2002 MERCURY SABLE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

541

Owner Complaints

39 Crashes 5 Fires 2 Deaths

4

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

12

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2002 MERCURY SABLE

The 2002 MERCURY SABLE has received a total of 541 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD. 12 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs (97 complaints), Suspensionfront (67 complaints), and Vehicle Speed Control (48 complaints).

Recalls for the 2002 MERCURY SABLE

NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 2002 MERCURY SABLE, potentially affecting up to 1,425,932 vehicles.

Recall 16E026000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

| 49,635 vehicles affected

Defect: Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are...

Consequence: A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.

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Recall 04V106000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

| 938,789 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS MALFUNCTIONING COULD RENDER THE STOP LAMPS INOPERABLE OR CAUSE THEM TO STAY ON ALL THE TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE CONFUSION TO A FOLLOWING DRIVER, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Consequence: IN ADDITION, IF THE SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING FAIL IN THE OPEN POSITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ACTUATE AND THE DRIVER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF "PARK" IF THEY FAIL IN THE CLOSED POSITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL REMAIN ON, WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW THE SPEED CONTROL TO BE ACTIVATED. THIS COULD ALSO CAUSE THE BATTERY TO DISCHARGE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED STOP LAMP SWITCH AND WIRE ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

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Recall 03V087000 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

| 67,894 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." THE WINDSHIELDS MAY POTENTIALLY EXHIBIT INCREASED WIND NOISE, WATER LEAKAGE, AND SQUEAKS AND RATTLES.

Consequence: POTENTIAL LOSS OF WINDSHIELD RETENTION MAY ALSO REDUCE OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE WINDSHIELDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2003. 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...

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Recall 02V266000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

| 369,614 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PADELS ARE BEING RECALLED IN ORDER TO ADJUST THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS TO A MINIMUM OF 50 MM OF LATERAL SEPARATION. SIMULTANEOUS APPLICATION OF BOTH THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS COULD RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM.

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A CUSTOMER EXPERIENCING AN "UNINTENDED VEHICLE SPEED INCREASE" OR A PERCEIVED "UNABLE TO STOP" CONDITION.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED AS TO THE PROPER WAY TO SET THE POSITION OF THE PEDALS AND TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE SPACING BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS MEASURED. IF THE SPACING IS FOUND...

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Owner Complaints for the 2002 MERCURY SABLE

541 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 MERCURY SABLE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 97
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 67 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 48 5 Crashes 2 Injuries
Suspension
Complaints: 45 1 Crash
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 24
Suspensionrearspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 23 1 Fire
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 16 13 Crashes 4 Injuries
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 13 1 Injury
Electrical System
Complaints: 12
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 12 1 Crash
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 10 1 Crash
Air Bags
Complaints: 9 8 Crashes 9 Injuries 1 Death
Power Train
Complaints: 9
Suspensionrearsprings
Complaints: 9
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 8
Tires
Complaints: 8
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 7 2 Crashes
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 5 3 Crashes 1 Death
Structure
Complaints: 5
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Wheels
Complaints: 5
Engine
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 4 1 Fire 1 Injury
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 4
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Injury
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 4 2 Injuries
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor
Complaints: 4
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 3 1 Injury
Steering
Complaints: 3
Structurebody
Complaints: 3
Visibility
Complaints: 3
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagefloor Shift
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 2
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 2
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 2
Child Seat
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 1
Equipment
Complaints: 1 1 Fire 1 Injury
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Electric
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumshoeslinings
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumwheel Cylinders
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assist
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontmacpherson Strut
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringsair Suspensionspringsbags
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontstabilizer Bar
Complaints: 1
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 1
Wheelshub
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11487805 | POWER TRAIN | | N/A miles
10/2/2022 was on I 94 east bound lost momentum rpms jump to 6k then lost all gears in transmission car has 88639 miles on it hardly driven changed trans fluid hoping to get trans working again and still won't move in any gear had to wait 4 hours on freeway for a tow just to get it off the freeway had to fight with AAA for the 4 hours to get it towed now in my driveway and still won't move at all
#11487204 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
The contact owns a 2002 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light and transmission symbol remained illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered and stalled occasionally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was unknown.
#11487204 | POWER TRAIN | | N/A miles
The contact owns a 2002 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light and transmission symbol remained illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered and stalled occasionally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was unknown.
#11438044 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Mercury Sable. The contact stated while attempting to shift the vehicle out of park, the gear shifter failed to move out park. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken into a local mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V106000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
#11361053 | SUSPENSION | | 37,500 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE EXPLODED. THE SUSPENSION COIL SPRING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRACTURED AND SLASHED THE TIRE CAUSING THE TIRE TO EXPLODE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,500.

View all Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2002 MERCURY SABLE

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2002 MERCURY SABLE in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2002 MERCURY SABLE

Ford Motor Company has issued 12 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2002 MERCURY SABLE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

042514 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0300, P0316 OR P030X - NO CRANK BATTERY DISCHARGED. *TT

17503 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SURGE AT A STEADY SPEED BETWEEN 35 AND 45 MPH WITH NO OTHER DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS. *TT

03111 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ENGINE COOLING FAN INDUCED BODY BOOM, ROUGH ENGINE IDLE SENSATION OR UNUSUAL ENGINE NOISE AT IDLE WHEN THE ENGINE COOLING FAN IS IN THE HIGH SPEED MODE. *TT

02111 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

FUEL PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE (SCHRADER VALVE) DISCONTINUED. *TT

02223 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

DRIVEABILITY-MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) WITH P0316 WHEN USING WINTER BLEND REFORMULATED FUELS AT TEMPERATURES ABOVE 50 DEGREES F (10 DEGREES C) DURING WINTER MONTHS-ROUGH OR ROLLING IDLE AFTER HOT SOAK RESTART P0191. TRANSAXLE-AX4S-1-2 UPSHIFT HESITATION COLD-3.0L 2V/FFV ENGINES. *MJ

16094 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT FUEL DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171, P0172, P0174, P0175 OR MASS AIR FLOW DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0102, P0103, P0112, P0113. *TT

15915 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.0L 2V ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A ROUGH RUN CONDITION AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0316 AFTER A HOT RESTART. *TT

0284 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

VEHICLES BUILT AFTER 4/8/2002 WILL NO LONGER BE EQUIPPED WITH THE FUEL PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE (SHRADER VALVE). *TT

15820 — POWER TRAIN

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AX4N/4F50N TRANSAXLE MAY EXHIBIT A SHUDDER DURING A 3-4 SHIFT. *TT

15745 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.0L 2V ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A RUNS ROUGH, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0316 AFTER A HOT SOAK RESTART. *TT

Showing 10 of 12 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2002 MERCURY SABLE

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the MERCURY SABLE

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Other MERCURY Models

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