MYRModel Year Report

2008 Mercury Sable

▲ Better than typical
2008 Mercury Sable
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:11:46.129Z

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, 2008 highlighted. 1984: 1 complaints 1984 1985: 0 complaints 1986: 46 complaints 1987: 76 complaints 1988: 126 complaints 1988 1989: 238 complaints 1990: 166 complaints 1991: 221 complaints 1992: 364 complaints 1992 1993: 674 complaints 1994: 387 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 2008 2009: 20 complaints 2009
2008: 61 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19850
198646
198776
1988126
1989238
1990166
1991221
1992364
1993674
1994387
1995350
1996304
1997228
1998190
1999258
2000464
2001430
2002440
2003201
200452
200583
20061
200861
200920

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STEERING 23%

23% of complaints: steering — 14 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

STEERING FROZE UP AND COULD NOT TURN TO LEFT / WAS HARD TO STEER AND THEN WHEN TRYING TO TURN LEFT COULD NOT DO IT, HAD TO MAKE RIGHT HAND TURNS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180218

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 16%

16% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A LIGHT POLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150507

POWER TRAIN 15%

15% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15%

15% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

ON THURSDAY AROUND 11:30 PM, ON SEPT.12, 2013, WHILE MY 77 YEAR OLD MOTHER SLEPT HER 2008, MERCURY SABLE PREMIER MYSTERIOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED WHILE PARKED UNDER HER CAR PORCH ATTACHED TO HER HOME.

NHTSA ODI report, 20131024

ENGINE 8%

8% of complaints: engine — 5 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20081014 — PE (closed 20090409)

TIRE VALVE CRACKING

R 20160609 — air bags

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Campaign 16V247000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2008 Mercury Sable — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 16V247000 (air bags) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1986 ▲ 2004 ▲ 1987

WORST YEARS

■ 1993 ■ 2000 ◆ 2002

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2008 Mercury Sable reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Mercury Sable is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mercury Sable?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 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.