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2009 Mercury Sable

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Fewer warning signs than most model years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Mercury Sable are lower than the model-year median of 201.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
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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: 19 of 20 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. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports0 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

20 reports
37,565 miles · May 27, 2014
EngineVehicle Speed Control

IN CRUISE CONTROL--SPEED SET BETWEEN 37 & 39 MPH I ENGAGED BRAKES TO SLOW CAR--ENG STOPPED RUNNING --ALL LITES ON CONSOLE LIT..LOST PWR BRAKES AND STEERING. ALMOST HIT CAR COMING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTION. HAPPENED AGAIN IN APRIL, 2014 PLAZA LINCOLN CANNOT FIND PROBLEM--SCALES FORD CANNOT FIND PROBLEM--SEVERAL INDEPENDENT PROFE…

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IN CRUISE CONTROL--SPEED SET BETWEEN 37 & 39 MPH I ENGAGED BRAKES TO SLOW CAR--ENG STOPPED RUNNING --ALL LITES ON CONSOLE LIT..LOST PWR BRAKES AND STEERING. ALMOST HIT CAR COMING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTION. HAPPENED AGAIN IN APRIL, 2014 PLAZA LINCOLN CANNOT FIND PROBLEM--SCALES FORD CANNOT FIND PROBLEM--SEVERAL INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL MECHANICS CANNOT FIND PROBLEM--NO COMPUTERS WILL IDENTIFY PROBLEM--I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR 32159,,I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO FORD MOTOR CO AND NTSB. NEED HELP --PLEASE *TR

NHTSA ODI #10594418

61,077 miles · Aug 28, 2013
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

HAVING DRIVEN 150 MILES OR SO OF HIGHWAY DRIVING USING CRUISE CONTROL, STOPPING TWO TIMES TO REST, DRIVING APPROX. 65 - 70 MPH. I ARRIVED AT WALTHAM ON RT. 128 WHERE THE TRAFFIC WAS BUMPER TO BUMPER. I HAD TO KEEP MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE UNTIL I WAS AT EXIT 38 OR 39. WE TRAVELLED 5 - 15 MPH. AFTER I WAS IN THE SLOW TRAFFIC FOR APPR…

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HAVING DRIVEN 150 MILES OR SO OF HIGHWAY DRIVING USING CRUISE CONTROL, STOPPING TWO TIMES TO REST, DRIVING APPROX. 65 - 70 MPH. I ARRIVED AT WALTHAM ON RT. 128 WHERE THE TRAFFIC WAS BUMPER TO BUMPER. I HAD TO KEEP MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE UNTIL I WAS AT EXIT 38 OR 39. WE TRAVELLED 5 - 15 MPH. AFTER I WAS IN THE SLOW TRAFFIC FOR APPROX. 20 MINUTES MY CAR STARTED TO LURCH FORWARD WHILE GASSING UP AND WANTING TO JUMP AHEAD. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND I NEEDED TO BRAKE EVEN HARDER TO HOLD ONTO THE FORCE THAT THE CAR WAS EXERTING. I WAS IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC AND HAD KEPT A DISTANCE BETWEEH MYSELF AND THE CAR IN FRONT SO THE SMALL JUMP DID NOT HIT THAT CAR BEFORE I PUSHED HARDER ON THE BRAKE. THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN WITHIN 5 MINUTES. ONCE I ARRIVED IN DANVERS I DROVE TO THE DEALER TO REPORT THE PROBLEM AND THEY GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT FOR WEDNESDAY8/28/13. THIS SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN HAPEENING SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2011. IT SELF ACCELERATED RANDOMLY EVERY 3-4 MONTHS, IT HAPPENED WHEN I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND I WAS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH MY MOM IN THE CAR. I ALMOST WENT THROUGHT THE LIGHT FROM A STOPPED BRAKED POSITION. THE OTHER TIMES WERE AFTER DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL WHICH I NEED. IT ALSO HAPPENED WHILE BRAKING TO GET INTO A PARKING PLACE. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10537773

23,000 miles · Nov 5, 2012
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10-20 MPH, THE FRONT WHEELS SEIZED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HALT. THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED, PERFORMING AS NORMAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON AN …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10-20 MPH, THE FRONT WHEELS SEIZED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HALT. THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED, PERFORMING AS NORMAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 23,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 37,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10483429

Mileage unknown · Oct 12, 2012
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPACE, THE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY AS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A CURB AS THE VEHICLE WENT AIRBORNE. THE VEHICLE LANDED IN AN EMBANKMENT AND THEN STALLED. A PASSENGER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES AS…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPACE, THE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY AS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A CURB AS THE VEHICLE WENT AIRBORNE. THE VEHICLE LANDED IN AN EMBANKMENT AND THEN STALLED. A PASSENGER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT YET BEEN DIAGNOSED FOR THE ACCELERATOR FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE BODY DAMAGE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10479864

50,000 miles · Oct 11, 2012
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CRASHING INTO AND EMBANKMENT AND CONTINUING INTO A GOLF COURSE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS FROM THE CRASH. THE FRONT PASSENGER'S HEAD IMPACTED THE WINDSHIELD, RESULTING IN A CONTUSION. IN ADDITION…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CRASHING INTO AND EMBANKMENT AND CONTINUING INTO A GOLF COURSE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS FROM THE CRASH. THE FRONT PASSENGER'S HEAD IMPACTED THE WINDSHIELD, RESULTING IN A CONTUSION. IN ADDITION, THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED LACERATIONS AND BRUISES TO THE ARMS AND LEGS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #10479839

70,000 miles · Nov 28, 2011
Suspension

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: THE LEFT REAR LOWER ARM TO BODY HINGE BOLT UNSCREWED (FRONT LOCATION OF REAR LOWER ARM) OUT OF REAR LOWER ARM (ABOUT 2 INCHES OUT FROM LOWER ARM) VISUAL SIGHTING CAUGHT THIS ITEM - REAR AXLE COULD HAVE DISENGAGED FROM THE VEHICLE IF REAR LOWER ARM BOLT HAD FALLEN COMPLETELY OUT. DEALERSHIP REINSTALLED BOL…

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TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: THE LEFT REAR LOWER ARM TO BODY HINGE BOLT UNSCREWED (FRONT LOCATION OF REAR LOWER ARM) OUT OF REAR LOWER ARM (ABOUT 2 INCHES OUT FROM LOWER ARM) VISUAL SIGHTING CAUGHT THIS ITEM - REAR AXLE COULD HAVE DISENGAGED FROM THE VEHICLE IF REAR LOWER ARM BOLT HAD FALLEN COMPLETELY OUT. DEALERSHIP REINSTALLED BOLT. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10437591

20,750 miles · Nov 23, 2010
Power Train

AUTOMOBILE ENGINE INADVERTENTLY STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. ONLY INDICATION WAS ILLUMINATION OF ALTERNATOR SYSTEM FAILURE WARNING LIGHT AND TACHOMETER INDICATION OF ZERO. THERE WAS NO ASSOCIATED SHUDDER, LURCHING, OR OTHER PHYSICAL INDICATION THAT ENGINE HAD FAILED. NO ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT OR OTHER INDICATION…

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AUTOMOBILE ENGINE INADVERTENTLY STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. ONLY INDICATION WAS ILLUMINATION OF ALTERNATOR SYSTEM FAILURE WARNING LIGHT AND TACHOMETER INDICATION OF ZERO. THERE WAS NO ASSOCIATED SHUDDER, LURCHING, OR OTHER PHYSICAL INDICATION THAT ENGINE HAD FAILED. NO ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT OR OTHER INDICATION WAS DISPLAYED. VEHICLE TRANSMISSION WAS PLACED INTO NEUTRAL, RESTART ATTEMPTED, AND ENGINE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES IN THE LAST 120 DAYS. I CONTACTED THE DEALER, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED - SENTRY FORD IN MEDFORD MA., AND THE SERVICE REP ON THE PHONE FOUND NO APPARENT REASON FOR THE MALFUNCTION OR TO SCHEDULE A DIAGNOSTIC DEALER SERVICE APPOINTMENT, SINCE NO ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON, BASED ON MY TESTIMONIAL. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT IF THE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON, NO FAILURE CODES ARE STORED IN THE ON BOARD VEHICLE OPERATION HISTORY DATABASE AND THE PROBLEM CAN NOT BE DIAGNOSED AND THE DEALER CAN NOT PROVIDE ASSISTANCE OR GUIDANCE FOR REPAIR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10367291

34,450 miles · Jul 21, 2010
Suspension

I HAVE A 2009 MERC SABLE PREMIERE, WHEN I GO OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD THE STRUTS BOTTOM OUT, AND THE CAR LIKE SLIDES SIDE WAYS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT AND THEY LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT FORD SAYS WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS THE CAR WILL BOTTOM OUT AND THIS IS NORMAL. I TOLD THE SERVICE MAN THAT THIS WAS …

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I HAVE A 2009 MERC SABLE PREMIERE, WHEN I GO OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD THE STRUTS BOTTOM OUT, AND THE CAR LIKE SLIDES SIDE WAYS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT AND THEY LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT FORD SAYS WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS THE CAR WILL BOTTOM OUT AND THIS IS NORMAL. I TOLD THE SERVICE MAN THAT THIS WAS [XXX] AND HE SAID HE COULD NOT REPLACE THE STRUTS UNTIL THEY RECALL THEM. I ASKED HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO REPLACE THEM MYSELF AND HE SAID IT WOULD RUN $1000. TO HAVE ALL 4 REPLACED. DO PEOPLE HAVE TO GET KILLED BEFORE THEY WILL COVER THIS? I STILL HAVE WARRANTY LEFT ON MY CAR AND I WANT IT FIXED. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10344610

25,000 miles · Jul 13, 2010
Power Train

AUTOMOBILE ENGINE INADVERTENTLY STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. ONLY INDICATION WAS ILLUMINATION OF ALTERNATOR SYSTEM FAILURE WARNING LIGHT AND TACHOMETER INDICATION OF ZERO. THERE WAS NO ASSOCIATED SHUDDER, LURCHING, OR OTHER PHYSICAL INDICATION THAT ENGINE HAD FAILED. NO ENGINE SE…

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AUTOMOBILE ENGINE INADVERTENTLY STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. ONLY INDICATION WAS ILLUMINATION OF ALTERNATOR SYSTEM FAILURE WARNING LIGHT AND TACHOMETER INDICATION OF ZERO. THERE WAS NO ASSOCIATED SHUDDER, LURCHING, OR OTHER PHYSICAL INDICATION THAT ENGINE HAD FAILED. NO ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT OR OTHER INDICATION WAS DISPLAYED. VEHICLE TRANSMISSION WAS PLACED INTO NEUTRAL, RESTART ATTEMPTED, AND ENGINE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES IN THE LAST 60 DAYS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MANUFACTURER DEALERSHIP FOR TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR. TECHNICIANS HAVE FOUND NO APPARENT REASON FOR THE MALFUNCTION AND CLAIM THERE ARE NO FAILURE CODES STORED IN THE ONBOARD VEHICLE OPERATION HISTORY DATABASE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10342923

15,000 miles · Mar 3, 2010
Visibility

MERCURY SABLE 2009 WINDSHIELD WIPERS CLOG WITH SNOW AND MAKE WINDSHIELD COMPLETLY OPAQUE. SCRAPING SNOW/SLUSH OFF ONLY WORKS FOR FIVE MINUTES. I HAVE HAD TO PULL OFF TO ROADSIDE IN TRAFFIC TO REPEATEDLY CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD. WIPERS CANNOT BE ADEQUATLY CLEANED DURING EVENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10316215

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.