1988 Mercury Sable
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 46 |
| 1987 | 76 |
| 1988 | 126 |
| 1989 | 238 |
| 1990 | 166 |
| 1991 | 221 |
| 1992 | 364 |
| 1993 | 674 |
| 1994 | 387 |
| 1995 | 350 |
| 1996 | 304 |
| 1997 | 228 |
| 1998 | 190 |
| 1999 | 258 |
| 2000 | 464 |
| 2001 | 430 |
| 2002 | 440 |
| 2003 | 201 |
| 2004 | 52 |
| 2005 | 83 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2008 | 61 |
| 2009 | 20 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
16% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 20 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
REPLACED LEAKING ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950425
13% of complaints: power train — 17 distinct reports on file.
FIRE10% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.
FIRE7% of complaints: steering — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIRE6% of complaints: structure — 8 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
HEAD REST DROPS
SPEED CONTROL FAILURE
THROTTLE STICKING
BRAKE DISC HUB FAILURE
THROTTLE STICKING
BRAKE DISC HUB SEPARATIONS
DOOR HANDLES BREAKAGE
THE POWER SEAT SWITCH WIRING IS ROUTED OVER RATHER THAN UNDER THE FRONT SEAT SUPPORT BRACE, ALLOWING DAMAGE BY SEAT CUSHION SPRING ENDS WHEN SEAT IS OCCUPIED.
Remedy: REVISE ROUTING OF POWER SEAT WIRING TO PREVENT DAMAGE FROM SEAT CUSHION SPRING CONTACT.
Campaign 91V036000 — check if this car was fixed
STORAGE COMPAR SUFFOCATION
FIRES IN IGNITION SWITCH
FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED IN AREAS WHERE CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE ARE USED EXTENSIVELY.
Remedy: REPLACE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH FULL CAST FRONT BRAKE ROTORS.
Campaign 91V134000 — check if this car was fixed
STORAGE COMPAR SUFFOCATION
ENGINE MOUNT FAILURE
POWER STEERING LEAKS/FIRES
CHILDREN CAN ACCIDENTALLY LOCK THEMSELVES IN THE FOOTWELL AREA OF THE REAR-FACING THIRD SEAT, OR IN THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN STATION WAGONS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL THIRD SEAT. ONCE THE COMPART
Remedy: REPLACE THE SELF-LATCHING ASSEMBLY CURRENTLY USED IN THE REAR STORAGE COMPARTMENT WITH A LATCH ASSEMBLY THAT CAN ONLY BE CLOSED WITH A KEY.
Campaign 92V065000 — check if this car was fixed
SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAIL
SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAIL
BROKEN TIE RODS
UNDERBODY FUEL LINE FAILS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS AND SABLES BUILT FROM 10-14-85 THROUGH 8-19-88, AND LINCOLN CONTINENTALS BUILT FROM 11-4-87 THROUGH 9-30-88 (EXCEPT 1989 - 1991 2.5L TAURUS AND 1989 - 1992 SHO). THE AFFEC
Remedy: INSTALL A CORROSION-RESISTANT REINFORCING PLATE AND A NEW BOLT ON BOTH REAR SUBFRAME MOUNTS. THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY RECALL 98V-323.
Campaign 93V106000 — check if this car was fixed
POLYCAST ROAD WHEEL CRACKS
BROKEN TIE RODS
THE ARC WELDS ON THE SWAY BAR BRACKET, WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE STRUT RESERVE TUBE, DID NOT FUSE PROPERLY.
Remedy: MONROE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STRUT FREE OF CHARGE.
Campaign 94E036000 — check if this car was fixed
ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS
REAR LOWER SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.
Campaign 98V323000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Mercury Sable — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V036000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V134000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 92V065000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V106000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 94E036000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V323000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1988 Mercury Sable reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Mercury Sable is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Mercury Sable?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Mercury Sable have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.