and found that the cause was a failure of the passenger side sub-frame mounting bolt anchor. the local dealer said my car IS not included in the recall (98s36) I demand an answer as why my car IS not included. *tr
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 55 mph on normal road conditions, there was a noticeable delay to disengaged the speed control. the brake pedal had to be pumped several times until the driver regained control over the vehicle's speed. the contact received a recall letter # 97v025000 but…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 55 mph on normal road conditions, there was a noticeable delay to disengaged the speed control. the brake pedal had to be pumped several times until the driver regained control over the vehicle's speed. the contact received a recall letter # 97v025000 but misplaced it. the manufacturer was contacted who refused to produce a new letter because the recall was too old. The contact expressed concern because the speed control malfunctioning entailed a serious safety risk.
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline · Power train · Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering · Unknown or other · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Other than the rest of my problems with the above my newest complaint IS that I just found out that due to the fact ford installed an aluminim piston where there should have been a steel one which IS the only one available now since you discovered your problems. my car IS in the shop right now and…
Other than the rest of my problems with the above my newest complaint IS that I just found out that due to the fact ford installed an aluminim piston where there should have been a steel one which IS the only one available now since you discovered your problems. my car IS in the shop right now and I'm being told it will cost between $1200.00 - $1500.00 to fix due to ford's poor design. this IS not my first sable wagon. The first one had all kinds of a/c problems and I'm getting tired of paying for your mistakes. My a/c IS out now, I replace brake pads all the time.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
While driving at night the vehicle's headlights failed without warning. The dealer states the head lamp sensor switch burned. A recall was issued, however the vin number IS outside of the remedy scope. *Mr
- Structure › Frame and members
Northport ford in commack, ny failed to properly perform safety recall 98s36 for the subframe on my 1991 mercury sable. The subframe subsequently broke free causing damage to my motor mounts, transmission and steering components. The vehicle was towed to the closest ford dealer in patchogue ny.…
Northport ford in commack, ny failed to properly perform safety recall 98s36 for the subframe on my 1991 mercury sable. The subframe subsequently broke free causing damage to my motor mounts, transmission and steering components. The vehicle was towed to the closest ford dealer in patchogue ny. Ford agreed to reinstate the recall for the dealer to repair my vehicle. The dealer called ford with the price of the subsequent damage and ford withdrew the offer to repair. They wanted to buy the vehicle back at a price they decided on. I am on disability with a work related accident. I can not afford to be without my vehicle. I can not afford to buy another vehicle at the buyout price ford wants to give me. I feel that this accured due to a safety recall that was not performed properly and ford should deal with that dealership and fix my vehicle at no charge.*ak
- Steering · Suspension
Consumer states that the vehicle bushings are made of a viber material that wears out, causing the vehicle to steer improperly. *ak
- Steering
The steering wheel locked up when the consumer made left turns. *nlm
- Structure › Frame and members
The left rear sub-frame mount broke. the right rear sub-frame mount looked like it was about to break. *nlm
- Structure
The consumer vehicle experienced symptoms of nhtsa recall # 98-v-323-000 which was related to the rear lower subframe mount plate nut. the consumer vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *nlm
- Suspension › Rear
Plnhts#6954-94-e-036-000: sway bar bracket where it attaches to the strut reserve tube did not fuse property. Consumer states has the same problem (making some noise). Dealer has been notifed. Please provide further information. Ts
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Auto was parked. Approximately one half later, according to the fire department report, a fire was reported coming from under the hood of the vehicle. Fire gutted out the entire motor and the car was totaled. No injuries. there was no previous indication of any electrical problem. mr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Vehicle would overheat while driving, vehicle taken to a repair shop, and informed of a blown head gasket. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Consumer stated the brakes were never satisfactory from the date of purchase, consumer complained to the dealer but was always told that the brakes were ok, the brakes were pulsating and there was excessive dust on the wheels, consumer stated the defect was the front rotors, which were eventually…
Consumer stated the brakes were never satisfactory from the date of purchase, consumer complained to the dealer but was always told that the brakes were ok, the brakes were pulsating and there was excessive dust on the wheels, consumer stated the defect was the front rotors, which were eventually replaced, however consumer stated the dealer did not honor the recall before or after the vehicle was purchased, the dealer also cleaned and adjusted the rear brakes.*jb
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Repair immediately after purchase was power steering line - reported to seller immediately the next week after purchase. *Ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
Left/rear cooper tire, size: p205/65r15, dot: u9urek7139 experienced tread separation while traveling at an unknown speed. there were approximately 10,000 miles on the tire, and it was not original equipment on 1991, mercury, sable. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While starting vehicle, the engine did not turn over. Vehicle was serviced and technician stated head gasket had blown. *Ak *slc
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine motor mounts have broken and needed to be replaced. problem has not been examined by dealership. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The automatic transmission failed without warning while stopped at a traffic light. nlm
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
I have located what appears to be a repetitive severe problemwhere the wire harness IS rubbing against a sharp bent metal edge next to the fuse box and after trying to locate parts to repair I observed several burned out taurus and sable vehicles where it appeared to have started at or under the…
I have located what appears to be a repetitive severe problemwhere the wire harness IS rubbing against a sharp bent metal edge next to the fuse box and after trying to locate parts to repair I observed several burned out taurus and sable vehicles where it appeared to have started at or under the dash. also a similar year mk 7 burned the same way. quite unnerving. also have a second taurus wagon I've had for several years and examined it wiring and same problem chaffed wire harness approximately 3" from fuse box. also my wires into box loose enough to completely shut down vehicle electrical function, first time happened going 65 on freeway. also shift lever on column poorly designed till 93 when it appears to have been redesigned to correct problem I had where shifts out of gear because of slop and wear. Previous owner spent fortune replacing trans and it wasn't problem linkage couldn't be properly located because of slop in shift lever due to unusual wear. otherwise my cars cannot be told from near ne. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
When accelerating from a stop vehicle will hesitate , feels as though vehicle IS in neutral , like it IS out of gear and will not move. Consumer must restart vehicle, but eventually defect will reoccur. Consumer received an extended warranty in november 1994 for this problem which stated that…
When accelerating from a stop vehicle will hesitate , feels as though vehicle IS in neutral , like it IS out of gear and will not move. Consumer must restart vehicle, but eventually defect will reoccur. Consumer received an extended warranty in november 1994 for this problem which stated that defect will cause erratic transmission operation. manufacturer claimed it has passed the warranty by years and will not cover costs. *ak *slc
- Air bags
Air bag light flashes on and off, indictating a defect. Consumer has not taken vehicle to dealer. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission has been replaced twice, and current transmission was slipping out of gear at any speed. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Consumer has contacted manufacturer regarding transmission ,and was told there were no recalls on "transmissions" for this vehicle... vehicle registered in nebraska where there was recall 98v323000 regarding subframe corrosion which could effect transmission/engine. consumer was going to have to have transmission replaced. *ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
This IS very serious and dangerous after adding oil to the engine of this vehicle yesterday I made sure the hood was securly latched ( because it has come open on me previously while in motion ) I pulled up on the hood and it would not open. I left the gas station and got on the interstate. While…
This IS very serious and dangerous after adding oil to the engine of this vehicle yesterday I made sure the hood was securly latched ( because it has come open on me previously while in motion ) I pulled up on the hood and it would not open. I left the gas station and got on the interstate. While in the fast lane doing approxamatly 70 mph the hood came completely open bent back and smashed the front windshield. I was totaly blinded by it. I was luky to get the car stoped with out getting killed in the process. I would like this checked out to see if it IS a default. I would hate to see anyone dye over this type of thing. *ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
The transmission failed prior to service program #94m84 in sept of 1994, in 2000 the transmission failed again, consumer believes ford replaced the initial transmission with another transmission containing the same inherent defect. nlm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine cooling fan fires
There is no summary currently available
- Engine 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.
- 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
- Failure of wheel studs
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
- Storage compar suffocation
===
- Storage compar suffocation
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.
- 6091815Some vehicles may exhibit front outer tie rods squeak and / or pop noise over bumps and / or turning.
- 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
- 636080Transfer service tips for the front wiper motor mount bracket and depressed park output arm.
- 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.
- 622660This information IS a supplement to the wiper system service information provided in the workshop manuals. This service information IS intended as an aid to assist in diagnosis and repair of erratic wiper system conditions.
- 619293Information on additional parts required when replacing transfer case on vehicles equippped with AX4S transaxle.
- 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.
- 606460Experiencing a whine / buzz type noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio on vehicles with an in-tank electric fuel pump.
- 606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year.
- 605338Information on transaxle service case replacement with oss (output shaft speed sensor) hole.
- 605294Concerns with reverse clutch that could become sheared or torn in extremely cold temperatures.
- 605254Experiencing a squeaking and / or popping noise from the front outer tire rods.
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 603724Mass air flow (maf)- sensor contamination- service tip.
- 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.
- 601341Experiencing a whining / buzzing noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio.
- 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.
- 601004Some vehicles may cycle when brakes are applied on rough roads or on an incline while making a sharp turn.
- 600591Transaxles use a new transmission fluid.
- 53663Concerns with harsh engagements and harsh shifts with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) 628, p0741 and/or p1744.
- 53660Vehicles exhibiting a "squeaking" or "chirping" from the blower motor at low blower motor speeds.
- 51995Transaxle- ax4s/ax4n- diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) 628, p0741 and/or p1744 stored in memory after transaxle exchange.
- 51990Blower motor- "chirping" or "squeaking" from blower motor at low speeds.
- 51987Fuel economy- customer expectations versus vehicle usage.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 51682Blower motor- "chirp" or "squeak" 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.