1992 Mercury Sable
This year had 30% to 100% more 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
- 372
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 11
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 1992
Opened by NHTSA
45% of complaints
Complaints per year
1992: 372 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 47 |
| 1987 | 78 |
| 1988 | 129 |
| 1989 | 242 |
| 1990 | 168 |
| 1991 | 229 |
| 1992 | 372 |
| 1993 | 678 |
| 1994 | 388 |
| 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
45% · 167 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
My head gaskets keep blowing ..
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-21
Power train
17% · 63 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Service brakes
15% · 54 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Steering
9% · 35 reportsMost commonly citing rack and pinion and tie rod assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Power steering hose failed. Fluid poured out on to very hot catalytic converter, producing fire in rear of engine compartment. Extinguished quickly but damage to wiring, vacuum line.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-26
Structure
8% · 29 reportsMost commonly citing frame and members and door.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 11 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1992Complaint volume 372 complaints filed for this model year.
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1992-05-15Wheels92V065000 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…
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.
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1992-11-30Engineering analysisClosed 1993-06-30 Sub-frm/unibody absor.fail
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1993-03-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-07-30 Idle air spd ctrl vlv malf
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1993-06-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-02-16 Broken tie rods
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1993-07-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-11-30 Underbody fuel line fails
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1993-07-30Engineering analysisClosed 1994-08-31 Idle air spd ctrl vlv malf
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1993-12-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-06-30 Polycast road wheel cracks
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1994-02-16Engineering analysisClosed 1995-02-27 Broken tie rods
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1994-12-15Suspension94E036000 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.
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1995-08-08Defect petitionClosed 1995-08-30 Alleged defective tie rods
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1996-05-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-09-30 Engine cooling fan fires
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1996-07-31Engineering analysisClosed 1998-01-26 Headlight failure
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1996-09-30Engineering analysisClosed 1997-04-15 Engine cooling fan fires
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1997-03-31Engine and engine cooling97V019000 These vehicles are originally sold or currently registered in the following states: Alaska, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The vehicles involved are 1992-1994…
Remedy: Dealers will install an electrical jumper harness containing an automatic resetting circuit breaker to protect the fan motor low speed circuitry from overheating.
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1997-04-23Vehicle speed control97V025000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will add a boot to the speed control cable.
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1999-01-18Structure98V323000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, district of columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland…
Remedy: Dealers will install subframe rear mount bolts, reinforcement plates, and plate nuts.
Buy-smart checklist
1992 Mercury Sable — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 167 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 63 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 54 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 92V065000 · Wheels
- Recall 94E036000 · Suspension
- Recall 97V019000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 97V025000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 98V323000 · Structure
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1992 Mercury Sable reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1992 Mercury Sable is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1992 Mercury Sable?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1992 Mercury Sable have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.