2003 Mercury Sable

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/31/2009· SUSPENSION

  2003 MERCURY SABLE WITH THE FIRST 5 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE NORTHEAST. THE CAR IS NOW IN TAMPA FLORIDA. AT THANKSGIVING ONE OF THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS SNAPPED, PUNCTURING A TIRE...FORTUNATELY THE CAR WAS PARKED AT THE TIME. AS A RESULT BOTH FRONT COILS AND SUSPENSION HAD TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH A TIRE. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE PREVIOUS 2 YEARS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM IN THE NORTHERN STATES(WINTER SALT LEADS TO THIS PROBLEM). *TR

• 12/28/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  ALARM SYSTEM GOES OFF AT WILL, SOUNDING HORN, FLASHING LIGHTS, CAUSING OTHER FLOWING TRAFFIC TO BE DISTRACTED. CONCERNED THAT THE ALARM SYSTEM MAY ACTIVATE WHILE IN MOTION. CONCERNED THAT IT MAY STOP THE VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC. *TR

• 12/28/2007· VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE

  FORD TAURUS AND THE MERCURY SABLE'S HAVE A PROBLEM WITH WATER LEAKING INTO THE HEATER CORE BOX WHICH EVENTUALLY CAUSES THE HEATER MOTOR AND STOP WORKING. I UNDERSTAND FROM READING POST ON THE INTERNET THAT IS APPARENTLY A DESIGN FLAW. MY CAR HAD 44,000 MILES AT THE POINT WHERE THE MOTOR QUIT WORKING. THE BILL TO REPAIR THE CAR WAS $471.28. THE WARRANTY HAD OBVIOUSLY EXPIRED BUT I FELT LIKE FORD MOTOR CO SHOULD RE-IMBURSE THE COST OF THE REPAIR SINCE IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. THEY DECLINED TO HELP WITH THE COST OF THE REPAIR. *TR

• 12/21/2013· POWER TRAIN

  I STARTED MY CAR TO TAKE IT FOR AN OIL CHANGE. WITH THE ENGINE WARMED UP I SHIFTED INTO GEAR TO GO. WITHOUT ANY WARNING SYMPTOMS (NO CLUNKING, NO GRINDING GEARS, NO LOSS OF FLUIDS,...) THE TRANSMISSION DECIDED TO COMPLETELY FAIL. THE CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD NOR BACKWARDS AS NO GEARS WERE WORKING. AS THIS IS NOW THE THIRD COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS CAR, I AM TRYING TO DECIDE IF I SHOULD TRY TO GET IT REPAIRED AGAIN. IN ALL MY YEARS OF DRIVING, THIS IS THE ONLY CAR THAT I HAVE OWNED THAT HAS HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THERE ARE KNOWN DESIGN FLAWS - THE TORQUE CONVERTER SPLINES ARE NOT BEEFY ENOUGH AND THE VENT FITTING WITH A CHECK VALVE ON THE TRANS HOUSING MALFUNCTIONS CLOSED AND CAUSES THE TRANS FLUID TO SHOOT BACK OUT OF THE DIPSTICK TUBE, AND THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES WITH THIS TRANSMISSION AS WELL... THE SAME FORD/MERCURY TRANSMISSION MODEL WAS RECALLED IN ANOTHER FORD VEHICLE. I REPEAT, THE SAME FAILURE PRONE PART IN ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS RECALLED. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR TRANSMISSION IN SABLES AND TAURUS VEHICLES IT IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AS THE INSTANTANEOUS COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE CAN EASILY OCCUR IN DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. IT PREVIOUSLY FAILED WITH MY CAR IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY! IT'S NOT CLEAR AS TO WHY THERE IS NO RECALL NOR WARNING. AN INVESTIGATION ON THE INTERNET WILL CLEARLY REVEAL THOUSANDS OF FAILURES AND DATA IS AVAILABLE AT TRANSMISSION AND GARAGE SHOPS. DO SOMETHING PLEASE. *TR

• 12/21/2013· POWER TRAIN

  AFTER REFUELING AT BUSY GAS STATION, STARTED THE CAR AND THE CAR WOULD NOT GO FORWARD OR BACKWARDS AS NO GEARS WERE WORKING. THE CAR ENGINE WAS WORKING FINE BUT THE TRANSMISSION DIED WITHOUT ANY WARNING SYMPTOMS - NO CLUNKING, NO GRINDING GEARS, NO LOSS OF FLUIDS,... IT JUST COMPLETELY FAILED. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED WITH A USED TRANSMISSION. THE SAME FORD/MERCURY TRANSMISSION MODEL WAS RECALLED IN ANOTHER FORD VEHICLE. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR TRANSMISSION IN SABLES AND TAURUS VEHICLES IT IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AS THE INSTANTANEOUS COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE CAN EASILY OCCUR IN DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. IT PREVIOUSLY FAILED WITH THE CAR IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY! IT'S NOT CLEAR AS TO WHY THERE IS NO RECALL NOR WARNING. AN INVESTIGATION ON THE INTERNET WILL CLEARLY REVEAL THOUSANDS OF FAILURES AND DATA IS AVAILABLE AT TRANSMISSION AND GARAGE SHOPS. DO SOMETHING PLEASE. *TR

• 12/21/2013· POWER TRAIN

  WIFE WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY. THE CAR ENGINE KEPT RUNNING BUT THE TRANSMISSION DIED WITHOUT ANY WARNING SYMPTOMS - NO CLUNKING, NO GRINDING GEARS, NO LOSS OF FLUIDS,... IT JUST COMPLETELY FAILED WHILE IN MOTION. THANK GOD SHE WAS ABLE TO COAST TOWARDS THE SHOULDER AND AVOID BEING HIT. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED WITH A USED TRANSMISSION. THE SAME TRANSMISSION WAS RECALLED IN ANOTHER FORD VEHICLE. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR TRANSMISSION IN SABLES AND TAURUS VEHICLES IT IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AS THE INSTANTANEOUS COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE CAN EASILY OCCUR IN DANGEROUS TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. IT'S NOT CLEAR AS TO WHY THERE IS NO RECALL NOR WARNING. AN INVESTIGATION ON THE INTERNET WILL CLEARLY REVEAL THOUSANDS OF FAILURES AND DATA IS AVAILABLE AT TRANSMISSION AND GARAGE SHOPS. DO SOMETHING. *TR

• 12/18/2008· SUSPENSION

  2003 MERCURY SABLE SUSPENSION-FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRING NHTSA ACTION # PE04044 CAMPAIGN ID #04V332000 THIS IS A OLD PROBLEM THAT IS STILL HERE AND ALIVE. MY 2003 MERCURY SABLE HAS BROKEN A SPRING AND DESTROYED THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE. I CALL THE LOCAL FORD DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WAS TOLD THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SAID THIS IS A NORMAL PROBLEM WITH FORD & MERCURY. THEY REPLACED BOTH STRUTS AND COILS AND TIRE AND ALIGNMENT FOR $1366.00. THE CAR HAD JUST ARRIVED HOME AND WAS IN THE GARAGE WHEN THE TIRE BLOW. THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSED INJURY. I THINK THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE ALL FORD & MERCURY CARS UNTIL THIS PROBLEM GOES AWAY. I HAVE CUT OFF ABOUT ONE FOOT OF THE OLD COIL TO PROVE A FAULTY COIL BEFORE THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND TOOK PICTURES OF THE TIRE AND COIL SPRING WHILE STILL ON THE CAR.*TR

• 12/18/2008· VISIBILITY

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. AFTER SEVERE RAINY CONDITIONS, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR EXHIBITED AN EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF WATER. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V087000 (VISIBILITY, WINDSHIELD) WHICH IDENTIFIES THE WATER LEAKAGE. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURES IDENTICAL TO THE RECALL; HOWEVER, IT HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED IF THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER IS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 75,000.

• 12/17/2011· SUSPENSION

  LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE, CUTTING AND RUINING TIRE. *TR

• 12/17/2010· SUSPENSION

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE TO BECOME FLAT. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 79,000.

• 12/13/2008· SUSPENSION

  PUTTING CAR INTO REVERSE, I FELT THE AIR GO UT OF THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION IT WAS THE COIL SPRING THAT BROKE AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. *TR

• 12/11/2009· VISIBILITY

  I HAVE A 2003 MERCURY SABLE WITH 19K MILES ON IT. WE HAD HEAVY RAINS TUESDAY EVENING THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING, FOLLOWED BY SUB FREEZING TEMPERATURES THROUGHOUT WEDNESDAY INTO THURSDAY. THURSDAY MORNING, (12-10-09) THE BLOWER MOTOR FOR THE HEATING/AC SYSTEM WOULD ONLY WORK ON IT'S HIGHEST SETTING, AND CONTINUES TO DO SO. A FEW TIMES THROUGHOUT THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS, MY WIFE AND I THOUGHT WE HEARD WATER RUSHING AROUND SOMEWHERE IN THE VICINITY OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AREA. I READ OVER 150 COMPLAINTS ON TOPIX.COM FOR THE VERY SAME PROBLEM WITH SEVERAL DIFFERENT MODEL YEARS OF BOTH SABLES AND TAURUS'. IT WAS RECOMMENDED BY SEVERAL FOLKS THAT PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUES SHOULD FILE A COMPLAINT HERE. IT SEEMS THAT THE PROBLEM WITH THE BLOWER MOTOR/RESISTOR ASSEMBLY IS CAUSED BY WATER ENTERING THE BLOWER HOUSING ITSELF. I HAVE READ THAT FORD IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AS THEY HAVE ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR IT. MY CONCERN IS THAT SINCE WINTER IS UPON US, A POSSIBLE UNSAFE CONDITION COULD ARISE SHOULD THE BLOWER MOTOR QUIT WORKING COMPLETELY, THUS PREVENTING THE WINDOWS FROM DEFROSTING. ADDITIONALLY, I FEEL STRONGLY THAT THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE REPAIRED AT NO COST TO ME BY FORD. *TR

• 12/09/2010· SUSPENSION

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A BANG AND THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE LOWERED SUDDENLY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE TO THE DEALER BUT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS BEING REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 78,000. UPDATED 01/18/11 *BF UPDATED 01/31/11

• 12/09/2008· SUSPENSION

  MY WIFE ASKED ME TO CHECK THE STRANGE NOISE IN HER CAR WHEN SHE STARTED TO BACK OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY ON THE MORNING OF DECEMBER 8, 2008. I REMOVED THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL EXPECTING TO SEE WORN OUT BRAKE PADS. INSTEAD, THE WHEEL STARTED TO MOVE TOWARD ME WHEN I BEGAN REMOVING THE LUG NUTS. THE COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN INTO TWO PARTS. FORTUNATELY, IT BROKE OVERNIGHT AND DOESN'T APPEAR TO HAVE DAMAGED THE TIRE. TIME WILL TELL WHETHER OR NOT IT WEAKENED THE INNER SIDEWALL OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. FAILURE ANALYSIS OF THE 28 CM LENGTH OF SPRING BROKEN OFF FROM THE LOWER END OF THE SPRING IS AS FOLLOWS: THE BROKEN CROSS-SECTION OF THE SPRING HAS A DARK RUST SECTION, ABOUT 15 MM CIRCUMFERENTIALLY AND 2 MM RADIAL FROM THE EXTERIOR SURFACE. THE EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE SPRING IS RUSTED WHERE THERE IS NO LONGER ANY PROTECTIVE BLACK COATING NEAR THE DEFECTIVE CROSS SECTION. THIS SURFACE AREA IS ABOUT 25 MM CIRCUMFERENTIALLY AND 15 MM LONG FROM THE FRACTURED CROSS SECTION. THERE ARE ABOUT 4 RADIAL FRACTURE LINES EMANATING FROM THE BOTTOM SIDE OF THE SPRING STARTING AT THE 15 MM X 2MM RUSTED AREA. THERE APPEARS TO BE PINPOINT RUST AREAS THROUGHOUT ABOUT 70 PER CENT OF THE REMAINING CROSS SECTION, BY MY NAKED EYE. I WILL BE REPLACING THE COIL SPRING TODAY OR TOMORROW, EITHER MYSELF OR AT A GARAGE. THIS APPEARS TO BE THE SAME TYPE OF FAILURE AS RECALL NUMBER 04N-332. THIS DEFECT IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY I AM LAID OFF. I HAVE BEEN A FRICTION MATERIAL ENGINEER FOR OVER 25 YEARS. NO WONDER AMERICANS HAVE STOPPED BUYING AMERICAN AUTOMOBILES. THIS MERCURY VEHICLE HAS BEEN MUCH BETTER THAN MY DODGE VEHICLES UP UNTIL NOW. *TR

• 12/06/2016· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V106000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.

• 12/06/2012· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND WHILE I WAS BRAKING FOR A STOP LIGHT I COULDN'T STOP. SOMETHING WAS GIVING MY CAR GAS AS I WAS TRYING TO STOP. EVER SINCE THEN WHEN I DRIVE IT MY RPM'S ARE HIGH AND MAKES A NOISE. I CALLED THE SHOP AND HAD MY IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE REPLACED BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THE AUTOMOTIVE PLACE SAID WAS WRONG. SINCE THEN IT'S BEEN IN 3 OTHER TIMES AND HAD THE PART REPLACED JUST IN CASE IT WAS A FAULTY PART. NOW THE MECHANICS ARE BAFFLED AS AM I. I DID RESEARCH AND NOTICED THIS WAS A COMMON COMPLAINT ON THESE VEHICLES. I JUST TOOK IT IN AGAIN TODAY DECEMBER 6,2012 AND WE CAN'T FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. IT'S GETTING WORSE TO WHERE I CAN'T REALLY DRIVE IT BECAUSE WHEN I GO TO BRAKE IT WON'T STOP. I CAN BE AT A COMPLETE STOP AND NOT TOUCH THE GAS AND MY CAR WILL GET UP TO 45MPH WITHOUT ME EVEN TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL. *TR

• 12/04/2012· POWER TRAIN

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED AND DEPOSITED METAL SHAVINGS INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY REBUILDING THE TRANSMISSION. THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS ALSO REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

• 12/03/2017· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  WHY WAS I CHARGED $249.90 LABOR CHARGES WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY IN MY HANDS FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER BEING PURCHASED FROM KING BUICK BUT NOT FOR PARTS, SHOP MATERIALS AND USE OF A LOANER CAR. I SHOULD HAVE PAID NOTHING UNDER A WARRANTY AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF FORD HAS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THAT. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL MY CALL ON [XXX](C) OR [XXX](H) IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS. I WAS RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE COMMUNITY WHERE I RESIDE AND DROVE THE CAR TO KING BUICK GMC IMMEDIATELY. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

• 12/01/2008· VISIBILITY

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH IN SLEETING CONDITIONS, COMING TO A STOP LIGHT THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HEATER WAS GETTING COLDER. THE HEATER WAS SET AT 78 DEGREES AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE AND, AS A RESULT, THE FRONT AND REAR GLASS FOGGED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SEE THROUGH THE GLASS AND THE DEFROSTER WOULD NOT CLEAR THE GLASS. THE CONTACT HAD TO DRIVE AND CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD WITH A CLOTH IN ORDER TO VIEW THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE COIL WAS FILLED WITH WATER, WHICH CAUSED THE HEATER TO FAIL. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT IT WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED BY A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AT THE COST OF $500. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,800 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,175. UPDATED 12/17/08. *LJ

• 11/30/2005· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT

  DT: CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD LIGHT UP AND THE RADIO WOULD GO OUT, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF. SHE PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT. SHE CONTACTED THE MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THE TWO SENSORS ON THE VEHICLE. *AK THE MECHANIC STATED THE VEHICLE THINKS IT IS BEING STOLEN. THE VEHICLE IS STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM.

• 11/27/2007· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE FAN MOTOR CHIRPED WHEN THE FAN WAS ACTIVATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAN MOTOR WAS LEAKING WATER AND THEY MADE THE REPAIR. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE AIR CONDITIONER MALFUNCTIONED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE A/C BLOWER MOTOR WAS RUSTED DUE TO WATER LEAKAGE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V087000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

• 11/20/2007· VISIBILITY

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. WHEN IT RAINED, THE WINDSHIELD LEAKED WATER ABOVE THE DRIVER SIDE TOP CORNER. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS VERY LOOSE AND IMPROPERLY SEALED. THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V087000 (VISIBILITY: WINDSHIELD). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 32,000. UPDATED 3/4/08 *CN

• 11/19/2017· STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  1. THE HOOD CLOSES APPARENTLY FINE, IT DOES NOT OPEN IF I TRY TO, HOWEVER KEEPS OPENING EVERY 20 MINUTES AFTER DRIVING. I COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE. 2. VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS KEEPS OCURRING, NO SIGNS OR DROPS OR VIISUAL LEAK PUDDLE.

• 11/16/2012· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  I PULLED UP TO A STOPLIGHT. WHEN IT TURNED GREEN, I DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE REVVED AS THOUGH IT WERE IN NEUTRAL. WHEN SHIFTED INTO ANY FORWARD GEAR OR REVERSE GEAR, IT WOULD NOT MOVE. IT WAS AS THOUGH IT WERE STUCK IN NEUTRAL. THE TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST SAID IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM, KNEW EXACTLY WHAT IT WAS, AND QUIPPED THAT HE WAS SURPRISED MINE HAD LASTED THIS LONG. UPON RESEARCHING ONLINE, IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS AN INCREDIBLY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. IN FACT, FORD KNOWS IT IS A PROBLEM AS IT HAS RECALLED TWO OF THEIR MINIVANS THAT CONTAIN THE VERY SAME TRANSMISSION. IT IS THE SAME PART FAILING. WHY DOES IT WARRANT A RECALL IN ONE VEHICLE BUT NOT ANOTHER?? *TR

• 11/13/2012· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 5 MPH SHE ATTEMPTED TO ENTER A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE THROTTLE SEIZED IN THE OPEN POSITION. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY FIRMLY DEPRESSING THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC OR DEALER, AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

• 11/13/2003· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICCrash

  PROBLEMS WITH BRAKING SYSTEM ON 2003 MERCURY SABLE STATION WAGON.*MR (NAR) *CB

• 11/11/2015· SEAT BELTS

  NO ACCIDENT, BUT THE SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HAS STARTED "LATCHING" ONLY ON SPORADIC OCCASIONS. IT DOESN'T LATCH MORE TIMES THAN IT DOES LATCH. THE ARE TIMES WHEN YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY LATCHED THE SEATBELT, IT WILL COME UNLATCH END WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING. THIS HAS NOW BEEN OCCURRING FOR ABOUT A MONTH.

• 11/09/2011· VISIBILITY

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE CAP ABOVE THE CABIN FILTER, WHICH CAUSED THE BLOWER MOTOR TO FAIL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V087000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD) BUT DID NOT CONFIRM IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.

• 11/09/2009· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  I HAVE A 2003 MERCURY SABLE WITH A FAILED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH THAT FORD ACKNOWLEDGED AND RELEASED A RECALL FOR (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V106000, NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: RQ03008) HOWEVER, WHEN I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER CARE THEY DECLINED TO ASSIST IN THE MATTER UNTIL I URGED THEM THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPAIR THE ISSUE AT NO COST TO ME. AFTER A LONG DISCUSSION THEY SAID THEY WOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIRS, BUT ONLY AFTER I PAID A DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE FEE TO RULE OUT ANY OTHER CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. AS IT IS NOW THE CAR IS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET OUT OF PARK, AND WHEN IT IS THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE INTERMITTENT AT BEST. I DO NOT WANT THIS TO RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY AS A RESULT OF FORD'S NEGLECT TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. IS THERE ANYTHING THE NHTSA ODI CAN DO TO HELP ME RESOLVE THIS ISSUE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE? *TR THANK YOU, SCOTT RITTER

• 11/02/2012· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  WHEN I ACCELERATED MY VEHICLE THE THROTTLE STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. MY CAR ACCELERATED TO OVER 40MPH IN A RESIDENTIAL ZONE. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE REVVED UP TO THE CUTOUT RPM LIMIT. I IMMEDIATELY SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD TO INSPECT THE PROBLEM I SAW THAT THE PLASTIC COLLAR HOLDING THE CABLE IN PLACE BROKE OFF, CAUSING THE ENTIRE CABLE TO MOVE FREELY. ONE PIECE OF THE CABLE WAS STUCK OUTSIDE OF THE COLLAR CAUSING THE THROTTLE TO ENGAGE WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING PUSHED. *TR

• 11/01/2006· STRUCTURE

  DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WATER LEAKED INTO THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF THE VENTILATION SYSTEM, ONTO THE FLOOR, AS THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AT 45 MPH, WHILE IT WAS RAINING. THE SERVICE DEALER HAS BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED.*AK

• 11/01/2003· VISIBILITY

  GRUNTING NOISE FROM DRIVER SIDE POWER WINDOW WHEN IN THE FULL UP POSITION. *LA

• 10/31/2003· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  THE OIL PAN GASKET HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE ON MY VEHICLE AND NOW IT IS LEAKING AGAIN. I SUSPECT THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. HOW CAN I SOLVE THIS PROBLEM? *LA

• 10/27/2003· POWER TRAIN

  ENGINE NOISY.*AK

• 10/26/2012· POWER TRAIN

  I WAS DRIVING NORTH ON US31 JUST NORTH OF MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN. I WAS GOING 70 MPH WHEN WITH NO WARNING THE CAR (2003 MERCURY SABLE) LOST DRIVE TRAIN POWER AND WAS SUDDENLY ONLY COASTING. I HAD TO PULL OF ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. ALSO I HAD MY THREE ADULT AUTISTIC CHILDREN WITH ME, AND THEY ALL GOT EXTREMELY NERVOUS SITTING AT THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AS THE PASSING CARS WERE MAKING OUR VEHICLE MOVE FROM THE AIR CURRENTS. I WAS VERY CONCERNED ONE OF THEM MIGHT TRY AND JUMP FROM THE CAR FROM PANIC. AS FOR THE CAR ITSELF, I THOUGHT MAYBE THE SERPENTINE BELT HAS BROKE BUT WHEN I CHECKED IT WAS OKAY. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN GEAR AND NOTHING... NO FORWARD OR REVERSE, NO MOVEMENT AT ALL. SO I CALLED MY FATHER WHO WAS FORTUNATELY THERE WITHIN HALF AN HOUR (OR WITH MY KIDS IT COULD HAVE BEEN A REALLY BAD SITUATION) AND HE RESCUED US AND I HAD A WRECKER TOW THE CAR HOME. I CALLED SEVERAL TRANSMISSION SHOPS WHO ALL TOLD ME IT IS A VERY COMMON TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AS WELL AS THE FORD TAURUS. THEY PRETTY MUCH ALL TOLD ME IT SHOULD BE REBUILT AS THE NEW PARTS ARE BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL BECAUSE THE NEW PARTS ARE REPLACING PARTS FORD KNOWS THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH. EVEN A MECHANIC AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THESE VEHICLES HAVE TRANNY TROUBLES. MY CAR HAS 157,000 MILES SO I GUESS I SHOULD FEEL LUCKY AFTER READING INTERNET POSTS OF MANY OF THESE CARS DOING TO SAME THING WITH UNDER 50,000 MILES. I THINK IT IS A PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED WITH THE TRANNY JUST QUITTING LIKE THAT IF SOMEONE HASN'T ALREADY. CANT IMAGINE BEING ON A ROAD WITH NO SHOULDER IN EXTREME HEAVY TRAFFIC AND I SURE DON'T HAVE THE $1200 TO $3200 TO GET IT REPAIRED.. FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO FIX THIS OBVIOUS BAD TRANSMISSION. *TR

• 10/21/2005· SUSPENSION

  DT: THE CONTACT STATED HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE RIGHT SIDE REAR OF THE CAR BOTTOMING OUT WHEN HE HITTING A BUMP OR POTHOLE. THE RIGHT REAR TIRE RUBS THE FENDER WELL. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES TO TRY TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. NOW, THE CONTACT THINKS THAT THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE BEEN TAMPERED WITH BEFORE HE TOOK OWNERSHIP OF THE CAR. *AK

• 10/17/2003· FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

  2003 MERCURY SABLE WITH 20,000 MILES ON IT. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, I STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR TO PASS A TRUCK, I HEARD A THUMP AND THEN THE ENGINE WENT TO IDLE AND WE LOST ALL POWER. WE PULLED OVER AND FOUND THAT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE HAD SNAPPED. I FOUND A SMALL PIECE OF PLASTIC ON THE FLOOR THAT CAME FROM THE MECHANISM. WE WERE STRANDED 100 MILES FROM THE NEAREST CITY ON A SUNDAY NIGHT. I SUBSEQUENTLY ASKED THE RENTAL CAR MANAGER IF HE HAD EVER HEARD OF THIS BEFORE AND HE SAID THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO A TAURUS HE WAS DRIVING. THIS, AS I AM SURE YOU KNOW A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION - IF WE HAD BEEN ON A CROWDED INTERSTATE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS PROBLEMS. WE WERE LUCKY. IS THERE ANY RECORD OF THIS PROBLEM OCCURRING. JUDGING BY THE PLASTIC LINKAGE I BET IT HAS HAPPENED A NUMBER OF TIMES. PLEASE LET ME KNOW. *LA

• 10/15/2015· TIRES

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE EQUIPPED WITH DOUGLAS X-TRAC 2 TIRES, SIZE: P215/60/R16. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE VEERED BUT THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE AND TIRE WERE NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DOT NUMBER AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,029 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,159.

• 10/14/2012· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY

  HEATER/AC FAN CONTINUOUSLY STOPS WORKING. I FIRST REPLACED THE MOTOR RESISTOR IN AUGUST 2012. IT WORKED FOR 2 WEEKS WHEN IT BROKE FOR THE 2ND TIME. I WENT TO FIX IT AGAIN, ONLY TO FIND OUT IT STOPS WORKING AGAIN AFTER 2 MORE WEEKS.IT IS NOW OCTOBER AND THE MOTOR RESISTOR BROKE 2X AND NOW THE MOTOR BLOWER IS COMPLETELY GONE. NO AC/HEATER. THE TEMPERATURE IN NY IN OCTOBER IS NOT COMPLIANT WITH NO HEATER. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. BROKE 3XS IN A SPAN OF 6 WEEKS OR SO. *TR

• 10/13/2010· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION, THERE WERE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE GEAR WOULD SHIFT OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE NEUTRAL GEAR SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER ONE MONTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE WIRING. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V106000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

• 10/13/2007· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  WATER AND RAIN LEAK INTO BLOWER HOUSING AND THEN ONTO PASSENGER FLOOR. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME IT RAINS AND THIS DISABLES THE HEATING THE AND COOLING SYSTEMS IN THE CAR. *JB

• 10/12/2003· STRUCTURE

  CONSUMER HAS PROBLEMS SEEING THROUGH WINDSHIELD WHEN THE SUN IS SHINING. THE REFLECTION IS SO BAD THAT IT DISTORTS VISION. WHEN LOOKING THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD, INSTEAD OF SEEING WHAT IS ON THE OUTSIDE, THE CONSUMER SEES THE REFLECTION OF THE DASHBOARD. THE REFLECTION IS VERY STRONG. *AK *TS *NLM

• 10/09/2007· VISIBILITY

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING WATER THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WATER LEAKING THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD WAS LEAKING AND STAYING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD. THE LEAKING CAUSED THE BLOWER MOTOR IN THE COOLING SYSTEM TO FAIL. HE ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A RELATED RECALL; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

• 10/08/2009· SUSPENSION

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE COIL SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. HE HEARD A NOISE AS IF SOMETHING WAS SPLITTING ON THE FRONT LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

• 10/02/2009· VISIBILITY

  HEATER BLOWER MOTOR NOT WORKING IN 2003 MERCURY SABLE. MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE IS A LEAK IN THE FIREWALL. I NOTICED ONLINE THAT THIS HAPPENS TO A LOT OF FORD TAURUS AND MERCURY SABLE OWNERS. ANOTHER FORD OWNER IS TRACKING ALL THE COMPLAINTS HE CAN ( FORD RECALL NUMBER 03V087000 AND HIS COMPLAINT 10184014). DEALER WANTS $300 TO FIX LEAK. *TR

• 09/24/2015· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DECELERATE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND AVOIDED A COLLISION. THE CONTACT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED OF A CUSTOMER SERVICE CAMPAIGN. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED BECAUSE IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN ANOTHER PLANT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

• 09/18/2005· SEAT BELTS

  SEAT BELT RETRACTOR HAS NOT WORKED FOR AT LEAST 18 MONTHS- PART ON ORDER FOR AT LEAST THIS TIME. *NM

• 09/16/2009· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR AND WAS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY BRAKE LIGHTS NOT WORKING AND THEN EVERY TIME I TRIED TO TAKE THE CAR OUT OF PARK IT GOT STUCK. MY BATTERY ALSO WENT DEAD. ALL WITHIN DAYS OF MY PURCHASE. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL THAT HAD ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS AND THEY WERE CONNECTED. WHEN I WENT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS CAR WHICH I FIND HARD TO BELIEVE BECAUSE IT IS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS LISTED IN THE RECALL. MY CAR IS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. SEE RECALL INFO BELOW: ------------------------ MAKE: MERCURY MODEL: SABLE MODEL YEAR: 2003 MANUFACTURER: FORD MOTOR COMPANY MFR'S REPORT DATE: MAR 01, 2004 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V106000 RQ03008 NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: RQ03008 COMPONENT: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH FORD RECALL 04S12 SUMMARY: 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. CONSEQUENCE: 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. *TR

• 09/14/2013· POWER TRAIN

  THIRD TIME HERE WE GO!!! THE TORQUE CONVERTER HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE ON THIS MERCURY SABLE PIECE OF JUNK! PLEASE SEE NHTSA REPORT ID # 10333941 THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED. I HAD IT REPAIRED AT A FORD / MERCURY DEALERSHIP. RECEIVED A 12/12 WARRANTY (12K MILES OR 12 MONTHS) IT FAILED AGAIN AT ELEVEN MONTHS AND 12100 MILES 100 MILES OVER THE WARRANTY SO THEY TOLD ME TOUGH LUCK BUDDY.. I HAD IT REPAIRED AGAIN SAME DEALERSHIP. I DID NOT EVEN BOTHER TO FILE A REPORT I FIGURED ITS A WASTE OF TIME ANY HOW. AND NOW HERE WE GO AGAIN 3RD TIME. THAT FORD CAN MANUFACTURE AND SELL JUNK AND GET AWAY WITH IT IS CRIMINAL. I GUESS BUYER BEWARE DON'T BY FORD AND ESPECIALLY DO NOT BUY FORD FRONT WHEEL DRIVE. WHEN IT COMES TO FORD... I WOULD NEVER ASCRIBE TO MALICE THAT WHICH IS ADEQUATELY EXPLAINED BY INCOMPETENCE WHEN IT COMES TO CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS ... DOES IT MATTER WHAT THE JUDGE DRIVES ? HAVE YOU BEEN DRIVEN BY FORD LATELY. *TR

• 09/12/2017· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED, IT LOST ENGINE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DOM'S GETTY SERVICE STATION (308 MERCER ST, HIGHTSTOWN, NJ) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 57,000.