1993 Mercury Sable
This year had more than double the complaints 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
40% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 268 distinct reports on file.
FIRE DEATHShow complaint excerpts
CAR HAS STALLED SINCE FIRST DAY WHEN STOPPING AND UPON ACCELERATION ENGINE STALLS AND WON'T CRANK,ALSO HAD BROKEN MOTOR MOUNTS,POWER WINDOWS NOT WORKING,TACHOMETER NOT WORKING,WINDSHIELD WIPER WAS MISING WHEN BOUGHT. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020904
9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 63 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CAR HAS STALLED SINCE FIRST DAY WHEN STOPPING AND UPON ACCELERATION ENGINE STALLS AND WON'T CRANK,ALSO HAD BROKEN MOTOR MOUNTS,POWER WINDOWS NOT WORKING,TACHOMETER NOT WORKING,WINDSHIELD WIPER WAS MISING WHEN BOUGHT. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020904
5% of complaints: power train — 36 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: suspension — 34 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: exterior lighting — 32 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM CONTROLLERS DESIGNED FOR REAR WHEEL DRIVE CARS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THESE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE CARS..
Remedy: REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL DRIVE ABS CONTROLLER WITH A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE ABS CONTROLLER.
Campaign 93V023000 — check if this car was fixed
BROKEN TIE RODS
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
HEADLIGHTS FAILURE
ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES
HEADLIGHT FAILURE
ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES
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 TEMPO/TOPAZ
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.
Campaign 97V019000 — check if this car was fixed
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. THE HEADLIGHTS CAN FLASH INTERMITTENTLY AS A RESULT OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER OPENING. THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS CAN GO OUT FOR BRIEF INTERVALS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLIGHT SWITCH THAT INCORPORATES A CRICUIT BREAKER OF REVISED DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR AND WIRING, IF NEEDED.
Campaign 98V009000 — check if this car was fixed
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR
Remedy: CUSTOMERS WITH VEHICLES THAT HAVE BROKEN SPRINGS ARE TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLE FOR SPRING REPLACEMENT. BOTH SPRINGS WILL BE REPLACED EVEN IF ONLY ONE SPRING IS FRACTURED.
Campaign 98I002000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF NEW YORK, MICHIGAN, OHIO, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, PENNSYLVANIA, MASSACHUSETTS, INDIANA, NEW JERSEY, MAINE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING CATCHER BRACKET WHICH WILL PREVENT A FRACTURED SPRING FROM CONTACTING A TIRE.
Campaign 98V094000 — 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
WINDSHIELD WIPER
WINDSHIELD WIPER
FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1993 Mercury Sable — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (268 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (63 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (36 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 93V023000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 94E036000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V019000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V025000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V009000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98I002000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V094000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V323000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1993 Mercury Sable reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1993 Mercury Sable is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Mercury Sable?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 Mercury Sable have?
8 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.