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1999 Mercury Sable transmission problems

28 complaints (11% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 90,000. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
28
of this car's complaints
11%
typical mileage
90,000
crashes
3
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    13
  • Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
    4
  • Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
    3
  • Automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines
    3
  • Axle assembly
    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 transmission problems in other years

1990199520002009

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and linesReported November 9, 1998 · 1,800 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equpped with the "california" emissions package. An incorrect transmission oil cooler line was installed. The line contacts the anti-lock braking system module support bracket and over time, can wear and develop a leak.
Risk
Transmission fluid leakage onto the exhaust manifold or catalytic converter can result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install the appropriate transmission oil cooler line.

Recall number 98V288000 · Recall details

What 1999 Mercury Sable owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 14, 2020 · Transmission · 152,000 miles · OH

I bought a used 1999 mercury sable gs with the u type 3.0l v6 engine 2 months ago. Just recently I noticed the car wanting to lunge forward while holding the brake at stops. Then a few days later whenever I start the car it lunges forward. Nothing dramatic but definitely noticeable. I started looking online to see about a recall and 1 was present a long time ago. Is it to late to get my car checked or how to see if it was ever serviced or called for the recall.

Filed Jan 23, 2007 · Brakes, Transmission · 34,526 miles · NY

Tl* - the contact stated that the ABS tone rings cracked. The driver felt the ABS pump. He took the vehicle in for repair and was told the tone rings are wearing and cracked, and the axle would need to be replaced. The contact has had the vehicle repaired .

Filed Jan 19, 2007 · Engine, Transmission · 12,000 miles · GA

Tl* - the contact has a 1999 mercury sable. The contact stated that when she purchased the vehicle may 22 2006, the vehicle did not have heat. The contact stated that she has had many problems with this vehicle since she purchased it. The vehicle operates with a high temperature reading, and the transmission seems to slip gears when you apply the gas pedal and back fires while switching gears. The dealer has not addressed the failures that the contact has experienced with her vehicle. The contact stated that october of 2006 was the last time she corresponded with the dealer and they still have done nothing to help her.

Filed Sep 4, 2006 · Transmission · PA

Transmission temporarily fails to shift when accelerating or braking.

Filed Oct 21, 2004 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · AR

Car has always shifted hard. At approximately 90k miles automatic transmission started to fail evidenced by gear slippage and car decellerating while being driven. Transmission pump was also "knocking". Car was taken to transmission shop and they stated that a 10 cent "o" ring had failed in the transmission pump and that the transmission pump had literally "come apart". Also, the transmission pan had a smal, shiny indention where the pump was located, further evidence of where the problem possibly originated. They had also stated that they have seen numerous tuarus' and sables with the same problem. Transmission was completely rebuilt at a cost of $1700.00 and the pump was replaced with one with a metallic "o" ring to help eliminate further failures. I personally take great care and pride with my vehicles and on average have checked all fluid levels, including the transmission fluid on a bimonthly bases. The transmission failure was rather sudden with no warning, to include an engine light.

Filed Jul 29, 2004 · Transmission · MI

1999 mercury sable shift cable failed. Potentially life threatening accident avoided.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Transmission · 108,000 miles · VA

Hesitation in transmission. Excessive leak in trans fluid, made a large puddle. Had a wobble as vehicle accelerated. Had front trans seal and axle seals replace, as well as one axle

Filed Aug 27, 2003 · Transmission · CT

While driving at 5 MPH consumer heard a noise coming from under the vehicle. Consumer put vehicle in reverse and the vehicle would not accelerate. Consumer made contact with the dealer.

Filed Aug 1, 2003 · Body, Brakes · NJ · crash · 3 injuries

Problems with ABS. *mr the vehicle was in two accidents due to the inability to control the vehicle during normal driving conditions, where the ABS did not work. The vehicle was in for repair 7 times. The following are repairs and or problems the vehicle experienced: torque converter replaced after transmission fluid was found low, exhaust leak fixed, washer fluid would spray when the turn signal and lights were on, shaking when the brakes were applied/resurfaced rotors, trunk leaked water, replaced multi-function switch to fix washer fluid problem, ABS not working when there was a panic stop, left and right spindle assembly was replaced, front end rotors were replaced again, wheel alignment, the ABS did not engage and caused an accident, and replaced left side outer tie rod end. *scc

Filed Jul 24, 2003 · Transmission · FL

Problems with transmission caused vehicle to stop.*mr while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stopped, and failed to accelerated when the pedal was pushed. *ts

Questions about the 1999 Mercury Sable transmission

Does the 1999 Mercury Sable have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 28 complaints about the transmission of the 1999 Mercury Sable, 11% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1999 Mercury Sable transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 90,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1999 Mercury Sable transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 98V288000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Mercury Sable have bad transmission?

The Mercury Sable model years with the most transmission complaints are 1991 (101 complaints), 1994 (95 complaints) and 1995 (93 complaints).

Other 1999 Mercury Sable problems

Suspension 48Steering 33Brakes 29Engine 22Visibility 21Seat belts 20Airbags 17Acceleration 16Body 10Fuel system 9Lights 9Electrical 7Tires 5Wheels 4Locks 1Seats 1

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