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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

1988 Mercury Sable Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
22about this part
Share
17%of 126 total for the year
Median mileage
144,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1988 Mercury Sable, 17% of the 126 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 144,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

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

“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

“Consumer experienced an incident with her six- year old daughter was able to climb over front seat and shift gear from out of park. No key was in the ignition, vehicle moved from garage out into the street and crashed into a tree. No injury was sustained. Dealer notified and informed consumer that it could not happen.”

NHTSA complaint #826678, filed 1998-08

“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 1999-01

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2009315%
20081118%
20052631%
20041223%
20033015%
2002235%
2001225%
2000317%
19992811%
19982513%
19974319%
19966923%
19959327%
19949525%
1993487%
19926117%
199110146%
19901710%
1989198%
19882217%
1987912%
1986817%

Other parts of the 1988 Mercury Sable

Engine cooling
29 complaints
Electrical system
26 complaints
Steering
23 complaints
Body and structure
14 complaints
Fuel system
8 complaints
Seat belts
8 complaints
Vehicle speed control
7 complaints
Equipment
5 complaints
Seats
5 complaints
Brakes
4 complaints
Tires
4 complaints
Exterior 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 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