2003 Mercury Sable recalls and problems

The 2003 Mercury Sable has 3 safety recalls and 201 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mercury dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

201

Crashes / fires

13 / 1

Injuries / deaths

8 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Mercury Sable vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Mercury Sable recalls

Recall 04V-105: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Mar 2, 2004 · 399,926 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: On certain vehicles, the air filter paper in these vehicles can smolder or burn.

Risk: This can lead to damage to the air induction system on these vehicles and/or an underhood fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the air filter element. Owner notification began on march 10, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

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.

2003 Mercury Sable problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Suspension	51
Power Train	30
Vehicle Speed Control	29
Visibility	20
Structure	20
Engine and Engine Cooling	19
Exterior Lighting	13
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	12
Electrical System	10
Air Bags	8
Engine	8
Seat Belts	5

Most reported parts

Suspension › Front — 19
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs — 15
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch — 6
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor — 6
Structure › Body — 6
Visibility › Windshield — 5
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
Air Bags › Frontal — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 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 2003 Mercury Sable complaints

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

Power Train · at 83,000 miles · reported Mar 13, 2023

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.

Power Train · at 30,000 miles · reported Jan 13, 2021

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.

Power Train · at 33,277 miles · reported Jun 10, 2020

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…

Vehicle Speed Control · at 285,000 miles · reported Apr 30, 2019

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

Vehicle Speed Control · at 144,000 miles · reported Mar 26, 2019

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.

Other Mercury Sable years

2009 2008 2005 200420032002 2001 2000

Compare all Mercury Sable years · All Mercury models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Mercury Sable have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Mercury Sable: 04V-105 (engine and engine cooling), 04V-106 (exterior lighting), 03V-087 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mercury Sable?

Owners report suspension problems most often (51 reports), followed by power train (30). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 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.