- 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
1989 Mercury Sable Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 242 complaints about the 1989 Mercury Sable with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (56) and the seats & seat belts (47). Those complaints describe 14 crashes, 64 fires, 11 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 8 recalls, the latest in December 1998 for the frame and members. For comparison, the 1988 has 129 and the 1990 has 169.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Sable year, for its age
#2 most complained-about 1989 vehicle
- Complaints
- 242
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes
- 14
- Fires
- 64
- Injuries
- 11
- Deaths
- 1
Most common 1989 Mercury Sable problems
Share of all 242 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1989 Mercury Sable recalls 8
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
- This is not a safety recall in accordance with federal regulation 573. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Ford is initiating an owner notification program that will provide an extended warranty, 12 years and unlimited mileage, for all seat belt buckles with functional concerns.
- The risk
- In the event of a collision, the occupant of the seat may not be properly restrained and personal injury could occur.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assembly, for 12 years and unlimited mileage.
- 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
- The rigid mounted safety belt buckles are defective in three ways. First, a fastened safety belt buckle will not unlatch when the release button is depressed. This results from interference between the buckle ejector finger and the buckle tongue window. The second defect is the safety belt buckle may not latch. The third possible defect is that the tongue may be retained by the buckle, but it may not be latched sufficiently to provide occupant protection.
- The risk
- An insufficiently latched or unlatched safety beltincreases the risk of injury to seat occupants in the event of a sudden stop oraccident. If the safety belt buckle will not unlatch, it will not allow theoccupant to get out of the vehicle in an emergency situation.
- The fix
- Ford will replace the rigid mounted safety belt buckles with end release safety belt buckles designed to prevent latch problems.
- 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
- The power seat switch wiring is routed over rather than under the front seat support brace, allowing damage by seat cushion spring ends when seat is occupied.
- The risk
- Power seat switch wiring insulation may become abraded,or punctured, and an electrical short could occur that could result in a firein the seat cushion material.
- The fix
- Revise routing of power seat wiring to prevent damage from seat cushion spring contact.
- The problem
- Front side marker lamps were unintentionally equipped with clear bulbs, instead of amber colored bulbs as specified in fmvss 108.
- The risk
- VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH STANDARD.
- The fix
- REPLACE CLEAR BULBS WITH AMBER COLORED BULBS.
What owners say
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4 people checked this vehicle in the last 30 days. Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
242 complaints about the 1989 Mercury Sable
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 10.
Corrosion-related deterioration in 1989 mercury sable resulted in detachment of sub-frame rear plate nut and bolt pulling through. Symptoms as described in recalls 93v106002 and 98v-323/98s36. Advised by ford dealer that these recalls do not apply to my vin and are limited to eastern us states. However 98v-323 states that vehicles with these symptoms are to be repaired free by dealers. No accident/injury has occurred and the vehicle is scheduled for repair on monday april 29 2007. I need to know if the recall will be extended to cover my vehicle repair and if not, why not. Salt is used extensively in ut for snow and ice control. *Tr
While making a left hand u-turn at 30 mph steering wheel locked up. This caused consumer to hit a curve. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *Ak vehicle also jumped up into a curve and dented the left fender by a tree. *La
This morning (7-8-04) I was pulled over for the first time ever and the officer said I was doing 75 in a 55 when my speedometer read 65. I asked the gentleman if there was someway he could forget the ticket since it was my first time ever and he said no. He did not explain to me everything on the ticket and you can hardly read half the?!@#$% He wrote. I am going to take this to court since he did not have me sign the ticket like it is suppose to be. They don't put the word "signature" on the a line for nothing. I would appreciate it if I received a call or at least an e-mail with in the nest 24 hours. Thank you and please do drive slow.*Ak
We parked in the driveway, gathered our things and went in to the house. The next morning I went to brush the snow off of the car and noticed the windshield was broken, I opened the driver door and discovered the whole dashboard was melted like a candle, we had just filled up the tank the previous day and were very lucky we didn't lose our home also. We figure the reason the car didn't become fully involved was because the windows were rolled up tight and it suffocated the flames, the car is still a complete loss....
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The wiring in that car had never been touched,cut or modified. There was no reason for this to happen except for a manufacturer defect. The way we see it mercury should owe us one car or blue book value. Any help would be appreciated. *La
Both front seat belts do not latch properly. The warranty program on the seat belts has expired. *Ak
While driving at highway speed the vehicle jump into overdrive without warning. Please feel free to add any addtional information. Ts
While driving, the right front tire fell off, causing damage to the vehicle, all 5 lug bolts were broken off, ohio traffic crash report. *Slc
Driver's side seatbelt retractor willclick in, but willnot stay open. Dealership is aware of problem.*Ak
Noticing clunking noise when driveing/ stopping and going. *Ak
While stopped at a light, the vehicle overheated and the head blew.*Ak. Consumer stated the engine had to be replaced, the mechanic stated that the head appeared to have abnormalities, suggesting poor manufacturing.*Jb
After the vehicle was parked, the consumer saw smoke coming from under the hood, consumer opened the hood and saw fire, consumer states that the fire was caused by the part that controls the heater underneath the dashboard. *Slc
Seat belt that slides into the buckle will not latch. Contacted dealer, and dealer contacted manufacturer. Manufacturer stated seat belt was under warranty for 12 years, and warranty expired .*Ak
Driver seat belt buckle releases on its own. Sometime engages when buckling up. Stays latched & could self release @ anytime. Many times have to struggle for latching to take place. This has been happening for the last 16 months. Please let me know asap what could be done! Thanks! B.E.*Ak
Bushings and radius arm are gone on right side. Heared a loud banging noise when backing or going forward. Contacted dealer, and took vehicle in to be checked.*Ak
While driving around a curve in traffic, vehicle stalled, consumer also states that the motor mounts are faulty. *Slc
Consumer only owned vehicle for a month and a half, when problems started to arise, vehicle was taken in for inspection and c0nsumer was told that transmission was slipping, she then took vehicle into another delaer to get a second opinion and she was advised of the same thing. *Jb
Recall for subframe corrosion was repaired. Some years later this problem has happened again. *Ak
When driving at any speed and without prior warning vehicle cut off, causing loss of all power steering/brakes, making it very difficult to operate control vehicle. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer unable to determine cause. Please provide any further details.*Ak
While driving vehicle suddenly accelerated which almost caused a crash. Will be taking vehicle to dealer. Please provide further information.*Ak
Recall 97i003000/ abs brakes. Contacted dealer to schedule an appointment, manufacturer said they need to know date of manufacturing of vehicle. Manufacturer said to take it to dealer. Deaelr said it was part of recall, but could not order parts because they didn't have part number. Seatbelt buckle was broken which won't protect occupant in event of a crash. *Ak *slc
Vehicle failed prior to recall 98s36, when consumer received recall notice, the vehicle was taken to the dealer to perform recall, dealer repaired, but would not reimburse consumer for prior failure *slc
While driving could smell like a burning rubber inside of vehicle. Transmission stopped working in forward position, and only gear that was working was reverse for a number of months.*Ak
Experienced continuous overheating problems, cooling system repairs at 62539,72,913 with no improvements. *Ak
While having vehicle serviced technician noticed engine monts were broken. Please provide further information.*Ak
This is a second identical incident during the last 2 years. When starting the car the starter relay got stuck and continued to crank the engine even after taking the key out of ignition. I stopped it by diconnecting the battery, but meanwhile the battery started boiling and leaking. The incident occured 4-5 times during 3 days. I replaced the starter relay and the battery. After this, the incident occured only one more time, about 5 days after the starter relay was replaced. The same incident occured for the...
Read the full complaint
first time two years before (1998), with the original starter relay. I that time I replaced the relay, and for 2 years everyting seemd ok. This is a matter of concern because it also happened with a new starter relay installed, which seems to indicate some other problem in the ignition system.
Mercury Sable: every year compared
All Sable years1989 Mercury Sable vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 Mercury Sable | 242 | 8 | D | |
| 1989 Mercury Cougar | 84 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis | 58 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1989 Mercury Topaz | 47 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 1989 Mercury Tracer | 16 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 1989 Mercury Marquis | 10 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1989 Mercury Colony Park | 2 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1989 Mercury Mercury | 2 | 0 | A | 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 1989 Mercury Sable
Does the 1989 Mercury Sable have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 1989 Mercury Sable: frame and members (December 1998); buckle assembly (October 1997); shock ABSorber (November 1994); buckle assembly (August 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 1989 Mercury Sable?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (56), seats & seat belts (47), engine & cooling (44).
How many complaints has the 1989 Mercury Sable had?
242 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 28, 1994 and the latest on April 28, 2007. Of these, 14 describe a crash and 64 a fire, and together they report 11 injuries and 1 death.
Is the 1989 Mercury Sable a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 35 out of 100 (grade D: more 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 1989 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