1999 Mercury Sable
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Mercury › Sable › 1999
These records cover every 1999 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 1999 Mercury Sable. Newest first.
On certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, the front…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this occurs, the tire may rupture resulting in a rapid air loss, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install protective spring shields. in addition, ford IS extending the warranty coverage of the front coil springs in all other states, for fracture only, up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first. if the vehicle has already accumulated more than 150,000 miles, this coverage will last until july 31, 2005. if either front coil spring fractures, dealers will replace both front springs at no charge to the owner. an interim notice was sent to owners on august 2, 2004. parts are now available for the 2000-2001 my vehicles and owners were sent a letter on january 10, 2005, advising them to bring in their vehicles for repair parts are expected to be available for the 1999 my vehicles by the end of february 2005 and owners of these vehicles will be notified then. owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the seat belt retractor may have a pin shaft in the switchable elr/alr mechanism that IS incorrectly formed. in some circumstances, the switching mechanism could become nonfunctional, preventing the seat belt webbing from being extracted from the retractor. it IS also possible that malfunction of the mechanism…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the mechanism malfunctions and does not allow the webbing to be extracted, the lap and shoulder belt could not be worn by a vehicle occupant. in the event that the mechanism does not allow the alr mode to be engaged, the operator may be unable to properly install a child seat in that seating position.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the lap and shoulder belt assemblies. assemblies with julian date codes of 200 through 223 are suspect and will be replaced.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equpped with the "california" emissions package. an incorrect transmission oil cooler line was installed. the line contacts the anti-lock braking system module support bracket and over time, can wear and develop a leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Transmission fluid leakage onto the exhaust manifold or catalytic converter can result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install the appropriate transmission oil cooler line.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. a dash insulator retainer clip was not fully assembled to the accelerator cable dash fitting. the clip can disengage from the accelerator cable and fall into the accelerator pedal arm pivot area.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this condition occurs, the engine may not fully return to idle. also, the insulator may not stay in the intended location and could interfere with the accelerator cable.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect these vehicles to ensure proper installation of the accelerator cable clip, and re-install if needed.
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.
Owner complaints
258 complaints22 involved a crash4 involved a fire24 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
I bought a used 1999 mercury sable GS with the u type 3.0L V6 engine 2 months ago. Just recently I noticed the car wanting to lunge forward while holding the brake at stops. Then a few days later whenever I start the car it lunges forward. Nothing dramatic but definitely noticeable. I started…
I bought a used 1999 mercury sable GS with the u type 3.0L V6 engine 2 months ago. Just recently I noticed the car wanting to lunge forward while holding the brake at stops. Then a few days later whenever I start the car it lunges forward. Nothing dramatic but definitely noticeable. I started looking online to see about a recall and 1 was present a long time ago. IS it to late to get my car checked or how to see if it was ever serviced or called for the recall.
- Steering
While driving the steering wheel became loose and made it very hard to steer almost causing me to have a accident after coming to a stop the steering wheel was off center and very hard to turn had to get car towed.i find this to be a complete rip off because I see numerous complaints of steering problems of the same matter
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable wagon. While driving 40 mph, the steering wheel became loose and was unable to control the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable wagon. While driving 40 mph, the steering wheel became loose and was unable to control the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then to an independent mechanic who stated that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 149,000. The vin was not available.
- Structure › Body
Rear subframe connection passenger side rusted through due to factory put air conditioner condensate line so that it constantly dumps condensate on this area instead of draining condensate beyond and to the ground. The result IS a rusted out severed connection thereby causing the engine and…
Rear subframe connection passenger side rusted through due to factory put air conditioner condensate line so that it constantly dumps condensate on this area instead of draining condensate beyond and to the ground. The result IS a rusted out severed connection thereby causing the engine and transmission to be held by only three of the four connections needed to safely hold engine and transmission as designed from the factory.
- Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable. While driving various speeds, the brakes hesitated to stop the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.
- Air bags · Steering
The steering IS horible, about 3years ago changed rack appion steering, and just a week ago, put new steering pump on, still.
- Steering
Even after replacing the second power steering pump , it IS horrible turning the steering wheel most of the time. Also, it IS noisy while I'm driving it. It had a new rack and pinion on it when I bought it . Parking in a parking lot IS awful as it IS almost impossible to maneuver around other…
Even after replacing the second power steering pump , it IS horrible turning the steering wheel most of the time. Also, it IS noisy while I'm driving it. It had a new rack and pinion on it when I bought it . Parking in a parking lot IS awful as it IS almost impossible to maneuver around other cars. Turning corners ,sometimes it's okay and other times really hard. Not sure if this complaint belongs here, but heater doesn't work ,either. Feels like a/c IS on . Had a friend check it and he IS having a hard time figuring it out. Don't know how to answer "date happened" as it has been doing this since I bought it in august.
- Structure
After rains the car got a wet floor on the passenger side ,no wet spots on roof or windows. It was leaking water from the dash board compartment bottom.while driving ,the heater was on and it started smoking from under the dashboard compartment by passenger side I turned everything off . I took it…
After rains the car got a wet floor on the passenger side ,no wet spots on roof or windows. It was leaking water from the dash board compartment bottom.while driving ,the heater was on and it started smoking from under the dashboard compartment by passenger side I turned everything off . I took it for repair and now, on may it rained heavy again and it has a puddle in the passenger side again ,same situation as before, water came from inside.is this a safety hazard? I bought this car on november 2013 ,and I knew too late about the heating system recall ,i don't know if it was ever repaired on that recall.ford dealer in colorado says there IS no way to check it.according to some websites it needs something to have a protection under the wipers vents(cowl) and it IS a factory mistake. I have had the heating system repaired 2 times,too expensive for me.i am under employed. I want to know if this IS a safety hazard. It IS the only way I could make ford to fix this recalled if the car was never fixed for this before.thanks for your help. *tr
- Suspension
Vehicle spring fractured breaking the bottom part off the coil spring on the front left drivers side of the car.the left front IS now lower and tires show wear. I have stopped driving as a result. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
1999 mercury sable. consumer writes in regards to total brake system failure in vehicle. *smd the consumer stated the brake line needed to be replaced.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable. The contact stated that the passenger seat belt does not retract or properly secure the passenger. The manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in (nhtsa campaign ID number: 99v250000 seat belts: front: anchorage); the vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000. The current mileage was not available.
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns 1999 mercury sable wagon. The contact stated that the brake was depressed when the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 109,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Suspension › Rear
My 99 sable GS has a recall on the front coil springs and ford will not replace them because it has exceeded the time frame. Which IS ridiculous! I never even received a recall notice on the car we found the recall online. Also the rear coil springs are broken and the tires are messed up and ford…
My 99 sable GS has a recall on the front coil springs and ford will not replace them because it has exceeded the time frame. Which IS ridiculous! I never even received a recall notice on the car we found the recall online. Also the rear coil springs are broken and the tires are messed up and ford won't recall them if salt IS going to get in the front coil springs and make them crack then what makes you think that it won't get in the rear? We have small children and are worried about their safety. We will be getting a lawyer and file a complaint through him because this car IS not safe for anyone to be in let alone children. I think they should worry about safety and not mass production. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension › Front
Sub frame rusted through around front lower control arm bolts causing excessive play in steering and possible separation of control arm from sub frame. Front mount bolt IS recessed 1/2 inch in to the sub frame where water/salt can collect and has no where to drain. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable. The contact stated that excessive rust caused the steering column to snap while he was driving 45 mph. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who stated that the frame had not been coated correctly at production. The mechanic repaired the frame and…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable. The contact stated that excessive rust caused the steering column to snap while he was driving 45 mph. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who stated that the frame had not been coated correctly at production. The mechanic repaired the frame and steering column. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 15,700. updated 2/22/11 *cn updated 12/06/2011 *ln
- Structure › Frame and members
Subframe of vehicle IS severely rusted to the point where it IS structurally unsound. most of the body rot IS covered by the plastic molding under the doors, and IS not visible until the molding IS removed. it seems that water and road salt must get trapped between the molding and metal leading…
Subframe of vehicle IS severely rusted to the point where it IS structurally unsound. most of the body rot IS covered by the plastic molding under the doors, and IS not visible until the molding IS removed. it seems that water and road salt must get trapped between the molding and metal leading to the extensive rust. the frame breaking while driving at highway speeds would lead to a catastrophic failure which could cause a potentially fatal accident. *Tr
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable. The contact stated that while attempting to operate the vehicle she noticed the front passenger side seat belt was stuck in the anchorage and would not pull out or retract. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable. The contact stated that while attempting to operate the vehicle she noticed the front passenger side seat belt was stuck in the anchorage and would not pull out or retract. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number: 99v250000 (seat belts: front: anchorage). The vehicle was not serviced for the failure. The failure and current mileages were 98,000. Updated 10/27/10. *Lj
- Wheels · Wheels › Rim
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable LS. While driving 35 mph the vehicle drifted off of the road and into a wooded area. he sustained minor injuries. Upon further inspection he noticed that the corrosion on the chrome plated wheel caused the passenger front tire to lose pressure. All four…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable LS. While driving 35 mph the vehicle drifted off of the road and into a wooded area. he sustained minor injuries. Upon further inspection he noticed that the corrosion on the chrome plated wheel caused the passenger front tire to lose pressure. All four wheels were replaced with alloyed wheels. The failure and current mileages were 122,000. updated 04/01/10 *bf the tire lost air pressure as a result of chroming of the tire sealing area. Updated 07/19/*jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Complete brake failure. Pedal went to the floor and car would not stop. I used the emergency brake to safely stop the vehicle. This happened once before about three years ago and a repair center was unable to duplicate. Brake master cylinder failed and needed to be replaced. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable. while driving at an unknown speed, the consumer drove over a small puddle of water, which caused the power steering to lock up. a few seconds later, the power steering returned. the contact believes that the steering fails whenever the serpentine belt…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable. while driving at an unknown speed, the consumer drove over a small puddle of water, which caused the power steering to lock up. a few seconds later, the power steering returned. the contact believes that the steering fails whenever the serpentine belt gets wet. the belt must dry off before he can gain control of the vehicle. the vehicle has not been diagnosed. the failure has occurred between five and six times. the failure and current mileages were 140,000. updated 07/17/09. *lj updated 07/20/09.*jb
- Unknown or other
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable. the vehicle was previously repaired according to nhtsa campaign ID number 04v332000 (suspension:front:springs:coil springs). currently, the rear springs failed and the dealer stated that there was no recall. the contact was informed to take the vehicle…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable. the vehicle was previously repaired according to nhtsa campaign ID number 04v332000 (suspension:front:springs:coil springs). currently, the rear springs failed and the dealer stated that there was no recall. the contact was informed to take the vehicle to another dealer because ford gave them permission to replace the rear springs. as of december 2008, the dealer no longer repairs the rear springs and the contact would be responsible for paying for the repairs. the failure mileage was 91,000. updated 05/06/09 *bf the consumer stated to disregard the complaint. The problem was not the springs. Updated 05/08/09.*jb
- Seat belts
In my 1999 mercury sable vehicle the seat belts are not working right. Keeps on coming attached from the mechanism that hold the belt across your body. Please help me . *Tr
- Structure
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable. the contact stated that the rocker panels were rusted and rotted beyond repair. the only thing holding the vehicle together was the roof of the vehicle. she noticed the issue after the vehicle failed inspection. the manufacturer stated that nothing could be done because the contact did not purchase an extended service plan. the failure mileage was 135,030.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
The brakes on the 1999 mercury sable that I purchased 4 years ago have been repaired and/or replaced 4 times! now they are going out again. I have had the rotors turned, and every other thing that has been suggested. when I asked the last mechanic why my brakes keep going out, he stated that…
The brakes on the 1999 mercury sable that I purchased 4 years ago have been repaired and/or replaced 4 times! now they are going out again. I have had the rotors turned, and every other thing that has been suggested. when I asked the last mechanic why my brakes keep going out, he stated that this size of ford was not supplied with an appropriate brake for the size of car. I asked what could be done to remedy the situation, and was informed that I would have to keep replacing the brakes. I think this IS a horrible answer. I would like to know what ford will do for me. I live in oregon and am surrounded by mountains, but I don't dare go over any of the mountain ranges because going downhill and applying the brakes makes the entire car shimmy and it feels like I will lose control of the car and that it won't stop. I have to make weekly trips over the mountains, so I always rent a car. this IS getting to be too expensive. I own my car free and clear and would like the brakes to stay fixed once I get them fixed before there IS an accident. *Tr
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
I have a 1999 mercury sable. in january 11, 2008, I have replaced the windshield washer pump. on july 15, 2008, the pump stopped again. I have noticed that some of the 2000 mercury sables are on recall for the same problem. might the 1999 mercury sable be looked at in this light to ascertain if this IS a recurring problem? *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Front suspension coil spring fracture
Odi possesses 130 vehicle owners questionnaires (voq) alleging front suspension coil spring failure in the subject (model year 1999-2000) vehicles.an additional 11 voqs concerning my 2001 vehicles have been found, bringing the total to 141.more than 75% of these reports allege that the broken spring damaged or…
Odi possesses 130 vehicle owners questionnaires (voq) alleging front suspension coil spring failure in the subject (model year 1999-2000) vehicles.an additional 11 voqs concerning my 2001 vehicles have been found, bringing the total to 141.more than 75% of these reports allege that the broken spring damaged or punctured the adjacent tire.all of these reports originated in the salt belt states located in the northeast quadrant of the united states and canada.ford will conduct a safety recall (04v-332) covering vehicles soldor currently registered in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, to install spring shields in my 1999-2001 taurus/sable vehicles to prevent a fractured spring from damaging the nearby tire.ford will additionally notify owners of all my 1999-2001 taurus/sable vehicles that warranty coverage for spring fractures has been extended to 10 years of age or 150,000 miles.odi analyzed ford?s warranty and complaint data and found that 99% of the spring fractures occurred in the states covered by the recall.the other incidents occurred in the states of florida, north carolina, texas, alabama, and georgia.in view of the coverage of the spring failures by the recall campaign, odi IS closing the preliminary evaluation.odi will continue to monitor the performance of the subject vehicles throughout the remainder of the country.
- Front suspension coil spring fracture
A total of 161 front suspension spring failures are known to odi and ford from all sources, 59 of these leading to tire damage.these failures are concentrated in the corrosion states, where 253,814 subject vehicles were sold.warranty and consumer complaint data show that the subject fleet experienced a spring fracture…
A total of 161 front suspension spring failures are known to odi and ford from all sources, 59 of these leading to tire damage.these failures are concentrated in the corrosion states, where 253,814 subject vehicles were sold.warranty and consumer complaint data show that the subject fleet experienced a spring fracture rate of 0.009% at 30,000 miles and 0.03% at 60,000 miles.these rates are very low when compared to previous investigations of coil spring fracture:recalled '93 taurus (ea97-026): 0.1% at 30,000 miles and 0.34% at 60,000 miles; and recalled '98 windstar (ea00-027): 0.11% at 30,000 miles and 1.25% at 60,000 miles.the subject vehicles also experienced failure rates substantially lower than those of comparable-aged non-recalled windstars subject to ea00-027 (my '95-'97).given these circumstances, further expenditure of agency resources IS not justified in this matter.the preliminary evaluation IS therefore closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will take further action in the future if circumstances warrant.
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.
- 10205033Safety recall 04S17 - Front coil springs - requests for recall service action
- 10183769For 1999-2001 Taurus or Sable vehicles Safety Recall 04S17 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where the front coil springs could potentially fracture. A fractured front coil spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire. If a front coil spring should fracture and come in contact with a tire, the tire may rupture resulting in rapid air loss, which could increase the risk of a crash without warning.
- 10058102Mercury/ford: safety recall regarding front coil springs can fracture on vehicles operating for extended periods in high corrosion areas. Model 1999-01 taurus, sable.
- 10056656Mercury/ford: front coil springs can fracture, after operating, for an extended period of time, in high corrosion areas, move move past spring seat and contact rupture front tire, resulting rapid air loss. Model 1999-2001 taurus, sable.
- 10017916Surge, idle roll, rough idle only when the engine cooling fans are operating.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014062Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013080Headliner grab handles loosen.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10011159Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10009321Inoperative electric rear window defroster (heated backlite) grid lines, integral antenna concerns.
- 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.
- 10001934AX4S transaxle may exhibit no reverse engagement condition.
- 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.
- 6092090Effective october 15, 1999, the AX4S and AX4N transmission assembly for the certain vehicles are available as a ford quality renewal (fqr) assembly.
- 6092039Some vehicles may intermittently exhibit a self activated single wipe of the front windshield wipers.
- 6091962Subject regarding a redesigned park system in AX4S and AX4N transaxle.
- 6091921Some vehicles may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes p0351 / p0356 (ignition coil a-f primary / secondary circuit).
- 6091917Some vehicles equipped with the passive anti-theft system (pats) may exhibit a no crank starting condition.
- 6091905Subject regarding the sbds relative cam timing test.
- 6091848Subject regarding front seat trim investigation.
- 6091815Some vehicles may exhibit front outer tie rods squeak and / or pop noise over bumps and / or turning.
- 6091813The owners guide for certain vehicles incorrectly states that the accessory delay feature will provide for radio and power window operation for up to 10 minutes after the ignition IS turned off or until a front door IS opened.
- 6091781Concerns with the reverse clutch lip seals becoming ripped / torn during reverse engagement resulting in no reverse or intermittent no reverse engagement during extreme cold temperatures.
- 6091729Information on removing rear tie down brackets during pdi as required.
- 6091694All wagons built on or after 12/19/98 now have the liftgate door ajar wiring connected into the left rear door ajar circuit.
- 6091688Some 3.0L 4-valve duratec engines may exhibit steering noise / reservoir fluid swirling / reservoir fluid overflow.
- 6091665Some 3.0L 4-valve duratec engines only may exhibit steering noise / reservoir fluid swirling / reservoir fluid overflow.
Every Mercury Sable model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.