Model year record

2000 MERCURY Sable

7 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 578 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V332000

Suspension: front: springs: coil springs

Component: Suspension: front: springs: coil springs
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 899,060
Reported to NHTSA: 2004-07-15
Owners notified: 2005-01-10

Defect description

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 COIL SPRINGS COULD FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSION ASSOCIATED WITH SALT USED ON THE ROADWAYS DURING THE WINTER. A FRACTURED SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.

Safety risk

IF THIS OCCURS, THE TIRE MAY RUPTURE RESULTING IN A RAPID AIR LOSS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V106000

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch

Component: Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 938,789
Reported to NHTSA: 2004-03-02
Owners notified: 2004-04-05

Defect description

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS MALFUNCTIONING COULD RENDER THE STOP LAMPS INOPERABLE OR CAUSE THEM TO STAY ON ALL THE TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE CONFUSION TO A FOLLOWING DRIVER, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Safety risk

IN ADDITION, IF THE SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING FAIL IN THE OPEN POSITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ACTUATE AND THE DRIVER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF "PARK" IF THEY FAIL IN THE CLOSED POSITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL REMAIN ON, WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW THE SPEED CONTROL TO BE ACTIVATED. THIS COULD ALSO CAUSE THE BATTERY TO DISCHARGE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED STOP LAMP SWITCH AND WIRE ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V266000

Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages

Component: Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 369,614
Reported to NHTSA: 2002-10-02
Owners notified: 2002-09-13

Defect description

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PADELS ARE BEING RECALLED IN ORDER TO ADJUST THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS TO A MINIMUM OF 50 MM OF LATERAL SEPARATION. SIMULTANEOUS APPLICATION OF BOTH THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS COULD RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM.

Safety risk

THIS COULD RESULT IN A CUSTOMER EXPERIENCING AN "UNINTENDED VEHICLE SPEED INCREASE" OR A PERCEIVED "UNABLE TO STOP" CONDITION.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED AS TO THE PROPER WAY TO SET THE POSITION OF THE PEDALS AND TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE SPACING BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS MEASURED. IF THE SPACING IS FOUND TO BE LESS THAN 50 MM, THE DEALER WILL ADJUST THE PEDALS TO INCREASE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THEM TO GREATER THAN 50 MM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 28, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V258000

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor

Component: Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 1,083,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2001-08-08
Owners notified: 2001-08-20

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.

Safety risk

LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V075000

Exterior lighting: headlights: switch

Component: Exterior lighting: headlights: switch
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 74,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2001-03-12
Owners notified: 2001-04-09

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. DUE TO THE USE OF INCORRECT MATERIAL BY A SUPPLIER, THE HEADLAMP SWITCH KNOB CAN FRACTURE AND SEPARATE FROM THE HEADLAMP SWITCH.

Safety risk

THIS WOULD CAUSE DIFFICULTY FOR THE DRIVER TO ACTIVATE THE HEADLAMPS, WHICH COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH KNOB. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 9, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V078000

Exterior lighting: tail lights: switch

Component: Exterior lighting: tail lights: switch
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 157,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2001-03-12
Owners notified: 2001-03-22

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS. IF THE GREASE FROM THE ADJUSTABLE PEDAL ASSEMBLY ENTERS THE STOP LAMP SWITCH, IT CAN CONTAMINATE THE CONTACTS LEADING TO CARBON BUILD UP, AND POTENTIALLY, A SHORT CIRCUIT.

Safety risk

A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO EITHER THE BRAKE LAMPS STAYING ON, OR TO A LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP FUNCTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH AND WIPE DOWN THE ADJUSTABLE PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO REMOVE EXCESS GREASE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 22, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V242000

Equipment: other: labels

Component: Equipment: other: labels
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 167,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2000-08-24
Owners notified: 2000-10-20

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE "VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT" AND "DESIGNATED SEATING CAPACITY" INFORMATION WAS NOT PRINTED ON THE SAFETY CERTIFICATION LABELS AFFIXED TO THESE VEHICLES. ON AFFECTED SABLE SEDAN VEHICLES, THE "VEHICLES CAPACITY WEIGHT" (AND ALSO THE LUGGAGE LOAD) INFORMATION PRINTED ON THIS LABEL IS INCORRECT - SABLE WAGON LUGGAGE LOAD WAS INCORRECTLY USED FOR THE SABLE SEDAN. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE LABEL REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."

Safety risk

EXCESSIVE LOADING CAN CAUSE TIRE AND VEHICLE DAMAGE THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENTAL LABEL WITH THE CORRECT INFORMATION, ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THE LABEL ADJACENT TO THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 20, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Owner complaints

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

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs	55	53,000 mi
Suspension: rear: springs: coil springs	49	63,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	45	89,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages	20	10,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch	19	25,300 mi
Suspension: rear	19	98,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	19	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	18	36,460 mi
Air bags	16	10,688 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	16	48,350 mi
Suspension	16	100,000 mi
Suspension: rear: springs	16	77,200 mi
Unknown or other	13	89,000 mi
Air bags: frontal	12	44,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights	12	37,000 mi
Electrical system	10	104,845 mi
Suspension: front	9	108,000 mi
Exterior lighting: tail lights: switch	8	46,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor	8	24,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	7	10,688 mi
Engine and engine cooling	6	71,434 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system	6	9,000 mi
Tires	6	50,000 mi
Air bags: side/window	5	30,000 mi
Engine	5	130,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	5	58,000 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage	5	55,000 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor	5	59,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components	5	—
Electrical system: ignition	4	12,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring	4	8,919 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	4	31,500 mi
Exterior lighting: tail lights	4	—
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch	4	—
Power train	4	40,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline	3	—
Exterior lighting: headlights	3	64,245 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch	3	40,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	3	18,963 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system	3	—
Interior lighting	3	24,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)	3	11,242 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)	3	—
Suspension: front: macpherson strut	3	55,531 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control	3	46,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: linkages	3	—
Wheels	3	141,216 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery	2	132 mi
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module	2	29,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner	2	—
Equipment: other: labels	2	—
Exterior lighting	2	150,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system	2	—
Fuel/propulsion system	2	97,485 mi
Seats	2	—
Seats: front assembly: head restraint	2	—
Service brakes	2	88,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc	2	—
Steering	2	55,000 mi
Structure: frame and members	2	52,000 mi
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields	2	50,000 mi
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire	2	—
Vehicle speed control: cables	2	70,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls	2	30,000 mi
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly	2	—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor	2	78,000 mi
Child seat	1	—
Electrical system: ignition: module	1	35,826 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch	1	—
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood	1	11,242 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor	1	48,350 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)	1	52,000 mi
Equipment	1	55,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch	1	—
Exterior lighting: turn signal	1	—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly	1	—
Latches/locks/linkages	1	77,670 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch	1	—
Parking brake	1	132 mi
Power train: axle assembly	1	14,000 mi
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint	1	70,000 mi
Power train: driveline: driveshaft	1	—
Power train: manual transmission	1	—
Power train: manual transmission: floor shift assembly	1	—
Seat belts: front	1	36,000 mi
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly	1	—
Seat belts: rear/other	1	—
Service brakes, air: antilock	1	—
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module	1	64,959 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: brake fluid low warning: lamp	1	47,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system	1	46,755 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump	1	—
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly	1	129,001 mi
Structure	1	95,000 mi
Structure: body	1	100,000 mi
Structure: body: door	1	—
Structure: body: hood: hinge and attachments	1	76,000 mi
Suspension: front: shock absorber	1	102,000 mi
Suspension: front: springs: air suspension system	1	22,000 mi
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar	1	37,000 mi
Tires: bead	1	—
Tires: sidewall	1	—
Unknown	1	80,200 mi
Visibility	1	—
Visibility/wiper	1	130,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system	1	140,000 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear	1	—
Visibility: windshield	1	—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer	1	—

The 1999 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. The 2001 model has roughly the same number of 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.