NHTSA vehicle safety data

1997 Mercury Sable Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 1997 Mercury Sable has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 228 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Mercury dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1997 Mercury Sable, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

1997 Mercury Sable owner complaints

Owners have filed 228 complaints with NHTSA about the 1997 Mercury Sable, describing incidents dated October 15, 1996 to July 6, 2016.

Most-cited components

Power Train 42 complaints
Engine 41 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 28 complaints
Seat Belts 21 complaints
Visibility/Wiper 20 complaints
Service Brakes 19 complaints

Of the 228 complaints on file, 10 report a crash and 5 a fire; across all 228 complaints, owners report 11 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #10917688 · Filed October 20, 2016
YES I HAVE A USED CAR AND THE DASH FROM THE HEAT HAS ROSE OFF OR HAS BUCKELED UP AND I HAVE CONTACTED THE COMPANY WELL APPARENTLY IT IS OBSOLETE AND IT IS HARD TO COME BY SO I CANT DRIVE WITHOUT A DASH AND I CANT GET ONE EITHER
ODI #10473010 · Filed August 30, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A SAFETY INSPECTION, WHERE THE MECHANIC NOTIFIED HER THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND THE BALL JOINTS WERE DETACHING FROM THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS…
ODI #10460825 · Filed June 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN BRAKING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD INCREASE ABNORMALLY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD SLIGHTLY PULL FORWARD AS IF IT WERE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. AS THE CONTACT WAS APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP, SHE CRASHED INTO…

Read all 228 complaints

FORD/FMVSS 108

NHTSA #98V028000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights · NHTSA notice

Reported February 10, 1998 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 571,800 vehicles

Owners notified March 23, 1998 · Vehicles built June 9, 1997 – February 12, 1998 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Safety consequence

IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONFUSED BY THE AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO BE IMPROPERLY AIMED.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN MARCH 23, 1998. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE OWNER GUIDE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FORD/AUTO TRANSMISSION

NHTSA #97V097000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported June 9, 1997 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 100,000 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 97S75 · Owners notified June 30, 1997 · Vehicles built November 24, 1996 – March 1, 1997 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AX4S AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES. THE LOW/INTERMEDIATE SERVO COVER CAN SEPARATE FROM THE TRANSAXLE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. IF THIS OCCURS, TRANSMISSION FLUID WILL LEAK CONTACTING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.

Safety consequence

THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TEMPERATURE MAY BE HOT ENOUGH TO IGNITE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE THESE SERVO COVERS.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 30, 1997.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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

FORD/AUTO TRANSMISSION

NHTSA #96V166000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Gear Position Indication (PRNDL) · NHTSA notice

Reported September 5, 1996 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 40,000 vehicles

Owners notified September 23, 1996 · Vehicles built August 1, 1996 – August 28, 1996 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET HAS A SHARP EDGE WHICH CAN CAUSE THE PARKING PAWL TO HANG UP AND NOT ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK.

Safety consequence

UNINTENDED AND UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 23, 1996.NOTE: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.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

1997 Mercury Sable 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 3, Passenger: 3

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

228 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Mercury Sable.

Unknown or Other

ODI #10917688

Incident: July 6, 2016 · Filed: October 20, 2016

YES I HAVE A USED CAR AND THE DASH FROM THE HEAT HAS ROSE OFF OR HAS BUCKELED UP AND I HAVE CONTACTED THE COMPANY WELL APPARENTLY IT IS OBSOLETE AND IT IS HARD TO COME BY SO I CANT DRIVE WITHOUT A DASH AND I CANT GET ONE EITHER

Suspension; Service Brakes

ODI #10473010

Incident: August 10, 2012 · Filed: August 30, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A SAFETY INSPECTION, WHERE THE MECHANIC NOTIFIED HER THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND THE BALL JOINTS WERE DETACHING FROM THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.

Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #10460825

Crash

Incident: May 23, 2012 · Filed: June 6, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN BRAKING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD INCREASE ABNORMALLY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD SLIGHTLY PULL FORWARD AS IF IT WERE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. AS THE CONTACT WAS APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP, SHE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE MECHANIC DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL AS A PRECAUTION AND THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.

Structure

ODI #10421114

Incident: August 18, 2011 · Filed: August 23, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE SUB FRAME THAT HOLDS THE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION TOGETHER WAS DETACHED FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO RUST. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING NOISE; HOWEVER, DURING THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS COVERED WITH RUST. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR RELATED WARRANTIES AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #10368440

Incident: November 29, 2010 · Filed: November 30, 2010

CONSTANTLY HAVING TO SERVICE BRAKES ON MY 1997 MERCURY SABLE. I HAVE HAD BRAKE CALIPERS SEIZE UP TO THE POINT THE WHEEL WAS TOO HOT TO TOUCH AND I CURRENTLY HAVE BRAKE LINES RUSTED OUT FOR THE SECOND TIME IN ABOUT 2 YEARS THIS IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE FOR SUCH AN EXPENSIVE LUXURY MODEL AND FROM A SAFETY POINT OF VIEW IT IS UNACCEPTABLE TO PUT ANYTHING IN THE WAY OF BRAKE LINES THAT WILL LEAK RUST OR OTHERWISE FAIL PREMATURELY. *TR

Suspension; Equipment

ODI #10329054

Incident: May 4, 2010 · Filed: May 5, 2010

I BOUGHT AND ARE DRIVING A 1997 MERCURY SABLE WITH 84K MILES AND IT IS A DANGER TO BE IN. THE REAR SPRINGS ARE BROKEN IN SEVERAL PLACES. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT FORD WAS RECALLING AND FIXING THIS PROBLEM IN SIMILAR AND LIKE YEARS OF TAURUS'S AND SABLES. MINE THEY CLAIM DOES NOT QUALIFY. THE 1997 IS THE SAME CAR AS A 1998 AND 1999 THAT THEY HAVE PROVIDED RECALL REPLACEMENTS ON... I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM OR HAVE BEEN IN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM THAT FORD IS OBVIOUSLY AWARE . *TR

Power Train

ODI #10251496

Incident: December 10, 2008 · Filed: December 11, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE WAS INFORMED BY A FORD REPRESENTATIVE THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V097000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE CONTACT STILL HAS THE VEHICLE, BUT IS AFRAID TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 37,840. UPDATED 12/30/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO DISCOVERED OIL LEAKING IN THE TRANSAXLE AREA. UPDATED 01/05/09. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #10244962

Incident: October 1, 2008 · Filed: October 9, 2008

I HAVE READ DOZENS OF EXAMPLES OF THE SAME PROBLEM POSTED ON THIS SITE. IT APPEARS THAT MERCURY NEEDS TO MAKE A RECALL. ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO MY BRAKE PEDAL RELEASED THE PRESSURE I HAD ON IT AND WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I TOOK IT INTO THE BRAKE SHOP AND HAD MY HOSES, CALIPERS, AND BREAK LINES ALL COMPLETELY REPLACED. WITHIN 6 MONTHS, THE EXACT SAME THING HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. I DO NOT HAVE $500 TO SPEND EVERY SIX MONTHS ON A CAR THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE RELIABLE AND DEPENDABLE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. *TR

Seat Belts

ODI #10236816

Incident: August 3, 2008 · Filed: August 4, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LOOSENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 55,000.

Power Train

ODI #10230569

Incident: December 1, 2007 · Filed: June 11, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING AND DRAINING ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ANY OPEN RECALLS AND THEY WERE UNAWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V097000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,000.

Other Mercury Sable model years

Check your 1997 Mercury Sable VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Mercury Sable at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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