Model year record

2001 MERCURY Sable

8 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 528 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 01V144000

Seat belts: front: buckle assembly

Component: Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 4,567
Reported to NHTSA: 2001-04-27
Owners notified: 2001-05-04

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS. THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE TONGUE MAY NOT FULLY EJECT FROM THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WHEN THE RELEASE BUTTON IS PUSHED SLOWLY. THIS CONDITION COULD ALSO RESULT IN A PARTIAL LATCH OF THE TONGUE IN THE BUCKLE.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AND RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 4, 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 00V396000

Equipment: other: owners/service/other manual

Component: Equipment: other: owners/service/other manual
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 495,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2000-11-28
Owners notified: 2001-03-06

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE AFFECTED EXPEDITION/NAVIGATOR OWNER GUIDES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE LOCATIONS OF SEATING POSITIONS EQUIPPED WITH TETHER ANCHORAGES, AND DO NOT PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SECURING CHILD SEATS TO THESE TETHER ANCHORAGES. THE F150 SC OWNER GUIDES DO NOT PROVIDE THE PROCEDURE FOR SECURING CHILD SEATS TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGES. THE TAURUS/SABLE OWNER GUIDES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE CENTER REAR SEATING POSITION AS HAVING LATCH COMPATIBLE LOWER ANCHORAGES.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH OWNER GUIDE INSERTS REVISED TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED INFORMATION, AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THESE INSERTS TO THEIR OWNER GUIDES. CUSTOMERS WILL ALSO BE ADVISED THAT IF THEY PREFER, THEIR DEALER WILL AFFIX THE INSERTS TO THEIR OWNER GUIDES.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V240000

Seat belts: front: anchorage

Component: Seat belts: front: anchorage
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 5,961
Reported to NHTSA: 2000-08-24
Owners notified: 2000-09-11

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT ANCHOR LATCH (ISO-FIX ANCHOR) FASTENERS DO NOT HAVE ADEQUATE RESIDUAL TORQUE. THE ANCHORS ARE SECURED TO THE FLOOR PAN WITH A REINFORCEMENT PLATE THAT HAS TWO STUDS THAT EXTEND UPWARD THROUGH THE FLOOR PAN AND THE ISO-FIX ANCHOR. THE SEALER ON THE FLOOR PAN COULD CAUSE A SOFT JOINT AND, EVEN IF THE NUTS ARE PROPERLY TORQUED, ROAD VIBRATIONS COULD CAUSE THE NUT TO WORK ITS WAY COMPLETELY OFF THE STUD.

Safety risk

THE ANCHOR MAY NOT HOLD THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT IN POSITION DURING AN ACCIDENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT OF THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND RE-INSTALL THE BRACKET NUT USING A TORQUE RETENTION MATERIAL (RED LOCTITE). OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 11, 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: rear: springs: coil springs	95	64,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	43	118,399 mi
Suspension: rear	40	79,342 mi
Suspension: rear: springs	29	65,000 mi
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs	28	70,000 mi
Suspension	22	88,000 mi
Air bags	15	60,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	13	28,900 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	11	52,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages	10	57,000 mi
Electrical system	8	45,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling	7	57,800 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	7	47,187 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner	6	91,000 mi
Air bags: frontal	5	60,000 mi
Air bags: side/window	5	19,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash	5	15,800 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	5	33,019 mi
Exterior lighting	5	85,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch	5	48,506 mi
Power train	5	68,133 mi
Seat belts	5	60,000 mi
Service brakes	5	90,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	5	42,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components	5	—
Steering	5	89,789 mi
Suspension: front	5	50,000 mi
Tires	5	28,900 mi
Vehicle speed control: cables	5	29,500 mi
Engine	4	90,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline	4	55,807 mi
Equipment	4	34,000 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor	4	28,000 mi
Structure	4	91,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers	3	49,500 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly	3	51,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	3	98,000 mi
Structure: body	3	80,549 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core	3	1,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module	2	65,000 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel	2	51,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition	2	—
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module	2	—
Electrical system: ignition: switch	2	15,800 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood	2	43,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system	2	77,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys	2	16,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	2	26,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	2	200 mi
Interior lighting	2	113,700 mi
Latches/locks/linkages	2	145,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission	2	—
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly	2	—
Seats: front assembly: head restraint	2	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc	2	46,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor	2	12,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control	2	60,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system	2	84,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls	2	—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer	2	27,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor	2	50,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables	1	28,900 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module	1	—
Electrical system: starter assembly	1	—
Electronic stability control (ESC)	1	145,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control	1	82,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices	1	53,800 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.	1	—
Exterior lighting: brake lights	1	—
Exterior lighting: headlights	1	40,000 mi
Exterior lighting: tail lights	1	34,894 mi
Exterior lighting: tail lights: switch	1	85,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal	1	—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump	1	64,492 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system	1	—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors	1	110,300 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap	1	97,000 mi
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system	1	13,000 mi
Parking brake: indicator light	1	85,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)	1	50,250 mi
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal	1	47,300 mi
Seat belts: front	1	40,000 mi
Seats	1	121,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler	1	—
Service brakes, air: antilock	1	9,542 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper	1	34,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads	1	68,680 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system	1	54,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion	1	55,000 mi
Structure: body: bumpers	1	28,900 mi
Structure: body: door	1	145,000 mi
Structure: frame and members	1	106,000 mi
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields	1	81,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint	1	—
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint	1	—
Suspension: front: macpherson strut	1	83,000 mi
Unknown or other	1	—
Vehicle speed control: linkages	1	—
Visibility	1	—
Visibility/wiper	1	120,576 mi
Wheels	1	130,000 mi

The 2000 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 2002 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.