1997 Mercury Sable Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 228 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 Mercury Sable, 4% of the 228 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“High brake light lens on 1997 Mercury Sable station wagon came off. While on my way to get it replaced at a dealer, I noticed another 1997 Mercury Sable station wagon with the same lens missing! Prior compliant filed here claims that replacement of this lens will cost me $150.00! Why should the consumer have to pay for this? It is obviously a factory defect. I am glad that it is not life threatening, but still...... R.p.”
NHTSA complaint #10029187, filed 2003-07, 48,000 miles“High brake light lens on 97 Mercury Sable station wagon came off. In discussion with co-worker he mentioned this is a common occurrence with this model. He thought the lens was glued on the assembly. Entire assembly had to be replaced at a cost of over $150.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10010477, filed 2003-03, 90,000 miles“When driving and putting on the heater or defroster, there is hot heat blowing out and fogs up the windshield, making it very hard to see. Also, when using the turn signals, they don't work.”
NHTSA complaint #830533, filed 1998-11Related recalls
- 98V028000Feb 10, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The text and/or graphics for the vehicle headlamp aiming instructions provided in the owner guides are not…Covers: Mercury Sable 1997–1998, Ford Taurus 1997–1998, Contour 1998 +4 more
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 7 | 13% |
| 2003 | 12 | 6% |
| 2002 | 13 | 3% |
| 2001 | 13 | 3% |
| 2000 | 54 | 12% |
| 1999 | 7 | 3% |
| 1998 | 5 | 3% |
| 1997 | 8 | 4% |
| 1996 | 13 | 4% |
| 1995 | 9 | 3% |
| 1994 | 27 | 7% |
| 1993 | 63 | 9% |
| 1992 | 13 | 4% |
| 1991 | 4 | 2% |
| 1990 | 8 | 5% |
| 1989 | 4 | 2% |
| 1988 | 3 | 2% |
| 1987 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1997 Mercury Sable
43 complaintsEngine cooling
42 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
22 complaintsSeat belts
21 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsSteering
19 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsEquipment
12 complaintsTires
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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