2005 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
42% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 35 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Im owner of Mercury Sable 2005 only 79000 miles..The car problem speed control idle over 2200 so high when stop red light have to brake pedal to slow the vehicle down, and the vehicle failed to accelerrate..
NHTSA ODI report, 20230914
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE THROTTLE HAD BECOME STUCK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE ABNORMALLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120312
25% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I DRIVED IT ON HIGHWAY AND SUDDENLY THERE WAS NOISE AND RMP PASSED 4000 BUT NO ACCELERATED. I MANAGED TO STOPPED ON SHOULDER, AND RESTARTED THE CAR, ENGINE RUN OK, AND CAR WASN'T MOVING, EITHER FORWARD OR BACKWARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180916
WHEN ENTERING THE CAR AFTER A BASKETBALL GAME I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND TRIED TO GO INTO REVERSE BUT THE CAR REMAINED IN NEUTRAL AS IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. PRIOR TO THIS I HAD NEVER NOTICED ANY ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180307
8% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: steering — 6 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
2005 Mercury Sable — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (35 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16E026000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Mercury Sable reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Mercury Sable is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mercury Sable?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Mercury Sable have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.