1988 Mercury Sable Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 126 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 144,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the brakes of the 1988 Mercury Sable, 3% of the 126 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 144,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Initially the gears were slipping while driving. Currently, the consumer cannot shift the vehicle into any gear. The dealer determined that the automatic transmission must be rebuilt. . The consumer is seeking assistance to correct his vehicle because of the faulty defect design in the transmission which caused slippage while operating. Several years ago the disc brake separated from the rotor ring while driving. After seeking assistance, the consumer discovered there was a recall regarding the rotor, however his vehicle was not included.”
NHTSA complaint #10050139, filed 2004-01, 144,000 miles“Disc brake rotors have rusted out due to lack of corrosion protection on 2 pieces of metal, causing loss of brakes. The composite disk brakes rotor's bond between the disk brake pad contact area fractured from the sheet metal hub causeing the brake.”
NHTSA complaint #878469, filed 2001-01Related recalls
- 91V134000Aug 6, 1991Front disc brake rotors of the subject vehicles may experience severe corrosion if operated in areas where calcium chloride and sodium chloride are used…Covers: Mercury Sable 1986–1991, Ford Taurus 1986–1991, Lincoln Continental 1988–1991
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2 | 10% |
| 2008 | 6 | 10% |
| 2005 | 8 | 10% |
| 2004 | 12 | 23% |
| 2003 | 14 | 7% |
| 2002 | 24 | 5% |
| 2001 | 40 | 9% |
| 2000 | 67 | 14% |
| 1999 | 29 | 11% |
| 1998 | 29 | 15% |
| 1997 | 19 | 8% |
| 1996 | 20 | 7% |
| 1995 | 11 | 3% |
| 1994 | 26 | 7% |
| 1993 | 48 | 7% |
| 1992 | 41 | 11% |
| 1991 | 19 | 9% |
| 1990 | 10 | 6% |
| 1989 | 13 | 5% |
| 1988 | 4 | 3% |
| 1987 | 5 | 7% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1988 Mercury Sable
29 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsSteering
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsTires
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Mercury Sable
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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