1989 MERCURY SABLE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

300

Owner Complaints

16 Crashes 72 Fires 1 Death

8

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

1

Service Bulletin

2

Investigations

Overview of the 1989 MERCURY SABLE

The 1989 MERCURY SABLE has received a total of 300 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 8 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS, SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. 1 technical service bulletin have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly (37 complaints), Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline (26 complaints), and Structureframe And Members (24 complaints).

Recalls for the 1989 MERCURY SABLE

NHTSA has recorded 8 recalls for the 1989 MERCURY SABLE, potentially affecting up to 4,938,600 vehicles.

Recall 98V323000 — STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

| 2,697,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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.

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Recall 94E036000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER

| 98,000 vehicles affected

Defect: THE ARC WELDS ON THE SWAY BAR BRACKET, WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE STRUT RESERVE TUBE, DID NOT FUSE PROPERLY.

Consequence: OVER TIME, A PORTION OF THE BRACKET CAN TEAR AWAY FROM THE STRUT, FALLING INTO AND PUNCTURING THE TIRE OR CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: MONROE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STRUT FREE OF CHARGE.

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Recall 92V113000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

| 565,000 vehicles affected

Defect: THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES ARE DEFECTIVE IN THREE WAYS. FIRST, A FASTENED SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH WHEN THE RELEASE BUTTON IS DEPRESSED. THIS RESULTS FROM INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE BUCKLE EJECTOR FINGER AND THE BUCKLE TONGUE WINDOW. THE SECOND DEFECT IS THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT LATCH. THE THIRD POSSIBLE DEFECT IS THAT THE TONGUE MAY...

Consequence: AN INSUFFICIENTLY LATCHED OR UNLATCHED SAFETY BELTINCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO SEAT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT. IF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH, IT WILL NOT ALLOW THEOCCUPANT TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.

Remedy: FORD WILL REPLACE THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES WITH END RELEASE SAFETY BELT BUCKLES DESIGNED TO PREVENT LATCH PROBLEMS.

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Recall 92V065000 — WHEELS

| 654,000 vehicles affected

Defect: CHILDREN CAN ACCIDENTALLY LOCK THEMSELVES IN THE FOOTWELL AREA OF THE REAR-FACING THIRD SEAT, OR IN THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN STATION WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THIRD SEAT. ONCE THE COMPARTMENT IS CLOSED IT CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.

Consequence: THERE IS A DANGER OF AIR DEPRIVATION, HYPERTHERMIA,AND/OR PANIC RESPONSE TO A CHILD WHO HAS LOCKED HIMSELF OR HERSELF INTO THECOMPARTMENT, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF ASPHYXIATION.

Remedy: REPLACE THE SELF-LATCHING ASSEMBLY CURRENTLY USED IN THE REAR STORAGE COMPARTMENT WITH A LATCH ASSEMBLY THAT CAN ONLY BE CLOSED WITH A KEY.

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Recall 91V134000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

| 325,000 vehicles affected

Defect: FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED IN AREAS WHERE CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE ARE USED EXTENSIVELY.

Consequence: SEVERELY CORRODED ROTORS MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE NEARTHE INNER EDGES OF THE BRAKE DISCS RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS,HIGHER THAN NORMAL PEDAL EFFORTS, LOUD GRINDING NOISES, AND MODERATE PULLS WHENTHE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS MAY INCREASE MINIMUMSTOPPING DISTANCES, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: REPLACE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH FULL CAST FRONT BRAKE ROTORS.

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Recall 91V036000 — SEATS

| 278,000 vehicles affected

Defect: THE POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING IS ROUTED OVER RATHER THAN UNDER THE FRONT SEAT SUPPORT BRACE, ALLOWING DAMAGE BY SEAT CUSHION SPRING ENDS WHEN SEAT IS OCCUPIED.

Consequence: POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING INSULATION MAY BECOME ABRADED,OR PUNCTURED, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR THAT COULD RESULT IN A FIREIN THE SEAT CUSHION MATERIAL.

Remedy: REVISE ROUTING OF POWER SEAT WIRING TO PREVENT DAMAGE FROM SEAT CUSHION SPRING CONTACT.

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Recall 88V190000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 22,000 vehicles affected

Defect: FRONT SIDE MARKER LAMPS WERE UNINTENTIONALLY EQUIPPED WITH CLEAR BULBS, INSTEAD OF AMBER COLORED BULBS AS SPECIFIED IN FMVSS 108.

Consequence: VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH STANDARD.

Remedy: REPLACE CLEAR BULBS WITH AMBER COLORED BULBS.

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Recall 97I003000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

| 299,600 vehicles affected

Defect: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. FORD IS INITIATING AN OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM THAT WILL PROVIDE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, 12 YEARS AND UNLIMITED MILEAGE, FOR ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES WITH FUNCTIONAL CONCERNS.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THE OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, FOR 12 YEARS AND UNLIMITED MILEAGE.

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Owner Complaints for the 1989 MERCURY SABLE

300 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1989 MERCURY SABLE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 37 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 26 17 Fires
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 24 1 Crash 1 Fire
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 21 9 Fires
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 19
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 15
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 12 6 Fires
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 12 5 Crashes 2 Injuries
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 10 7 Fires 1 Injury 1 Death
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 9 9 Fires
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 8
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 6 5 Fires
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes 1 Fire 1 Injury
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcrankcase Pcv
Complaints: 4
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 4
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Fire
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 4
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 2 Fires 2 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 3 2 Fires
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systemfuel Rail
Complaints: 3 3 Fires
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 3
Seat Belts
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 3
Seats
Complaints: 3
Suspension
Complaints: 3
Electrical System12v24v48v Batterycables
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 2
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 2
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 2
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Steeringrack And Pinionrack
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 1
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#10189167 | STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS | | 147,230 miles
CORROSION-RELATED DETERIORATION IN 1989 MERCURY SABLE RESULTED IN DETACHMENT OF SUB-FRAME REAR PLATE NUT AND BOLT PULLING THROUGH. SYMPTOMS AS DESCRIBED IN RECALLS 93V106002 AND 98V-323/98S36. ADVISED BY FORD DEALER THAT THESE RECALLS DO NOT APPLY TO MY VIN AND ARE LIMITED TO EASTERN US STATES. HOWEVER 98V-323 STATES THAT VEHICLES WITH THESE SYMPTOMS ARE TO BE REPAIRED FREE BY DEALERS. NO ACCIDENT/INJURY HAS OCCURRED AND THE VEHICLE IS SCHEDULED FOR REPAIR ON MONDAY APRIL 29 2007. I NEED TO KNOW IF THE RECALL WILL BE EXTENDED TO COVER MY VEHICLE REPAIR AND IF NOT, WHY NOT. SALT IS USED EXTENSIVELY IN UT FOR SNOW AND ICE CONTROL. *TR
THIS MORNING (7-8-04) I WAS PULLED OVER FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER AND THE OFFICER SAID I WAS DOING 75 IN A 55 WHEN MY SPEEDOMETER READ 65. I ASKED THE GENTLEMAN IF THERE WAS SOMEWAY HE COULD FORGET THE TICKET SINCE IT WAS MY FIRST TIME EVER AND HE SAID NO. HE DID NOT EXPLAIN TO ME EVERYTHING ON THE TICKET AND YOU CAN HARDLY READ HALF THE?!@#$% HE WROTE. I AM GOING TO TAKE THIS TO COURT SINCE HE DID NOT HAVE ME SIGN THE TICKET LIKE IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE. THEY DON'T PUT THE WORD "SIGNATURE" ON THE A LINE FOR NOTHING. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF I RECEIVED A CALL OR AT LEAST AN E-MAIL WITH IN THE NEST 24 HOURS. THANK YOU AND PLEASE DO DRIVE SLOW.*AK
#10064604 | STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE | | 100,000 miles
WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND U-TURN AT 30 MPH STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THIS CAUSED CONSUMER TO HIT A CURVE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK VEHICLE ALSO JUMPED UP INTO A CURVE AND DENTED THE LEFT FENDER BY A TREE. *LA
#10054774 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | | N/A miles Fire
WE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, GATHERED OUR THINGS AND WENT IN TO THE HOUSE. THE NEXT MORNING I WENT TO BRUSH THE SNOW OFF OF THE CAR AND NOTICED THE WINDSHIELD WAS BROKEN, I OPENED THE DRIVER DOOR AND DISCOVERED THE WHOLE DASHBOARD WAS MELTED LIKE A CANDLE, WE HAD JUST FILLED UP THE TANK THE PREVIOUS DAY AND WERE VERY LUCKY WE DIDN'T LOSE OUR HOME ALSO. WE FIGURE THE REASON THE CAR DIDN'T BECOME FULLY INVOLVED WAS BECAUSE THE WINDOWS WERE ROLLED UP TIGHT AND IT SUFFOCATED THE FLAMES, THE CAR IS STILL A COMPLETE LOSS. THE WIRING IN THAT CAR HAD NEVER BEEN TOUCHED,CUT OR MODIFIED. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN EXCEPT FOR A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE WAY WE SEE IT MERCURY SHOULD OWE US ONE CAR OR BLUE BOOK VALUE. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED. *LA
#10022981 | SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY | | N/A miles
BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS DO NOT LATCH PROPERLY. THE WARRANTY PROGRAM ON THE SEAT BELTS HAS EXPIRED. *AK

View all Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1989 MERCURY SABLE

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1989 MERCURY SABLE in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1989 MERCURY SABLE

Ford Motor Company has issued 1 technical service bulletin (TSBs) for the 1989 MERCURY SABLE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

94243 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT

VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CLICKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT STRUTS. *TW

NHTSA Investigations for the 1989 MERCURY SABLE

NHTSA has opened 2 investigations into potential safety defects in the 1989 MERCURY SABLE.

Investigation PE93100 — SUSPENSION Closed

Opened:

POLYCAST ROAD WHEEL CRACKS

Investigation PE92044 — STEERING Closed

Opened:

POWER STEERING LEAKS/FIRES

Other Model Years of the MERCURY SABLE

View all MERCURY SABLE model years →

Other MERCURY Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report