1997 Mercury Sable Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 228 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 140,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1997 Mercury Sable, 1% of the 228 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 140,500 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.
“I own a 1997 mecury Sable. On 06/07/05 I was traveling in mi on highway 96 east between grand rapids and lansing. While cruising along at 70 MPH, the hood on my car released, and smashed into my windshield causing damage to the windshield, hood, and roof of the car. Apparently the safety catch failed, which in turn caused the damage. I spoke with ford motor, who explained to me that because my vehicle was out of warranty, they would not cover the damage. I believe ford to be liable becasue this is not a maintenance issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10124549, filed 2005-06, 187,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Mercury Sable. In cold weather, the driver's side door will shut, but not latch until the vehicle is driven 3-4 miles with the heater on full blast. The failure has occurred for the past two winters. The dealer stated that it was the contact's responsibility. When the driver's side door is shut, one of the trim panels detaches from the interior door panel due to deterioration of the plastic attachments (christmas tree). He was informed not to worry about the failure because it was not harmful. …”
NHTSA complaint #10223169, filed 2008-04, 94,000 miles“When driving vehicle overheated which prevented clutch from going into gear. Also, passenger's side rear door would not open from either inside or outside. Consumer has contacted the dealer. The cam shaft sensor was broken. The torque converter failure.”
NHTSA complaint #882372, filed 2001-03Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 0% |
| 2000 | 2 | 0% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
| 1996 | 5 | 2% |
| 1995 | 3 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 0% |
| 1992 | 2 | 1% |
| 1991 | 2 | 1% |
| 1990 | 3 | 2% |
| 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 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