1993 Mercury Sable
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Sable › 1993
These records cover every 1993 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 1993 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. vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of new york, michigan, ohio, illinois, wisconsin, pennsylvania, massachusetts, indiana, new jersey, maine, connecticut, new…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The front tire could deflate due to a broken front coil spring contacting the tire, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Customers with vehicles that have broken springs are to return their vehicle for spring replacement. both springs will be replaced even if only one spring IS fractured.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of new york, michigan, ohio, illinois, wisconsin, pennsylvania, massachusetts, indiana, new jersey, maine, connecticut, new hampshire, rhode island, vermont, minnesota, iowa, missouri, kentucky, maryland, delaware, and west virginia. the front coil springs can…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The front tire could deflate due to a broken front coil spring contacting the tire, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a spring catcher bracket which will prevent a fractured spring from contacting a tire.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the headlights can flash intermittently as a result of the circuit breaker opening. the vehicle's headlights can go out for brief intervals.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of headlights during vehicle operation can affect a driver's ability to navigate the roadway and reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a headlight switch that incorporates a cricuit breaker of revised design and installation of a wiring harness connector and wiring, if needed.
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.
Anti-lock brake system controllers designed for rear wheel drive cars may have been installed on these front wheel drive cars..
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in reduced braking ability and possiblevehicle accident.
Remedy
Replace the rear wheel drive ABS controller with a front wheel drive ABS controller.
Owner complaints
674 complaints21 involved a crash7 involved a fire16 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
While driving down rd gas pedal stuck my daughter road the brake until she could get off road .she called I work the linkage for the gas by hand that freed it up took it to my mechanic he took it for a test drive said its not releasing fast enough he tried a couple things vacuum hoses and some…
While driving down rd gas pedal stuck my daughter road the brake until she could get off road .she called I work the linkage for the gas by hand that freed it up took it to my mechanic he took it for a test drive said its not releasing fast enough he tried a couple things vacuum hoses and some other parts that did not solve the problem he went on line and found there has been problems with the cable and told me to call ford. *Tr
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
TL* the contact owns a 1993 mercury sable. The contact stated that the headlights stopped illuminating and could cause a crash. The dealer and manufacturer were notified, but stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number 98v009000 (exterior…
TL* the contact owns a 1993 mercury sable. The contact stated that the headlights stopped illuminating and could cause a crash. The dealer and manufacturer were notified, but stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number 98v009000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unavailable and the current mileage was 50,000. updated 05/08/12*lj
- Structure › Body
I believe this car was included in a recall for faulty bolts holding the engine frame(rear bolts. I purchased the car in october of 2006. in december of 2011 I took it to a ford dealer for a steering problem and they told me they would have to replace the rear bolts and it cost me almost $400…
I believe this car was included in a recall for faulty bolts holding the engine frame(rear bolts. I purchased the car in october of 2006. in december of 2011 I took it to a ford dealer for a steering problem and they told me they would have to replace the rear bolts and it cost me almost $400 dollars. just recently I discovered this car had been included in the, I believe 1998 recall notice for replacing the rear bolts because of the danger of them rusting out. my question IS: IS there the possibility that I can still be covered under any ford/mercury terms, something like a ford motors goodwill program. one bolt was completely rusted and broken and the other just rusted but not yet broken. should the ford/mercury dealer I brought the car to have known that this was a recalled vehicle and discussed this with me. mileage at that time was 79,524. *tr
- Fuel system, other
I don't understand what it IS the car shuts off at random I've replaced the brain no luck oh well the problem IS the car shuts off at random sitting driving 1-100 miles an hour oh yeah I got pulled over for doing 85 car shut off at that speed but that's not all shuts off cold warm 1 min 10 min…
I don't understand what it IS the car shuts off at random I've replaced the brain no luck oh well the problem IS the car shuts off at random sitting driving 1-100 miles an hour oh yeah I got pulled over for doing 85 car shut off at that speed but that's not all shuts off cold warm 1 min 10 min doesn't matter when ever it feels the need it does it im so afraid of the car I want to give it back to ford so it can kill them I will no longer even touch this vehicle I want some one to take it away its been sitting for almost 6 months I have no idea the particular date but like I said im afraid of the vehicle... *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
In early january 2008, my mercury sable 3.0 wagon, began to have transmission (AX4S) problems of eradict upshifting and downshifting when accelerating from a stop and climbing a hill. In addition when I checked the fluid level when the motor IS hot it appears low in atf fluid, but when the motor…
In early january 2008, my mercury sable 3.0 wagon, began to have transmission (AX4S) problems of eradict upshifting and downshifting when accelerating from a stop and climbing a hill. In addition when I checked the fluid level when the motor IS hot it appears low in atf fluid, but when the motor has cooled the transmission fluid stick indicates the transmission full at the right level. I have become aware that the AX4S has a history of "inadequate internal lubrication of critical parts and a weak forward clutch piston that cracks and leaks pressure" that leads to complete failure of the transmission. My car IS no longer operational due to transmission failure. The estimated cost on average from transmission repair shops in my area IS 2200.00. I would like to keep the car and realize now that this particular transmission has numerous complaints of failure and ford IS aware of the factory defects built into the transmission. I would like ford to repair my transmission at there expense since they have been aware of these problem for years yet continued to manufacture and install this transmission into there vehicles being sold to the public. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Dt*: the contact stated after bringing the vehicle to a halt at a stop sign, acceleration was attempted, and the bolts that held the motor frame fell off. the vehicle had to be towed back to the residence. the manufacturer was notified and determined that the vehicle's vin# did not fit under any recall. the vehicle was not examined or repaired.
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 5 mph as the contact was turning left onto the highway; the contact heard a loud popping sound and the steering became very difficult. there IS an nhtsa recall, # 98v323000, regarding the structure: frame and members. the vin was not included in the recall.
- Tires
Dt*: the contact stated while driving speeds over 50 mph, the vehicle vibrated. the driver side front tire had visible wires and the tire dealership determined there was a knot in the tire. the tire was replaced. three thousand miles later, the tread on both front tires was completely worn and…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving speeds over 50 mph, the vehicle vibrated. the driver side front tire had visible wires and the tire dealership determined there was a knot in the tire. the tire was replaced. three thousand miles later, the tread on both front tires was completely worn and the tires were replaced. the tread has worn on the front tires again, and the tires have not been replaced. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, which determined there was no problem with the vehicle to cause the abnormal wear of the front tires.
- Unknown or other
Consumer complaint concerning the 1993 mercury sable paint changin colors. *ts
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › High/low beam dimmer switch
Dt: last summer while driving down the road at night the lights started flashing on and off. This happened every time the car was driven at night. The problem became worse with time. The headlights would flash on and off when they were on dim or bright. The problem was reported to ford, and there…
Dt: last summer while driving down the road at night the lights started flashing on and off. This happened every time the car was driven at night. The problem became worse with time. The headlights would flash on and off when they were on dim or bright. The problem was reported to ford, and there was recall 98v009000. However, this vehicle was not included. The consumer has not taken the car for diagnosis. There have been no other major problems with the vehicle. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Blowen head gasket on 1993 ford sable wagon witn 87,000 miles on engine engine replacement needed
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Defective brake system. *bf the consumer stated the ABS was as non- effective as a normal hydraulic braking system. the consumer stated there was a recall regarding the issue, however the local dealer questioned authenticity of the notice.*jb
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
In 1993 I helped my mother purchase a new mercury sable in racine, wisconsin where she lived. by 2001 my mother was at an age she should not be driving for several reasons. the big event was when she broke her hip and we also learned she was starting to lose her short term memory. in late 2001…
In 1993 I helped my mother purchase a new mercury sable in racine, wisconsin where she lived. by 2001 my mother was at an age she should not be driving for several reasons. the big event was when she broke her hip and we also learned she was starting to lose her short term memory. in late 2001 we had the 1993 mercury sable with only about 30 to 35,000 miles stored pending deciding if another family could use the car. in early 2002 we had the title transferred to my son and he started to drive the car. he told us within a week there was a terrible noise and we had the car checked at our local ford dealer in lexington illinois. there service manager, danny, told me both front coil springs were broken. I found this very odd because of the low miles on the car and it was not driven much in the winter salt. I had danny save both of the old springs for me because I thought the ford motor company should cover the expense. both left and right springs were broken in the same area and the original paint was on the springs, indicating to me they had very little if any salt damage. I still have the springs in storage. I also learned later that ford had some sort of recall for front coil springs, but they needed to be repaired by december 2001. ford did not pay the $340 bill that I paid to replace the springs in early 2002. you might ask, why am I documenting this now. two reasons, one I just learned of the web site and two, I own a 2000 ford taurus and just received a letter about a problem with the front coil springs. apparently, ford did not learn from the earlier problem. I learned later how the broken springs could have caused tire failure and a serious accident. although my mother always had her car serviced at the dealer, they apparently never checked it for the recall item. I feel there needs to be a more accountablity on the part of the manufacturer(ford) to assure all cars are checked. my mothers car was overlooked, primarily because of her age.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving engine blew out. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
After filling up the gas tank consumer can smell gas for 3 days. Consumer IS concerned because children are being transported daily in this vehicle. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling
I have a 3.8L ford engine in my car. It was replaced before I purchased it at 126219 miles with another rebuilt 3.8L. Now I have a blown head or head gasket. I called ford and they say mercury didnt have the problems. My vin showed no past recalls. Whats up. Its a rebuilt 3.8L. I cant afford to fix…
I have a 3.8L ford engine in my car. It was replaced before I purchased it at 126219 miles with another rebuilt 3.8L. Now I have a blown head or head gasket. I called ford and they say mercury didnt have the problems. My vin showed no past recalls. Whats up. Its a rebuilt 3.8L. I cant afford to fix it and its only got 15543 miles on it. Cant ford do anything. The motor has been in a little over a yr. The warranty IS up the salespeople from instant auto quote. Help.
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train
Ford 3.8L head gasket failure transmission failure
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Suspension
About 1 month after the mass air flow sensor was replaced and about 6 months after my head gaskets were replaced, my sable started to hesitate when warm. the vehicle has no power. the fuel pump, fuel filter, air filter and throttle position sensor have all been replaced with no effect. the timing has also been found to be right on.
- Engine and engine cooling · Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering · Unknown or other · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
I don't have the information for all the above but could find it if necessary. I am more concerned about the head gasket which needs to be replaced. I was never made aware that there was a problem that could happen at any time. I do not know what to do and, living on a small pension and social security, do not have thge money to repair or replace the vehicle.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
After driving for 30-45 minutes headlights flashed intermittently. Nhtsa recall 98v009000 for a circuit breaker was issued. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving at 5 mph and without any warning the automatic transmission failed. Towed vehicle to the dealer and the technician determined the vehicle needed a new transmission. *Ak *jb
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
My 1993 mercury sable was subject to a front suspension recall in 1998 (nhtsa item # 615138). The problem has happened again on my car, same problem, same reason (corrosion). The original recall has expired so I have no options to resolve the issue. Ford did not fix the problem, they simply repaired the damage with parts subject to the same defects. They will not help me so I'm lodging this complaint.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving at 40 mph, the vehicle began to overheat. the consumer drove the vehicle to a mechanic, who found the head gasket was blown. the manufacturer and the dealer are aware of the problem. *ph
- Structure › Body
Vehicle's structure has completely rusted out. As result the vehicle will never pass inspection again. *Ak the consumer was advised by a technician that the entire right hand side of the underbody was rusted and falling apart. *nlm *ph
- Electrical system
The ignition switch and cylinder was extremely hot when the consumer attempted to touch it. when the ignition switch and cylinder became hot, the turn signals and four way flashers went out. *jb the ignition key would become hot touch as well. *scc *jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Front suspension spring
There is no summary currently available
- Windshield wiper
ODI has received 50 additional complaiints on MY 1993 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable vehicles alleging malfunction of the windshield wiper system including; intermittent or complete stoppage of wiper sweeping; inadequate sweep speed; and other general complaints of poor performace.In some cases, the owner alleges…
ODI has received 50 additional complaiints on MY 1993 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable vehicles alleging malfunction of the windshield wiper system including; intermittent or complete stoppage of wiper sweeping; inadequate sweep speed; and other general complaints of poor performace.In some cases, the owner alleges havingto leave the roadway or roll down the window and manually restart the sweeping motion of the wiper arms.Other complaints allege that the wiper sweeps too slowly at the maximum speed setting resulting in inadequate vision during heavy precipition.Some complaints allge repeated wiper system malfunctions despirt having their vehicles serviced at Ford dealerships of replacement of the multi-function switch and/or wiper motor.Ford provided its response to an Information Request Letter indicating that the same wiper motor is used on the MY 1987-1993 Taurus and Sable; however, warranty and complaint data show that the MY 1993 is over represented and may warrant particular attention.An Engineering Ananlysis is necessary to determine if a potential safety defect exists.
- Windshield wiper
Alleged that the windshield wipers fail without warning
- 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.
- Headlights failure
There is no summary currently available
- 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
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.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 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.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 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.
- 616508Special field action regarding revised waranty information.
- 615471Some vehicles may exhibit a speedometer pointer waiver concern.
- 615396Some vehicles may exhibit a speedometer pointer wiver concern.
- 615138Safety recall involving installation of the protective spring shields on certain vehicles front coil springs - stabilizer link replacement parts on national backorder.
- 615127Safety recall and owner notification to install protective spring shields on the front coil springs of affected vehicles to reduce the possibility of tire puncture should spring facture occur.
- 613327Experiencing a squeal noise coming from the rear brakes on some vehicles when braking.
- 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
- 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.
- 605562Subject regarding the availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment.
- 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.
Every Mercury Sable model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.