AutoStatsIQ
Data through Oct 2026
Model year

1986 Mercury Sable

Sedan, gasoline, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Jan 14, 1995 to Jun 16, 2003.

Recalls (9)Complaints (46)Investigations (20)Bulletins (40)
Recall campaigns covering this model year99.02M vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints466.6 times the median 1986 sedan
Severity index17.4Crash, fire, injury or death per 100
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 1986 Mercury Sable peaked in 1995, with 13 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

0510151995131998200120042007201020132016201920222026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

24% of complaints about the 1986 Mercury Sable name structure

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Structure
11
Powertrain
8
Engine and cooling
7
Electrical system
6
Seat belts
6
Seats
4
Fuel system
2
Brakes
2
Speed control
2
Visibility and wipers
2
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

9 recall campaigns cover the 1986 Mercury Sable

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 1986 Mercury Sable
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
98V-323Dec 16, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana,…Structure2,697,000Repair or modification
94E-036Nov 25, 1994Arc welds on the sway bar bracket, where it attaches to the strut reserve tube, did not fuse properlySuspension98,000Part replacement
93V-106Jun 23, 1993Vehicle description: taurus and sables built from 10-14-85 through 8-19-88, and lincoln continentals built from 11-4-87 through 9-30-88 (except…Structure1,610,000Repair or modification
92V-065May 11, 1992Children can accidentally lock themselves in the footwell area of the rear-facing third seat, or in the storage compartment in station wagons not…Wheels654,000Part replacement
91V-134Aug 6, 1991Front disc brake rotors of the subject vehicles may experience severe corrosion if operated in areas where calcium chloride and sodium chloride…Brakes325,000Part replacement
87V-139Sep 4, 1987Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engagedFuel system3,600,000Repair or modification
87V-017Feb 19, 1987Road salt induced erosion of the wiper motor conductor strips could cause localized thermal stress within the glassVisibility and wipers28,000Repair or modification
86V-039Mar 10, 1986Right quarter windows may contain glass which was improperly temperedVisibility and wipers4,700Part replacement
85V-172Dec 26, 1985Anti-theft deviceSteering4,500Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Look up a VIN at NHTSA
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 1986 Mercury Sable

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

46 complaints on file, page 1 of 3.

  1. Filed Jun 16, 2003Failure Jun 15, 2003111,000 milesHouston, TXAutomatic transmission

    AFTER DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GOES INTO NEUTRAL. STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO REV UP QUITE HIGH WHILE STILL STAYING IN NEUTRAL UNTIL, SUDDENLY THE TRANSMISSION WILL KICK INTO GEAR AND "BURN RUBBER" CAUSING THE CAR TO LURCH FORWARD IN AN "UNCONTROLLED" WAY AT HIGH SPEED. *NLM

    NHTSA complaint 10023181
  2. Filed May 29, 2002Failure May 17, 2002Lansdale, PAService brakes, Caliper

    BRAKE CALIPER IS HANGING OUT, CAUSING HUB CAP TO MELT ONTO THE TIRE.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 8010696
  3. Filed May 2, 2002Failure Apr 21, 2001Bismarck, NDFrame and members

    SUBFRAME WELDS BROKE AND FRAME DROPPED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. NO INJURIES. THERE IS A RECALL BUT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED.*JBSUBFRAME MOUNTING BOLTS/BRACKETS BROKE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE REAR MOUNTS CAUSING THE ENGINE AND TRANSAXLE TO FALL BACKWARD AND MAKE STEERING IMPOSSIBLE. *JG

    NHTSA complaint 8009024
  4. Filed Oct 29, 2001Failure Jun 2, 1996Basehor, KSIgnition

    NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 753827
  5. Filed Aug 19, 2001Failure Nov 30, 1999Burlington, VTSeats

    BOLT INTACT, MOUNT FAILED, METAL FAILURE. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 750736
  6. Filed Apr 17, 2001Failure Mar 1, 2001Coran, NYPower window devices and controls

    WHILE SITTING ON DRIVER'S SIDE WITH CHILDREN SITTING IN REAR SEAT, A PERSON ALERTED CONSUMER THAT ONE OF THE CHILDREN GOT STUCK BETWEEN WINDOW OF VEHICLE, WHERE POWER WINDOW COULD NOT BE ACTIVATED. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 886155
  7. Filed Oct 31, 2000Donora, PAVehicle speed control

    WHILE TRAVELING WITHOUT ANY INDICATION RMPS WOULD RUN HIGH. THEN, SOON AFTER VEHICLE WOULD STALL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 874213
  8. Filed May 5, 2000Indianapolis, INIgnition

    WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE BECAME VERY HOT/STALLED AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP DUE TO THE TFI IGNITION MODULE BEING TOO CLOSE AND MOUNTED ON THE SIDE OF THE DISTRIBUTOR. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 861484
  9. Filed Apr 4, 2000Failure Apr 1, 2000Oakland, CAWindshield

    WINDSHIELD IS CRACKED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. CONSUMER STATED SHE BOUGHT VEHICLE AS IT IS, AND SHE WANTS TO FILL OUT A SAFETY COMPLAINT. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 859675
  10. Filed Mar 4, 2000NEW Hope, PAIntegrated child seat1 injured

    RE CENTURY INFANT SEAT SMARTFIT PLU MODEL # 4529STC, BABY'S HEAD SWINGS FROM SIDE TO SIDE WHILE SLEEPING BECAUSE ANGLE OF SEAT IS MORE OF A SITTING POSITION; AS A RESULT, BABY HAS PINCHED NERVE IN NECK AREA AND RECEIVING MEDICAL TREATMENT; ALSO BABY'S CHEEKS HAVE BRUISES FROM PLASTIC BUCKLES. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 719663
  11. Filed May 4, 1999Failure Nov 20, 1998North Chicago, ILFrame and members

    REAR SUBFRAME BOLTS AND NUTS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE. NLM (RECALL #98S36) 98V-323.

    NHTSA complaint 545332
  12. Filed Apr 13, 1999Failure Jan 1, 1999Bayside, NYFrame and members

    RECALL 98S36 FRONT BODY MOUNTS ON THE REAR CORNER OF THE SUBFRAME NOT YET REPAIRED DUE TO DEALER SCHEDULING PROBLEM.

    NHTSA complaint 544972
  13. Filed Apr 1, 1999Failure Apr 23, 1997Everett, WAFrame and members1 injured

    RECALL COMPONENT OF SUBFRAME MOUNTS POSSIBLY CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL AND VEHICLE ROLLOVER AND INJURY, CONSUMER NOTIFIED AFTER INCIDENT OF RECALL.(ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).

    NHTSA complaint 544792
  14. Filed Mar 29, 1999Failure Mar 8, 1999Manhasset, NYFrame and members

    DIFFICULTY HAVING SUBFRAME MOUNT NUTS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL, DUE TO DEALERSHIP/MANUFACTURER PROBLEMS. (98V-323)

    NHTSA complaint 544699
  15. Filed Feb 4, 1999Failure Jan 12, 1998Philadelphia, PAEngine, Cooling unit and lines

    WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO A LEAK FROM TRANSMISSION'S COOLING UNIT AND LINES. ALSO, MOTOR MOUNTS FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO VIBRATE/SHAKE AND STALL. CONSUMER HAD TO PUT VEHICLE IN REPAIR SHOP FOR REPAIRS. *ML

    NHTSA complaint 834470
  16. Filed Jan 28, 1999Niagra Falls, NYFrame and members

    THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION SEPARATED FROM EACH OTHER, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A RECALL ON VEHICLE. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 834205
  17. Filed Jan 28, 1999Failure Jan 12, 1999Detorit, MIAutomatic transmission

    TRANSMISSION IS GOING OUT, CAUSING TRANSMISSION NOT TO SHIFT INTO GEAR AND THE VEHICLE VIBRATES/STALLS AND SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 834188
  18. Filed Jan 28, 1999Failure Jan 28, 1999Willowick, OHSeats

    BOLT IN THE SEAT IS BROKEN, CAUSING THE CONSUMER'S SEAT TO MOVE FORWARD WHEN DRIVING. WHEN CONSUMER STOPS THE SEAT WILL MOVE, AND CAN HEAR SOME NOISE COMING FROM THE SEAT, AS IF THE MOTOR IN THE SEAT IS RUNNING, BUT THE SEAT IS BROKE. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 834180
  19. Filed Jan 28, 1999Failure Nov 1, 1998Valley String, NYGasoline, Steering, Frame and members

    WHILE DRIVING AT 25 TO 30 MPH THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. THE SUB-FRAME SEPARATED FROM THE REAR CORNER OF THE VEHICLE WHICH SUPPORTS THE TRANSMISSION. ALSO, POOR STEERING. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 834139
  20. Filed Jul 16, 1998Failure Oct 1, 1997Petaluma, CAAnchorage

    SEAT SEAT FELL APART.

    NHTSA complaint 537916
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

20 NHTSA investigations on file

  • RQ97009 Recall query, Structure
    REAR LOWER SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY
    Opened Aug 29, 1997, closed Feb 16, 1999 · led to a recall
  • PE93100 Preliminary evaluation, Suspension
    POLYCAST ROAD WHEEL CRACKS
    Opened Dec 2, 1993, closed Jun 30, 1994
  • EA92040 Engineering analysis, Structure
    SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAIL
    Opened Nov 30, 1992, closed Jun 30, 1993
  • PE92056 Preliminary evaluation, Structure
    SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAIL
    Opened Jul 1, 1992, closed Nov 30, 1992
  • EA91042 Engineering analysis, Structure
    STORAGE COMPAR SUFFOCATION
    Opened Oct 28, 1991, closed May 21, 1992 · led to a recall
  • PE91128 Preliminary evaluation, Electrical system
    FIRES IN IGNITION SWITCH
    Opened Sep 17, 1991, closed Jan 27, 1992
  • PE91108 Preliminary evaluation, Structure
    STORAGE COMPAR SUFFOCATION
    Opened Aug 1, 1991, closed Oct 28, 1991
  • PE91036 Preliminary evaluation, Structure
    DOOR HANDLES BREAKAGE
    Opened Jan 22, 1991, closed May 22, 1991
  • EA90045 Engineering analysis, Brakes
    BRAKE DISC HUB SEPARATIONS
    Opened Sep 28, 1990, closed Sep 12, 1991
  • EA90042 Engineering analysis, Speed control
    THROTTLE STICKING
    Opened Aug 31, 1990, closed Dec 31, 1991
  • PE90071 Preliminary evaluation, Engine and cooling
    BRAKE DISC HUB FAILURE
    Opened Apr 2, 1990, closed Jun 28, 1990
  • PE90066 Preliminary evaluation, Speed control
    THROTTLE STICKING
    Opened Mar 27, 1990, closed Aug 31, 1990
  • PE90019 Preliminary evaluation, Speed control
    SPEED CONTROL FAILURE
    Opened Nov 27, 1989, closed Mar 27, 1990
  • EA89023 Engineering analysis, Seats
    FRONT SEAT BRACKET
    Opened May 25, 1989, closed May 22, 1990
  • PE89091 Preliminary evaluation, Speed control
    EXHAUST GAS INTRUSION
    Opened Feb 17, 1989, closed Jul 13, 1989
  • PE89007 Preliminary evaluation, Seats
    FRONT SEAT BRACKET
    Opened Oct 19, 1988, closed May 25, 1989
  • PE89006 Preliminary evaluation, Seats
    HEAD REST DROPS
    Opened Oct 19, 1988, closed Jun 26, 1989
  • EA88032 Engineering analysis, Speed control
    STALLING
    Opened Apr 22, 1988, closed Jan 12, 1990
  • PE88014 Preliminary evaluation, Brakes
    HIGH BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT
    Opened Jan 15, 1988, closed May 26, 1988
  • PE87030 Preliminary evaluation, Steering
    STEERING BINDING
    Opened May 12, 1987, closed Aug 24, 1987
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
All investigations
Service bulletins

40 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • 99196 Sep 20, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT
  • 99183 Sep 6, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE TIP INFORMATION ON REVISED OIL PAN GASKET REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT
  • 99222 Oct 18, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT
  • BC8890950401 Apr 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    UNKNOWN
  • 01157 Aug 6, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
  • 01156 Aug 6, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC
  • 01124 Jun 25, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ON SOME VEHICLES, ENGINE OIL MAY CONTINUE TO LEAK FROM THE ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET AREA AFTER AN ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED. *TT
  • 0015 Jan 10, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS
  • 99152 Jul 26, 1999 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT
  • 98246 Dec 7, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC
  • 982675 Apr 1, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    A REVISED FORWARD CLUTCH INNER SEAL FOR THE AXOD, AXODE, AX4S & AX4N TRANSAXLE IS AVAILABLE WITH IMPROVED SEALING AND REDUCED CHANCE OF THE SEAL ROLLING DURING INSTALLATION. *YC
  • 9874 Apr 13, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC
  • 9864 Mar 30, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT
  • 9852 Apr 13, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC
  • 9848 Mar 2, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ANNOUNCING THE FORD OEM AIR CONDITIONING RETROFIT KIT AVAILABILITY. *YC
  • 9888 Apr 27, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC
  • 985A13 Mar 18, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE. *YC
  • 9802169838 May 27, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TRANSAXLES USE A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID. *YC
  • 9832 Feb 16, 1998 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS MADE OF XENOY PLASTIC HAVE HAD THE CONDUCTIVE PRIMER REMOVED FROM SERVICE PARTS. *YC
  • 97111097234 Nov 10, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    VEHICLES EXHIBITING A "SQUEAKING" OR "CHIRPING" FROM THE BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW BLOWER MOTOR SPEEDS. *YC
  • 97610 Mar 17, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BLOWER MOTOR- "CHIRPING" OR "SQUEAKING" FROM BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW SPEEDS. *JD
  • 97511 Mar 3, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD
  • 9743 Feb 17, 1997 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BLOWER MOTOR- "CHIRP" OR "SQUEAK" FROM BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW SPEEDS. *JD
  • 962612 Dec 16, 1996 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TRANSAXLE - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES AND TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSAXLE COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW
  • 96221 Oct 21, 1996 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    WINDSHIELD AND INTERIOR GLASS - FOG/FILM. *TW
  • 96249 Nov 18, 1996 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW
  • 96246 Nov 18, 1996 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    WIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *TW
  • BC9683961001 Oct 1, 1996 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PROCEDURE FOR UPDATING THE CALIBRATION FROM R-11 TO R-12 FOR STALLING ON DECEL & MISFIRE CODES ON 3.0L VEHICLES. *TT
  • BC9584961001 Oct 1, 1996 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    INFORMATION FOR CONCERNS OF GRUNT OR GROAN DURING WHEEL RETURN FROM FULL RIGHT TURN. *TT
  • 95212 Oct 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE BECAUSE IT MAY BE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE RUBBER MATERIAL USED IN THE DISC BRAKE SYSTEM. IF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE IS USED TO LUBRICATE ANY PART OF THE DISC BRAK…
  • 95157 Jul 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    THE TORQUE CONVERTER IDENTIFICATION CODES HAVE BEEN REVISED AS OF 3/1/95. *SD
  • 9592 May 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    UNKNOWN
  • 9566 Mar 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CHIRP OR SQUEAK NOISE FROM BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW SPEEDS. *TW
  • 9562 Mar 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ROUGHNESS CONCERN DURING BRAKE APPLICATION. *TW
  • 95511 Mar 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CHIRP OR SQUEAK FROM BLOWER MOTOR. *TW
  • 9556 Mar 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PREMATURE WEAR ON INNER EDGES OF REAR TIRES MAY BE CAUSED BY REAR CAMBER AND TOE SETTINGS THAT ARE NOT WITHIN SPECIFICATION. *TW
  • 9511 Jan 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PREMATURE WEAR ON THE INNER EDGES OF REAR TIRES. *TW
  • 9523 Jan 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ERRATIC DISTANCE-TO-EMPTY AND FUEL GAUGE READINGS. *TW
  • BC0270950103 Jan 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SOME AXOD CHAIN COVERS WERE OVERDRILLED IN THE OVERDRIVE SERVO APPLY CIRCUIT, CAUSING THE OVERDRIVE BAND TO BE APPLIED AT ALL TIMES. *TW
  • 94243 Nov 1, 1994 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CLICKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT STRUTS. *TW
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.
About service bulletins