1998 Mercury Sable
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Sable › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Mercury Sable. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1998 Mercury Sable. Newest first.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manual seat tracks. the front seat belt buckle attaching stud may have been improperly heat treated. this heat treatment may have resulted in cracks developing in the stud.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the stud IS cracked, in the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle mounting bracket and stud assembly.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the text and/or graphics for the vehicle headlamp aiming instructions provided in the owner guides are not sufficiently clear. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the headlamp assemblies are replaced, customers may be confused by the aiming instructions provided in the owner guides causing the headlamps to be improperly aimed.
Remedy
Owner guides containing revised aiming instructions will be mailed to owners of these vehicles.
Owner complaints
190 complaints28 involved a crash3 involved a fire18 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
Rear coil springs broken on both sides. poor design. I was told there IS a recall on this, but I do not see it. this IS unsafe, because it will throw the car as it goes over a bump. it can also push up into the trunk, if not fixed. very, very dangerous.
- Exterior lighting
The high beams do not function, unless the lever (which changes the beam from low to high) IS pulled towards me and held constantly in that position. when this lever IS released the high beams go off, but there are no low beams. the defective part , according to my mechanic, IS the "lighting control module".
- Air bags · Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 1998 mercury sable. While driving 35 mph, the brakes failed. Due to the brake failure, the vehicle was involved in a crash at an intersection with an oncoming vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact and passenger sustained injuries to the back and face that…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 mercury sable. While driving 35 mph, the brakes failed. Due to the brake failure, the vehicle was involved in a crash at an intersection with an oncoming vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact and passenger sustained injuries to the back and face that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 179,000.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1998 mercury sable. The contact stated that he would hear a rattling noise from under the hood and assumed that the motor mounts needed to be replaced. The contact repaired the vehicle but the failure recurred. The contact inspected under the vehicle and noticed that the…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 mercury sable. The contact stated that he would hear a rattling noise from under the hood and assumed that the motor mounts needed to be replaced. The contact repaired the vehicle but the failure recurred. The contact inspected under the vehicle and noticed that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and stated that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 85,500.
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1998 mercury sable. The contact had been parked for two hours in the parking lot of a small community park. As the contact was driving approximately 5-10 mph, the vehicle suddenly accelerated at a high speed. The contact did not have time to check the speedometer before the…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 mercury sable. The contact had been parked for two hours in the parking lot of a small community park. As the contact was driving approximately 5-10 mph, the vehicle suddenly accelerated at a high speed. The contact did not have time to check the speedometer before the turn was completed. The vehicle failed to slow down when engaging the brake pedal and because the turn had not been completed the contact veered off to the left of the road and then crossed the road to the right. As the contact tried to get back on the road, she drove over a two-foot boulder and several smaller boulders and then crashed into a fence of tall bushes and came to a stop approximately ten feet past the boulders that had been dragged in the middle of the driveway. The air bags deployed as the vehicle came to a stop. this all took place in a matter of seconds. There were no personal injuries. The vehicle was completely destroyed and towed to an authorized ford dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximately failure mileage was 93,300
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mercury sable. The contact was driving in reverse 3 mph and in a residential driveway when the vehicle stopped moving. The engine was still running. While inspecting the vehicle, he found that the front coil spring had fractured and punctured the front driver side tire.…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mercury sable. The contact was driving in reverse 3 mph and in a residential driveway when the vehicle stopped moving. The engine was still running. While inspecting the vehicle, he found that the front coil spring had fractured and punctured the front driver side tire. the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 132,000. updated 05/24/11*lj updated 05/26/11*jb
- Steering · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1998 mercury sable. The contact stated that the vehicle would accelerate independently when driving at various speeds. In addition, the horn would sound independently. The contact further inspected the vehicle and stated that there was a buildup of corrosion found on an…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 mercury sable. The contact stated that the vehicle would accelerate independently when driving at various speeds. In addition, the horn would sound independently. The contact further inspected the vehicle and stated that there was a buildup of corrosion found on an unknown pin inside of the steering column. The contact believed the failure was caused by the corrosion of the steering column components. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was unavailable. The failure mileage was 7,000 and the current mileage was 12,000.
- Electrical system
My check engine light came on. I took my car to a repair shop to retrieve stored engine control codes po443 and po455. I replaced the part and there IS still the same code po443 and po455. I keep my old part. *Tr
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs · Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil springs
Tl*the contact owns 1998 mercury sable. Several mechanics stated that the rear suspension and the rear coil springs failed. The dealer stated that the rear coil spring corroded and was related to a manufacturers recall; however, the vin was not a part of the recall. The vehicle has not been…
Tl*the contact owns 1998 mercury sable. Several mechanics stated that the rear suspension and the rear coil springs failed. The dealer stated that the rear coil spring corroded and was related to a manufacturers recall; however, the vin was not a part of the recall. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and the failure mileages were 80,000. updated 10/21/09 *bf the consumer was also informed the front coil springs were defective as well. Updated 10/23/09*jb
- Suspension
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mercury sable. while driving 45 mph, the driver's side tire suddenly blew out. there was no crash as a result of the failure. an independent mechanic assisted the contact with placing the spare tire on the vehicle and then informed him that the coil spring was the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mercury sable. while driving 45 mph, the driver's side tire suddenly blew out. there was no crash as a result of the failure. an independent mechanic assisted the contact with placing the spare tire on the vehicle and then informed him that the coil spring was the cause of the blow out. the dealer stated that only 1999-2001 sables were included in nhtsa campaign ID number 04v332000 (suspension:front:springs:coil springs). he spoke with the manufacturer and they confirmed that the vin was not included in the recall. the current and failure mileages were approximately 94,100.
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mercury sable. while the vehicle was at the shop for an oil change, the mechanic noticed a small hole under the frame. the contact took the vehicle to have the brakes repaired and was informed that there were several small holes near the subframe by the engine. the vehicle has not been repaired. the current mileage was 180,000 and failure mileage was 160,000.
- Suspension › Front · Suspension › Front › Control arm · Suspension › Front › Shock absorber · Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs · Tires · Tires › Tread/belt
98 sable wagon. (spring plate gave and spring blew out tire and damaged front end rods or arms, shock according to ford service analysis) and left front end almost sitting on the ground. According to ford analysis). I thought it was just a blow out so I had aaa come to tow it to my dealership.…
98 sable wagon. (spring plate gave and spring blew out tire and damaged front end rods or arms, shock according to ford service analysis) and left front end almost sitting on the ground. According to ford analysis). I thought it was just a blow out so I had aaa come to tow it to my dealership. when the aaa driver saw the damage, he said he's seen this several times and that there was a safety recall out for this specific situation. ford dealership looked up recalls for my car and said there was one for what happened to my car but it was for 99 and newer models and that there was nothing they could do about repairing it under a recall. I called ford corporate customer service and they told me that there was nothing they could do and wouldn't invest their money into repairing my car. fortunate for me the incident occurred while backing out of my driveway. if it were on the highway, it would have been a catastrophe. I've been told that the 98S and 99S are very similar, so I don't understand why ford wouldn't make the repairs at their cost under the safety recall. *Cn
- Vehicle speed control
1999 mercury sable accelerated without warning. The customer stated the vehicle accelerated as he was attempting to brake at an intersection to make a right turn. *kb *tr the consumer was able to get the vehicle under control after putting it in neutral. Updated 03/22/10 updated 05/28/10.*jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Brakes line leaking fluid due to corrosion of metal,lost all brake fluid when brakes were put on. *jb
- Steering
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mercury sable GS. she stated that while turning the vehicle it swerved to the opposite direction. the vehicle to crash into a pole, which caused the vehicle to roll over two times. the vehicle was destroyed. the contact sustained swelling and sharp pains. the crash…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mercury sable GS. she stated that while turning the vehicle it swerved to the opposite direction. the vehicle to crash into a pole, which caused the vehicle to roll over two times. the vehicle was destroyed. the contact sustained swelling and sharp pains. the crash was reported to the police. the current and failure mileages were 175,000. the powertrain and purchase date was unavailable.
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
I was just pulling out of work when I heard my front drivers side tire exploded. I was still in the parking lot going less than 10 mph. when I got the tire off I noticed that my spring had broken and was rubbing up against my tire causing my low-speed blowout. ford has acknowledged that there IS…
I was just pulling out of work when I heard my front drivers side tire exploded. I was still in the parking lot going less than 10 mph. when I got the tire off I noticed that my spring had broken and was rubbing up against my tire causing my low-speed blowout. ford has acknowledged that there IS a problem with these springs due to rust and corrosion, but have only recalled the 99-01 models. I would like ford to look into extending the recall as I know I am not the only 98 owner to experience such an issue. I am thankful, though, that this did happen in a parking lot. I was only two minutes away from getting on I-75, and probably could have lost my life. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I drove the car to do errands and it was not having any problems. I parked the car at the mall and came back to drive home and the transmission failed. the gears would not engage. I was forced to have it towed home. it showed no signs of having a problem, and the transmission fluid was intact with no signs of a problem. This appeared to be a costly repair, so I chose not to fix it at this time.*ak
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
For years I have had electrical problems on 1998 mercury sable--the dome light, floor lights and door lights constantly on. I keep the dome light off. the floor light bulbs were removed. door lights are constantly on. however, 1.5 years ago, I lost all headlights at night upon entering a…
For years I have had electrical problems on 1998 mercury sable--the dome light, floor lights and door lights constantly on. I keep the dome light off. the floor light bulbs were removed. door lights are constantly on. however, 1.5 years ago, I lost all headlights at night upon entering a highway. I could risk using high beams by holding in place. multifunction arm was replaced and the dial on dashboard. then both dials were replaced for fan and heating, defrost and air conditioner. then told my computer chip needs to be replaced. I have no defroster, heat, fan or air conditioner. also, last year after dealing with service engine light on and off then staying on for years, had to replace the emissions sensor for car to be inspected. would a dealer be willing to give me a defroster fix and/or heat. many people have told me that ford and mercury are known for electrical problems. and over 1500 dollars later and I still have a defective, unsafe car. *nm
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Dt*: the contact stated while backing out of the garage a loud bang was heard. when the consumer exited the vehicle the front driver side tire was observed to be flat. the vehicle was towed to the dealership, where it was determined the coil spring fractured causing the flat tire. the coil spring has been replaced. updated 08/14/06. *Jb
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 10 mph the right front coil spring fractured and blew out the right front tire. the dealership has been informed. updated 07/25/06. *Jb
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs · Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil springs
Noise from front during turns. took car to shop same day and was told the driver front coil spring had fractured and rubbing on tire during turns. this IS the second fractured coil spring on this car. both rear coil springs were replaced 4/20/05 after the passenger side rear spring fractured…
Noise from front during turns. took car to shop same day and was told the driver front coil spring had fractured and rubbing on tire during turns. this IS the second fractured coil spring on this car. both rear coil springs were replaced 4/20/05 after the passenger side rear spring fractured (reported to nhtsa -odi 10146034). broken front coil spring replaced 5/4/06. was told by shop we were lucky the tire didn't blow. *nm
- Vehicle speed control
On february 14, 2006 as I drove up to my neighbor's garage door, my 1998 mercury sable wagon had 'a mind of it's own'. It would not respond to the brake but accelerated 'on it's own' causing me to go through the door and hit the side brick wall of the garage. The insurance company totaled the car.…
On february 14, 2006 as I drove up to my neighbor's garage door, my 1998 mercury sable wagon had 'a mind of it's own'. It would not respond to the brake but accelerated 'on it's own' causing me to go through the door and hit the side brick wall of the garage. The insurance company totaled the car. After much research, I found many such stories with several makes of cars. The cruise control causes an 'sudden involuntary acceleration' which does not allow the brake to work these are only a couple of the links I found. http://www.safetyforum.com/fordsua/ http://www.antony-anderson.com/cruise/9.5-links.html#ford many people have been injured or killed. Fortunately, I had no injuries except to my emotions. I can still see myself going through that garage door and not being able to stop it. lorraine barnicle. *nm
- Vehicle speed control
Dt*: the contact stated while driving in stop and go traffic, the vehicle lurched forward without prior warning. although brake pressure remained constant, the vehicle continued forward motion. the vehicle gently tapped another vehicle on the rear bumper. the driver turned off the key in the…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving in stop and go traffic, the vehicle lurched forward without prior warning. although brake pressure remained constant, the vehicle continued forward motion. the vehicle gently tapped another vehicle on the rear bumper. the driver turned off the key in the ignition and the vehicle stopped. there was damage to the sable's bumper, grill and headlights. no physical injuries were sustained. the police were on the scene and a report was taken. the vehicle was seen by a dealer. a diagnostic test was performed, but the test did not detect any failure codes. upon further inspection by the service department, the throttle plate and air motor were carbonated and it was suspected that this possibly caused the throttle to stick causing the sudden acceleration. *nm updated 2/13/2006 - *nm
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil springs
While researching another problem online, I found references to coil spring problems for other sable model years, so thought I should notify nhtsa my rear coil spring broke also. while parked in my garage, the passenger side rear coil spring on my 1998 mercury sable wagon broke. Incident date IS…
While researching another problem online, I found references to coil spring problems for other sable model years, so thought I should notify nhtsa my rear coil spring broke also. while parked in my garage, the passenger side rear coil spring on my 1998 mercury sable wagon broke. Incident date IS estimated, I had to wait for the shop to get the springs. both rear springs were replaced april 20, 2005 (i have receipt). *jb
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Dt: the contact stated the vehicle experienced sudden acceleration. the contact set cruise control sat on 35 mph. When he went to tap the brake to deactivate the cruise control the vehicle accelerated. The vehicle would not stop. He had to turn the cruise control off by hand several times before the car would slow down. The manufacturer has not been contacted. *Ak
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.
- 10017916Surge, idle roll, rough idle only when the engine cooling fans are operating.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10008592Exhaust system y-pipe crack at the noise vibration harness bracket.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008314Erratic operation of the cool/warm function of the temperature control system - repair procedure for stratification (secondary) temperature blend door.
- 10008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application.
- 10008183Groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector IS in park with the vehicle parked on an incline. This bulletin updates previous bulletin 17358, dated 11/01/2003 to include 2005 models.
- 10004886Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457 or p1442 or a check fuel cap lamp illuminated with dtc p0457 for the evaporative emission system.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
- 10002684Torque converter clutch not engaging when commanded and/or diagnostic trouble codes p0741 or p1744 stored in memory. Models from 1996 to 2003.
- 10000592Incorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge, lost of power, malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1336, p1309 and p0340.
- 6092180Subject regarding service tip for sun visor bracket breakage.
- 6092160Information regarding a/c peanut o-ring color.
- 6091905Subject regarding the sbds relative cam timing test.
- 6091815Some vehicles may exhibit front outer tie rods squeak and / or pop noise over bumps and / or turning.
- 6091729Information on removing rear tie down brackets during pdi as required.
- 6090880Service tip for vehicles built 11/1/1997 - 2/15/1999 with single illuminated vanity mirror sun visors only, may exhibit a broken sunvisor stowage bracket.
- 6090873Locks failed. Yd
- 6090834Information on using peanut style a/c fittings.
- 6090649Information regarding slight vibration upon acceleration. *Mjs
- 6090538Information regarding camshaft position (cmp) sensor alignment tool chart. *Mjs
- 6090310Some service manuals may list the incorrect camshaft position sensor alignment tool for vehicles with various engine sizes.
- 6090184Information on replacing and / or repairing malfunctioning (door, ignition and decklid) locks.
- 6090131Information on diagnosing a vehicle with malfunction indicator lamp illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes p0442 and p0455 stored in continuous memory.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090085Service information for musty and mildew type odors coming from the air conditioning / heating system.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6090053Some vehicles equipped with AX4S transaxle, may exhibit a harsh 2-3 downshift may occur when coasting around a corner and then accelerating.
- 6090051Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 637556Some vehicles equipped with an ax4n/4f50n transaxle may exhibit a shudder during a 3-4 shift.
- 636065Information regarding discharged battery charging service tips and guidelines.
- 635968Some vehicles equipped with the 3.0L 4V duratec engine may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with a diagnostic trouble code p1518, intake manifold runner control.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 630408Some vehicles may exhibit a check engine light and/or egr diagnostic trouble codes 332, p0401, p1407 (lackof egr flow).
- 630356Some vehicles may exhibit a park pullout clunk noise when shifting from park to another gear position.
Every Mercury Sable model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.