2002 Mercury Sable recalls and problems

The 2002 Mercury Sable has 3 safety recalls and 440 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercury dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

440

Crashes / fires

32 / 5

Injuries / deaths

22 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Mercury Sable vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Mercury Sable recalls

Recall 04V-106: Exterior Lighting

Reported Mar 2, 2004 · 938,789 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 03V-087: Visibility

Reported Mar 10, 2003 · 67,894 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Risk: Potential loss of windshield retention may also reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash.

Fix: 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 ford/mercury at 1-800-392-3673.

Recall 02V-266: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Oct 2, 2002 · 369,614 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Risk: This could result in a customer experiencing an "unintended vehicle speed increase" or a perceived "unable to stop" condition.

Fix: 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 to be less than 50 mm, the dealer will adjust the pedals to increase the distance between them to greater than 50 mm. Owner notification began october 28, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

2002 Mercury Sable problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Suspension	268
Vehicle Speed Control	56
Visibility	28
Air Bags	25
Power Train	23
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	21
Engine and Engine Cooling	20
Electrical System	19
Structure	13
Exterior Lighting	13
Tires	9
Wheels	6

Most reported parts

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs — 97
Suspension › Front — 67
Suspension › Rear — 24
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs — 23
Air Bags › Frontal — 16
Visibility › Windshield — 13
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 10
Suspension › Rear › Springs — 9

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 75,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Mercury Sable complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Oct 4, 2022

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

Power Train · reported Sep 30, 2022

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.

Unknown or Other · at 130,000 miles · reported Oct 25, 2021

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.

Suspension · at 37,500 miles · reported Sep 25, 2020

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.

Electrical System · at 35,000 miles · reported Jun 9, 2018

Automatic headlights relay soddard into backside of fuse panel (Gem) was bad location for a person with no experience to fix or locate most people never got it fixed because of no experience and amount of money to have an electrical mechanic to fix. I understand there was a few people did get it fixed through a recall but I didn't and I never got a recall for this in the mail. I would like ford motor company fix this because I was never notified of this problem. My car has had this problem for about 12 years.

Other Mercury Sable years

2009 2008 2005 2004 200320022001 2000

Compare all Mercury Sable years · All Mercury models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Mercury Sable have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Mercury Sable: 04V-106 (exterior lighting), 03V-087 (visibility), 02V-266 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mercury Sable?

Owners report suspension problems most often (268 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (56). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 75,000 miles.

Are Mercury recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mercury dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.