- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If both rear corners drop, steering would become suddenly very difficult, affecting vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will install subframe rear mount bolts, reinforcement plates, and plate nuts.
Vehicle safety record
1986 Mercury Sable Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 47 complaints about the 1986 Mercury Sable with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (11) and the seats & seat belts (10). Those complaints describe 6 fires and 3 injuries. It is covered by 9 recalls, the latest in December 1998 for the frame and members. For comparison, the 1987 has 78.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical Sable year, for its age
#8 most complained-about 1986 vehicle
- Complaints
- 47
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 6
- Injuries
- 3
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1986 Mercury Sable problems
Share of all 47 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1986 Mercury Sable recalls 9
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- The arc welds on the sway bar bracket, where it attaches to the strut reserve tube, did not fuse properly.
- The risk
- Over time, a portion of the bracket can tear away from the strut, falling into and puncturing the tire or causing damage to the wheel, which could result in an accident.
- The fix
- Monroe dealers will replace the strut free of charge.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: taurus and sables built from 10-14-85 through 8-19-88, and lincoln continentals built from 11-4-87 through 9-30-88 (except 1989 - 1991 2.5L taurus and 1989 - 1992 sho). The affected cars were originally sold or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, and wisconsin. The body mounts at the rear corners of the subframe, which supports the engine and transmission, may become detached due to corrosion of the subframe mount retaining plate. This would allow the rear corners of the subframe to drop.
- The risk
- If one of the rear corners drops, only minor indications of a malfunction such as a clunking noise or slight change in steering wheel alignment are noticeable. However, if both rear corners of the subframe drop, steering becomes very difficult, which could adversely affect vehicle control and possibly result in an accident.
- The fix
- Install a corrosion-resistant reinforcing plate and a new bolt on both rear subframe mounts. This recall campaign has been superseded by recall 98v-323.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- Replace the self-latching assembly currently used in the rear storage compartment with a latch assembly that can only be closed with a key.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- Replace front brake rotors with full cast front brake rotors.
- The problem
- Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
- The risk
- Coupling could disengage due to fuel pressure,vibration, and engine movements; this would cause loss of fuel which, inpresence of an ignition source, creates a fire risk.
- The fix
- Install retainer clips over the couplings to prevent coupling separation and fuel leakage.
- The problem
- Road salt induced erosion of the wiper motor conductor strips could cause localized thermal stress within the glass.
- The risk
- Glass could fracture while station wagon is being drivenor parked, creating a risk of injury to occupants or sudden distraction to thedriver.
- The fix
- Apply sealant to conductor strips and protective tape to lower backlites.
- The problem
- The right quarter windows may contain glass which was improperly tempered. This glass may yield pieces larger than the maximum allowed by fmvss 205, glazing material. Consequence of defect: in case of an accident these large pieces of glass may seriously injure the occupants of the car.
- The fix
- Replace the quarter windows containing date code 5 af.
- The risk
- If the car is left unattended with the key removed and the ignition switch not in lock position, the car can be easily stolen. Studies have shown that stolen cars are frequently involved in accidents.
- The fix
- IGNITION LOCK SWITCH CYLINDER WILL BE REPLACED.
What owners say
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47 complaints about the 1986 Mercury Sable
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
After driving and coming to a stop the automatic transmission goes into neutral. Stepping on the gas pedal caused the transmission to rev up quite high while still staying in neutral until, suddenly the transmission will kick into gear and "burn rubber" causing the car to lurch forward in an "uncontrolled" way at high speed. *Nlm
Brake caliper is hanging out, causing hub cap to melt onto the tire.*Ak
Subframe welds broke and frame dropped while driving 30 mph. No injuries. There is a recall but this vehicle is not affected.*Jbsubframe mounting bolts/brackets broke on both sides of the rear mounts causing the engine and transaxle to fall backward and make steering impossible. *Jg
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
BOLT INTACT, MOUNT FAILED, METAL FAILURE. *AK
While sitting on driver's side with children sitting in rear seat, a person alerted consumer that one of the children got stuck between window of vehicle, where power window could not be activated. *Ak
While traveling without any indication rmps would run high. Then, soon after vehicle would stall. Please provide further information.*Ak
When driving vehicle became very hot/stalled and came to a complete stop due to the tfi ignition module being too close and mounted on the side of the distributor. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details. *Ak
Windshield is cracked on the driver's side. Consumer stated she bought vehicle as it is, and she wants to fill out a safety complaint. *Ak
Re century infant seat smartfit plu model # 4529stc, baby's head swings from side to side while sleeping because angle of seat is more of a sitting position; as a result, baby has pinched nerve in neck area and receiving medical treatment; also baby's cheeks have bruises from plastic buckles. *Ak
Rear subframe bolts and nuts failed prior to recall notice. Nlm (recall #98s36) 98v-323.
Recall 98s36 front body mounts on the rear corner of the subframe not yet repaired due to dealer scheduling problem.
Recall component of subframe mounts possibly caused loss of control and vehicle rollover and injury, consumer notified after incident of recall.(Attorney for consumer).
Difficulty having subframe mount nuts repaired under recall, due to dealership/manufacturer problems. (98V-323)
While driving transmission malfunctioned due to a leak from transmission's cooling unit and lines. Also, motor mounts failed, causing vehicle to vibrate/shake and stall. Consumer had to put vehicle in repair shop for repairs. *Ml
The engine and transmission separated from each other, making it impossible to steer the vehicle. There is a recall on vehicle. *Ak
Transmission is going out, causing transmission not to shift into gear and the vehicle vibrates/stalls and shuts down while driving. *Ak
Bolt in the seat is broken, causing the consumer's seat to move forward when driving. When consumer stops the seat will move, and can hear some noise coming from the seat, as if the motor in the seat is running, but the seat is broke. *Ak
While driving at 25 to 30 mph the vehicle shut down. The sub-frame separated from the rear corner of the vehicle which supports the transmission. Also, poor steering. *Ak
SEAT SEAT FELL APART.
Rear subframe broke away at the lower body mounts with no previous indication. The driver was unable to steer. The dealer is aware of recall notice 92s61 with ford manufacturer, which is the same problem. Dealer is replacing the bolts to the body of the car. *Ak
The driver's and passenger's side shoulder seat belts are inoperative due to the buckle separating. Consumer has contacted the dealer. *Ak *slc
PAINT IS FADED.
While driving the vehicle loses all power. This has happened several times. *Ak after vehicle stalls, it starts right up, dealer can not find problem. *Slc
The digital computer went dim on the speed odometer. Consumer states speed can not be read during the day and at night it is very difficult to read. *Slc
Mercury Sable: every year compared
All Sable years1986 Mercury Sable vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 Mercury Sable | 47 | 9 | A | |
| 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis | 21 | 2 | A | Compare |
| 1986 Mercury Cougar | 13 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1986 Mercury Topaz | 9 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 1986 Mercury Lynx | 6 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1986 Mercury Marquis | 4 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 1986 Mercury Colony Park | 2 | 0 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1986 Mercury Sable
Does the 1986 Mercury Sable have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 1986 Mercury Sable: frame and members (December 1998); shock ABSorber (November 1994); frame and members (June 1993); wheels (May 1992) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Mercury Sable?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (11), seats & seat belts (10), transmission & drivetrain (7).
How many complaints has the 1986 Mercury Sable had?
47 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 4, 1994 and the latest on June 16, 2003. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 6 a fire, and together they report 3 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1986 Mercury Sable a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 85 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Mercury Sable year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Mercury Sable years have the most complaints?
1993 (677), 2000 (465), 2002 (457). See every Mercury Sable year compared.
What should I do if my 1986 Mercury Sable has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data