IllustrationCONSUMER'S CAR FROM TIME TO TIME CAN SHUT OFF NO MATTER HOW FAST CONSUMER IS GOING, OR HOW LONG CONSUMER HAS BEEN DRIVING. THE PART IS T.F.I (THICK FIXTURE IGNITION. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP, AND DEALER WAS WILLING TO REPLACE PART AT CONSUMER'S COST. *AK
1995 Mercury Sable
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 1995 Mercury Sable do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 201.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sable years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 38 of 350 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 132 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 93 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
11 crash reports13 fire reports10 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
32 reportsSEVERELY MELTED WIRING CONNECTORS AT RELAY AND IN FUEL TANK AT TOP OF SENDER/FUEL PUMP!!!!
CONSUMER SPEEDOMETER DOESN'T GIVE CORRECT READING. READING INDICATES VEHICLE IS GOING MUCH FASTER. DEALER'S SAFETY INSPECTION OF VEHICLE FOUND NOTHING WRONG. AFTER WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS DONE WIRING HARNESS WAS MOVED TOO CLOSE TO EXHAUST SYSTEM. VEHICLE ALMOST CAUGHT ON FIRE & STARTEDD SMOKING SEVERELY. WIRES ON EXHAUST WAL…
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CONSUMER SPEEDOMETER DOESN'T GIVE CORRECT READING. READING INDICATES VEHICLE IS GOING MUCH FASTER. DEALER'S SAFETY INSPECTION OF VEHICLE FOUND NOTHING WRONG. AFTER WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS DONE WIRING HARNESS WAS MOVED TOO CLOSE TO EXHAUST SYSTEM. VEHICLE ALMOST CAUGHT ON FIRE & STARTEDD SMOKING SEVERELY. WIRES ON EXHAUST WALL MELTED. DEALER SAID WIRES WERE MOVED BACKED TO WHERE THEY BELONGED & IT WOULD BE FINE.*AK
THIS DEFECT CAUSED NO PARKING LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, SIDE MARKERS OR DASH LIGHTS. DEALER SAID THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON! ONE BECOMES A SITTING DUCK IN THE DARK WITH NO LIGHTS IN THE SIDES OR REAR OF VEHICLE. PLEASE MAKE FORD RECALL AND CORRECT THIS DANGEROUS DEFECT.*AK
INTERMITTENTLY, WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD STALL UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. NEVER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 9 TIMES WITH SAME PROBLEM AND IS NOW PARKED, WILL NOT RUN.*AK
I HAD BEEN NOTICING A STRANGE BURNING SMELL IN THE CAR FOR SOME TIME - BUT COULDN'T PLACE ITS SOURCE. I FOUND THE SMELL GETTING STRONGER OVER TIME, AND STRONGER WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ON. THEN I NOTICED THAT THE DASH AREA SURROUNDING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS WARM TO THE TOUCH. I PULLED OFF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH KNOB, AND THE…
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I HAD BEEN NOTICING A STRANGE BURNING SMELL IN THE CAR FOR SOME TIME - BUT COULDN'T PLACE ITS SOURCE. I FOUND THE SMELL GETTING STRONGER OVER TIME, AND STRONGER WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ON. THEN I NOTICED THAT THE DASH AREA SURROUNDING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS WARM TO THE TOUCH. I PULLED OFF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH KNOB, AND THE SWITCH SHAFT WAS BURNING - TOO HOT TO TOUCH. I OBTAINED A NEW HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND PROCEEDED TO DISSAEMBLE THE DASH. I FOUND THE BACK END (PLASTIC CONNECTOR RECEPTABLE BODY) OF THE SWITCH TOTALLY MELTED, AND SOME OF THE WIRES HAD THEIR INSULATION MELTED CLEAR OFF, DOWN TO BARE COPPER. LUCKILY NONE OF THE WIRES WERE TOUCHING IN THE BARE AREAS. THE MALE END OF THE HARNESS (THAT PLUGS INTO THE SWITCH) WAS MELTED INTO THE SWITCH BODY. I HAD TO BUY A NEW REPLACEMENT CONNECTOR, SPLICE IT IN AND MAKE UP SOME NEW WIRES, AND THEN INSTALL THE NEW SWITCH. THE AUTO PARTS STORES SAY THAT ALTHOUGH FORD DOESN'T HAVE THE CONNECTOR + PIGTAIL ASSEMBLY AVAILABLE AS A DEALER ITEM, IT IS AN AFTERMARKET ITEM SINCE "THEY BURN UP SO OFTEN." HAD I NOT INTERVENED WHEN I DID, I COULD HAVE HAD A SEVERE IN-DASH FIRE, PLUS LOST MY LIGHTS AT NIGHT. MY LIGHTS NEVER STOPPED WORKING, ALTHOUGH THE BURNING SMELL WAS EVIDENT. MERCURY CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE ADVISED NO PRIOR REPORTS OF THIS TYPE.*AK
WIRE TO STARTED CORRODED, DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, THERE IS A REPAIR KIT
SINCE I HAVE PURCAHSED THE CAR (IT WAS THE SHOWCASE CAR) EVERY SUMMER AS THE WEATHER GETS HOT THE CAR WITHOUT ANY WARNING WILL CUT OFF. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND ON SEVERAL OCASSIONS (TWO OF WHICH THEY KEEP THE CAR FOR A WEEK) THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM SO, THEY WERE UNABLE TO HELP ME AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. I DON…
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SINCE I HAVE PURCAHSED THE CAR (IT WAS THE SHOWCASE CAR) EVERY SUMMER AS THE WEATHER GETS HOT THE CAR WITHOUT ANY WARNING WILL CUT OFF. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND ON SEVERAL OCASSIONS (TWO OF WHICH THEY KEEP THE CAR FOR A WEEK) THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM SO, THEY WERE UNABLE TO HELP ME AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. I DON'T KNOW IF IT"S RELATED TO THE AIR CONDITION OR THIS GASKET PROBLEM THAT I JUST BECAME AWARE OF FROM ANOTHER CAR DEALER. ALL I KNOW IS THEAT THAT IT HAPPENS WHEN THE OUTSIDE ENVIRONMENT IS FAIRLY WARM . IT HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING AND LUCILY I AM A CITY DRIVER AND HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT OR BEEN KILLED ON THE HIGHWAY. I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP THE CAR IF IT CAN BE REPAIRED. OTHERWISE I HAVE TO GET RID OF IT. ALL I HAVE BEEN TOLD IS THAT IT CAN"T BE FIXED UNLESS IT CAN BE DUPLICATED AT THE SHOP AND TO COME BACK NEXT TIME IT HAPPENS, BUT THE PROBLEM WITH THAT IS ONCE THE CAR STOPS IT MAY START RIGHT UP AGAIN IN 10 MINS. OR ONE HOUR.NR
WINDOW WIPER/HIGH BEAM/TURN SIGNAL SWITCH IS FAULTY CAUSING WIPERS TO NOT PARK IN PROPER POSITION ALSO INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS
Official recalls
501V390000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan
Dec 21, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS/SABLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L AND 3.8L ENGINES AND MUSTANG VEHICLES WITH 3.8L AND 5.0L ENGINES. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BEARING TO SEIZE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SHOULD THIS OCCUR, EXCESSIVE HEAT COULD BE GENERATED WHICH COULD MELT THE FAN MOTOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. COMPONENTS INSIDE THE COOLING FAN MOTOR COULD IGNITE POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A CIRCUIT BREAKER. IF THE COOLING FAN IS INOPERATIVE, THE FAN AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 28, 2001. 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 AT 1-866-436-7332.
98V323000 · Structure:frame And Members
Dec 16, 1998
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.
97V025000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Feb 26, 1997
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A BOOT TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE.
97V019000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan
Feb 25, 1997
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.
94V198000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages
Oct 11, 1994
THE RETAINER CLIP WHICH HOLDS THE MASTER CYLINDER PUSH ROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM IS MISSING OR NOT COMPLETELY INSTALLED. THE PUSH ROD CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL THE RETAINER CLIP.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4RQ99017 · Front Suspension Spring
Opened Aug 9, 1999 · Closed Feb 16, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
EA96024 · Engine Cooling Fan Fires
Opened Sep 30, 1996 · Closed Apr 15, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
There is no summary currently available
EA96019 · Headlight Failure
Opened Jul 31, 1996 · Closed Jan 26, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
EXCESSIVE HEAT IN AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED CIRCUIT BREAKER WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CAUSED THAT CIRCUIT BREAKER TO OPEN FOR TIME PERIODS OF VARYING LENGTH TO COOL OFF.OPENING OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER IN THIS MANNER INTERRUPTS ELECTRIC CURRENT FLOW TO THE HEADLIGHTS, SHUTTING THEM OFF.HEADLIGHT OUTAGES HAVE RANGER FROM BRIEF FLICKERS (LESS THAN ONE SECOND) TO GREATER THAN 20 SECONDS.OVER TIME, THE OUTAGES GROW IN LENGTH AND DURATION BECAUSE OF HEAT-INDUCED DETERIORATION OF THE SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING.RECALL 98V-009 WILL APPLY TO APPROXIMATELY 506,000 TAURUS, SABLE, MARK VIII, AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM 1-DEC.-92 THROUGH 30-SEP-93 AT THE ATLANTA, CHICAGO,AND WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANTS.87% OF MY 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE AND 97% OF MY 1993-1995 MARK VIII WARRANTY REPAIRS (HEADLIGHT SWITCH REPLACEMENT) INVOLVED VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE DEC. 92 - OCT. 93 BUILD RANGE.
PE96033 · Engine Cooling Fan Fires
Opened May 2, 1996 · Closed Sep 30, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
IN DECEMBER 1995, FORD RECALLED 119,313 VEHICLES IN CANADA TO REMEDY THE SUBJECT CONDITION IN CERTAIN 1992-95 TAURUS, SABLE, TEMPO, TOPAZ AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES.FORD IS AWARE OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS OCCURRING IN NORTHERN REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES, BUT MAINTAINS THAT THE FREQUENCIES DO NOT WARRANT A FINDING OF AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.