1990 Mercury Sable Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 18%of 166 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 30 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1990 Mercury Sable, 18% of the 166 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Engine motor mounts are broken. This problem occured after the subframe bolts had broken several months earlier. I was told by other owners of this type of vehicle that they had a recall for motor mounts, I have never received notice of this problem nor do I find any info on your website. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #714096, filed 1999-10“Whenever traveling at various speed vehicle would stall out. Vehicle can be restarted . Took vehicle to dealership, and mechanic could give no indication of the cause of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #894220, filed 2001-08“Vehicle has had a history of engine mount failures. Two were replaced by previous owner, and currently one by consumer . Dealer notified and informed consumer that vehicle was not under a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #833415, filed 1999-01“While driving on the highway the car started smoking. When driver pulled to pop up the hood, 10 feet flames shot from under the roof of the car.the dealer has yet to be notified.”
NHTSA complaint #845464, filed 1999-08“Temperature guage indicated the vehicle was heating and losing anti-freeze. Owner added anti-freeze. Head gasket went out. Dealer has not seen vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #852276, filed 1999-11Engine 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 1990 Mercury Sable
24 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 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