1989 Mercury Sable Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 238 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 fuel system of the 1989 Mercury Sable, 4% of the 238 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, 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.
“Conclusion: the fire damage around the fuel distribution system (near the fire wall) was found to be the area of origin. There was no indications of electrical malfuntions. The cause of this fire is determined to be accidental due to mechanical failure. Per columbia, mo. Fire marshall's report no. 99-03407”
NHTSA complaint #710167, filed 1999-08“While vehicle was parked driver noticed smoke coming from under car, which appeared to be radiator smoke. Within a few moments the vehicle caught on fire and was totalled. Insurance company believes fire was a failure of the fuel injection lines.”
NHTSA complaint #816404, filed 1997-10“When traveling at any speed the vehicle will cut off without prior warning due to the fuel pump which needed replacing. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced the fuel pump on a number of occasions.”
NHTSA complaint #824919, filed 1998-07“While driving vehicle at 35mph vehicle caught on fire at the fuel injection line. Took vehicle to dealer & had the fuel pump changed due to being weak.”
NHTSA complaint #850494, filed 1999-10“While driving vehicle towards work, noticed smoke in front, thought vehicle was overheating, brakes started failing, pulled vehicle over, lifted hood, flames shot out unexpectedly.”
NHTSA complaint #800775, filed 1996-08Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 3 | 5% |
| 2005 | 3 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 4% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 9 | 2% |
| 2001 | 13 | 3% |
| 2000 | 10 | 2% |
| 1999 | 9 | 3% |
| 1998 | 8 | 4% |
| 1997 | 9 | 4% |
| 1996 | 10 | 3% |
| 1995 | 19 | 5% |
| 1994 | 21 | 5% |
| 1993 | 22 | 3% |
| 1992 | 5 | 1% |
| 1991 | 6 | 3% |
| 1990 | 6 | 4% |
| 1989 | 9 | 4% |
| 1988 | 8 | 6% |
| 1987 | 4 | 5% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1989 Mercury Sable
58 complaintsEngine cooling
49 complaintsSeat belts
44 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 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 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