1987 Mercury Sable Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 12%of 76 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1987 Mercury Sable, 12% of the 76 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving at any speed transmission is slipping and vehicle stalls. Also, there is a leakage within the vehicle, and there is a short in the wires. Vehicle has been in the shop for repair service, and they can't determine the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #834774, filed 1999-02“Power steering pump malfunctioned, resulting in loss of control. In addition, transmission slips and shifts violently /brakes squeal and vehicle pulls to the right/throttle sticks and cruise control reactivates suddenly when pressing the off button.”
NHTSA complaint #513697, filed 1997-10“While driving the vehicle uphill and applying gas there was a loud noise and smoke come from under the hood. Suddenly vehicle would not go into any gear. Dealer said the transaxle needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #834024, filed 1999-02Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 3 | 15% |
| 2008 | 11 | 18% |
| 2005 | 26 | 31% |
| 2004 | 12 | 23% |
| 2003 | 30 | 15% |
| 2002 | 23 | 5% |
| 2001 | 22 | 5% |
| 2000 | 31 | 7% |
| 1999 | 28 | 11% |
| 1998 | 25 | 13% |
| 1997 | 43 | 19% |
| 1996 | 69 | 23% |
| 1995 | 93 | 27% |
| 1994 | 95 | 25% |
| 1993 | 48 | 7% |
| 1992 | 61 | 17% |
| 1991 | 101 | 46% |
| 1990 | 17 | 10% |
| 1989 | 19 | 8% |
| 1988 | 22 | 17% |
| 1987 | 9 | 12% |
| 1986 | 8 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1987 Mercury Sable
17 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsSeats
7 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1987 Mercury Sable
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology