KnownCarProblems2001 Mercury Sable Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 430 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Mercury Sable, most often about the suspension (47% of complaints, typically around 72,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Sable model year since 2000 and has 8 recalls.
Most common 2001 Mercury Sable problems
Suspension
204 complaints · 47%Half of these problems showed up before 72,000 miles. Parts named most often: rear, front.
: the contact stated while accelerating from a stop to driving 2 MPH there was a loud noise and a rubbing sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was seen by an independent repair shop. The mechanic determined the left rear coil springs was broken and rubbed into the tire. Both the left and right rear…
Rear passenger side coil spring broke , puncturing the tire. Recall 04v332000 was issued concerning front coil spring. However, the manufacturer stated the rear was not affected, and the claim could not be honored.
Speed control
61 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 96,000 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal, cables, cruise control, linkages.
The contact owns a 2001 Mercury Sable. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH the vehicle accelerated on its own. The contact was forced to depress the brake pedal with both feet and place the vehicle in neutral gear in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle accelerated to approximately 70 MPH for a 16…
The contact owns a 2001 Mercury Sable. While driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to slow the vehicle. The contact placed the vehicle in neutral to slow it down, but the engine continued to rev at a high RPM. The vehicle was not…
Brakes
40 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 57,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, pedals and linkages, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, antilock.
Recall no.#04v106000, brake light switch: the consumer complained that the dealer charged for the recall work. The manufacturer explained to the consumer that the vehicle was not taken to a Mercury dealership, which was the reason the work was charged.
When stopping for a red light, the brake pedal went to the floor. I was lucky there was no traffic. The dealer replaced several feet of rusted brake line. The dealer told me this happens all the time. Why is it not mandatory that brake lines are stainless steel or covered with a protective material?
Air bags
27 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
While driving 55 MPH consumer's vehicle was involved in a frontal collision. Upon impact, dual air bags did not deploy. Driver sustained a compound fracture to the right thigh, and many other major injuries.
The contact owns a 2001 Mercury Sable. While driving 5 MPH, the vehicle brushed against a curb and the side impact air bag deployed. The contact was not injured. The vehicle was taken to terry's ford of peotone (363 s harlem ave, peotone, il 60468, [phone]) and was not diagnosed, but it was repaired. The manufacturer…
Engine
27 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 59,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.
2001 Mercury Sable oil pan gasket failed.** answer required***. The consumer feels that the dealer should have notified her of the service bulletin during her routine maintenance which stated that the oil pan gasket had been redesigned.
My 2001 Mercury Sable has now failed me over 8 times without warning. I would drive turn the car off then try to start it again and it would not start. It was completely dead. I called aaa had the car towed. I took it to the dealer and they charged me for everything. A battery, an alternator, wiring, the works then…
Electrical
26 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 47,500 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, ignition, instrument cluster/panel, starter assembly.
The vehicle stalled intermittently while driving at any speed. The vehicle was at the dealer for repairs. The condition maybe due to an electrical problem.
Dt: the contact states on occasion when he puts on the brakes instead of braking the car will accelerate and the engine will rev. Has to stomp on the brakes, turn off the ignition and/or put the car in neutral to get it to stop. The contact noticed this just after purchasing the car in june. It has gotten…
Transmission
22 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 48,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, manual transmission, axle assembly.
The transmission would lock in park and disengage at 40k, a sensor was replaced. Then at 49k the transmission blew while driving (internal). Poor transmission engineering. I'll never buy another ford/Mercury.
Mercury Sable 2001 sedan, 47,300 miles, both front axle seals warped. This was discovered during an oil change when the car was on a lift. Many other consumers may not be aware that this may be occurring in their cars. Icalled ford customer service center and they would not warranty beyond 36,000 miles. Ithe consumer…
Lights
15 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: brake lights, tail lights, headlights, turn signal.
The knob to turn on the headlight broke off. It seems to be made of plastic that is not strong enough. Now it's very difficult to turn on the headlights. We read that this is a problem in the 2000 model and ford had a recall on the 2000 model. We had the exact same problem with the 2001 model. Maybe some of the faulty…
2001 Mercury Sable gs. The stop lights are stuck on, indicating a problem, similar to the problem addressed by a current ford recall. However, upon calling ford motor customer service 800 number, they tell me, my car isn't covered by the recall, even though it has the exact same problem as those sables that are being…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2001 Mercury Sable recalls
Suspension: coil springs
Risk: If this occurs, the tire may rupture resulting in a rapid air loss, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install protective spring shields. In addition, ford is extending the warranty coverage of the front coil springs in all other states, for fracture only, up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first. If the vehicle has already accumulated more than 150,000 miles, this coverage will last until july 31, 2005. If either front coil spring fractures, dealers will replace both front springs at no charge to the owner. An interim notice was sent to owners on august 2, 2004. Parts are now available for the 2000-2001 my vehicles and owners were sent a letter on january
Full defect summary
On certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, the front coil springs could fracture due to corrosion associated with salt used on the roadways during the winter. A fractured spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire.
Lights: switch
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: pedals and linkages
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Visibility and wipers: motor
Risk: Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the date code on the wiper motor. Motors built with the suspect time frame will have the wiper motor gear case cover replaced. Owner notification began august 20, 2001. 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 at 1-866-436-7332.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks. A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, or ignition of the plastic cover material. Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "parked" position at the bottom of the windshield. These vehicles were built at the following assembly plants: atlanta plant from 2/11/00 through 7/31/00; chicago plant from 2/14/00 through 8/4/00; kansas city plant from 2/26/00 to 9/4/00; kentucky truck plant from 2/18/00 to 8/31/00; michigan truck plant from 2/23/00 through 8/3/00; norfolk plant from 2/21/00 thro
Seat belts: buckle assembly
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the vehicle occupant may not be properly restrained, possibly resulting in personal injury or death.
Fix: Dealers will replace the driver and right front passenger seat belt buckles. Owner notification began may 4, 2001. 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 at 1-800-392-3673.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: passenger cars. The seat belt buckle tongue may not fully eject from the buckle assembly when the release button is pushed slowly. This condition could also result in a partial latch of the tongue in the buckle.
Lights: switch
Risk: A short circuit could lead to either the brake lamps staying on, or to a loss of brake lamp function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch and wipe down the adjustable pedal assembly to remove excess grease. Owner notification began march 22, 2001. 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 at 1-800-392-3673.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with adjustable pedals. If the grease from the adjustable pedal assembly enters the stop lamp switch, it can contaminate the contacts leading to carbon build up, and potentially, a short circuit.
Equipment: owners/service/other manual
Risk: In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.
Fix: Owners will be provided with owner guide inserts revised to provide the required information, and instructions for affixing these inserts to their owner guides. Customers will also be advised that if they prefer, their dealer will affix the inserts to their owner guides.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the affected expedition/navigator owner guides do not identify the locations of seating positions equipped with tether anchorages, and do not provide instructions for securing child seats to these tether anchorages. The f150 sc owner guides do not provide the procedure for securing child seats to the tether anchorages. The taurus/sable owner guides do not identify the center rear seating position as having latch compatible lower anchorages.
Seat belts: anchorage
Risk: The anchor may not hold the child safety seat in position during an accident, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant of the child safety seat.
Fix: Dealers will remove and re-install the bracket nut using a torque retention material (red loctite). Owner notification began september 11, 2000. 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 at 1-800-392-3673.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The child safety seat anchor latch (iso-fix anchor) fasteners do not have adequate residual torque. The anchors are secured to the floor pan with a reinforcement plate that has two studs that extend upward through the floor pan and the iso-fix anchor. The sealer on the floor pan could cause a soft joint and, even if the nuts are properly torqued, road vibrations could cause the nut to work its way completely off the stud.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Speed control cable damage
Summary
On june 21, 2013, ford initiated customer satisfaction program 13b04 to address a concern with speed control cable damage in certain model year (my) 2000 through 2003 taurus and sable vehicles equipped with 3.0l 4v duratec engines and built at the chicago assembly plant.in the dealer letter for the program, ford indicates that the speed control cables on affected vehicles may be susceptible to damage or becoming partially disconnected during under hood vehicle maintenance (e.g., replacing a battery or changing the air filter) and that a damaged speed control cable could interfere with the throttle's full return to idle when the accelerator pedal is released.ford's program instructs dealers t
Rear coil spring fracture
Summary
Odi's analysis identified a high complaint rate for the rear coil springs in the salt belt states (approximately 250 per 100,000 vehicles).approximately 59 percent of the complaints alleged that the coil spring failure caused damage to the adjacent rear tire, with about half of these (30 percent of total complaints) alleging that the damage resulted in air loss.because air loss from a rear tire can result in changes in vehicle handling characteristics, odi examined field data, test data and interviewed consumers to assess the safety consequences of such failures in the subject vehicle population.analysis of all available field data did not identify any crashes or injuries resulting from the
Rear coil spring fracture
Summary
The office of defect investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation, pe05-054, based on 131 vehicle owner questionnaires related to alleged rear coil spring fractures.since opening the investigation there have been an additional sixty-three (63) complaints alleging rear coil spring fracture.an analysis of the vehicle owner questionnaires (voqs) submitted to odi reveals that 42% of the complainants allege that the adjacent tire was punctured as result of a rear coil spring fracture. Additionally, an analysis of the complaint data received by odi from ford reveals the following: there were a total of 553 unique vehicle complaints of coil spring fracture. 30% of the complaints allege that th
Brake/accelerator pedal application
Summary
Ms. Rodman reported that after her vehicle was inspected for the recall, her mother experienced a sudden acceleration and crashed the sable into a light pole.previously NHTSA had conducted an investigation for this issue (pe02-035) that resulted in the recall (02v-266) of 369,000 my 2000-2002 taurus and sable vehicles equipped with adjustable brake and accelerator pedals to insure that the separation between the pedals was at least 50mm..a review of odi's database for complaints regarding recall 02v-266 did not identify any recall remedy complaints other than the petitioner's.ms. Rodman?s vehicle was inspected by odi using ford?s special tool and her vehicle was found to exceed 50mm.also, th
Brake light switch failure
Summary
Ford conducted a recall in march, 2001 to correct a defect affecting the brake light switch in my 2000 through early-2001 taurus and sable vehicles equipped with power adjustable pedals (recall 01v-078).rq03-008 was opened to investigate complaints concerning the remedy and scope of 01v-078.odi's analysis identified concerns with post-repair failures in recalled vehicles,failures in my 2001-02 vehicles with adjustable pedals that were not included in recall 01v-078, and failures in my 2000 vehicles with fixed pedals.(note: the manufacturer failure data in this resume includes all crashes and injuries, but the complaint information is limited to my 2001-02 vehicles that were not included in t
Frontal air bag non-deployment in crash
Summary
This investigation identified a total of 427 reports alleging non-deployment of the frontal air bags.of the 427 reports, two incidents (fatal crashes) have been identified as severe frontal crashes in which the frontal air bags did not deploy.a defect trend has not been identified at this time.further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see attached summary report.
Frontal air bag non-deployment in crash
Summary
Ford motor company has identified 260 reports alleging frontal air bag non-deployment for any (severity) frontal or near-frontal crash on model year 2000-2001 ford taurus and mercury sable vehicles.additional crash reports are contained in NHTSA's fatality analysis reporting system (fars) database.the single odi report listed in the report summary is NHTSA's special crash investigation's case no. Ca00-020 that involved a high-speed crash non-deployment involving a driver fatality and front passenger injury.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea03-010) and odi will collect additional information on certain crash reports and conduct further study of this i
Brake/accel pedal separation
Questions about the 2001 Mercury Sable
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Mercury Sable?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: suspension (204 complaints, typically around 72,000 miles); speed control (61 complaints, typically around 96,000 miles); brakes (40 complaints, typically around 57,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2001 Mercury Sable have?
- 8 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from July 15, 2004 (suspension). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2001 a bad year for the Mercury Sable?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Sable model year since 2000, with 430 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.