1994 Mercury Sable engine problems

144 complaints (37% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 85,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 144
of this car's complaints: 37%
typical mileage: 85,000
crashes: 2
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Engine
91
Engine: gasoline
33
Cooling system
9
Cooling system: radiator assembly
7
Engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys
4
Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
1
Exhaust system: emission control
1
Exhaust system
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Mercury Sable engine problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 1994 Mercury Sable engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Stalling 34 Overheating 25 Engine failure 17

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fanReported February 25, 1997 · 75,200 vehicles affected

What is wrong: These vehicles are originally sold or currently registered in the following states: alaska, iowa, minnesota, nebraska, north dakota, and south dakota. The vehicles involved are 1992-1994 tempo/topaz vehicles with 3.0l engines; 1994 tempo/topaz with 2.3l engines; 1992-1995 taurus/sable with 3.8l engines; 1994-1995 taurus/sable with 3.0l engines and 1992-1994 lincoln continental vehicles with 3.8l engines. During high winds, heavy, blowing and drifting snow, and low temperatures, the engine cooling fan can become blocked or frozen with snow. The fan motor may not rotate and could overheat.
Risk: This condition can cause smoke or flames from the fan and/or shroud, the fan electrical wiring, or the fan motor resulting in a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install an electrical jumper harness containing an automatic resetting circuit breaker to protect the fan motor low speed circuitry from overheating.

Recall number 97V019000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Engine cooling fan firesOpened September 30, 1996, closed April 15, 1997

There is no summary currently available

EA96024

Engine cooling fan firesOpened May 2, 1996, closed September 30, 1996

In december 1995, ford recalled 119,313 vehicles in canada to remedy the subject condition in certain 1992-95 taurus, sable, tempo, topaz and continental vehicles.ford is aware of similar incidents occurring in northern regions of the united states, but maintains that the frequencies do not warrant a finding of an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.

PE96033

What 1994 Mercury Sable owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 18, 2016 · Engine · 96,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 1994 mercury sable. While driving various speeds or idling, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Body, Brakes · AL

The key insert does not align, have had 2 transmissions in 5 years. (I know to check my fluids) new engine, & the paint is awful. Engine, motor, gas, gasps and jerks with me. Have had motor mounts replaced, nothing helps. Heater coil(?) went out, I have no heat now. We had to bypass. The rest I have not been able to afford to repair. I hate this car. I am worried everytime I get in it that my mother and I are not going to get home. I have had the car towed so many times, the man who does the towing knows me and my car on sight. I will not go more than 30 miles fromt he house. My mechanic even hates the car. I call him an angel, because he has kept it running.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Body, Engine · 85,000 miles · AR

Hatch glass came loose started leaking(56000) fuel pump started acting up get hot and hang up(75000) no recall. State farm showed they paid for towing on many, ford products that used the same pump still no recall. Transmission shifts down, or shifts out of gear while driving smith ford conway was supposed to check the heads for leaks six months later the head gasket blew,and the air went out at this time I was told the the date this car was originally put in sevice made it out of warranty. This car is sitting in my garage with motor out of it because ford didn't do its job. Paint peeled off the inside of the door post.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 62,000 miles · CA

Head gaskets broke, possibly caused cracked cylinder heads/further engine damage

Filed Sep 25, 2003 · Engine · 124,000 miles · MA · crash · 3 injuries

My 1994 mercury sable suddenly accererated to 60 MPH while I was driving. The vehicle accelerated and slowed erratically. I tried braking but was unable to slow sufficiently. Iused the emergeny brake but still could not slow enough avoid hitting a phone pole. Three passengers were injured. I had new front brakes installed the day before and received an inspection sticker the day before.

Filed Feb 11, 2003 · Engine · MA

The head gasket failed, and the entire engine needed to be replaced.

Filed Jan 9, 2003 · Engine · MA

Consumer called complaining about having problems with the head gaskets. While driving the vehicle at 45 MPH the head gasket blew out. Dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle has a defective engine. There is a recall for the problem but it expired on sep/2002 and dealer will not honor the recall.

Filed Jan 4, 2003 · Engine · CT

Motor was replaced in 04/00 due to bad head gaskets with 73,200 miles on original engine. Heads failed again 12/02 with 43,000 miles on new motor. Claim denied by ford due to no available financial assistance package availability. Ts

Filed Sep 6, 2002 · Engine · WI

3.8l v6 engine has a blown head gasket. Temperature would fluctuate while driving and ther ewould be a loss of coolant. Manufacturer was notified. Feel free to provide any further information.

Filed Aug 16, 2002 · Engine · NY

Belt broke - mfg. Says that this is okay after 6 years.

Questions about the 1994 Mercury Sable engine

Does the 1994 Mercury Sable have engine problems?

Owners have filed 144 complaints about the engine of the 1994 Mercury Sable, 37% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1994 Mercury Sable engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 85,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1994 Mercury Sable engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 97V019000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Mercury Sable have bad engine?

The Mercury Sable model years with the most engine complaints are 1993 (356 complaints), 1992 (151 complaints) and 1994 (144 complaints).