1992 Mercury Sable
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Sable › 1992
These records cover every 1992 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 1992 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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Dealers will install an electrical jumper harness containing an automatic resetting circuit breaker to protect the fan motor low speed circuitry from overheating.
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.
Owner complaints
364 complaints12 involved a crash7 involved a fire7 injuries4 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires
The tire valve on my right rear tire failed while the car was garaged. this was the second valve failure in a pair of tires installed on 04/27/2007. the first valve failed (on the other tire in the pair) on 04/26/2009 while the car was also parked, but about 30 miles from home (see odi number 10279930). *Tr
- Tires
While at a destination about 30 miles from home, my left-front tire valve failed just as I was about to enter the parked car to head home. the air whooshed loudly out of the tire as I watched it deflate before my eyes. I called aaa for assistance in changing the tire and took the flat tire to my…
While at a destination about 30 miles from home, my left-front tire valve failed just as I was about to enter the parked car to head home. the air whooshed loudly out of the tire as I watched it deflate before my eyes. I called aaa for assistance in changing the tire and took the flat tire to my dealer the following day for replacement of the defective tire valve. the valve was installed as part of a new-tire installation on 04/24/2007 by my ford dealer. *Tr
- Steering · Structure › Frame and members · Suspension
Tl*the contact owns a 1992 mercury sable. when the contact took his vehicle to a local mechanic, corrosion was discovered in the steering column. he also discovered that he was experiencing the same failure listed in nhtsa campaign ID number 98v323000 (structure:frame and members). the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1992 mercury sable. when the contact took his vehicle to a local mechanic, corrosion was discovered in the steering column. he also discovered that he was experiencing the same failure listed in nhtsa campaign ID number 98v323000 (structure:frame and members). the manufacturer was unable to provide assistance; however, they stated that because it had exceeded ten years, the parts were unavailable. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 85,591. Updated 10/16/08. *lj the vehicle would pull to the side. Updated 10/17/08. *Jb
- Suspension › Front › Stabilizer bar
Tl*the contact owns a 1992 mercury sable. while driving approximately 30 mph, the contact heard a loud thumping noise. approximately thirty seconds later, the vehicle shut off. he pushed the vehicle to the side of the road and noticed that the front frame failed. two days later, the vehicle was…
Tl*the contact owns a 1992 mercury sable. while driving approximately 30 mph, the contact heard a loud thumping noise. approximately thirty seconds later, the vehicle shut off. he pushed the vehicle to the side of the road and noticed that the front frame failed. two days later, the vehicle was towed to aaa. a local mechanic arrived a week later and stated that there was wear and tear on the front frame bushing sway bar, which caused the front frame to fail. he notified the manufacturer and they stated that there was a recall for the rear frame, but not the front. the manufacturer would not provide any financial assistance with the repairs and stated that the vehicle was not worth repairing. the vehicle has not been repaired. the vin was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 100,000. updated 11/06/07 *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at low speeds down a hill and trying to stop the vehicle stalled. all the lights on the dashboard illuminated prior to the vehicle stalling. the brakes did not work when this occurred. The parking brake must be used to stop the vehicle. an independent…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at low speeds down a hill and trying to stop the vehicle stalled. all the lights on the dashboard illuminated prior to the vehicle stalling. the brakes did not work when this occurred. The parking brake must be used to stop the vehicle. an independent repair shop has been unable to duplicate the problem.*ak updated 1/25/2006 - the manufacturer indicated there were not recalls related to the failure. *nm
- Tires › Tread/belt
The consumer's general tires developed separation between the tread and the core. *ts *sc
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Dt: the contact stated while driving at night the consumer struck a deer and experienced difficulty stopping with the brakes. there was damage to the front hood and headlights. no police report was taken. he drove the vehicle home. upon inspection there was corrosion on brake lines. he…
Dt: the contact stated while driving at night the consumer struck a deer and experienced difficulty stopping with the brakes. there was damage to the front hood and headlights. no police report was taken. he drove the vehicle home. upon inspection there was corrosion on brake lines. he suspected this was due to dissimilar metal corrosion and road salts. the vehicle has not been repaired at this time. *ak updated 12/27/05. *Jb the brake line burst.
- Steering › Rack and pinion
Mercury sable 1992 power steering leaked. *bf the leak was coming from the rack and pinion. *nm
- Air bags › Frontal
The vehicle had been in a frontal crash at 35-40 mph and none of the air bags deployed. No injuries were reported and the dealer was notified. *jb
- Structure › Frame and members
While driving 30 mph rear sub frame mount bushing separated from the vehicle. Recall 98v323000 for the sub frame mount bolts was issued. Dealer refused to repair the vehicle because it was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak
- Equipment · Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
I was on the highway so I put on the cruise control, when I hit the brakes the car slowed down, then when I reasled the brakes the car radily speed up, and it IS hard to shut it off.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving transmission made a loud noise. Then it completely failed. *Ak
- Structure › Frame and members
Sub frame rusted due to the problem as described in the sub frame corrosion recall 98v323000. However, this vehicle was not involved in the recall due to vin. *ak
- Structure › Frame and members
Corrosion of passenger side rear sub frame, alowing engine to drop down, causing a possible fatal driving condition. Sub frame bolts replaced in a recall. entire sub frame was replaced with a new original part from ford, at a $1,100 cost to myself. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling
The car IS a 1992 mercury sable 3.8L V-6 engine with 93,000 miles. The head gaskets need to be replaced. I have been quoted an estimate of $1,000 to fix the problem. I am the second owner of the automobile and it has been well maintained. the car broke down on june 25, 2003 and IS currently parked at the mechanic's shop.
- Engine and engine cooling
1ST one remove & replace timing cover/pump, housing, replace studs, water pump, renew coolant. cost $1,079.60 2ND r&r headgaskets/ $1,304.10. I would like for someone to let me know if I could get some of my money back because this was a recall a bad part which I had no knowledge of. Until I had…
1ST one remove & replace timing cover/pump, housing, replace studs, water pump, renew coolant. cost $1,079.60 2ND r&r headgaskets/ $1,304.10. I would like for someone to let me know if I could get some of my money back because this was a recall a bad part which I had no knowledge of. Until I had to have it repaired. ford said that I was 9 months to late under warranty. I am the second owner of this car how would I have known that ford had a problm with this kind of car. any type of help would be appreciated. I'm a single mom and I can't afford to have this kind of car repair. I had to use my rent money inorder to get my car out of the shop. I just want somekind of repayment a head gasket IS suppose to last the life of the car. it will be just three years this october for me that I have had the car. It's not my problem that they put in bad parts and knew that they needed to be taken care of. but no one wanted to pay the cost so a lot of customers didn't get recall letters inorder to take care of the problem. I'm sure that if anyone that owned this car would have had the repairs done at the cost of the company. why would there be a time limit set on major part like that. so people don't experience the problem until years and that's what happened to me. I just want some kind of response toward this problem. Thank you ms. Patricia reese p.o. Box 59 shirley, ny 11967-0059
- Unknown or other
Severe paint erosion/flaking/discoloration....has been noticeable and progressing worse since about 1997.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
My head gaskets keep blowing .. I realize this IS a older model car however just b/c im a single female who didnt even know what a recall was/is doesnt mean that I shouldnt be entitled to perhaps a reembursment or to have my car fixed properly I have been out so much money on this car and the…
My head gaskets keep blowing .. I realize this IS a older model car however just b/c im a single female who didnt even know what a recall was/is doesnt mean that I shouldnt be entitled to perhaps a reembursment or to have my car fixed properly I have been out so much money on this car and the motor and I always always do as directed with oil changes and water checkings I just dont understand why I wasnt ever notified of the dangers of my cooling systems and my motor. I am a widow with 3 children and I cant afford to keep having my heads done or my motor worked on please guide me in the direction of someone that could perhaps fix this problem once and for all. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic
When braking hard, the pedal went to the floor resulting in loss of brakes. I had to use the e-brake and pump the regular pedal to stop. brake fluid was leaking from line located in engine compartment next to driver side front wheel well. *la
- Structure › Frame and members
While driving under normal conditions steering wheel suddenly locked up without warning. consumer stopped vehicle, turned on hazards, and noticed transmission and motor had dropped. it was later determined that the subframe rusted around both rear bushings. *ak *nlm
- Power train
The transmission failed to go into gear. *jb
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › High/low beam dimmer switch
Headlights blinking on and off when he turns them on. Took the auto to his private mechanic and had this repaired. This particular problem IS listed as a recall # 8105 98V 00 9000 for the 93 mercury sable. ph
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
While driving, vehicle started running hot, overheating. consumer had vehicle towed to dealership, who indicated that the cause of the problem was the water pump. dealership replaced the pump, but the problem recurred 3 times within a small period of time. please provide more details. Ts
- Suspension › Front
Both coil springs failed due to corrosion. pieces of spring almost fell out and contacted tire. could have resulted in puncture at high speed. dt
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash · Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler · Structure › Frame and members · Tires · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
Problems with suspension, electrical system, tires and driver seat. mr
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
- Headlight 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…
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.
- 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
- Idle air spd ctrl vlv malf
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
- Idle air spd ctrl vlv malf
There is no summary currently available
- Sub-frm/unibody absor.fail
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.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 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.
- 630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 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.
- 613061Vehicles may experience speedometer pointer waver.
- 613037Vehicles may exhibit speedometer pointer waver. *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.
- 606508Conditions with the brake lamps inadvertently disabling the brake shift interlock.
- 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.
- 605566Conditions with the malfunctioning of the indicator lamp.
- 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.
Every Mercury Sable model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.