1997 Mercury Sable Interior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 3%of 228 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the interior lighting of the 1997 Mercury Sable, 3% of the 228 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles.
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.
“The most recent problems are electrical in nature. First, all of the passenger power windows have failed. They can only be controlled by the driver side panel. Second, even though all of the doors are securely closed, the interior dome light will remain on between 20 seconds and several hours. There were occasions when the light would come on by itself while I was driving down the highway to work. An audible clicking noise could be heard from under the dash. The click is similar to the sound made when manually operating the switch. …”
NHTSA complaint #10003085, filed 2003-01, 80,000 miles“Dome light always on due to door switch stuck. Very dangerous at night. Dealer said reoccuring problem in model and said I can fix it myself by removing door panel. Asked if I had other electrical problems. I said emergency (hazard) lights don't work. He said model has awful electrical problems and wanted to know if I use the automatic lights equipped on the car. Said I tried but it was faulty. Never bothered using it since. He gave me an estimation on repairs stating it is manufacture defect but I would have to pay for it.”
NHTSA complaint #739155, filed 2001-01“When driving in wet conditions and making a right hand turn from a stopped position, power steering is lost and engine power is reduced. Also, dashboard warning lights illuminate. This loss of power and steering while entering traffic is alarming! It is obvious that the belt is slippling due to the moisture being sprayed up from the passenger side wheel well. I have inspected the belt and it is in fine condition. There is no manual adjustment for the belt tensioner (spring loaded). This problem started at 24,000 miles. I have searched the internet and have seen another similar complaint. …”
NHTSA complaint #708191, filed 1999-07“Dome light stays on even though doors shut, inhibits visual acuity. Fixed january 2002, for 290 dollars. Same day at Mercury eight other vehicles in with similar failure due to a recent mechanics article in the paper. Problem, set off factory installed alarm, and was intermittent for the last 6months.”
NHTSA complaint #757134, filed 2002-01“Transmission shifts hard during deceleration/acceleration, particulary in stop and go traffic. Turning to the right results in growling noise from under hood. Interior lights stay on as does door ajar light and warning chime for leaving keys in ignition.”
NHTSA complaint #718956, filed 2000-02Interior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 2 | 0% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 6 | 3% |
| 1997 | 7 | 3% |
| 1996 | 2 | 1% |
| 1995 | 1 | 0% |
| 1994 | 3 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 0% |
| 1990 | 2 | 1% |
| 1989 | 2 | 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 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