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1991 Mercury Sable

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1991 Mercury Sable do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 201.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Compare all Sable years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 4 of 221 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 101 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 56 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports9 fire reports5 injury reports

Structure complaints

20 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicStructure

ENGINE MOUNTS REPLACED PRIOR TO RECALL DUE TO BEING LOOSE, HOWEVER RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE MOTOR MOUNTS, ONLY SUBFRAME MOUNTS. (98V-323)

NHTSA ODI #544604

Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 1999
Power TrainSteeringStructure

BODY MOUNTS REPLACED PRIOR TO RECALL. (98V-323), ALSO REPLACED INNER/OUTER TIE ROD AND THE DRIVE AXLE.

NHTSA ODI #544584

Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 1999
Structure

FRONT CRADLE BOLT FAILED.

NHTSA ODI #544542

Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 1998
Power TrainSteeringStructure

WHILE BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE, AND THE REAR MOUNT BOLTS PULLED THROUGH THE SUB-FRAME DUE TO CORROSION, CAUSING THE STEERING TO LOCK UP. *AK THE CUSTOMER WAS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS OF THE VEHICLE'S DEFECTIVE PARTS THAT WERE ON RECALL 93V106002. THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSI…

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WHILE BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE, AND THE REAR MOUNT BOLTS PULLED THROUGH THE SUB-FRAME DUE TO CORROSION, CAUSING THE STEERING TO LOCK UP. *AK THE CUSTOMER WAS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS OF THE VEHICLE'S DEFECTIVE PARTS THAT WERE ON RECALL 93V106002. THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION FAILED AND WAS REPLACED BY THE CUSTOMER. *YH

NHTSA ODI #831436

Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 1998
Structure

THE SUB-FRAME MOUNT RETAINING PLATE BROKE, CAUSING UNCONTROLLABLE STEERING AS IN RECALL # 93V106/ DATED 16-NOV-93. MANUFACTURER/DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR RECALL. *AK

NHTSA ODI #825814

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 1998
Structure

REAR SUB-FRAME MOUNTS FAILED PRIOR TO/AFTER RECALL REPAIRS (93V-106.002). *AK

NHTSA ODI #523254

Mileage unknown · Sep 30, 1997
Structure

HATCHBACK HYDRAULIC CYLINDER IS FALLING OFF . OWNER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION . ONE CAN'T SEE THAT THE HATCHBACK IS FALLING OFF UNLESS PULLING UP THE FLOORBOARD. THE DEALER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY WILL NOT REPAIR THE DEFECT AT THEIR EXPENSE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #816732

Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 1997
Power TrainStructure

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT 10 MPH, WHEN COMSUMER'S SON WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AND PULLED INTO A DRIVEWAY, THE REAR BOLT OF THE ENGINE CRADLE FELL AND CB JOINT FELL ONE AT A TIME. WHEN THAT HAPPENED, THE ENGINE DROPPED WITH THE CRADLE. COMSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER, THEY SAID IT WAS A RECALL ON THOSE BOLTS. [ RECALL NU…

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WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT 10 MPH, WHEN COMSUMER'S SON WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AND PULLED INTO A DRIVEWAY, THE REAR BOLT OF THE ENGINE CRADLE FELL AND CB JOINT FELL ONE AT A TIME. WHEN THAT HAPPENED, THE ENGINE DROPPED WITH THE CRADLE. COMSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER, THEY SAID IT WAS A RECALL ON THOSE BOLTS. [ RECALL NUMBER 92S61]. THE VEHICLE APPLIED TO THE RECALL , BUT THE VIN DID NOT SHOW ON THAT RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER THINKS THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN FIXED. *AK ENGINE CRADLE FALLING CAUSED DAMAGE TO RACK AND PINION WHICH REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #814653

Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 1996
Air BagsService Brakes, HydraulicStructure

FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER RECALL REPAIR REFUSED BY DEALER.

NHTSA ODI #509752

Mileage unknown · May 25, 1995
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainSeat Belts

OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED, RESULTING IN ROUGH IDLE/HESITATION.

NHTSA ODI #486660

Official recalls

4

98V323000 · Structure:frame And Members

Dec 16, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGNIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT CAN EXPERIENCE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IF SUBJECTED TO LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALTS. THIS CAN RESULT IN FRACTURE AND LOSS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENT. DETACHMENT OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWS THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.

97V025000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Feb 26, 1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L ENGINES AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. WATER CAN ACCUMULATE WITHIN THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT. IF ENOUGH WATER ACCUMULATES, IT COULD FREEZE WITHIN A LOW AREA OF THE CABLE ROUTING WHEN EXPOSED TO A LONG TERM COLD SOAK AT TEMPERATURES AT LEAST SEVERAL DEGREES BELOW FREEZING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DRIVER CONTROL OF VEHICLE SPEED USING THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OR THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM WOULD BE DIMINISHED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A BOOT TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE.

92V065000 · Wheels

May 11, 1992

CHILDREN CAN ACCIDENTALLY LOCK THEMSELVES IN THE FOOTWELL AREA OF THE REAR-FACING THIRD SEAT, OR IN THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN STATION WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THIRD SEAT. ONCE THE COMPARTMENT IS CLOSED IT CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THERE IS A DANGER OF AIR DEPRIVATION, HYPERTHERMIA,AND/OR PANIC RESPONSE TO A CHILD WHO HAS LOCKED HIMSELF OR HERSELF INTO THECOMPARTMENT, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF ASPHYXIATION.

Remedy: REPLACE THE SELF-LATCHING ASSEMBLY CURRENTLY USED IN THE REAR STORAGE COMPARTMENT WITH A LATCH ASSEMBLY THAT CAN ONLY BE CLOSED WITH A KEY.

91V134000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor

Aug 6, 1991

FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED IN AREAS WHERE CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE ARE USED EXTENSIVELY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: SEVERELY CORRODED ROTORS MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE NEARTHE INNER EDGES OF THE BRAKE DISCS RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS,HIGHER THAN NORMAL PEDAL EFFORTS, LOUD GRINDING NOISES, AND MODERATE PULLS WHENTHE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS MAY INCREASE MINIMUMSTOPPING DISTANCES, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: REPLACE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH FULL CAST FRONT BRAKE ROTORS.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

11

EA96024 · Engine Cooling Fan Fires

Opened Sep 30, 1996 · Closed Apr 15, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

There is no summary currently available

PE96033 · Engine Cooling Fan Fires

Opened May 2, 1996 · Closed Sep 30, 1996

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

IN DECEMBER 1995, FORD RECALLED 119,313 VEHICLES IN CANADA TO REMEDY THE SUBJECT CONDITION IN CERTAIN 1992-95 TAURUS, SABLE, TEMPO, TOPAZ AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES.FORD IS AWARE OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS OCCURRING IN NORTHERN REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES, BUT MAINTAINS THAT THE FREQUENCIES DO NOT WARRANT A FINDING OF AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.

DP95004 · Alleged Defective Tie Rods

Opened Aug 8, 1995 · Closed Aug 30, 1995

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other

ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS

EA94008 · Broken Tie Rods

Opened Feb 16, 1994 · Closed Feb 27, 1995

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering

There is no summary currently available

PE93100 · Polycast Road Wheel Cracks

Opened Dec 2, 1993 · Closed Jun 30, 1994

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension

There is no summary currently available

PE93070 · Failure Of Wheel Studs

Opened Jul 27, 1993 · Closed Nov 22, 1993

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension

There is no summary currently available

PE93065 · Underbody Fuel Line Fails

Opened Jul 15, 1993 · Closed Nov 30, 1993

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

There is no summary currently available

PE93058 · Broken Tie Rods

Opened Jun 15, 1993 · Closed Feb 16, 1994

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering

There is no summary currently available

EA92040 · SUB-FRM/UNIBODY Absor.fail

Opened Nov 30, 1992 · Closed Jun 30, 1993

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure

There is no summary currently available

Structure

There is no summary currently available

EA91042 · Storage Compar Suffocation

Opened Oct 28, 1991 · Closed May 21, 1992

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

===

PE91108 · Storage Compar Suffocation

Opened Aug 1, 1991 · Closed Oct 28, 1991

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available