How many recalls does the 2003 Mercury Sable have?

The 2003 Mercury Sable has 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns on record.

How do I check if my 2003 Mercury Sable has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's official recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see open, unrepaired recalls for your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free.

What do owners complain about most on the 2003 Mercury Sable?

Of 251 NHTSA complaints on file, the most-reported component is vehicle speed control.

2003 Mercury Sable Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2003 Mercury Sable has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 1,406,609 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 251 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the vehicle speed control. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 04V106000 2004-03-02 938,789 affected

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS MALFUNCTIONING COULD RENDER THE STOP LAMPS INOPERABLE OR CAUSE THEM TO STAY ON ALL THE TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE CONFUSION TO A FOLLOWING DRIVER, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Consequence

IN ADDITION, IF THE SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING FAIL IN THE OPEN POSITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ACTUATE AND THE DRIVER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF "PARK" IF THEY FAIL IN THE CLOSED POSITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL REMAIN ON, WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW THE SPEED CONTROL TO BE ACTIVATED. THIS COULD…

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED STOP LAMP SWITCH AND WIRE ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 04V105000 2004-03-02 399,926 affected

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE AIR FILTER PAPER IN THESE VEHICLES CAN SMOLDER OR BURN.

Consequence

THIS CAN LEAD TO DAMAGE TO THE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM ON THESE VEHICLES AND/OR AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 10, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

VISIBILITY 03V087000 2003-03-10 67,894 affected

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." THE WINDSHIELDS MAY POTENTIALLY EXHIBIT INCREASED WIND NOISE, WATER LEAKAGE, AND SQUEAKS AND RATTLES.

Consequence

POTENTIAL LOSS OF WINDSHIELD RETENTION MAY ALSO REDUCE OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE WINDSHIELDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD/MERCURY AT 1-800-392-3673.

Complaints by component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

POWER TRAIN

SUSPENSION:FRONT

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

STRUCTURE

SUSPENSION

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ENGINE

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Total complaints251

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“The contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The…”

POWER TRAIN · reported 2023-03-13

“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the vehicle decelerated independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact parked on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic…”

POWER TRAIN · reported 2021-01-07

“Idriving under normal conditions on a city street in 2003 merc sable with 33k miles. While in motion, the transmission fails with no forward or reverse working or any other mechanical warnings.( no transmission codes on obdii. I was immediately able to coast into a drugstore parking lot. Car towed…”

POWER TRAIN · reported 2020-05-20

“So sorry to bother you. I have a mercury sable 03 which has been accelerating by itself because the throttle cable gets stuck. I saw an article that said my year taurus and sable have this problem as well as saw that all those in the junk yard have the exact same problem. In the article it said…”

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · reported 2019-04-27

“I was driving my car on a city street and the car started accelerating on its own and I tried to brake but my brakes would not work. I had to put both feet on the break to slam hard enough to try to get it to slow down even a little. I found out that the throttle cable got stuck and could not go…”

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · reported 2019-03-13

“Why was I charged $249.90 labor charges when the vehicle was only in my hands for a couple of days after being purchased from king buick but not for parts, shop materials and use of a loaner car. I should have paid nothing under a warranty and would like to know if ford has responsibility for…”

UNKNOWN OR OTHER · reported 2017-11-24

“2003 mercury sable. Consumer writes in regards to being charged for vehicle repairs that were under warranty. *ld *js”

ENGINE · reported 2017-11-24

“1. The hood closes apparently fine, it does not open if I try to, however keeps opening every 20 minutes after driving. I could not find the cause. 2. Very strong smell of gas keeps ocurring, no signs or drops or viisual leak puddle.”

STRUCTURE:BODY · reported 2017-11-10