1988 Mercury Sable Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 23%of 126 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1988 Mercury Sable, 23% of the 126 complaints for this model year. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While test driving slide contacts went out, then 2 monthes later they went out again then 10 monthes later went out again. Then head gasket went out. Cruise dosn't work or horn. Ford dealership said they couldn't find replacement so I have to just live without horn and cruise. I think I have short because of horn now but want to charge me to look at it, and it can no longer be driven because of head gasket.”
NHTSA complaint #726253, filed 2000-07“I was just told recently that this major engine failure was known about by the manufactures about the head bolts causing the head gaskets to blow and damage the heads and valves. I was also told that if I were to send in a copy of my repair bill to the manufacturer that I would be fully reimbursed. Can you please send me by mail the address that I could send the copies to? I would appreciate that very much , thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #701092, filed 1998-12“Power steering leaks started in 1995 after the motor mounts broke and the automobile was taken in many times to repair the leaks to no avail. Hoses and lines were replaced twice, seals were replaced on ps pump, and finally in 1998 the vehicle was taken to a non ford dealer and they were able to fix the problem by replacing the power steering rack and pinion. The money spent was well over $2100.00 to finally repair the leaks. This included the replacement of the motor mounts which were a recall item and I paid for this. I was told that it was not a warranty or recall problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #720073, filed 2000-03“While driving at any speed the vehicle was vibrating, and there was knocking noise coming from the motor mounts. Also, transmission went out. In addition, when consumer tried start vehicle up, vehicle died out without any prior warning and caught on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #834378, filed 1999-02“Recall mfr 38s36/ 98v323000 problem in front rather than rear. Dealer contacted,and cannot remedy problem due to compliance with recall. Also transmission problem occurred on 1/15/99. Problems still exists. Provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #834283, filed 1999-01Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2005 | 3 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 4% |
| 2003 | 19 | 9% |
| 2002 | 20 | 5% |
| 2001 | 23 | 5% |
| 2000 | 25 | 5% |
| 1999 | 22 | 9% |
| 1998 | 19 | 10% |
| 1997 | 42 | 18% |
| 1996 | 60 | 20% |
| 1995 | 132 | 38% |
| 1994 | 142 | 37% |
| 1993 | 357 | 53% |
| 1992 | 151 | 41% |
| 1991 | 56 | 25% |
| 1990 | 30 | 18% |
| 1989 | 49 | 21% |
| 1988 | 29 | 23% |
| 1987 | 10 | 13% |
| 1986 | 7 | 15% |
Other parts of the 1988 Mercury Sable
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 complaintsBrakes
4 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 27, 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