- 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
1994 Mercury Sable Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 392 complaints about the 1994 Mercury Sable with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (146) and the transmission & drivetrain (90). Those complaints describe 16 crashes, 11 fires and 19 injuries. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in December 1998 for the frame and members. For comparison, the 1993 has 677 and the 1995 has 354.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Sable year, for its age
#8 most complained-about 1994 vehicle
- Complaints
- 392
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 16
- Fires
- 11
- Injuries
- 19
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1994 Mercury Sable problems
Share of all 392 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1994 Mercury Sable recalls 5
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
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The headlights can flash intermittently as a result of the circuit breaker opening. The vehicle's headlights can go out for brief intervals.
- The risk
- Loss of headlights during vehicle operation can affect a driver's ability to navigate the roadway and reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a headlight switch that incorporates a cricuit breaker of revised design and installation of a wiring harness connector and wiring, if needed.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- Dealers will add a boot to the speed control cable.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- Dealers will install an electrical jumper harness containing an automatic resetting circuit breaker to protect the fan motor low speed circuitry from overheating.
- 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.
What owners say
Be the first Sable owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
392 complaints about the 1994 Mercury Sable
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 16.
Tl* the contact owns a 1994 mercury sable. While driving various speeds or idling, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
Need proof of total recall of this vehicle by ford motor company. I have a list of complaints, I need proof of the total recall of this vehicle. Vin # [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
Manufacturer will not honor recall: severe corrosion of the rear lower retaining plates for the subframe assembly supporting the engine and transmission. Risk is detachment of body mounts at the rear corners of the subframe. Existing recall 98v-323 addressed this problem in certain vehicles. My vehicle was of the year, make, and model covered by the recall, and has this problem, but ford is claiming that my vin# does not make me eligible for the recall. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 mercury sable. The contact drove over a pothole and the front strut broke on both sides. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic who stated that there was a related recall 94e036000 (suspension: front: shock absorber). The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired. The current and failure mileages were 139,500. Updated 07/08/11*lj the vehicle was towed to a repair shop where the front strut had broken in half. The remaining struts contained stress cracks. Updated 07/20/11
Traveled approximately 120 miles from home. Upon arriving at the destination, I noticed the right rear tire was extremely low with as estimated 10 p.S.I. Air pressure remaining. Knowing that I had two previous tire blowouts on this vehicle due to cracked valve stems and occurring within the previous 4 months, I moved the valve stem slightly back and forth and noticed air escaping from the area where the stem seats against the aluminum wheel. I put some soap bubbles around the stem and confirmed that air was...
Read the full complaint
escaping from a crack in the valve stem. Reference odi #'s 10254187 and 10254189 as a reference on the previous two valve stem issues on same vehicle. Spare installed. Visited the tire dealership where the four new replacement tires were installed 2 years, 8 months and 26,068 miles prior. No punctures, tears or cuts were found anywhere on the tire tread or sidewall. The only known cause of the low tire was a cracked valve stem in the area where the stem seats against the aluminum wheel allowing air to exhaust quickly from the tire once the crack propagated to inside. A new valve stem was installed. The left rear tire valve stem was also replaced at this time to avoid a future problem. Cracked valve stem information; tr 413, eha germany. *Tr
Traveling at approximately 65 mph when right front tire near instantly deflated causing total tire failure before the vehicle could be pulled to side of road. Tire sidewall was totally destroyed. Spare installed. Visited the tire dealership where the four new replacement tires were installed 2 years, 5 months and 23,911 miles prior. No punctures, tears or cuts were found anywhere on the tire tread or sidewall. The only known cause of the tire failure was a cracked (cut) valve stem (as documented by dealership)...
Read the full complaint
in the area where the stem seats against the aluminum wheel allowing air to exhaust quickly from the tire once the crack propagated to inside. A new tire was installed along with a new valve stem. Cracked valve stem information; tr 413, eha germany. This was the second time (within 900 miles) that a tire blowout occurred due to what appears to be a bad valve stem. Cracked valve stem was saved for reference. *Tr
Traveling at approximately 65mph when left front tire near instantly deflated causing total tire failure before the vehicle could be pulled to side of road. Tire sidewall was totally destroyed. Spare installed. Visited the tire dealership where the four new replacement tires were installed 2 years, 4 months and 23,032 miles prior. No punctures, tears or cuts were found anywhere on the tire tread or sidewall. The only known cause of the tire failure was a cracked valve stem in the area where the stem seats...
Read the full complaint
against the aluminum wheel allowing air to exhaust quickly from the tire once the crack propagated to inside. A new tire was installed along with a new valve stem. Cracked valve stem information; tr 413, eha germany. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 mercury sable. The contact stated that her headlights would fail intermittently and then illuminate again. She noticed that the failure occurred in brief intervals and she smelled a burning odor. The dealer installed a new headlight switch and, consequently, the dashboard switch melted. The dealer stated that nothing could be done. Ford stated that her vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign id number 98v009000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Tl* - the contact has a 1994 mercury sable. The contact stated that he purchased a vehicle on the afternoon of 03/16/2007, and the following morning 03/17/2007 the vehicle would not work, and transmission fluid was pouring out of the vehicle. The contact stated that he could pour it in the top and watch it come out of the bottom. The contact was told by the dealer that they would come and get the vehicle repair it and charge him for it. The current and failure mileage were both 131,368 miles.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds the engine stalls without warning. This occurs more often in warmer weather. The vehicle restarts only after cooling off for at least 30 minutes. It has been inspected on several occasions; however the problem could not be duplicated. After researching the problems with this vehicle the contact believes the pfi ignition module is over heating, causing the stalling.
Mercury sable wagon 1994; 6-cylinder 3.8 L engine head gasket failure @ 149,161 miles- ford will not warranty engine beyond 100,000 miles even though it is a known defect with the 3.8 L 6 cylinder engines-- nhtsa should have required ford to warranty for at least 150,000 miles. Please require ford to replace engine!!!! Car is not fixed- I can't afford to fix this costly problem-- if I had adequate disclosure of the problem with 3.8L head gasket failures I would not have purchased this car....
On may 10, 2005, I was driving to an appt. After I got off the highway, I was driving down tarkiln hill road and my car started to make a loud clunking sound and the steering was off. I applied my brake at the red light and my brake pedal went down to the floor. I was able to stop the car. I went to the appt. Which was two blocks away very slowly. When I got out of the appt. To come home, the car started and the noise was gone. I drove slowly home and when I got home, I looked on the internet to see if anyone...
Read the full complaint
had this problem. I came across a complaint page where someone is complaining of the same issue and stated that his steering went. He said it was due to a safety recall. I looked up the recall and came across a page that had the recalls for my vehicle which is a 1994 mercury sable. The campaign id # is 98v323000. It goes on to say: summary: 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. If both rear corners drop, steering would become suddenly very difficult, affecting vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash. I contacted the dealer on church street in new bedford, sentury lincoln/mercury. They told me to bring the car in. When I got there, they told me there would be a $75.00 Charge to see if that is the problem, and if it is, I would have to pay, because the recall was not on their computer. I called the ford company's 800 number and was told the same thing. I then called a mercury number, that I got off the internet and was told by that gentleman that the id # of the recall is from a vendor and the ford company has a right to not consider it a recall and if they do not support it, which they do not, I would have to file a complaint with you, which is what I am doing.
My headlight switch went out and I replaced it. I was wondering if I could get compansation for buying it myself, as it appears to be a recall. Also there seems to be a problem with my home computer and I am not able to view any detailed information about my vehicle. If someone could e-mail me, I would greatly appreciate the information that I need to know about my car, or anything that I qualify for. I don't know any of my vehicles past history, so it would also be appreciated if I could recieve it.
Contact stated: when shifting from reverse to drive engine makes a loud noise. Also, the front suspension springs broke while driving.*Ak
My wife's finger was cought in the electric winodw when she inadvertantly pressed the "up" button!*Ak
The left rear brake line became clogged with corosion debris and the brake locked.*Ak
REAR STEEL BRAKE PIPE FAILED DUE TO CORROSION.*AK
Multi function switch is defective. When using the right turn signal it makes the windshield wipers turn off, and the windshield wiper fluid will not come out. *Ak
While driving at any speed steering wheel feels loose, and makes a loud noise. Dealer notified. Independent shop indicated the sway bar failed. *Ak
I have a 1994' sable in which the front left coil spring is just about to break due to fractures in metal. My 93' sable in which have sold, had same problem.When it broke I was turning at the time.Luckly I did not wreck but had no control of car since the spring ruptured my tire,and frame of car was scraping the blacktop. *Ak
Loss of headlights during vehicle operation. Headlights go out while driving.There was recall of this problem in 1998 and I was never notified. Recall id number 98voo9000i. I bought auto from dealer before recall. The above condition happens all the time. Unable to drive at night. *Ak
Purchased 1994 mercury sable 60,000 original miles, the vehicle would be ok cold within 5 miles of driving the car would slip out of gear at stops or if you coasted, can't put in reverse at after warm. Consulted the internet and found horror stories of other owners. The dealership says they no nothing of these problems. *La
The key insert does not align, have had 2 transmissions in 5 years. (I know to check my fluids) new engine, & the paint is awful. Engine, motor, gas, gasps and jerks with me. Have had motor mounts replaced, nothing helps. Heater coil(?) Went out, I have no heat now. We had to bypass. The rest I have not been able to afford to repair. I hate this car. I am worried everytime I get in it that my mother and I are not going to get home. I have had the car towed so many times, the man who does the towing knows me and my car on sight. I will not go more than 30 miles fromt he house. My mechanic even hates the car. I call him an angel, because he has kept it running.
Hatch glass came loose started leaking(56000) fuel pump started acting up get hot and hang up(75000) no recall. State farm showed they paid for towing on many, ford products that used the same pump still no recall. Transmission shifts down, or shifts out of gear while driving smith ford conway was supposed to check the heads for leaks six months later the head gasket blew,and the air went out at this time I was told the the date this car was originally put in sevice made it out of warranty. This car is sitting in my garage with motor out of it because ford didn't do its job. Paint peeled off the inside of the door post.
I have had constant overheating problems with ths car. The problems range from cracked flush/fill valves, to hoses,to water pump failure. 03/30/2002 Transmission started slipping. A mechanic at a local shop recommended adding fluid. The problem continued and each time the mechanic recommended adding fluid. No leak was determined. Problem continued until the transmission went out in 07/2003.
Mercury Sable: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 195 | 2 | C |
| 1997 | 231 | 3 | C |
| 1996 | 309 | 5 | D |
| 1995 | 354 | 6 | D |
| 1994 | 392 | 5 | D |
| 1993 | 677 | 8 | F |
| 1992 | 377 | 5 | D |
| 1991 | 230 | 5 | C |
| 1990 | 169 | 7 | C |
1994 Mercury Sable vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 Mercury Sable | 392 | 5 | D | |
| 1994 Mercury Villager | 261 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 1994 Mercury Grand Marquis | 195 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1994 Mercury Cougar | 149 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1994 Mercury Tracer | 70 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1994 Mercury Topaz | 67 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1994 Mercury Capri | 3 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1994 Mercury Mystique | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1994 Mercury Zephyr | 1 | 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 1994 Mercury Sable
Does the 1994 Mercury Sable have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 1994 Mercury Sable: frame and members (December 1998); switch (January 1998); vehicle speed control (February 1997); fan (February 1997) 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 1994 Mercury Sable?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (146), transmission & drivetrain (90), electrical system (26).
How many complaints has the 1994 Mercury Sable had?
392 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 6, 1994 and the latest on August 18, 2016. Of these, 16 describe a crash and 11 a fire, and together they report 19 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1994 Mercury Sable a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 31 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 1994 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