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1998 Mercury SableProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 190 owner complaints about the 1998 Mercury Sable, most often about the vehicle speed control. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

50
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.0× the Sable median · #11 of 22 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints19046 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage71kVehicle speed control, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 12, 2018. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Mercury Sable has problems

190 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Vehicle speed control327
Service brakes, hydraulic286
Power train250
Suspension220
Engine and engine cooling192
Electrical system164
Air bags1411
Visibility100
Structure102
11 other systems4710

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1998 Mercury Sable recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Front: anchorage

Recall 98V-198 · Aug 25, 1998 · 7,000 vehicles

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Exterior lighting: headlights

Recall 98V-028 · Feb 10, 1998 · 571,800 vehicles

Risk. IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONFUSED BY THE AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO BE…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercury.

Best & worst years

1998 vs. every other Sable year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sable median. How we score

'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'08'09
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1998 Mercury Sable safety ratings

1998 Mercury Sable 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Sable owners report

Recent vehicle speed control complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN PARKED FOR TWO HOURS IN THE PARKING LOT OF A SMALL COMMUNITY PARK. AS THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5-10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE TIME TO CHECK THE SPEEDOMETER BEFORE THE…
Complaint 10453901 · Apr 3, 2012 · 93,300 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. IN ADDITION, THE HORN WOULD SOUND INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT FURTHER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A BUILDUP OF CORROSION FOUND ON AN…
Complaint 10377898 · Jan 19, 2011 · 7,000 miles
1999 MERCURY SABLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CUSTOMER STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AS HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE AT AN INTERSECTION TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. *KB *TR THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL AFTER PUTTING IT IN NEUTRAL. UPDATED 03/22/10 UPDATED 05/28/10.*JB
Complaint 10205004 · Oct 3, 2007 · 44,933 miles

Own a 1998 Sable?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.