1994 Mercury Sable
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Sable › 1994
These records cover every 1994 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 1994 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: 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.
Owner complaints
387 complaints16 involved a crash9 involved a fire20 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1994 mercury sable. While driving various speeds or idling, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but…
TL* the contact owns a 1994 mercury sable. While driving various speeds or idling, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
- Unknown or other
Need proof of total recall of this vehicle by ford motor company. I have a list of complaints, I need proof of the total recall of this vehicle. Vin # [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Manufacturer will not honor recall: severe corrosion of the rear lower retaining plates for the subframe assembly supporting the engine and transmission. Risk IS detachment of body mounts at the rear corners of the subframe. existing recall 98v-323 addressed this problem in certain vehicles. my…
Manufacturer will not honor recall: severe corrosion of the rear lower retaining plates for the subframe assembly supporting the engine and transmission. Risk IS detachment of body mounts at the rear corners of the subframe. existing recall 98v-323 addressed this problem in certain vehicles. my vehicle was of the year, make, and model covered by the recall, and has this problem, but ford IS claiming that my vin# does not make me eligible for the recall. *tr
- Suspension › Front · Suspension › Front › Shock absorber
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 mercury sable. The contact drove over a pothole and the front strut broke on both sides. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic who stated that there was a related recall 94e036000 (suspension: front: shock absorber). The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 mercury sable. The contact drove over a pothole and the front strut broke on both sides. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic who stated that there was a related recall 94e036000 (suspension: front: shock absorber). The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired. The current and failure mileages were 139,500. updated 07/08/11*lj the vehicle was towed to a repair shop where the front strut had broken in half. the remaining struts contained stress cracks. Updated 07/20/11
- Tires
Traveled approximately 120 miles from home. upon arriving at the destination, I noticed the right rear tire was extremely low with as estimated 10 p.s.i. Air pressure remaining. knowing that I had two previous tire blowouts on this vehicle due to cracked valve stems and occurring within the…
Traveled approximately 120 miles from home. upon arriving at the destination, I noticed the right rear tire was extremely low with as estimated 10 p.s.i. Air pressure remaining. knowing that I had two previous tire blowouts on this vehicle due to cracked valve stems and occurring within the previous 4 months, I moved the valve stem slightly back and forth and noticed air escaping from the area where the stem seats against the aluminum wheel. I put some soap bubbles around the stem and confirmed that air was escaping from a crack in the valve stem. reference odi #'s 10254187 and 10254189 as a reference on the previous two valve stem issues on same vehicle. Spare installed. visited the tire dealership where the four new replacement tires were installed 2 years, 8 months and 26,068 miles prior. no punctures, tears or cuts were found anywhere on the tire tread or sidewall. The only known cause of the low tire was a cracked valve stem in the area where the stem seats against the aluminum wheel allowing air to exhaust quickly from the tire once the crack propagated to inside. a new valve stem was installed. the left rear tire valve stem was also replaced at this time to avoid a future problem. cracked valve stem information; tr 413, eha germany. *tr
- Tires
Traveling at approximately 65 mph when right front tire near instantly deflated causing total tire failure before the vehicle could be pulled to side of road. tire sidewall was totally destroyed. spare installed. Visited the tire dealership where the four new replacement tires were installed 2…
Traveling at approximately 65 mph when right front tire near instantly deflated causing total tire failure before the vehicle could be pulled to side of road. tire sidewall was totally destroyed. spare installed. Visited the tire dealership where the four new replacement tires were installed 2 years, 5 months and 23,911 miles prior. no punctures, tears or cuts were found anywhere on the tire tread or sidewall. The only known cause of the tire failure was a cracked (cut) valve stem (as documented by dealership) in the area where the stem seats against the aluminum wheel allowing air to exhaust quickly from the tire once the crack propagated to inside. a new tire was installed along with a new valve stem. cracked valve stem information; tr 413, eha germany. this was the second time (within 900 miles) that a tire blowout occurred due to what appears to be a bad valve stem. cracked valve stem was saved for reference. *Tr
- Tires
Traveling at approximately 65mph when left front tire near instantly deflated causing total tire failure before the vehicle could be pulled to side of road. tire sidewall was totally destroyed. spare installed. Visited the tire dealership where the four new replacement tires were installed 2…
Traveling at approximately 65mph when left front tire near instantly deflated causing total tire failure before the vehicle could be pulled to side of road. tire sidewall was totally destroyed. spare installed. Visited the tire dealership where the four new replacement tires were installed 2 years, 4 months and 23,032 miles prior. no punctures, tears or cuts were found anywhere on the tire tread or sidewall. The only known cause of the tire failure was a cracked valve stem in the area where the stem seats against the aluminum wheel allowing air to exhaust quickly from the tire once the crack propagated to inside. a new tire was installed along with a new valve stem. cracked valve stem information; tr 413, eha germany. *tr
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 mercury sable. the contact stated that her headlights would fail intermittently and then illuminate again. she noticed that the failure occurred in brief intervals and she smelled a burning odor. the dealer installed a new headlight switch and, consequently, the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 mercury sable. the contact stated that her headlights would fail intermittently and then illuminate again. she noticed that the failure occurred in brief intervals and she smelled a burning odor. the dealer installed a new headlight switch and, consequently, the dashboard switch melted. the dealer stated that nothing could be done. ford stated that her vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign ID number 98v009000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). the failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
TL* - the contact has a 1994 mercury sable. the contact stated that he purchased a vehicle on the afternoon of 03/16/2007, and the following morning 03/17/2007 the vehicle would not work, and transmission fluid was pouring out of the vehicle. the contact stated that he could pour it in the top…
TL* - the contact has a 1994 mercury sable. the contact stated that he purchased a vehicle on the afternoon of 03/16/2007, and the following morning 03/17/2007 the vehicle would not work, and transmission fluid was pouring out of the vehicle. the contact stated that he could pour it in the top and watch it come out of the bottom. the contact was told by the dealer that they would come and get the vehicle repair it and charge him for it. the current and failure mileage were both 131,368 miles.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds the engine stalls without warning. this occurs more often in warmer weather. the vehicle restarts only after cooling off for at least 30 minutes. it has been inspected on several occasions; however the problem could not be duplicated.…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds the engine stalls without warning. this occurs more often in warmer weather. the vehicle restarts only after cooling off for at least 30 minutes. it has been inspected on several occasions; however the problem could not be duplicated. after researching the problems with this vehicle the contact believes the pfi ignition module IS over heating, causing the stalling.
- Structure › Frame and members
On may 10, 2005, I was driving to an appt. after I got off the highway, I was driving down tarkiln hill road and my car started to make a loud clunking sound and the steering was off. I applied my brake at the red light and my brake pedal went down to the floor. I was able to stop the car. I…
On may 10, 2005, I was driving to an appt. after I got off the highway, I was driving down tarkiln hill road and my car started to make a loud clunking sound and the steering was off. I applied my brake at the red light and my brake pedal went down to the floor. I was able to stop the car. I went to the appt. Which was two blocks away very slowly. when I got out of the appt. To come home, the car started and the noise was gone. I drove slowly home and when I got home, I looked on the internet to see if anyone had this problem. I came across a complaint page where someone IS complaining of the same issue and stated that his steering went. he said it was due to a safety recall. I looked up the recall and came across a page that had the recalls for my vehicle which IS a 1994 mercury sable. the campaign ID # IS 98v323000. it goes on to say: summary: detachment of the body mounts at the rear corners of the subframe, which supports the engine and transmission, allows the rear corners of the subframe to drop. if both rear corners drop, steering would become suddenly very difficult, affecting vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash. I contacted the dealer on church street in new bedford, sentury lincoln/mercury. they told me to bring the car in. when I got there, they told me there would be a $75.00 charge to see if that IS the problem, and if it IS, I would have to pay, because the recall was not on their computer. I called the ford company's 800 number and was told the same thing. I then called a mercury number, that I got off the internet and was told by that gentleman that the ID # of the recall IS from a vendor and the ford company has a right to not consider it a recall and if they do not support it, which they do not, I would have to file a complaint with you, which IS what I am doing.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
My headlight switch went out and I replaced it. I was wondering if I could get compansation for buying it myself, as it appears to be a recall. also there seems to be a problem with my home computer and I am not able to view any detailed information about my vehicle. if someone could e-mail me…
My headlight switch went out and I replaced it. I was wondering if I could get compansation for buying it myself, as it appears to be a recall. also there seems to be a problem with my home computer and I am not able to view any detailed information about my vehicle. if someone could e-mail me, I would greatly appreciate the information that I need to know about my car, or anything that I qualify for. I don't know any of my vehicles past history, so it would also be appreciated if I could recieve it.
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Contact stated: when shifting from reverse to drive engine makes a loud noise. Also, the front suspension springs broke while driving.*ak
- Unknown or other
"Car IS very auto efficient". the consumers license plates were stolen. *jb
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
My wife's finger was cought in the electric winodw when she inadvertantly pressed the "up" button!*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
The left rear brake line became clogged with corosion debris and the brake locked.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Rear steel brake pipe failed due to corrosion.*ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Multi function switch IS defective. when using the right turn signal it makes the windshield wipers turn off, and the windshield wiper fluid will not come out. *Ak
- Suspension › Front
While driving at any speed steering wheel feels loose, and makes a loud noise. Dealer notified. independent shop indicated the sway bar failed. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Fuel system, gasoline · Power train · Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering · Structure · Unknown or other · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
The key insert does not align, have had 2 transmissions in 5 years. (I know to check my fluids) new engine, & the paint IS awful. Engine, motor, gas, gasps and jerks with me. Have had motor mounts replaced, nothing helps. Heater coil(?) went out, I have no heat now. We had to bypass. The rest I…
The key insert does not align, have had 2 transmissions in 5 years. (I know to check my fluids) new engine, & the paint IS awful. Engine, motor, gas, gasps and jerks with me. Have had motor mounts replaced, nothing helps. Heater coil(?) went out, I have no heat now. We had to bypass. The rest I have not been able to afford to repair. I hate this car. I am worried everytime I get in it that my mother and I are not going to get home. I have had the car towed so many times, the man who does the towing knows me and my car on sight. I will not go more than 30 miles fromt he house. My mechanic even hates the car. I call him an angel, because he has kept it running.
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline · Power train · Structure · Unknown or other
Hatch glass came loose started leaking(56000) fuel pump started acting up get hot and hang up(75000) no recall. State farm showed they paid for towing on many, ford products that used the same pump still no recall. Transmission shifts down, or shifts out of gear while driving smith ford conway was…
Hatch glass came loose started leaking(56000) fuel pump started acting up get hot and hang up(75000) no recall. State farm showed they paid for towing on many, ford products that used the same pump still no recall. Transmission shifts down, or shifts out of gear while driving smith ford conway was supposed to check the heads for leaks six months later the head gasket blew,and the air went out at this time I was told the the date this car was originally put in sevice made it out of warranty. This car IS sitting in my garage with motor out of it because ford didn't do its job. Paint peeled off the inside of the door post.
- Power train · Unknown or other · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
I have had constant overheating problems with ths car. the problems range from cracked flush/fill valves, to hoses,to water pump failure. 03/30/2002 transmission started slipping. A mechanic at a local shop recommended adding fluid. the problem continued and each time the mechanic recommended adding fluid. no leak was determined. Problem continued until the transmission went out in 07/2003.
- Engine and engine cooling
Head gaskets broke, possibly caused cracked cylinder heads/further engine damage
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
I have a 1994' sable in which the front left coil spring IS just about to break due to fractures in metal. My 93' sable in which have sold, had same problem.when it broke I was turning at the time.luckly I did not wreck but had no control of car since the spring ruptured my tire,and frame of car was scraping the blacktop. *Ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Loss of headlights during vehicle operation. Headlights go out while driving.there was recall of this problem in 1998 and I was never notified. Recall ID number 98voo9000i. I bought auto from dealer before recall. The above condition happens all the time. Unable to drive at night. *ak
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
- 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.
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.
- 625888Information regarding engine replacements warranty extension program.
- 625878Information regarding engine replacements warranty extension program.
- 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.
- 619293Information on additional parts required when replacing transfer case on vehicles equippped with AX4S transaxle.
- 618535Information regarding premature failure of head gaskets.
- 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.
- 613867Subject regarding customers with prior after warranty adjustment (awa) head gasket repair.
- 613563Important recall information regarding vehicles that experience premature failure of the head gasket.
- 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
- 612897Some vehicles may experience premature head gasket(s) failure, which may result in engine coolant leakage, which if not detected, can cause engine overheating. *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.
- 607407Some vehicles may exhibit an intermittent neutral condition after driving and coming to a stop.
- 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.
- 605465Premature failure of engine head gaskets may occur. This condition may result in engine coolant leakage, which, if not detected or if ignored, will cause engine overheating, or in extreme cases, could cause engine failure if overheat condition IS ignored.
Every Mercury Sable model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.