Check a VIN

Mercury Sable knocking problems

25 of the 4,888 owner complaints about the Mercury Sable describe engine knocking or ticking, most of them for the 1992 model year.

owner complaints
25
worst model year
1992
typical mileage
69,090
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2008
    2
  • 2001
    3
  • 2000
    1
  • 1999
    2
  • 1998
    1
  • 1996
    2
  • 1995
    3
  • 1994
    3
  • 1993
    2
  • 1992
    5
  • 1991
    1

What owners say

Filed Aug 23, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 85,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercury sable. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the engine, throttle, wrench, and air bag indicators remained illuminated simultaneously. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and the engine was turned off. The vehicle was restarted and the gear shifter was placed in reverse, and the contact heard a loud knocking noise from the transmission. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 85,000.

Filed Sep 6, 2012 · Steering · 48,000 miles · NC

Car developed a knock in steering. Most notable when stopped and turning steering wheel a few degrees left and right. Took it to dealer who said steering core failed. Refused warranty coverage. Said it was caused by accident about 1500 miles previously. The accident was a low speed fender bender without air bag deployment. Front bumper cracked, but head lights were not broke, grill was not broke. Insurance company that fixed accident damage denied a claim against them for steering core failure. Stating it was a failure that warranty should cover (extended ford warranty.) I need to find out if an accident such as mine could cause a rack core failure. Dealer charged $900.00 to replace the rack core. Would not give me the core saying it was under pressure and had to be returned as an exchange. (this car was purchased new in 2009 1 year old leftover).

Filed Jun 14, 2011 · Suspension · 101,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 mercury sable. The contact drove approximately 20 MPH over a road bump and heard a knocking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians stated that the rear coils springs were fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.

Filed Jul 14, 2006 · Engine · 33,019 miles · KS

No real signs of distress until the main bearings failed. At 33,000 miles, proof of service and oil changes covering the first 29,000 miles. Vehicle developed a bad knock. Had it towed to a ford dealership for inspection. Told me that the main bearings on the cam went bad. One ford dealership tells me ford will help with the cost of total engine replacement, unfortunately, not the dealership the car is at.

Filed May 14, 2006 · Engine · 10 miles · CT

I just bought the car uaed drove off the highway and my car started smoking from the hood, I also getting a knocking sound in the engine department, the car has no safety future in it ,if I was in the highway driving and this car started to stop, I will be in serious accident, ford need to recall the engine and replace it with one high performance one, that last.

Filed May 6, 2005 · Acceleration · 69,090 miles · GA · crash

While sitting at a stop sign, the consumer's vehicle accelerated, resulting in a rear end collision the vehicle in front. The consumer's vehicle proceeded to knock down a stop sign. The vehicle was totaled. *ak (sudden acceleration) there was a repair for the same problem in june 02, 2004. The problem would occur when the brake was released and there was a strong pull when in reverse. This problem was diagnosed as an idle air control issue.

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 Nov 18, 2002 · Transmission · MD

While driving consumer heard a knocking noise from the front of the vehicle then the engine light came on. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for service. Cause of problem still unknown. Ts

Filed Aug 1, 2002 · Airbags · GA · crash · 1 injury

While driving at 45 MPH consumer was hit on side of vehicle, knocking vehicle into a pole, and air bags deployed and exploded. Consumer hit steering wheel opposite to air bag.

Filed Apr 23, 2002 · Transmission · FL

Reversed out of driveway then put in drive. Heard knocking noise. Car did not move even when eccelerator was pushed. Had to be pushed back into carport. Transmission failure without warning.

Related recalls

Engine and engine coolingReported March 2, 2004 · 399,926 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 04V105000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fanReported December 21, 2001 · 695,260 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: taurus/sable vehicles equipped with 3.0l and 3.8l engines and mustang vehicles with 3.8l and 5.0l engines. It is possible for the engine cooling fan bearing to seize.
Risk
Should this occur, excessive heat could be generated which could melt the fan motor electrical connector. Components inside the cooling fan motor could ignite potentially resulting in an underhood fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the engine cooling fan assembly and install a circuit breaker. If the cooling fan is inoperative, the fan and motor assembly will be replaced. Owner notification began december 28, 2001. 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 at 1‑866‑436‑7332.

Recall number 01V390000 · Recall details

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

Questions about the Mercury Sable knocking

Which Mercury Sable years have engine knocking or ticking problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1992 (5 complaints), 1994 (3 complaints) and 1995 (3 complaints).

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Mercury Sable?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history