1991 Mercury Sable
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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
37% of complaints: power train — 82 distinct reports on file.
INJURY20% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 44 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: structure — 16 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 8 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: equipment — 8 distinct reports on file.
INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
STORAGE COMPAR SUFFOCATION
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
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
BROKEN TIE RODS
UNDERBODY FUEL LINE FAILS
FAILURE OF WHEEL STUDS
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
ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES
ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L ENGINES AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A BOOT TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE.
Campaign 97V025000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1991 Mercury Sable — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (82 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (44 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V134000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 92V065000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 94E036000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V025000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V323000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1991 Mercury Sable reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Mercury Sable is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Mercury Sable?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Mercury Sable have?
5 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.