Model year record

1993 MERCURY Sable

6 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 981 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V323000

Structure: frame and members

Component
Structure: frame and members
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
2,697,000
Reported to NHTSA
1998-12-16
Owners notified
1999-01-18

Defect description

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 WISCONSIN. THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT CAN EXPERIENCE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IF SUBJECTED TO LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALTS. THIS CAN RESULT IN FRACTURE AND LOSS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENT. 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.

Safety risk

IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V094000

Suspension: front: springs: coil springs

Component
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
281,000
Reported to NHTSA
1998-05-06
Owners notified
1998-11-04

Defect description

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 FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION IN COMBINATION WITH SMALL CRACKS IN THE SPRINGS.

Safety risk

THE FRONT TIRE COULD DEFLATE DUE TO A BROKEN FRONT COIL SPRING CONTACTING THE TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING CATCHER BRACKET WHICH WILL PREVENT A FRACTURED SPRING FROM CONTACTING A TIRE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V009000

Exterior lighting: headlights: switch

Component
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
506,000
Reported to NHTSA
1998-01-21
Owners notified
1998-04-15

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V025000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
212,700
Reported to NHTSA
1997-02-26
Owners notified
1997-04-23

Defect description

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 WYOMING. WATER CAN ACCUMULATE WITHIN THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT. IF ENOUGH WATER ACCUMULATES, IT COULD FREEZE WITHIN A LOW AREA OF THE CABLE ROUTING WHEN EXPOSED TO A LONG TERM COLD SOAK AT TEMPERATURES AT LEAST SEVERAL DEGREES BELOW FREEZING.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL ADD A BOOT TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V019000

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan

Component
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
75,200
Reported to NHTSA
1997-02-25
Owners notified
1997-03-31

Defect description

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 1992-1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL VEHICLES WITH 3.8L ENGINES. DURING HIGH WINDS, HEAVY, BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW, AND LOW TEMPERATURES, THE ENGINE COOLING FAN CAN BECOME BLOCKED OR FROZEN WITH SNOW. THE FAN MOTOR MAY NOT ROTATE AND COULD OVERHEAT.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.

Recall campaignNHTSA 93V023000

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
212
Reported to NHTSA
1993-01-04
Owners notified
1993-05-07

Defect description

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM CONTROLLERS DESIGNED FOR REAR WHEEL DRIVE CARS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THESE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE CARS..

Safety risk

THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING ABILITY AND POSSIBLEVEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Manufacturer remedy

REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL DRIVE ABS CONTROLLER WITH A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE ABS CONTROLLER.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine and engine cooling: engine28472,600 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline6585,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission3684,572 mi
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs3448,100 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights33
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner29
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system26
Vehicle speed control24153,600 mi
Structure: frame and members23140,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch2250,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer22
Engine and engine cooling1874,047 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip18
Air bags: frontal16
Electrical system: ignition15
Unknown or other14
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly13
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components13
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor10
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor10
Suspension: rear9
Visibility: windshield9
Air bags8
Suspension: front8
Electrical system: ignition: switch7
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly7
Electrical system: starter assembly6
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers6
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump6
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads6
Structure: body: door6
Visibility: power window devices and controls6
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control5
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe54,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch5100,000 mi
Power train5135,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump5
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly5
Electrical system: horn4
Electrical system: wiring4
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system4
Steering4
Steering: hydraulic power assist system4
Steering: rack and pinion4
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys3
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system3106,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.3
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum3
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar3
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections3
Structure: body3142,447 mi
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields3119,000 mi
Tires386,921 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear3
Electrical system2
Electrical system: ignition: module2
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood2
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash2
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan2
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)2
Exterior lighting2
Exterior lighting: brake lights2
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch2
Exterior lighting: headlights: concealment devices2
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings2
Fuel system, other2123,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines2
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly2
Seat belts: front: retractor2
Seat belts: front: webbing2
Suspension242,000 mi
Suspension: rear: shock absorber2
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices2
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables1
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)1
Exterior lighting: tail lights1
Exterior lighting: tail lights: switch1
Exterior lighting: turn signal1
Exterior lighting: turn signal: flasher unit1
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting1
Fuel system, other: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Fuel/propulsion system1153,600 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch1
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch1
Parking brake: conventional1
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical: linkage and cable1
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft1
Power train: clutch assembly1
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)1
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint1
Power train: driveline: differential unit1
Power train: driveline: driveshaft1
Power train: manual transmission1
Seat belts1
Seat belts: front1
Seat belts: rear/other1
Seats1
Seats: front assembly: power adjust1
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor1
Service brakes, hydraulic1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: drum1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder1
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist1
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting1
Structure: body: bumpers1
Structure: body: hood: hinge and attachments1
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar1
Suspension: multiple axle1
Suspension: rear: springs1
Tires: tread/belt1
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal1
Vehicle speed control: cables1
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1
Vehicle speed control: linkages1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system1
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer1
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior1
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring1

The 1992 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. The 1994 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.