- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, the front coil springs could fracture due to corrosion associated with salt used on the roadways during the winter. A fractured spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire.
- The risk
- If this occurs, the tire may rupture resulting in a rapid air loss, which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will install protective spring shields. In addition, ford is extending the warranty coverage of the front coil springs in all other states, for fracture only, up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first. If the vehicle has already accumulated more than 150,000 miles, this coverage will last until july 31, 2005. If either front coil spring fractures, dealers will replace both front springs at no charge to the owner. An interim notice was sent to owners on august 2, 2004. Parts are now available for the 2000-2001 my vehicles and owners were sent a letter on january 10, 2005, advising them to bring in their vehicles for repair parts are expected to be available for the 1999 my vehicles by the end of february 2005 and owners of these vehicles will be notified then. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Vehicle safety record
1999 Mercury Sable Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 267 complaints about the 1999 Mercury Sable with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (48) and the steering (33). Those complaints describe 25 crashes, 4 fires and 29 injuries. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in July 2004 for the coil springs. For comparison, the 1998 has 195 and the 2000 has 465.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Sable year, for its age
#29 most complained-about 1999 vehicle
- Complaints
- 267
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 25
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 29
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1999 Mercury Sable problems
Share of all 267 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1999 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 seat belt retractor may have a pin shaft in the switchable elr/alr mechanism that is incorrectly formed. In some circumstances, the switching mechanism could become nonfunctional, preventing the seat belt webbing from being extracted from the retractor. It is also possible that malfunction of the mechanism could prevent the belt from being switched into the alr mode. The elr mechanism is not affected by this condition.
- The risk
- If the mechanism malfunctions and does not allow the webbing to be extracted, the lap and shoulder belt could not be worn by a vehicle occupant. In the event that the mechanism does not allow the alr mode to be engaged, the operator may be unable to properly install a child seat in that seating position.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the lap and shoulder belt assemblies. Assemblies with julian date codes of 200 through 223 are suspect and will be replaced.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equpped with the "california" emissions package. An incorrect transmission oil cooler line was installed. The line contacts the anti-lock braking system module support bracket and over time, can wear and develop a leak.
- The risk
- Transmission fluid leakage onto the exhaust manifold or catalytic converter can result in a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will install the appropriate transmission oil cooler line.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A dash insulator retainer clip was not fully assembled to the accelerator cable dash fitting. The clip can disengage from the accelerator cable and fall into the accelerator pedal arm pivot area.
- The risk
- If this condition occurs, the engine may not fully return to idle. Also, the insulator may not stay in the intended location and could interfere with the accelerator cable.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect these vehicles to ensure proper installation of the accelerator cable clip, and re-install if needed.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manual seat tracks. The front seat belt buckle attaching stud may have been improperly heat treated. This heat treatment may have resulted in cracks developing in the stud.
- The risk
- If the stud is cracked, in the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle mounting bracket and stud assembly.
What owners say
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267 complaints about the 1999 Mercury Sable
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 11.
I bought a used 1999 mercury sable gs with the u type 3.0L v6 engine 2 months ago. Just recently I noticed the car wanting to lunge forward while holding the brake at stops. Then a few days later whenever I start the car it lunges forward. Nothing dramatic but definitely noticeable. I started looking online to see about a recall and 1 was present a long time ago. Is it to late to get my car checked or how to see if it was ever serviced or called for the recall.
While driving the steering wheel became loose and made it very hard to steer almost causing me to have a accident after coming to a stop the steering wheel was off center and very hard to turn had to get car towed.I find this to be a complete rip off because I see numerous complaints of steering problems of the same matter
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable wagon. While driving 40 mph, the steering wheel became loose and was unable to control the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then to an independent mechanic who stated that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 149,000. The vin was not available.
Rear subframe connection passenger side rusted through due to factory put air conditioner condensate line so that it constantly dumps condensate on this area instead of draining condensate beyond and to the ground. The result is a rusted out severed connection thereby causing the engine and transmission to be held by only three of the four connections needed to safely hold engine and transmission as designed from the factory.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable. While driving various speeds, the brakes hesitated to stop the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.
The steering is horible, about 3years ago changed rack appion steering, and just a week ago, put new steering pump on, still.
Even after replacing the second power steering pump , it is horrible turning the steering wheel most of the time. Also, it is noisy while I'm driving it. It had a new rack and pinion on it when I bought it . Parking in a parking lot is awful as it is almost impossible to maneuver around other cars. Turning corners ,sometimes it's okay and other times really hard. Not sure if this complaint belongs here, but heater doesn't work ,either. Feels like a/c is on . Had a friend check it and he is having a hard time figuring it out. Don't know how to answer "date happened" as it has been doing this since I bought it in august.
After rains the car got a wet floor on the passenger side ,no wet spots on roof or windows. It was leaking water from the dash board compartment bottom.While driving ,the heater was on and it started smoking from under the dashboard compartment by passenger side I turned everything off . I took it for repair and now, on may it rained heavy again and it has a puddle in the passenger side again ,same situation as before, water came from inside.Is this a safety hazard? I bought this car on november 2013 ,and I knew...
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too late about the heating system recall ,i don't know if it was ever repaired on that recall.Ford dealer in colorado says there is no way to check it.According to some websites it needs something to have a protection under the wipers vents(cowl) and it is a factory mistake. I have had the heating system repaired 2 times,too expensive for me.I am under employed. I want to know if this is a safety hazard. It is the only way I could make ford to fix this recalled if the car was never fixed for this before.Thanks for your help. *Tr
Vehicle spring fractured breaking the bottom part off the coil spring on the front left drivers side of the car.The left front is now lower and tires show wear. I have stopped driving as a result. *Tr
1999 Mercury sable. Consumer writes in regards to total brake system failure in vehicle. *Smd the consumer stated the brake line needed to be replaced.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable. The contact stated that the passenger seat belt does not retract or properly secure the passenger. The manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in (nhtsa campaign id number: 99v250000 seat belts: front: anchorage); the vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000. The current mileage was not available.
Tl* the contact owns 1999 mercury sable wagon. The contact stated that the brake was depressed when the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 109,000. The vin was unavailable.
My 99 sable gs has a recall on the front coil springs and ford will not replace them because it has exceeded the time frame. Which is ridiculous! I never even received a recall notice on the car we found the recall online. Also the rear coil springs are broken and the tires are messed up and ford won't recall them if salt is going to get in the front coil springs and make them crack then what makes you think that it won't get in the rear? We have small children and are worried about their safety. We will be getting a lawyer and file a complaint through him because this car is not safe for anyone to be in let alone children. I think they should worry about safety and not mass production. *Tr
Sub frame rusted through around front lower control arm bolts causing excessive play in steering and possible separation of control arm from sub frame. Front mount bolt is recessed 1/2 inch in to the sub frame where water/salt can collect and has no where to drain. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable. The contact stated that excessive rust caused the steering column to snap while he was driving 45 mph. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who stated that the frame had not been coated correctly at production. The mechanic repaired the frame and steering column. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 15,700. Updated 2/22/11 *cn updated 12/06/2011 *ln
Subframe of vehicle is severely rusted to the point where it is structurally unsound. Most of the body rot is covered by the plastic molding under the doors, and is not visible until the molding is removed. It seems that water and road salt must get trapped between the molding and metal leading to the extensive rust. The frame breaking while driving at highway speeds would lead to a catastrophic failure which could cause a potentially fatal accident. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable. The contact stated that while attempting to operate the vehicle she noticed the front passenger side seat belt was stuck in the anchorage and would not pull out or retract. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number: 99v250000 (seat belts: front: anchorage). The vehicle was not serviced for the failure. The failure and current mileages were 98,000. Updated 10/27/10. *Lj
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable ls. While driving 35 mph the vehicle drifted off of the road and into a wooded area. He sustained minor injuries. Upon further inspection he noticed that the corrosion on the chrome plated wheel caused the passenger front tire to lose pressure. All four wheels were replaced with alloyed wheels. The failure and current mileages were 122,000. Updated 04/01/10 *bf the tire lost air pressure as a result of chroming of the tire sealing area. Updated 07/19/*jb
Complete brake failure. Pedal went to the floor and car would not stop. I used the emergency brake to safely stop the vehicle. This happened once before about three years ago and a repair center was unable to duplicate. Brake master cylinder failed and needed to be replaced. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable. While driving at an unknown speed, the consumer drove over a small puddle of water, which caused the power steering to lock up. A few seconds later, the power steering returned. The contact believes that the steering fails whenever the serpentine belt gets wet. The belt must dry off before he can gain control of the vehicle. The vehicle has not been diagnosed. The failure has occurred between five and six times. The failure and current mileages were 140,000. Updated 07/17/09. *Lj updated 07/20/09.*Jb
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable. The vehicle was previously repaired according to nhtsa campaign id number 04v332000 (suspension:front:springs:coil springs). Currently, the rear springs failed and the dealer stated that there was no recall. The contact was informed to take the vehicle to another dealer because ford gave them permission to replace the rear springs. As of december 2008, the dealer no longer repairs the rear springs and the contact would be responsible for paying for the repairs. The failure mileage was 91,000. Updated 05/06/09 *bf the consumer stated to disregard the complaint. The problem was not the springs. Updated 05/08/09.*Jb
In my 1999 mercury sable vehicle the seat belts are not working right. Keeps on coming attached from the mechanism that hold the belt across your body. Please help me . *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury sable. The contact stated that the rocker panels were rusted and rotted beyond repair. The only thing holding the vehicle together was the roof of the vehicle. She noticed the issue after the vehicle failed inspection. The manufacturer stated that nothing could be done because the contact did not purchase an extended service plan. The failure mileage was 135,030.
The brakes on the 1999 mercury sable that I purchased 4 years ago have been repaired and/or replaced 4 times! Now they are going out again. I have had the rotors turned, and every other thing that has been suggested. When I asked the last mechanic why my brakes keep going out, he stated that this size of ford was not supplied with an appropriate brake for the size of car. I asked what could be done to remedy the situation, and was informed that I would have to keep replacing the brakes. I think this is a...
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horrible answer. I would like to know what ford will do for me. I live in oregon and am surrounded by mountains, but I don't dare go over any of the mountain ranges because going downhill and applying the brakes makes the entire car shimmy and it feels like I will lose control of the car and that it won't stop. I have to make weekly trips over the mountains, so I always rent a car. This is getting to be too expensive. I own my car free and clear and would like the brakes to stay fixed once I get them fixed before there is an accident. *Tr
I have a 1999 mercury sable. In january 11, 2008, I have replaced the windshield washer pump. On july 15, 2008, the pump stopped again. I have noticed that some of the 2000 mercury sables are on recall for the same problem. Might the 1999 mercury sable be looked at in this light to ascertain if this is a recurring problem? *Tr
Mercury Sable: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 201 | 4 | C |
| 2002 | 457 | 4 | D |
| 2001 | 430 | 9 | D |
| 2000 | 465 | 7 | D |
| 1999 | 267 | 5 | D |
| 1998 | 195 | 2 | C |
| 1997 | 231 | 3 | C |
| 1996 | 309 | 5 | D |
| 1995 | 354 | 6 | D |
1999 Mercury Sable vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 Mercury Sable | 267 | 5 | D | |
| 1999 Mercury Cougar | 454 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis | 197 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 1999 Mercury Villager | 185 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 1999 Mercury Mountaineer | 160 | 9 | D | Compare |
| 1999 Mercury Mystique | 137 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 1999 Mercury Tracer | 29 | 1 | 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 1999 Mercury Sable
Does the 1999 Mercury Sable have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 1999 Mercury Sable: coil springs (July 2004); anchorage (September 1999); cooling unit and lines (November 1998); vehicle speed control (September 1998) 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 1999 Mercury Sable?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (48), steering (33), brakes (30).
How many complaints has the 1999 Mercury Sable had?
267 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 2, 1998 and the latest on December 14, 2020. Of these, 25 describe a crash and 4 a fire, and together they report 29 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1999 Mercury Sable a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 39 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 1999 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