2003 MERCURY SABLE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

251

Owner Complaints

17 Crashes 2 Fires

4

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

5

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2003 MERCURY SABLE

The 2003 MERCURY SABLE has received a total of 251 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, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 5 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Vehicle Speed Control (25 complaints), Power Train (22 complaints), and Suspensionfront (19 complaints).

Recalls for the 2003 MERCURY SABLE

NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 2003 MERCURY SABLE, potentially affecting up to 1,456,244 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 04V105000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

| 399,926 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE AIR FILTER PAPER IN THESE VEHICLES CAN SMOLDER OR BURN.

Consequence: THIS CAN LEAD TO DAMAGE TO THE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM ON THESE VEHICLES AND/OR AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 10, 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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Owner Complaints for the 2003 MERCURY SABLE

251 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 MERCURY SABLE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 25
Power Train
Complaints: 22
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 19
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 15
Structure
Complaints: 12
Suspension
Complaints: 11
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 10
Electrical System
Complaints: 8
Engine
Complaints: 8
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
Complaints: 6
Structurebody
Complaints: 6 1 Crash
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor
Complaints: 6
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 5
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 5
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 5
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 4 4 Crashes 4 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 4
Seat Belts
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 4
Air Bags
Complaints: 3 3 Crashes 1 Injury
Service Brakes
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 3
Steering
Complaints: 3
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 3
Visibility
Complaints: 3
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Otherstoragetank Assemblyfillingcharging
Complaints: 2
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Suspensionrearspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical Systemsoftware
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Equipment
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 1
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Tires
Complaints: 1
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11511556 | POWER TRAIN | | 83,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Sable. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
#11387850 | POWER TRAIN | | 30,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.
#11328198 | POWER TRAIN | | 33,277 miles
IDRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS ON A CITY STREET IN 2003 MERC SABLE WITH 33K MILES. WHILE IN MOTION, THE TRANSMISSION FAILS WITH NO FORWARD OR REVERSE WORKING OR ANY OTHER MECHANICAL WARNINGS.( NO TRANSMISSION CODES ON OBDII. I WAS IMMEDIATELY ABLE TO COAST INTO A DRUGSTORE PARKING LOT. CAR TOWED TO LOCAL FORD DEALER. DEALER INFORMED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER SPLINES HAVE FAILED AND TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDS TO REPLACED FOR $ 1726.00. DEALER REPAIRED VEHICLE, REPLACED WITH FORD RE-MANUAFACTURED TORQUE CONVERTER. SEARCHED INTERN NET AND FOUND SAME NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF FORD TORQUE CONVERTERS SPLINE FAILURES. BASED ON THE TYPE AND NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS THIS APPEARS TO WARRANT AN AUDIT OF THIS SAFETY PROBLEM. THERE ARE OTHER REPORTED COMPLAINTS THAT VEHICLES WERE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAYS AND SUFFERED TRANSMISSION FAILURES WHILE IN MOTION WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. *TR
#11204859 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | | 285,000 miles
SO SORRY TO BOTHER YOU. I HAVE A MERCURY SABLE 03 WHICH HAS BEEN ACCELERATING BY ITSELF BECAUSE THE THROTTLE CABLE GETS STUCK. I SAW AN ARTICLE THAT SAID MY YEAR TAURUS AND SABLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM AS WELL AS SAW THAT ALL THOSE IN THE JUNK YARD HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. IN THE ARTICLE IT SAID FORD AGREED TO FIX THOSE TO STOP FURTHER INVESTIGATION. HOW WOULD I GO ABOUT GETTING THIS FIXED? PLEASE AND THANK YOU. MY VEHICLE STARTED GOING 79 AND WOULDN'T STOP. EVEN IN NEUTRAL IT WENT 4000 RPM UNTIL THE THROTTLE CABLE WAS UNJAMMED. AND CONTINUES TO DO SO
#11191700 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | | 144,000 miles
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON A CITY STREET AND THE CAR STARTED ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN AND I TRIED TO BRAKE BUT MY BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. I HAD TO PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BREAK TO SLAM HARD ENOUGH TO TRY TO GET IT TO SLOW DOWN EVEN A LITTLE. I FOUND OUT THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE GOT STUCK AND COULD NOT GO BACK IN CAUSING THE CAR TO KEEP ACCELERATING.

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Safety Rating for the 2003 MERCURY SABLE

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 MERCURY SABLE in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 MERCURY SABLE

Ford Motor Company has issued 5 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 MERCURY SABLE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

04E13 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

EMISSION RELATED SERVICE ACTION 04E13. RE-FLASH THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM). *TT

17416 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM

FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT READ FULL. *MJ

17434 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH CONTINUOUS MEMORY DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) P0172/P0175 (SYSTEM TOO RICH). *TT

16911 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND TCIL LAMP ILLUMINATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH MULTIPLE MEMORY DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES RELATED TO TRANSMISSION SOLENOIDS AND HEGO HEATER CIRCUITS. *TT

16613 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

VEHICLES WITH VERY LOW ODOMETER MILES, MAY EXHIBIT A HIGHER THAN NORMAL TEMPORARY START-UP FAST IDLE (1600-2500 RPM THAT DECREASES SLOWLY). NO SERVICE NECESSARY. *TT

NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 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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