2004 Mercury Sable
This year had at least 30% fewer 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 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
27% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 14 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF TO ABOVE 55 MPH AT LOCAL ROAD, WHEN PUT TO PARKING, THE ENGINE KEPT RUNNING AT MORE THAN 3500 RPM, IT WAS CRAZY, NEARLY KILLED SOME KIDS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171104
I NOTICED THAT THE CAR DID NOT DECELERATE WHEN I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL. WHEN I BRAKED, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RACE. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND I COULD HEAR THE ENGINE RACE EVEN FASTER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120313
17% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE PARKED, TRIED TO PUT CAR IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF DRIVEWAY BUT CAR WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. ONLY WAY TO GET CAR TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK IS TO APPLY EMERGENCY BRAKES THEN SHIFT CAR INTO NEUTRAL WHILE KEY TURNED TO OFF POSITION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180814
15% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT INADVERTENTLY WENT INTO REVERSE AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE CONSUMER VRASHED INTO THE GARAGE. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20050307
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE SEATS MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY WELDED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE UPPER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY ON THE POWER SEATS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 04V330000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE STALLING FFV
Stuck throttle
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
2004 Mercury Sable — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V330000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16E026000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Mercury Sable reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Mercury Sable is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mercury Sable?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Mercury Sable have?
2 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.