NHTSA vehicle safety data

1999 Mercury Sable Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 1999 Mercury Sable has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 258 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 1999 Mercury Sable, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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

1999 Mercury Sable owner complaints

Owners have filed 258 complaints with NHTSA about the 1999 Mercury Sable, describing incidents dated October 19, 1998 to November 30, 2020.

Most-cited components

Suspension 48 complaints
Steering 33 complaints
Service Brakes 29 complaints
Power Train 27 complaints
Engine 22 complaints
Visibility/Wiper 21 complaints

Of the 258 complaints on file, 22 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 258 complaints, owners report 24 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11383277 · Filed December 14, 2020
I BOUGHT A USED 1999 MERCURY SABLE GS WITH THE U TYPE 3.0L V6 ENGINE 2 MONTHS AGO. JUST RECENTLY I NOTICED THE CAR WANTING TO LUNGE FORWARD WHILE HOLDING THE BRAKE AT STOPS. THEN A FEW DAYS LATER WHENEVER I START THE CAR IT LUNGES FORWARD. NOTHING DRAMATIC BUT DEFINITELY NOTICEABLE. I STARTED…
ODI #11289660 · Filed December 17, 2019
WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND MADE IT VERY HARD TO STEER ALMOST CAUSING ME TO HAVE A ACCIDENT AFTER COMING TO A STOP THE STEERING WHEEL WAS OFF CENTER AND VERY HARD TO TURN HAD TO GET CAR TOWED.I FIND THIS TO BE A COMPLETE RIP OFF BECAUSE I SEE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF STEERING…
ODI #11289653 · Filed December 17, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE WAGON. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S…

Read all 258 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1999 Mercury Sable in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE04-044: FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE
Closed August 16, 2004
- Recall 04V-332
Preliminary Evaluation PE02-080: FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE
Closed April 29, 2003

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

FORD/FRONT COIL SPRINGS

NHTSA #04V332000 · Suspension — Front — Springs — Coil Springs · NHTSA notice

Reported July 15, 2004 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 899,060 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 04S17 · Owners notified January 10, 2005 · Vehicles built March 28, 1998 – August 13, 2001 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

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 consequence

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.

Notes

FORD RECALL NO. 04S17.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FORD/SEAT BELT RETRACTOR

NHTSA #99V250000 · Seat Belts — Front — Anchorage · NHTSA notice

Reported September 20, 1999 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 25,306 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 99S26 · Owners notified October 11, 1999 · Vehicles built July 26, 1999 – August 13, 1999 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE A PIN SHAFT IN THE SWITCHABLE ELR/ALR MECHANISM THAT IS INCORRECTLY FORMED. IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, THE SWITCHING MECHANISM COULD BECOME NONFUNCTIONAL, PREVENTING THE SEAT BELT WEBBING FROM BEING EXTRACTED FROM THE RETRACTOR. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT MALFUNCTION OF THE MECHANISM COULD PREVENT THE BELT FROM BEING SWITCHED INTO THE ALR MODE. THE ELR MECHANISM IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION.

Safety consequence

IF THE MECHANISM MALFUNCTIONS AND DOES NOT ALLOW THE WEBBING TO BE EXTRACTED, THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT COULD NOT BE WORN BY A VEHICLE OCCUPANT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE MECHANISM DOES NOT ALLOW THE ALR MODE TO BE ENGAGED, THE OPERATOR MAY BE UNABLE TO PROPERLY INSTALL A CHILD SEAT IN THAT SEATING POSITION.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLIES. ASSEMBLIES WITH JULIAN DATE CODES OF 200 THROUGH 223 ARE SUSPECT AND WILL BE REPLACED.

Notes

FORD RECALLNO. 99S26. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 11, 1999. 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 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FORD/TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE

NHTSA #98V288000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Cooling Unit and Lines · NHTSA notice

Reported November 9, 1998 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 1,800 vehicles

Owners notified November 25, 1998 · Vehicles built August 3, 1998 – September 17, 1998 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUPPED WITH THE "CALIFORNIA" EMISSIONS PACKAGE. AN INCORRECT TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE WAS INSTALLED. THE LINE CONTACTS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM MODULE SUPPORT BRACKET AND OVER TIME, CAN WEAR AND DEVELOP A LEAK.

Safety consequence

TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE APPROPRIATE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 25, 1998. 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 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FORD/DASH INSULATOR CLIP

NHTSA #98V204000 · Vehicle Speed Control · NHTSA notice

Reported September 1, 1998 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 6,000 vehicles

Owners notified September 21, 1998 · Vehicles built August 3, 1998 – August 10, 1998 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DASH INSULATOR RETAINER CLIP WAS NOT FULLY ASSEMBLED TO THE ACCELERATOR CABLE DASH FITTING. THE CLIP CAN DISENGAGE FROM THE ACCELERATOR CABLE AND FALL INTO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM PIVOT AREA.

Safety consequence

IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE ENGINE MAY NOT FULLY RETURN TO IDLE. ALSO, THE INSULATOR MAY NOT STAY IN THE INTENDED LOCATION AND COULD INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR CABLE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES TO ENSURE PROPER INSTALLATION OF THE ACCELERATOR CABLE CLIP, AND RE-INSTALL IF NEEDED.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 21, 1998.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 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FORD/SEAT BELT BUCKLE ATTACHMENT

NHTSA #98V198000 · Seat Belts — Front — Anchorage · NHTSA notice

Reported August 25, 1998 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 7,000 vehicles

Owners notified September 4, 1998 · Vehicles built July 31, 1998 – August 7, 1998 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL SEAT TRACKS. THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ATTACHING STUD MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED. THIS HEAT TREATMENT MAY HAVE RESULTED IN CRACKS DEVELOPING IN THE STUD.

Safety consequence

IF THE STUD IS CRACKED, IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE MOUNTING BRACKET AND STUD ASSEMBLY.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 4, 1998.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 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

1999 Mercury Sable 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 3, Passenger: 3

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

2 investigations

258 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1999 Mercury Sable.

Power Train

ODI #11383277

Incident: November 30, 2020 · Filed: December 14, 2020

I BOUGHT A USED 1999 MERCURY SABLE GS WITH THE U TYPE 3.0L V6 ENGINE 2 MONTHS AGO. JUST RECENTLY I NOTICED THE CAR WANTING TO LUNGE FORWARD WHILE HOLDING THE BRAKE AT STOPS. THEN A FEW DAYS LATER WHENEVER I START THE CAR IT LUNGES FORWARD. NOTHING DRAMATIC BUT DEFINITELY NOTICEABLE. I STARTED LOOKING ONLINE TO SEE ABOUT A RECALL AND 1 WAS PRESENT A LONG TIME AGO. IS IT TO LATE TO GET MY CAR CHECKED OR HOW TO SEE IF IT WAS EVER SERVICED OR CALLED FOR THE RECALL.

Steering

ODI #11289660

Incident: December 16, 2019 · Filed: December 17, 2019

WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND MADE IT VERY HARD TO STEER ALMOST CAUSING ME TO HAVE A ACCIDENT AFTER COMING TO A STOP THE STEERING WHEEL WAS OFF CENTER AND VERY HARD TO TURN HAD TO GET CAR TOWED.I FIND THIS TO BE A COMPLETE RIP OFF BECAUSE I SEE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF STEERING PROBLEMS OF THE SAME MATTER

Steering

ODI #11289653

Incident: December 16, 2019 · Filed: December 17, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE WAGON. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Structure

ODI #10940302

Incident: August 3, 2016 · Filed: January 7, 2017

REAR SUBFRAME CONNECTION PASSENGER SIDE RUSTED THROUGH DUE TO FACTORY PUT AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSATE LINE SO THAT IT CONSTANTLY DUMPS CONDENSATE ON THIS AREA INSTEAD OF DRAINING CONDENSATE BEYOND AND TO THE GROUND. THE RESULT IS A RUSTED OUT SEVERED CONNECTION THEREBY CAUSING THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION TO BE HELD BY ONLY THREE OF THE FOUR CONNECTIONS NEEDED TO SAFELY HOLD ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION AS DESIGNED FROM THE FACTORY.

Vehicle Speed Control; Service Brakes

ODI #10881775

Incident: June 20, 2016 · Filed: June 30, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKES HESITATED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

Suspension

ODI #10851823

Incident: March 26, 2004 · Filed: September 28, 2004

THE VEHICLE FRONT COILS SPRING FAILED 5 MONTHS PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION. *NM THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. RECALL# 04V332000. *SC *JB

Steering; Air Bags

ODI #10836880

Incident: December 28, 2015 · Filed: February 18, 2016

THE STEERING IS HORIBLE, ABOUT 3YEARS AGO CHANGED RACK APPION STEERING, AND JUST A WEEK AGO, PUT NEW STEERING PUMP ON, STILL.

Steering

ODI #10806809

Incident: August 1, 2015 · Filed: November 25, 2015

EVEN AFTER REPLACING THE SECOND POWER STEERING PUMP , IT IS HORRIBLE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL MOST OF THE TIME. ALSO, IT IS NOISY WHILE I'M DRIVING IT. IT HAD A NEW RACK AND PINION ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT . PARKING IN A PARKING LOT IS AWFUL AS IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO MANEUVER AROUND OTHER CARS. TURNING CORNERS ,SOMETIMES IT'S OKAY AND OTHER TIMES REALLY HARD. NOT SURE IF THIS COMPLAINT BELONGS HERE, BUT HEATER DOESN'T WORK ,EITHER. FEELS LIKE A/C IS ON . HAD A FRIEND CHECK IT AND HE IS HAVING A HARD TIME FIGURING IT OUT. DON'T KNOW HOW TO ANSWER "DATE HAPPENED" AS IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN AUGUST.

Structure

ODI #10587324

Incident: December 9, 2013 · Filed: May 8, 2014

AFTER RAINS THE CAR GOT A WET FLOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ,NO WET SPOTS ON ROOF OR WINDOWS. IT WAS LEAKING WATER FROM THE DASH BOARD COMPARTMENT BOTTOM.WHILE DRIVING ,THE HEATER WAS ON AND IT STARTED SMOKING FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD COMPARTMENT BY PASSENGER SIDE I TURNED EVERYTHING OFF . I TOOK IT FOR REPAIR AND NOW, ON MAY IT RAINED HEAVY AGAIN AND IT HAS A PUDDLE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AGAIN ,SAME SITUATION AS BEFORE, WATER CAME FROM INSIDE.IS THIS A SAFETY HAZARD? I BOUGHT THIS CAR ON NOVEMBER 2013 ,AND I KNEW TOO LATE ABOUT THE HEATING SYSTEM RECALL ,I DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS EVER REPAIRED ON THAT RECALL.FORD DEALER IN COLORADO SAYS THERE IS NO WAY TO CHECK IT.ACCORDING TO SOME WEBSITES IT NEEDS SOMETHING TO HAVE A PROTECTION UNDER THE WIPERS VENTS(COWL) AND IT IS A FACTORY MISTAKE. I HAVE HAD THE HEATING SYSTEM REPAIRED 2 TIMES,TOO EXPENSIVE FOR ME.I AM UNDER EMPLOYED. I WANT TO KNOW IF THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. IT IS THE ONLY WAY I COULD MAKE FORD TO FIX THIS RECALLED IF THE CAR WAS NEVER FIXED FOR THIS BEFORE.THANKS FOR YOUR HELP. *TR

Suspension

ODI #10510308

Incident: April 10, 2013 · Filed: May 1, 2013

VEHICLE SPRING FRACTURED BREAKING THE BOTTOM PART OFF THE COIL SPRING ON THE FRONT LEFT DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR.THE LEFT FRONT IS NOW LOWER AND TIRES SHOW WEAR. I HAVE STOPPED DRIVING AS A RESULT. *TR

Other Mercury Sable model years

Check your 1999 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.

Check a Mercury VIN