1990 Mercury Sable Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 7%of 166 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1990 Mercury Sable, 7% of the 166 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without the pedal being applied. The brake pedal was immediately applied in an attempt to stop the acceleration, but failed to do so. The vehicle had to be turned off and the keys removed from the ignition before the vehicle started decelerating. When the vehicle was started and changed from park to drive the vehicle went off without applying the accelerator pedal. The engine made a loud noise. When the consumer released the brake pedal the vehicle went faster.”
NHTSA complaint #10082085, filed 2004-08, 99,000 miles“My wife owns a 1990 Mercury Sable. She as well has complained about a sticky gas pedal. I myself have drove the car when the gas pedal was sticking and the car accelerated. Sometimes when we have put our foot on the gas pedal the car will not accelerate until we push alittle harder then the car takes off so quickly it could cause an accident. There was several occasions then the car accelerated while driving normally down the road. I was able to put the car in neutral and then brake to a safe stop. We found that the drivers side floor mat was part of the problem getting up under the gas pedal. …”
NHTSA complaint #10310885, filed 2010-02“While driving about 65-70 MPH, all of sudden vehicle accelerated. Rpms increased by 3000. In order to stop vehicle applied as much pressure as possible to the brakes, shifted into neutral or park, and shut off ignition. This happened without cruise control being engaged. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #873360, filed 2000-10“The vehicle was idling in the parked postion, consumer's foot was on the brake pedal, consumer put car from neutral into drive vehicle accelerated from standstill to approximately 45 MPH and hit a bus. Brakes could not stop vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #807898, filed 1997-03“When traveling highway speed 55 MPH the cruise control refuses to disengage when applying the brakes. This incident almost caused a serious accident. The vehicle is being repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #815052, filed 1997-08Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 5 | 25% |
| 2008 | 10 | 16% |
| 2005 | 38 | 46% |
| 2004 | 15 | 29% |
| 2003 | 28 | 14% |
| 2002 | 56 | 13% |
| 2001 | 61 | 14% |
| 2000 | 71 | 15% |
| 1999 | 16 | 6% |
| 1998 | 32 | 17% |
| 1997 | 28 | 12% |
| 1996 | 17 | 6% |
| 1995 | 20 | 6% |
| 1994 | 19 | 5% |
| 1993 | 25 | 4% |
| 1992 | 22 | 6% |
| 1991 | 7 | 3% |
| 1990 | 12 | 7% |
| 1989 | 13 | 5% |
| 1988 | 7 | 6% |
| 1987 | 2 | 3% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1990 Mercury Sable
30 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsSeat belts
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 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