- 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
1987 Mercury Sable Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 78 complaints about the 1987 Mercury Sable with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (17) and the seats & seat belts (15). Those complaints describe 3 crashes, 7 fires and 6 injuries. It is covered by 9 recalls, the latest in December 1998 for the frame and members. For comparison, the 1986 has 47 and the 1988 has 129.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical Sable year, for its age
#5 most complained-about 1987 vehicle
- Complaints
- 78
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes
- 3
- Fires
- 7
- Injuries
- 6
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1987 Mercury Sable problems
Share of all 78 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1987 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
- Left and/or right rear spindle assemblies may have been improperly heat treated. Consequence of defect: if spindle stem separates, loss of vehicle control could occur without prior warning.
- The fix
- REPLACE REAR SPINDLE.
- The problem
- Steering shaft assemblies contain lower shafts of insufficient length for proper attachment to the shaft insulator flange. Consequence of defect: shaft could separate, resulting in total loss of steering control and a possible accident.
- The fix
- REPLACE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY, AS NECESSARY.
What owners say
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78 complaints about the 1987 Mercury Sable
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 4.
Vehicle experienced same problem as nhtsa 98v323000. Subframe bushings broke loose cause near accident and loss of steering. Local ford motor company denied to fix because of vin number.
While driving 65 mph and when depressing the brakes consumer was unable to stop the vehicle. This caused a rear end collision. Drivers side seat belt unlatched, and driver sustained injuries. *Ak
Drivers seat broke loose from mount. Seat rocks forward and back. Door ajar light stays on all the time. Doors are closed. Fuel gauge inaccurate.*Ak
Ignition switch failed while on vacation in flordia, I when to a auto shop and brought a push pull 50 amp switch and by passed the parts of the switch that had melted. I replaced the push switch a number of times, cheaper then going to a dealer and getting robbed for part that was defective in the first place.*Ak
While driving light for driver's door will illuminate. Driver's side door will then unlock on its own. Cause of problem is unknown. Dealer has not been contacted. Please provide any further information.*Ak
The original spare tire, which was never used, was installed on the vehicle, while driving the tire experienced tread/belt separation, the tire make/model was not given because the consumer stated that it was unreadable, the tire had under 300 miles on it, specific injury information was not given. Nlm
While going 30-35 mph smelled smoke. After pulling over consumer noticed front left wheel hub base cover melted. Contacted dealer. Problem may be linked to brake vacuum plate. Please provide any further information.*Ak
While driving the left front wheel rim and tire separated from the vehilcle, resulting in damage to vehicle. (Ohio traffic crash report) *mjs
Bolt that holds steering rack pulled thought the frame. Vehicle was not steerable, and had to be towed to mechanic
Vehicle experienced failure of recall (98s36) sub-frame mounts prior to recall notice while driving causing difficulty in steering. *Mjs
The stalling problem has existed since we bought the car. The dealer said they spoke to the manufacturer's engineer, but, he too was unable to correct the problem. The dealers washed his hands. The manufacturer too wouldn't response. So we gave up. But heard of a recent law suit in california. Would like your advice. Although the car has a lot of mileage but we have been involved in near misses several times. We try to avoid congested raods and roads where we could get trapped. Thank you for your anticipated prompt response.
Driver's and passenger's seatbelt buckles broke off, causing no protection to the occupants in event of a crash. Replaced buckles. Please provide further information and vin#. *Ak
While driving at any speed, and without prior warning vehicle stalls and shuts down. Also, driver's side seat is loose, causing seat to move forward and backward. Dealer is aware of problem. *Ak
Steering wheel would not turn fluid leaks from rack and pinion. Also makes nois ein power steering. *Ak
Driver's seat mount broke which caused loss of control. If my family and I were on the open highway and the mount broke, we could have had a bad accident. If there would have been an accident and the mount broke, I would have been seriousy injured because the seat is the anchor. The local ford dealership welded the mount to the frame. When the seat mount breaks the seat moves all over the place. *Ak
Replacement of three failed radiators since purchase.
While driving the vehicle uphill and applying gas there was a loud noise and smoke come from under the hood. Suddenly vehicle would not go into any gear. Dealer said the transaxle needed to be replaced. *Ak
While driving the vehicle heard a noise coming from underneath the vehicle and then the vehicle lost its steering. The vehicle had to be towed. *Ak
Antilock brakes lock up, preventing vehicle from coming to a stop.
Recall repair work not completed on the sub-frame body mounts (#93v106000), due to dealership scheduling problem.
While driving at any speed transmission is slipping and vehicle stalls. Also, there is a leakage within the vehicle, and there is a short in the wires. Vehicle has been in the shop for repair service, and they can't determine the problem. *Ak
Three interior door handles broke off flush on doors.
Transmission doesn't shift out of first like it is suppose to do. Gear drags, causing vehicle to stall. Dealer has been contacted. *Ak
Experiencing ongoing problem with three inside vehicle door handles breaking off, 1 driver side & 2 passenger side . Dealer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not under a mfr. Recall / could someone help in this matter? *Ak
Steering wheel will not turn when driving. Steering wheel is stiff intermittently. Dealer contacted and is aware of the problem. Front end alignment done and problem still exists. Provide further information. *Ak
Mercury Sable: every year compared
All Sable years1987 Mercury Sable vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 Mercury Sable | 78 | 9 | A | |
| 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis | 47 | 5 | B | Compare |
| 1987 Mercury Cougar | 33 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1987 Mercury Topaz | 16 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 1987 Mercury Marquis | 4 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1987 Mercury Lynx | 4 | 3 | B | Compare |
| 1987 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 1987 Mercury Sable
Does the 1987 Mercury Sable have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 1987 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 1987 Mercury Sable?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (17), seats & seat belts (15), electrical system (15).
How many complaints has the 1987 Mercury Sable had?
78 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 21, 1994 and the latest on June 6, 2006. Of these, 3 describe a crash and 7 a fire, and together they report 6 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1987 Mercury Sable a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 76 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 1987 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