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Vehicle safety record

2003 Mercury Sable Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 201 complaints about the 2003 Mercury Sable with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (47) and the transmission & drivetrain (30). Those complaints describe 13 crashes, 1 fire and 8 injuries. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in April 2016 for the pads. For comparison, the 2002 has 457 and the 2004 has 52.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical Sable year, for its age

#69 most complained-about 2003 vehicle

Complaints
201
Recalls
4
Crashes
13
Fires
1
Injuries
8
Deaths
0

Most common 2003 Mercury Sable problems

Share of all 201 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2003 Mercury Sable recalls 4

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

Service brakes: pads

16E02600049,635 vehicles affected

The problem
Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.
The risk
A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.

Exterior lighting: switch

04V106000938,789 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain passenger vehicles are being recalled to correct a problem with a malfunctioning stop lamp switch and/or associated wiring. This malfunctioning could render the stop lamps inoperable or cause them to stay on all the time. This could cause confusion to a following driver, which could lead to a crash.
The risk
In addition, if the switch and/or associated wiring fail in the open position, the brake lights will not actuate and the driver will not be able to shift the vehicle out of "park" if they fail in the closed position, the brake lights will remain on, which will not allow the speed control to be activated. This could also cause the battery to discharge.
The fix
Dealers will remove the stop lamp switch and associated wiring assembly and install a newly designed stop lamp switch and wire assembly. Owner notification is expected to begin on april 5, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Engine and engine cooling

04V105000399,926 vehicles affected

The problem
On certain vehicles, the air filter paper in these vehicles can smolder or burn.
The risk
This can lead to damage to the air induction system on these vehicles and/or an underhood fire.
The fix
Dealers will replace the air filter element. Owner notification began on march 10, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Visibility: windshield

03V08700067,894 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, "Windshield mounting." The windshields may potentially exhibit increased wind noise, water leakage, and squeaks and rattles.
The risk
Potential loss of windshield retention may also reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace these windshields. Owner notification began on march 31, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford/mercury at 1-800-392-3673.

What owners say

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201 complaints about the 2003 Mercury Sable

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 9.

Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Sable. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11511556
Transmission & drivetrain

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the vehicle decelerated independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact parked on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11387850
Transmission & drivetrain

Idriving under normal conditions on a city street in 2003 merc sable with 33k miles. While in motion, the transmission fails with no forward or reverse working or any other mechanical warnings.( No transmission codes on obdii. I was immediately able to coast into a drugstore parking lot. Car towed to local ford dealer. Dealer informed that the torque converter splines have failed and torque converter needs to replaced for $ 1726.00. Dealer repaired vehicle, replaced with ford re-manuafactured torque converter....

Read the full complaint

Searched intern net and found same numerous complaints of ford torque converters spline failures. Based on the type and number of complaints this appears to warrant an audit of this safety problem. There are other reported complaints that vehicles were traveling on highways and suffered transmission failures while in motion without any warnings. *Tr

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11328198
Acceleration & cruise control

So sorry to bother you. I have a mercury sable 03 which has been accelerating by itself because the throttle cable gets stuck. I saw an article that said my year taurus and sable have this problem as well as saw that all those in the junk yard have the exact same problem. In the article it said ford agreed to fix those to stop further investigation. How would I go about getting this fixed? Please and thank you. My vehicle started going 79 and wouldn't stop. Even in neutral it went 4000 rpm until the throttle cable was unjammed. And continues to do so

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11204859
Acceleration & cruise control

I was driving my car on a city street and the car started accelerating on its own and I tried to brake but my brakes would not work. I had to put both feet on the break to slam hard enough to try to get it to slow down even a little. I found out that the throttle cable got stuck and could not go back in causing the car to keep accelerating.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11191700
Engine & cooling

2003 Mercury sable. Consumer writes in regards to being charged for vehicle repairs that were under warranty. *Ld *js

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11061848
Other & unknown

Why was I charged $249.90 Labor charges when the vehicle was only in my hands for a couple of days after being purchased from king buick but not for parts, shop materials and use of a loaner car. I should have paid nothing under a warranty and would like to know if ford has responsibility for that. Please feel free to call my call on [[redacted]](c) or [[redacted]](h) if you need more information about this. I was right across the street from the community where I reside and drove the car to king buick gmc immediately. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11052089
Body, doors & structureFuel system

1. The hood closes apparently fine, it does not open if I try to, however keeps opening every 20 minutes after driving. I could not find the cause. 2. Very strong smell of gas keeps ocurring, no signs or drops or viisual leak puddle.

Filed Incident Structure · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11047279
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. While the vehicle was operated, it lost engine power without warning. The vehicle was towed to dom's getty service station (308 mercer st, hightstown, nj) where it was diagnosed as a transmission failure. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11022792
Transmission & drivetrain

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. The contact stated that the transmission failed. While driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle lost acceleration. The vehicle was towed to dom's getty station (heightstown, nj 08520, phone (609) 448-4146) for diagnostic testing, which located the failure at the transmission input shaft and torque converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 57,000.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11022106
Acceleration & cruise control

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. While stationary, the vehicle accelerated rapidly on its own without warning. In addition, the "check engine" indicator illuminated. Fairway ford in san bernardino, california determined that the speed control cable needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. ...Updated 10/23/17 *bf updated 11/1/2017*js

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10994484
LightsDriver assistanceEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. The contact stated that the vehicle independently idled between 3-4 rpms and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the interior lighting failed to illuminate. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The contact took the vehicle to auto zone. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number: 12281999. The contact was informed of service bulletin number: sb-10052600-3673. The failure mileage was...

Read the full complaint

164,000. The consumer stated the vehicle was under recall but, she was not notified. The consumer would like for the recall to be performed on the vehicle at no charge. Updated 05/31/2017*js

Filed Incident Interior lighting · Electronic stability control (ESC) · EngineNHTSA 10992124
Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. While driving various speeds, the vehicle began to accelerate independently without warning. The vehicle was able to stop with the brake pedal being depressed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the motor mount and radiator hose failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,373.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 10972315
AirbagsSeats & seat beltsCrash1 injury

Tl* the contact owned a 2003 mercury sable. While driving 35 mph, another vehicle collided with the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt did not lock, which forced the contact to strike the steering wheel during the crash. The contact sustained a concussion, back, and neck injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home and then towed to a junk yard. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Incident Air bags · Seat beltsNHTSA 10948477
Lights

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. The contact stated that the brake lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the lamp switch malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v106000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10930234
Brakes

I own a 2003 mercury sable, I replaced the brakes , and an assortment of problems followed. First they began locking , then the car would not stop at all. I replaced pads.Rotors.Tires ,bleed the breaks all in an effort to find the problem. I could not, so the car has been sitting about a year. Then I received the recall on the breaks , now everything makes sense.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10885758
Transmission & drivetrainLights

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. The contact stated that the gear shifter was stuck and could not move out of the park position. In addition, the brake lights failed to illuminate when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact mentioned that the brake wiring had to be pushed down to override the failure. The failure occurred constantly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake light switch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v106000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was not notified. The vin and failure mileage were unknown.

Filed Incident Power train · Exterior lightingNHTSA 10872217
Acceleration & cruise control

I was driving east on i-70 from kansas city mo. Cruise was set at 78. 4 Lanes. Was in left passing lane and had to slow down quickly because of vehicle in front was doing about 50mph. The right was clear and I started moving to the right to pass. The car instantly accelerated as I started to turn right. The acceleration actually pull the car forward so fast the rear end slid to the left. Car moved a crossed the right 3 lanes of traffic at about a 60 deg angle. I managed to turn the car into the skid to avoid...

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the guard rails and started back across the lanes with complete loss of control of the car as it did a complete 360. As I was returned to facing east again I pulled off into the median as I was again in the far left lane now in front of the vehicle I had started to pass. Having been in many emergency situation in my 67 years. I just road out the turn. I was no fun watching the vehicle I was trying to pass approach me while I was completing the 360. With so many vehicles surrounding the gap I was in, I am still amazed no one was killed, and no collision of any sort occurred. Took to the dealer and it was suggested the pcv valve was plugged. Replaced. Around feb 2 2016 I was driving I 95 to florida. I noticed the cruise dropping out twice without braking and once accelerating without resetting. I understood now that the i-70 incident was actually the cruise control. I will have it disconnected so that it can not be used again. How I survived is beyond belief. I am extremely glad no one was with me.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10839108
Body, doors & structure

The vehicles stock jacking locations are no longer considered as safe. They have deteriorated due to corrosion and rusting away. Should someone decide to trust any one of the affected jacking locations, the structural integrity of the frame may crumple and break causing the vehicle to drop onto anyone performing work underneath, which may result in severe injury, or even death.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10836738
Body, doors & structure

Passenger floor rusted out completely in two spots on the front right of floor. Two major holes. The remainder of the floor is showing signs that it too is deteriorating. This is a safety concern as the structural integrity of the floor has been compromised and can allow someone to fall through should excess weight be placed in any of these weak places and or holes.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10836733
Lights

This car was repaired under nhtsa campaign 04v106000. The recall work failed, causing the brake lights to not come on, and the vehicle to not shift out of park.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10822249
Seats & seat belts

No accident, but the seat belt on the driver's side has started "latching" only on sporadic occasions. It doesn't latch more times than it does latch. The are times when you have successfully latched the seatbelt, it will come unlatch end while the car is moving. This has now been occurring for about a month.

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10789818
Wheels & tires

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable equipped with douglas x-trac 2 tires, size: p215/60/r16. While driving 65 mph, the front passenger side tire blew out. As a result, the vehicle veered but the contact was able to regain control of the vehicle. The vehicle and tire were not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The dot number and vin were unknown. The vehicle failure mileage was 105,029 and the tire failure mileage was 5,159.

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 10782290
Acceleration & cruise control

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. While driving 45 mph, the contact attempted to decelerate; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact immediately shifted the vehicle into neutral and avoided a collision. The contact brought the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed of a customer service campaign. The manufacturer and dealer stated that the vehicle was not included because it was manufactured in another plant. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 123,000.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10776399
Body, doors & structureCrash

Car was completely stopped. When engaged into reverse, car made loud noise, tires squealed, engine raced and crashed into parked car behind it at high rate of speed. Parked vehicle that was struck then struck car next to it since impact was so great. Car was uncontrollable, could not be stopped via brakes.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10724265

Mercury Sable: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20061010Driver assistanceA
200583130Acceleration & cruise controlA
200452230Acceleration & cruise controlA
20032014131SuspensionC
20024574325SuspensionD
20014309327SuspensionD
20004657358SuspensionD
19992675254SuspensionD
All Sable years

2003 Mercury Sable vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
2003 Mercury Sable201413C
2003 Mercury Grand Marquis395226FCompare
2003 Mercury Mountaineer15216CCompare
2003 Mercury Marauder6014FCompare

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.

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Questions about the 2003 Mercury Sable

Does the 2003 Mercury Sable have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Mercury Sable: pads (April 2016); switch (March 2004); engine and engine cooling (March 2004); windshield (March 2003). 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 2003 Mercury Sable?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (47), transmission & drivetrain (30), acceleration & cruise control (28).

How many complaints has the 2003 Mercury Sable had?

201 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 26, 2003 and the latest on March 13, 2023. Of these, 13 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 8 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2003 Mercury Sable a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 55 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as 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?
What should I do if my 2003 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

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