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 | 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.
25% of complaints: suspension — 51 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and coil springs.
15% of complaints: power train — 30 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveline.
14% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.
10% of complaints: structure — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and door.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CAR WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED. WHEN ENGAGED INTO REVERSE, CAR MADE LOUD NOISE, TIRES SQUEALED, ENGINE RACED AND CRASHED INTO PARKED CAR BEHIND IT AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150609
1. THE HOOD CLOSES APPARENTLY FINE, IT DOES NOT OPEN IF I TRY TO, HOWEVER KEEPS OPENING EVERY 20 MINUTES AFTER DRIVING. I COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE. 2. VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS KEEPS OCURRING, NO SIGNS OR DROPS OR VIISUAL LEAK PUDDLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171119
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
10% of complaints: visibility — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fan/motor and windshield.
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 suspension issues (51 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (29 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 suspension, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mercury Sable have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.