I own a 2001 mercury sable with 54,300 miles on it. As I was driving, I noticed a particular noise coming from the back end of the car. I needed to have the oil changed anyway, so when I took it in to the dealership, I asked them to check the back end because it sounded as if the brakes were hanging up. When the dealership checked, they told me that both of the back springs were broken and that one of the springs with a pointed portion had ruined my new tire (the tires had 7,000 miles on them). When I asked about a recall or warranty, I was told by the dealership that only the front coils/springs had been recalled and the total cost would be my responsibility. Thus, I had to purchase two rear coils/springs, a new rear tire, and have my car aligned again. At first, I considered myself lucky because I was not in an accident and hurt myself or someone else. But after I heard that the front coils/springs were recalled by ford, then I did not understand why the back ones were not as well. Now that I have done some research on the matter, I understand that this has been a problem with other consumers and that the federal safety agency is investigating the 2001 and 2002 ford taurus and mercury sable because of consumer complaints of fractures in the rear coil springs.
2001 Mercury Sable suspension complaints
Page 6 of 8: complaints 131 to 160 of 204, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the driveway a portion of the rear spring on the driver's side fractured and fell off. The dealer has been contacted. Also, contacted ford motor company, and they were not interested in taking care of the problem since there was no recall on the rear springs. Front spring fractured and broke on 07/08/2004 at 54101 miles. Both front springs were replaced. A recall was issued for them in august 2004. Springs were replaced again on 03/02/2005 as per the recall. The consumer was reimbursed by ford motor company for the cost to replace front springs on 07/08/2004. Updated 06/07/2006. *ak
Had a failure of the left front coil spring while starting up from a stop and turning right. There was no lose of control of the vehicle since the speed was only 10-15 MPH at the time. The failure was contained by the "spring shield" and this spring was replaced under a recall. When the service department took the car in to replace the front springs, they noted that the left rear coil spring had also failed and the right side was about to fail too. They told me "this was a common problem but it was not covered under the present recall though it maybe covered by a future recall." the failure caused the bottom of the spring to pass by the lower spring mounting and the point of the spring was less than 1/4" from the sidewall of the left rear tire. Any further travel of the spring would have punctured the tire and this failure was not visible unless the tire was removed or the vehicle was lifted. Both rear springs have been replaced and the failed springs have been saved.
Failure of rear coil springs, similar to safety recall #04v332000 applicable to front springs. Both rear coils broke, and sharp end of right rear contacted inside of tire. Ford offered no help or remedy.
2001 mercury sable both rear coil springs fractured while turning a corner. Nothing in the car except the driver. No other damage.
Defective rear springs in 2001 mercury sable. The manufacturer admits a defect in the front coil springs and launched a recall. However, the rear coil springs also proved to be defective on my vehicle. Manufacturer refused to cover expense. The rear coil spring broke which in turn damaged the strut and gouged the new tire while vehicle was traveling on highway. It is apparent there was a flaw in the metal. The total amount of the repairs was $446.66 fortunately I was not involved in an accident when the tire blew out.
Took my car to a repair shop for noise coming from right rear, thought maybe the brakes. Repair shop showed me broken spring and strut had cut groove in right rear tire. I bought car used in 2003 with only 16,000 miles on it. I t now has 33,000 miles on it. I am a 52 year old woman that is the sole person driving this car. I haven't driven this car more than 17,000 in almost three years. This kind of problem should not be on this car. The repair shop told me that this repair is common on this particular car! I think this part is has been defective since manufactured. Can I get any reimbursement for this repair? It is costing me over $900!!
The rear coil spring on my 2001 mercury sable broke days after I had the vehicle in to a ford dealer for the recall on the front coil spring. After the rear coil spring broke it was rubbing against the inside of the tire and would have punctured the tire if I drove the vehicle beyond to the repair garage. Due to the rear spring breaking I needed to replace both rear coil springs and struts.
Sable/2001 rear spring broke in not one but two spots,front springs are under recall for this problem,but the rears are not! Why are thay not under recall!
Dt*: the contact stated the rear suspension of the vehicle appeared too close to the ground. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The dealer suggested replacing the rear coil springs because they were cracked. The rear coil springs were replaced which corrected the problem. Updated 04/11/06.
2001 mercury sable ls tire blew out. The front coil spring and strut assembly fractured, piercing the tire. This caused the tire inside wall to shred. *ts the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for repairs. The consumer later found out that the front coil spring had been recalled. The consumer contacted the manufacturer who advised her to contact the local dealer and submit the invoice for reimbursement. The invoice was taken to the local dealer but they refused to accept it because the repair were not made by them or at another ford dealer.
Dt*: the contact stated while pulling out of the driveway at 5 MPH it felt as if the parking brake was on. Upon inspection, the contact noticed the wheel wells were resting on the tires. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where they determined the front driver and rear passenger side coil springs was fractured. The front coil springs were replaced under recall, but the rear coil springs were not repaired. The rear coils springs were reapired under the recall as well. Updated 03/28/06.
On 2/22/06 the right rear coil spring on my 2001 mercury sable fractured. The vehicle was traveling at 30 m.p.h. On a smooth paved roadway. The sable has just over 80,000 miles. When the coil spring fractured, it caused severe damage to the brand new tire, leaving it unusable. I was advised by mercury, the would not cover repair cost because there is no open recall for the rear springs, just the front. I am in the process of purchasing a new spring ($50 )& tire ($150). It will cost $80 in labor to make repairs & $45 for an alignment. Total cost to me: $325!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Right rear coil spring broken.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving in normal conditions at 15 MPH, a noise was heard in the right rear tire well. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The dealer discovered the right rear spring fractured, broke in half and rubbed a 360 degree groove on the tire. The dealer replaced both rear springs and rear tires to ensure additional safety measures. Updated 3/17/2006 -
While at my mercury dealer for a routine oil change and tire rotation I was informed by the service rep the drivers side rear coil spring was fractured/broken and continued use could result in punctured rear tire and a potentially dangerous situation. The vehicle which I purchased new and has 55,000 miles on it. I have no idea when the coil springs failed. The service rep suggested replacing both rear coil springs, both rear struts and stabilizer rods the cost of which would be $610!! The suggestion to replace both rear springs leads me to believe the one broken spring is not an isolated incident! After looking at the complaints on this site regarding similar complaints with the coil springs I'm convinced ford is well aware of the inferior quality coil springs they have installed in these vehicles. The recall for the front coil springs leads me to believe that the rear coil springs are of the same inferior quality and present a dangerous situation which ford has elected to ignore. I will no doubt grudingly have the repair done but will no longer trust or purchase the ford product line which is unfortunate because I do like my sable.
While eating breakfast, my wife heard a metal popping sound outside near our 2001 mercury sable. When she went out to investigate, she found a piece of the rear right coil spring. This happened minutes before she was to leave with our children. I contacted ford and the dealer and was left to pay for the towing and repairs $80 & $303.99 for a total of $383.99. This is the second time this has happened. The first being a front coil spring and tire which was blown out then subsequently replaced by ford on a recall. I find it disturbing that the springs with the same faulty metal were allowed to remain on the rear suspension and not replaced. Twice my family has averted disaster connected with these coil springs. When is ford going to do the right thing and replace all these faulty springs? Maybe after enough people are injured or die!
Dt*: the contact stated while accelerating from a stop to driving 2 MPH there was a loud noise and a rubbing sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was seen by an independent repair shop. The mechanic determined the left rear coil springs was broken and rubbed into the tire. Both the left and right rear coil springs, left tire and struts have been replaced. The manufacturer was notified. Updated 2/21/2006 -
Rear driver's side coil spring broke while backing out of garage. The spring was within 1/4" of poking my tire. My mercury has 53,000 miles. The front coil springs have a recall but not the rear!?!?! I am sure glad that it happened in my driveway.
While driving on a busy toll way I heard some strange noises -- a loud banging and scraping or rubbing. In less than a minute, my right rear tire blew out. I pulled to the shoulder to change the tire. When I removed the tire, it had a groove cut into the inner sidewall with a puncture in the groove. I examined the wheel-well to determine the cause of the damage and saw a piece of the coil spring sticking out. I took the car directly to the dealer who informed me that the coil spring had broken and that both rear springs needed to be replaced. I asked what would cause that and he told me that usually it was due to corrosion. I remembered there had been a recall associated with the coil spring corrosion failure but the dealer informed me that the recall applied only to the front springs (though surely the front and rear springs would be made from the same metal). He further told me that he would not be able to get the ford parts for nearly a week but he could get 3rd-party parts immediately, though at a higher price. I could not afford to go a week without my car (and given that the ford parts had failed at five years with only 50000 miles, perhaps a new ford part wouldn't really be that much of a bargain) so I opted for the aftermarket springs. They replaced both springs with the aftermarket parts but afterwards the car did not handle correctly and continued to make loud percussive sounds when going over even modest road irregularities. I took the car back a few days later and the dealer informed me that both rear struts needed to be replaced, adding that they were probably damaged when the spring broke. After the new struts were installed the car seems to be mostly back to normal. The total for all repairs was around $1000, plus I spent another $120 on a new tire and $70 for car rental while waiting on repairs. I do not have any of the old parts available.
Dt*: the contact stated the both rear coil springs broke and was rubbing against the tire. This occurred while the consumer was pulling into the driveway at 5 MPH. A noise was heard, and the contact removed the rear tire and found the failure. There were no prior warnings of a failure until the coil spring broke, and the noise was heard. The manufacturer recommended that the vehicle be taken to a local dealership for repair. There is an open investigation, the federal safety agency pe05054 for this problem. *ak updated 01/25/06.
The rear coil spring (driver side) is broken. Previously I heard an occasional scratching sound (mostly in reverse), then while driving something started dragging. Before I could stop and check, something fell off and the dragging noise stopped. The car was serviced today (oil change) and asked the mechanic to check to see if the corrosion shields (safety recall) installed on the coil springs had become loose or had fallen off. Mechanic discovered broken coil spring.
2001 sable coolant light came on frequently. *ts the coil springs make noise. The brake harness light was defective. All four tires needed air every week (dot numbers w2x8lh01802 and w2x8lh04102).
The rear coil spring of the 2001 sable is fractured. Although no damage is yet done, I am concerned the same type of contact with a tire can happen as with the front springs. Ford does no, but should have a recall and program like the front coil spring.
Dt: the contact received program 04m04 notification in august 2004 regarding the front springs. He called the number listed on the letter. The recorded message stated that if the front springs fracture they could puncture a tire which could lead to an accident . The contact felt that ford motor company should replace both front springs at no cost to him before this happens. *ak updated 12/07/05.
Dt: the consumer stated that while driving he heard a noise in the rear of the vehicle. As he was taking the vehicle to the service dealer he experienced a flat tire on the rear passenger side. While replacing the tire he also noticed that the rear coil spring punctured the tire. The dealer repaired the vehicle by replacing both rear coil springs and struts. There is an investigation open for this component. *ak (11/23/05)
(1) I removed the right rear tire to inspect the brakes when I discovered that the coil spring had fractured and was making contact with the sidewall of the tire. Had I not investigated the brake grinding sound, I would not have realized the spring was broken. It is not a question of if, but when the tire would have blown out. (2) the minimum results of the spring failure is that when the spring finally wore through the tire, I would have been stranded somewhere. The maximum consequences is that when the tire finally wore through, I could have lost control of my vehicle and been involved in a severe automobile accident. (3) at present the vehicle is undrivable and sits on blocks in the garage. Ford motor company and the dealerships are taking no responsibility for the faulty spring even though a year earlier a recall was initiated on the front springs of the same vehicle. The repairs on the front springs was at no cost to me. Since ford does not consider the broken spring to be a problem, I don't want ford to replace the springs as the service parts may be from the same manufacturer of the faulty springs currently on the vehicle. The springs on both sides of the vehicle are to be replaced by an independent repair facility. I will request the facility to return the broken spring to me.
On may 17 2005, when entering my 2001 mercury sable I heard a sharp cracking noise. Upon close inspection the drivers side quarter panel was lowered over the tire. I was luckily I was just a few miles from john lance ford of westlake ohio. The service writer knew exactly what was wrong, the strut spring had broken and was within 1/16 of the side wall of my tire. Had this event occurred at speed I probably wouldn't be here today. The service advisor informed me that ford was acknowledging that they had a problem with the front springs, but were not admitting to any failures of the rear springs. I had to therefore pay for the repair, however ford would retro fit the front springs with a containment device for no additional charge. Ford realizes that failure of the front strut spring will result in loss of control of the vehicle. Having an automotive back ground I began questioning why the failure had occurred on such a late model vehicle. The explanation I received was that any moisture on the spring would lead to corrosion and subsequent failure of the metal. I found this very interesting given the fact that I own a 1970 ford torino with original springs, which after 35 years appear very rusty, and yet still support the weight of the vehicle. The dealer response was, "well ford out sources these springs to india and the quality of the metal is very suspect." I still have the lower coil of the spring in my possession, which will be available to you at any time for your inspection. In viewing the cross section break, one can clearly see rust half way across the diameter of the coil, with fresh metal on the remaining.
I had new tires put on my 2001 mercury sable. I wanted an alignment done also. The tire dealer called me and told me the tires were put on but they could not do an alignment because I had a rear coil spring that was broke. I didn't even realize it. The original manufacturers warranty was past but I purchased an extended warranty. The dealer replaced the rear coil spring but I did have to pay a deductible.
Dt: the consumer stated that the passenger side coil spring broke and punctured the tire. This caused the tire to blow out. The consumer was slowing down when the tire blew out. This happened on dry pavement. The tires were serviced regularly, but the consumer heard some type of noise. This happened on june 25, 2005. The dealer said that the noise was due to the coil spring. The dealer replaced the rear coil spring and the rear tire. *ak (11/17/05)
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2001 Mercury Sable?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history