MYRModel Year Report

2008 Mercury Sable

▲ Better than typical
2008 Mercury Sable
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:52:58.542Z

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: 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 2008 2009: 20 complaints 2009
2008: 61 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.

STEERING 26%

26% of complaints: steering — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and hydraulic power assist system.

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

POWER TRAIN 18%

18% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18%

18% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.

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

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

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 (16 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 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 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Mercury Sable have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

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