2004 Mercury Sable: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 52 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is vehicle speed control (24% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercury sable. The contact stated that while brake lights were activated, the contact was unable to shift the vehicle from park into drive. Fred beans ford of doylestown (876 n easton rd, doylestown, pa 18902), (215) 348-2901) was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the stop lamp switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 16e026000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the recall was for the year 2003 vehicles. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,800.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2020
“The airbag warning light has started coming on intermittently while the car is running on a city street. I don't know why but it appears to be a critical safety problem. The car has never been in an accident and only has 78,000 miles , very low for a 2004 vehicle. Ford motor dealer says there is no recall of any kind on this car. I am a retired senior citizen and this is my only form of transportation.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2018
“Car accelerated by itself to above 55 mph at local road, when put to parking, the engine kept running at more than 3500 rpm, it was crazy, nearly killed some kids.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“I contacted ken grody ford in buena park,ca 2-3 months ago to ask if there were any recalls on my car? The manager I spoke with told me "no!" he also mailed me a copy of his "oasis" search which showed no recalls! Help! [xxx] please mail me recall alerts on my car! Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Seats · Apr 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercury sable. The contact stated that the security light randomly flashed and the alarm randomly sounded within less than than two days of owning the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercury sable. While driving at high speeds, the rpms increased without warning. The vehicle surged forward and exhibited rapid acceleration. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 2015
“Driving along residential area, extremely loud bang with burning rubber smoke. Stopped in road looked under hood found nothing wrong. Tried to drive again and there was a bumping noise and more rubber smell and smoke. Repeat inspection determined that the drivers wheel clearance was dropped and rubbing on the wheel. Search of internet shows that springs are routinely breaking and causing injury and death.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mercury sable. The contact stated that the rear tail lights remained illuminated when the brake pedal was not depressed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04v106000 (exterior lighting). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2015
“Car will not come out of park, nor will brake lights operate when pedal depressed. Exact symptoms as described in previous model year recalls. Only wayto get car out of park is to place in neutral after turning key in ignition to first available position, then applying brake pedal to release shift lock. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2014
“While driving on the freeway the engine keeps constant speed even after removing foot from accelerator pedal. It's like a stuck throttle. The only way to stop it is to apply brake and shift to neutral and stamp on the accelerator. Traffic had come to a stop and my engine was still revving at 3500 rpms pretty scary, only thing holding car back is brakes. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE SEATS MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY WELDED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE UPPER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY ON THE POWER SEATS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sable by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Mercury Sable reliable?
NHTSA has 52 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Mercury Sable. The most complained-about area is vehicle speed control (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 Mercury Sable problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 78,000 miles or less.
Does the 2004 Mercury Sable have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seats:front assembly:power adjust. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.