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: 38 of 350 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 132 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 93 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 32 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 reports13 fire reports10 injury reports
What owners actually said
350 reports
Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2000
Power Train
MY FIRST SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE STARTED SWING BETWEEN 45 AND 85 AT CONSTANT REAL SPEED, WHENEVER I DROVE AROUND 60 MPH REAL SPEED. AT THAT TIME MY CAR HAD 29,000 MILES IN AUG 1997. I CHANGED MY SPEEDOMETER FROM FORD DEALER UNDER FORD WARRANTY. I HAD EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEMS AT 46,000 MILES IN NOV 1998 WITH MY SECOND SPEEDOMETER. I …
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MY FIRST SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE STARTED SWING BETWEEN 45 AND 85 AT CONSTANT REAL SPEED, WHENEVER I DROVE AROUND 60 MPH REAL SPEED. AT THAT TIME MY CAR HAD 29,000 MILES IN AUG 1997. I CHANGED MY SPEEDOMETER FROM FORD DEALER UNDER FORD WARRANTY. I HAD EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEMS AT 46,000 MILES IN NOV 1998 WITH MY SECOND SPEEDOMETER. I CHANGED SPEEDOMETER AGAIN FROM FORD DEALER. I HAVE EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM AT 61,000 MILES IN JUN 2000 WITH MY THIRD SPEEDOMETER. I THINK 95 SABLE HAS SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THEIR SPEEDOMETER. IT IS REALLY DANGEROUS, SINCE I CANNOT FIGURE OUT MY SPEED, IF I RUN FASTER THAN 50 MILES. I'M HAVING EXACTLY THE SAME SPEEDOMETER PROBLEMS APPROX EVERY ONE AND HALF YEARS (ABOUT 16,000 MILES) AFTER THE FIRST SPEEDOMETER. FORD DEALER ASKED $ 600 TO INSTALL ANOTHER NEW SPEEDOMETER, SINCE THE PART WARRANTY IS ONE YEAR. I REALLY DON'T WANT TO DRIVE WITHOUT KNOWING MY SPEED ON HIGHWAYS. THEN I HAVE TO SPEND $600 EVERY ONE AND HALF YEARS TO MAINTAIN SPEEDOMETER. I THINK FORD SHOULD DO SOMETHING FOR MY SPEEDOMETER, SINCE SPEEDOMETER IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT INSTRUMENT ON HIGHWAYS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #724231
Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2000
Fuel System, GasolineTiresUnknown Or Other
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #723951
Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2000
Power Train
SPEEDOMETER IS INACCURATE WHICH IS A SAFETY HAZARD. SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE BOUNCES AT HIGH SPEEDS 45 OR HIGHER. WILL GO UP TO 85 AND BACK DOWN TO 45. AT LOWER SPEEDS READING IS NOT ACCURATE. YOU HAVE NO IDEA OF YOUR ACTUAL SPEED. SPEEDO HEAD WAS REPLACED 07/98 AT 49,760 MILES SPEEDOMETER FAILED AGAIN 06/2000 AT 70,165 FIRST REP…
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SPEEDOMETER IS INACCURATE WHICH IS A SAFETY HAZARD. SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE BOUNCES AT HIGH SPEEDS 45 OR HIGHER. WILL GO UP TO 85 AND BACK DOWN TO 45. AT LOWER SPEEDS READING IS NOT ACCURATE. YOU HAVE NO IDEA OF YOUR ACTUAL SPEED. SPEEDO HEAD WAS REPLACED 07/98 AT 49,760 MILES SPEEDOMETER FAILED AGAIN 06/2000 AT 70,165 FIRST REPLACMENT AT MY EXPENSE WAS $382.88. SECOND REPLACEMENT IS $600 AGAIN AT MY EXPENSE. FORD MOTOR COMPANY DID NOT WARRENTY EITHER REPAIR. THIS IS A REAL SAFTEY HAZARD IN NOT KNOWING WHAT SPEED YOU ARE TRAVELING IN SCHOOL ZONES, WORK ZONES ETC.. PROBLEMS OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED.
NHTSA ODI #723871
Mileage unknown · May 16, 2000
Exterior LightingFire
I HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH TWICE SINCE I OWNED THE CAR (2 YEARS). THE SWITCH OVERHEATS AND ACTUALLY BURNS/CHARS THE METAL CONTACTS AND MELTS THE PLUG. IT GETS VERY HOT TO TOUCH AND THE HEADLIGHT AND/OR PARKING LIGHTS WILL SHUT OFF AND TURN ON INTERMITTENTLY. I HAVE SPOKEN TO OTHER OWNERS OF THE TAURUS/SABLE AND THEY H…
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I HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH TWICE SINCE I OWNED THE CAR (2 YEARS). THE SWITCH OVERHEATS AND ACTUALLY BURNS/CHARS THE METAL CONTACTS AND MELTS THE PLUG. IT GETS VERY HOT TO TOUCH AND THE HEADLIGHT AND/OR PARKING LIGHTS WILL SHUT OFF AND TURN ON INTERMITTENTLY. I HAVE SPOKEN TO OTHER OWNERS OF THE TAURUS/SABLE AND THEY HAVE REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM. IT COST ME $125 EACH TIME TO REPLACE IT (PARTS AND LABOR), BUT I AM WORRIED ABOUT THE POSSIBLE FIRE THAT COULD OCCUR. *AK
NHTSA ODI #722761
Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2000
Power TrainVisibility
DRIVERS SIDE WIDOW POPS OUT WHILE CLOSING THE DOOR. ALSO THE DEALER INSTALLED A SPEEDOMETER TWO YEARS AGO IN MAY OF 1998 FOR $400.00 COST TO US WHICH WAS'NT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFTY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE REPAIRED AT NO COST TO US. THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED AGAIN IN DECEMBER OF 1999. NOW THE DEALER IS ASKING F…
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DRIVERS SIDE WIDOW POPS OUT WHILE CLOSING THE DOOR. ALSO THE DEALER INSTALLED A SPEEDOMETER TWO YEARS AGO IN MAY OF 1998 FOR $400.00 COST TO US WHICH WAS'NT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFTY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE REPAIRED AT NO COST TO US. THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED AGAIN IN DECEMBER OF 1999. NOW THE DEALER IS ASKING FOR ANOTHER $500.00 (PRE-PAID) TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I FIND THIS TO BE EXCESSIVE. WHAT CAN WE DO NOW? *AK
NHTSA ODI #721796
Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2000
Power Train
WHEN VEHICLE REACHES 45MPH SPEEDOMETER OSCILATES. DRIVER IS NOT ABLE TO TELL HOW FAST THE VEHICLE IS GOING. THE DEALER, NORTH GATE LINCOLN IN TAMPA, FL, REFUSES TO REPAIR VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #860711
Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2000
Power Train
SPEEDOMETER DEFECTIVE, TWO TIMES IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #721770
Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2000
Electrical System
WIRE TO STARTED CORRODED, DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, THERE IS A REPAIR KIT
NHTSA ODI #9000632
Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2000
Structure
RECAL 98V323 000/SUBFRAME CORROSION: SUBFRAME DETACHED FROM BODY MOUNT, CAUSES LOSS OF STEERING. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #860244
Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL VEHICLE LOST POWER. IT FELT LIKE CARRYING A LOAD. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IT WAS THE ENGINE HEAD GASKET. *AK
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L AND 3.8L ENGINES AND MUSTANG VEHICLES WITH 3.8L AND 5.0L ENGINES. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BEARING TO SEIZE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, EXCESSIVE HEAT COULD BE GENERATED WHICH COULD MELT THE FAN MOTOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. COMPONENTS INSIDE THE COOLING FAN MOTOR COULD IGNITE POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A CIRCUIT BREAKER. IF THE COOLING FAN IS INOPERATIVE, THE FAN AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 28, 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.
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.
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.
THESE VEHICLES ARE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, IOWA, MINNESOTA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, AND SOUTH DAKOTA. THE VEHICLES INVOLVED ARE 1992-1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ VEHICLES WITH 3.0L ENGINES; 1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 2.3L ENGINES; 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.8L ENGINES; 1994-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.0L ENGINES AND 1992-1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL VEHICLES WITH 3.8L ENGINES. DURING HIGH WINDS, HEAVY, BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW, AND LOW TEMPERATURES, THE ENGINE COOLING FAN CAN BECOME BLOCKED OR FROZEN WITH SNOW. THE FAN MOTOR MAY NOT ROTATE AND COULD OVERHEAT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE SMOKE OR FLAMES FROM THE FAN AND/OR SHROUD, THE FAN ELECTRICAL WIRING, OR THE FAN MOTOR RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.
THE RETAINER CLIP WHICH HOLDS THE MASTER CYLINDER PUSH ROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM IS MISSING OR NOT COMPLETELY INSTALLED. THE PUSH ROD CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL THE RETAINER CLIP.
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
4
RQ99017 · Front Suspension Spring
Opened Aug 9, 1999 · Closed Feb 16, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
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
EA96019 · Headlight Failure
Opened Jul 31, 1996 · Closed Jan 26, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
EXCESSIVE HEAT IN AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED CIRCUIT BREAKER WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CAUSED THAT CIRCUIT BREAKER TO OPEN FOR TIME PERIODS OF VARYING LENGTH TO COOL OFF.OPENING OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER IN THIS MANNER INTERRUPTS ELECTRIC CURRENT FLOW TO THE HEADLIGHTS, SHUTTING THEM OFF.HEADLIGHT OUTAGES HAVE RANGER FROM BRIEF FLICKERS (LESS THAN ONE SECOND) TO GREATER THAN 20 SECONDS.OVER TIME, THE OUTAGES GROW IN LENGTH AND DURATION BECAUSE OF HEAT-INDUCED DETERIORATION OF THE SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING.RECALL 98V-009 WILL APPLY TO APPROXIMATELY 506,000 TAURUS, SABLE, MARK VIII, AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM 1-DEC.-92 THROUGH 30-SEP-93 AT THE ATLANTA, CHICAGO,AND WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANTS.87% OF MY 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE AND 97% OF MY 1993-1995 MARK VIII WARRANTY REPAIRS (HEADLIGHT SWITCH REPLACEMENT) INVOLVED VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE DEC. 92 - OCT. 93 BUILD RANGE.
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.
1995 Mercury Sable Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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