1990 Mercury Sable Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 10%of 166 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,625miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1990 Mercury Sable, 10% of the 166 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,625 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car cruised just fine 25 miles to town, got all my stuff done in town, pulled up to a stop sign on a hill and the car would not move, engine ran just fine, the transmission would not shift into gear, car only has 110k on it, had to roll back off the road and stop, park gear worked, after an hour car still would not shift into gear, 4 days later I went out to try it again and the thing went into all gears and took off.”
NHTSA complaint #10225219, filed 2008-04, 109,250 miles“We have replaced the transmission in this car 3 times one at 95, one at 125 and one at 200000. I reviewed the recall notices on this make and model and ther e are 104 pages which I have printed out. To date, we have only been notified of about 5 recalls. On the recall pages there are transmission defects. Which we were never notified. Of. I have contacted ford/Mercury on this and told that no recalls were made on the transmission. Please adivse what I should do. Shold I bring this list into a dealer and demand that each recall be dealt with or what. …”
NHTSA complaint #723201, filed 2000-05“Transmission operates normally when engine is cold/cool. However, when engine warms up, it fails to shift gears (aluminum - forward clutch piston). A transmission shop informed consumer that this piston will crack. Replacement part sent out by manufacturer is steel. Please provide any additional information/attachments.”
NHTSA complaint #885432, filed 2001-04“Automatic transmission seized on freeway at 50 mpg with no warning or prior problems. Transmission serviced in 1996 at approximately 80,000. Transmission fluild checked and oil changed every 3,000 miles . Very dangerous situation, car left inoperatible on busy freeway. ( DOT number: tire size: 70/205/15 )”
NHTSA complaint #702643, filed 1999-01“Vehicle when was in park, the key was released and put back into the ignition, before consumer could get back into the car, it rolled backward and hit a tree. When hitting the brake pedal the vehicle did not stop, occurrence on level pavement, no injuries involved.”
NHTSA complaint #830026, filed 1998-11Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 3 | 15% |
| 2008 | 11 | 18% |
| 2005 | 26 | 31% |
| 2004 | 12 | 23% |
| 2003 | 30 | 15% |
| 2002 | 23 | 5% |
| 2001 | 22 | 5% |
| 2000 | 31 | 7% |
| 1999 | 28 | 11% |
| 1998 | 25 | 13% |
| 1997 | 43 | 19% |
| 1996 | 69 | 23% |
| 1995 | 93 | 27% |
| 1994 | 95 | 25% |
| 1993 | 48 | 7% |
| 1992 | 61 | 17% |
| 1991 | 101 | 46% |
| 1990 | 17 | 10% |
| 1989 | 19 | 8% |
| 1988 | 22 | 17% |
| 1987 | 9 | 12% |
| 1986 | 8 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1990 Mercury Sable
30 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaintsElectrical system
21 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 29, 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