2003 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
12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 25 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: power train — 22 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: suspension — 19 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: suspension — 15 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: structure — 12 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." THE WINDSHIELDS MAY POTENTIALLY EXHIBIT INCREASED WIND NOISE,
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE WINDSHIELDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE
Campaign 03V087000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE AIR FILTER PAPER IN THESE VEHICLES CAN SMOLDER OR BURN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 10, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 04V105000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS MALFUNCTIONING COULD RENDER THE STOP LAMPS INOPERABLE OR CAUSE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED STOP LAMP SWITCH AND WIRE ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 5, 2004. OWN
Campaign 04V106000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE STALLING FFV
Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
Speed control cable damage
Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598,...
Remedy: Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.
Campaign 16E026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Mercury Sable — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V087000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V105000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V106000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16E026000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Mercury Sable reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Mercury Sable is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mercury Sable?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 12% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercury Sable have?
4 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.