NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Mercury Sable; the most frequently affected component is service brakes, hydraulic — pads. Owners filed 201 complaints, most often about power train. Among the 6 model years of this model in the database, 2003 ranks #4 for number of recalls.
Service brakes, hydraulic — PadsCampaign 16E026000 · 01 Apr 2016
Problem: 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, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.
Risk: A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Exterior lighting — SwitchCampaign 04V106000 · 02 Mar 2004
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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 also cause the battery to discharge.
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 coolingCampaign 04V105000 · 02 Mar 2004
Problem: On certain vehicles, the air filter paper in these vehicles can smolder or burn.
Risk: 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 — WindshieldCampaign 03V087000 · 10 Mar 2003
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
What owners complain about
Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Power train10 · 25%
Vehicle speed control8 · 20%
Structure6 · 15%
Engine6 · 15%
Exterior lighting5 · 12%
Electrical system3 · 8%
Seat belts2 · 5%
Service brakes2 · 5%
When complaints were filed
20148
201511
20167
20178
20181
20192
20201
20211
20231
From owner complaints
Alarm system goes off at will, sounding horn, flashing lights, causing other flowing traffic to be distracted. Concerned that the alarm system may activate while in motion. Concerned that it may stop the vehicle in traffic. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mercury sable. The contact stated that the brake lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the lamp switch malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v106000…
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 THAT. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO…
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.
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.