1992 Mercury Sable Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 151about this part
- Share
- 41%of 364 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 151 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1992 Mercury Sable, 41% of the 364 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The car is a 1992 Mercury Sable 3.8l v-6 engine with 93,000 miles. The head gaskets need to be replaced. I have been quoted an estimate of $1,000 to fix the problem. I am the second owner of the automobile and it has been well maintained. The car broke down on june 25, 2003 and is currently parked at the mechanic's shop.”
NHTSA complaint #10070531, filed 2004-01, 93,000 miles“Head gaskets failed at approx 93000 miles. There have been extended warranties on many ford models with 3.8l engines but not 1992 (yet). I contacted ford and they basically told me there was nothing they were willing to do to help defray the expense ($1300) of replacing the head gaskets even though it is a known problem.”
NHTSA complaint #735263, filed 2000-10“I understand there is a recall for a head gasket replacement on 94 & 95 tarus & sables with 3.8 l engines, I had the same problem with my 92 3.8l Sable, the head gasket had to be replaced by a mechanic this past summer. Ford refuse to acknowledge and or service problem when notify. What recourse as a consumer do I have ?”
NHTSA complaint #737725, filed 2000-12“I am not a mechanic so here goes. I first was driving and white smoke began blowing out of the muffler. I stopppred the car and had it towed to an auto repair shop.he said I had a blown head gasket which is quit common in the Mercury Sable.I contacted several mechanics who all said the same thing,it must be a defect in the Sable. I had that fixed and because of this my transmission let go and blew a rod.”
NHTSA complaint #743803, filed 2001-04“There seems to be a problem with fords 3.8 liter v6 head gaskets. Mine personnelly failed at 91,000 mile mark and everyone else I know that owns one has failed around 90,000 miles it seem to me there is a big problem this is a costly repair for something that should not be happening to all of the 3.8 liters can you please look at this problem so we can stop this travesty of justice from accouring any more. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #741489, filed 2001-02Related recalls
- 97V019000Feb 25, 1997These vehicles are originally sold or currently registered in the following states: alaska, iowa, minnesota, nebraska, north dakota, and south dakota. The…Covers: Mercury Sable 1992–1995, Ford Taurus 1992–1995, Lincoln Continental 1992–1994 +2 more
Engine 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 1992 Mercury Sable
61 complaintsBrakes
41 complaintsBody and structure
29 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsSteering
28 complaintsVehicle speed control
22 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsTires
10 complaintsEquipment
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1992 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