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
What owners actually said
350 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2000
Power Train
THE SPEEDOMETER JUMPS ERRACTICALLY WHENEVER THE SPEED EXCEEDS 40MPH OR A BUMP IS ENCOUNTERED ON THE ROAD. BASED ON THE DANGEROUS CONDITION THAT THIS FAILURE CAUSES I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN INSTITUTED TO ADDRESS THIS VERY SERIOUS DEFECT. BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS REGISTERED ON THIS SITE ALONE IT IS EV…
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THE SPEEDOMETER JUMPS ERRACTICALLY WHENEVER THE SPEED EXCEEDS 40MPH OR A BUMP IS ENCOUNTERED ON THE ROAD. BASED ON THE DANGEROUS CONDITION THAT THIS FAILURE CAUSES I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN INSTITUTED TO ADDRESS THIS VERY SERIOUS DEFECT. BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS REGISTERED ON THIS SITE ALONE IT IS EVIDENT THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. I HAVE CONTACTED THE FORD/MERCURY PEOPLE TO NO AVAIL, I TRUST THAT THIS AGENCY CAN RECTIFY THIS MATTER BEFORE THE SPEEDOMETER FAILURES RESULT IN UNNECESSARY INJURIES OR DEATHS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #711229
Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2000
Power Train
I BOUGHT MY 1995 SABLE IN JULY 97 WITH 30,000 MILES AND A FORD EXTENDED WARRANTY. AT 31,667 MILES THE SPEEDOMETER DIAL WOULD BUZZ AND THE NEEDLE SWING BACK AND FORTH, NOT READING PROPER SPEED. I CONTACTED A FORD DEALER, COLUMBIA FORD IN COLUMBIA, CT AND THEY REPLACED THE SPEEDOMETER HEAD IN DASH, STATING THAT FORD KNOWS THAT THE…
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I BOUGHT MY 1995 SABLE IN JULY 97 WITH 30,000 MILES AND A FORD EXTENDED WARRANTY. AT 31,667 MILES THE SPEEDOMETER DIAL WOULD BUZZ AND THE NEEDLE SWING BACK AND FORTH, NOT READING PROPER SPEED. I CONTACTED A FORD DEALER, COLUMBIA FORD IN COLUMBIA, CT AND THEY REPLACED THE SPEEDOMETER HEAD IN DASH, STATING THAT FORD KNOWS THAT THE SPEEDOMETER HEADS LAST ABOUT 30,000 MILES THEN THEY DEFECT. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THAT FORD SENT OUT A TSB ON THE SPEEDO HEADS AND THAT NHTSA ALSO HAD REPORTS ON THE DEFECT. NOW AT 64,000 MILES THE SPEEDO HEAD AGAIN DEFECTED, BUZZING AND READING IMPROPER SPEED, VERY FRIGHTNING. I CONTACTED FORD ABOUT THE ISSUE AND AFTER A WEEK OF TRYING TO GET THEM ON THE PHONE I FINALLY DID. THE SERVICE REP AT FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE I TALKED TO, DORTHIA AT EXTENSION 2703, SAID IN SO MANY WORDS THAT I AM UP THE CREEK. I THEN ASKED TO TALK TO HER SUPERVISOR, NICHOL KINGS, SHE WOULD NOT LET ME, PUT ME ON HOLD, THEN CAME BACK AND NOW AFTER I TRIED TO RESOLVE THE MATTER SHE SAID IN A FIRM VOICE, "THE MATTER IS NOW CLOSED". FORD FLAT OUT REFUSED TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT, KNOWING WELL THAT THE DEFECT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THS COST OF REPLACING THE SPEEDO HEAD IS ABOUT $500. I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE THE SPEEDO EVERY 30,000 MILES, AND IT IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE SINCE MY WIFE USES THE CAR ALSO. I BELIEVE IT IS VERY PATHETIC THAT A CONSUMER HAS TO BE SHAFTED LIKE THIS BUYING A CAR IN GOOD FAITH, THEN BEING TOLD TOO BAD FOR YOU. FORD KNEW ABOUT THIS SAFETY DEFECT ALL ALONG. PLEASE HELP BEFORE I OR SOMEONE IN MY FAMILY GETS KILLED BEING UNABLE TO READ THEIR PROPER SPEED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *AK
NHTSA ODI #721132
Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
THE SPEEDOMETER UNIT REQUIRED TWO REPLACEMENTS, HOWEVER STILL DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, FLUCTUATES OVER 55 MPH. *MJS
NHTSA ODI #551800
Mileage unknown · Apr 4, 2000
Structure
DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS PART WOULD GO WITH ONLY 39,130 MILES ON IT. COULD THE SUBFRAME REAR PLATE HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS MATTER???? . *AK
NHTSA ODI #721013
Mileage unknown · Apr 4, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT PROBLEMS OCCUR WITH THIS PLATE NUT. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER WENT BAD WITH ONLY 39,000 MILES ON MY CAR! *AK
NHTSA ODI #721012
Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2000
Suspension
CONSTANT NOISE IN REAR WHEELS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #720962
Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I REALIZE THAT FORD HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE HEAD GASKET. I ALSO BELIEVE THEY SHOULD EXTEND THEIR WARRANTY TO COVER THE TIMING COVER GASKET AS WELL. I CALLED A NUMBER OF DEALERS. THE OVERALL IMPRESSION I GOT WAS THAT THEY ARE SEEING MORE AND MORE 3.8 LITER ENGINES WITH LEAKING TIMING COVER GASKETS. WHICH COMES FIRST?…
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I REALIZE THAT FORD HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE HEAD GASKET. I ALSO BELIEVE THEY SHOULD EXTEND THEIR WARRANTY TO COVER THE TIMING COVER GASKET AS WELL. I CALLED A NUMBER OF DEALERS. THE OVERALL IMPRESSION I GOT WAS THAT THEY ARE SEEING MORE AND MORE 3.8 LITER ENGINES WITH LEAKING TIMING COVER GASKETS. WHICH COMES FIRST? THE BLOWN HEAD GASKET OR THE FAILED TIMING COVER GASKET. ALSO THE SPEEDOMETER SEEMS TO LAST 12000-15000 MILES. IT TOOK THE DEALER 6 MONTHS TO GET THE REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR THE LAST ONE THAT WENT BAD. *AK
NHTSA ODI #720713
Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2000
Power Train
PLASTIC SPEEDOMETER GEAR BROKE. NLM
NHTSA ODI #784577
Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2000
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment
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
NHTSA ODI #720494
Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other
TEMPERATURE GOES UP AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON. CONSUMER IT NOT ABLE TO DRIVE CAR. CONSUMER FEELS CAR MAY BURN UP. *AK
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
4
RQ99017 · 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.
1995 Mercury Sable Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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