MYRModel Year Report

2004 Mercury Sable

▲ Better than typical
2004 Mercury Sable
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:52:34.168Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercury Sable Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2004 highlighted. 1984: 1 complaints 1984 1985: 0 complaints 1986: 47 complaints 1987: 78 complaints 1988: 129 complaints 1988 1989: 242 complaints 1990: 168 complaints 1991: 229 complaints 1992: 372 complaints 1992 1993: 678 complaints 1994: 388 complaints 1995: 350 complaints 1996: 304 complaints 1996 1997: 228 complaints 1998: 190 complaints 1999: 258 complaints 2000: 464 complaints 2000 2001: 430 complaints 2002: 440 complaints 2003: 201 complaints 2004: 52 complaints 2004 2005: 83 complaints 2006: 1 complaints 2008: 61 complaints 2009: 20 complaints 2009
2004: 52 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19850
198647
198778
1988129
1989242
1990168
1991229
1992372
1993678
1994388
1995350
1996304
1997228
1998190
1999258
2000464
2001430
2002440
2003201
200452
200583
20061
200861
200920

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 29%

29% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cables.

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AT 50 MPH, SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL POP. THE ENGINE RPM'S INCREASED TO 4000 WHILE THE CONTACT WAS APPLYING EXTREME PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120314

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

SERVICE BRAKES 23%

23% of complaints: service brakes — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

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

POWER TRAIN 23%

23% of complaints: power train — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASH
Show 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

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 15%

15% of complaints: exterior lighting — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tail lights and headlights.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20040720 — seats

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

I 20061204 — DP (closed 20071228)

ENGINE STALLING FFV

I 20120307 — PE (closed 20121022)

Stuck throttle

R 20160526 — service brakes, hydraulic

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 (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04V330000 (seats) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16E026000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1986 ▲ 2008 ▲ 1987

WORST YEARS

■ 1993 ■ 2000 ◆ 2002

See all years ranked →

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 29% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Mercury Sable have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.