1997 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
13% of complaints: power train — 30 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHEN ON A INCLINE, THE VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF DRIVE TO REVERSE GEAR. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACK RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. *JB THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CABLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040907
8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 19 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN BRAKING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD INCREASE ABNORMALLY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD SLIGHTLY PULL FORWARD AS IF IT WERE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120606
WHENEVER USING THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS, FINGERS WOULD GET CUT. CRUISE CONTROL HAVE VERY SHARP EDGES THAT CUT DEEPLY WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19971203
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 14 distinct reports on file.
FIRE4% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET HAS A SHARP EDGE WHICH CAN CAUSE THE PARKING PAWL TO HANG UP AND NOT ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SHO
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET.
Campaign 96V166000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AX4S AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES. THE LOW/INTERMEDIATE SERVO COVER CAN SEPARATE FROM THE TRANSAXLE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. IF THIS OCCURS,
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE THESE SERVO COVERS.
Campaign 97V097000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIR
Remedy: OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.
Campaign 98V028000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Mercury Sable — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V166000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V097000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V028000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Mercury Sable reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Mercury Sable is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Mercury Sable?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Mercury Sable have?
3 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.