1989 Mercury Sable Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 49about this part
- Share
- 21%of 238 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 49 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1989 Mercury Sable, 21% of the 238 complaints for this model year. 19 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Won't pass smog and EGR plug and wire are not available to purchase from dealer or any other auto parts store. How do I get it smogged when parts are melted and I can't get the parts to replace the burned ones?”
NHTSA complaint #723430, filed 2000-05“The origenal and replacement oil filled motor mounts failed about year apart from each other. The second time caused the powersteering line to rupture squriting powersteering fluid on to the exhaust system which sent smoke into the passenger carpartment. This caues temporary obstruction of my driving veiw. This could have easily caused a crash. My understanding that motor mounts failure is very high after replacements. The replacement motor mounts where not purchased from a ford dealer but supposably they also are failing.”
NHTSA complaint #713163, filed 1999-10“Consumer only owned vehicle for a month and a half, when problems started to arise, vehicle was taken in for inspection and c0nsumer was told that transmission was slipping, she then took vehicle into another delaer to get a second opinion and she was advised of the same thing.”
NHTSA complaint #785003, filed 2001-05“While stopped at a light, the vehicle overheated and the head blew. . Consumer stated the engine had to be replaced, the mechanic stated that the head appeared to have abnormalities, suggesting poor manufacturing.”
NHTSA complaint #8004748, filed 2002-02“Consumer received recalls on engine mounts, and seatbelts. Took vehicle to dealer, and they said they corrected recalls. But when consumer took car to a private mechanic, consumer was told that work had never been done.”
NHTSA complaint #862960, filed 2000-06Engine 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 1989 Mercury Sable
58 complaintsSeat belts
44 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 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