1997 Mercury Sable Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 12%of 228 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,894miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1997 Mercury Sable, 12% of the 228 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,894 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have had 5 occurrences of engine surging when slowing down to a light or stop sign and applying the brakes. The surge is so strong that the brakes must be repeatedly pressed down hard to stop and held down to their maximum capability. In 3 of the 5 occurrences in heavy traffic, rear end collisions were avoided by mere inches.”
NHTSA complaint #10025337, filed 2003-07, 64,788 miles“Intermittently when the vehicle stopped at a light or a stop sign there would be a problem with resuming driving. The gas pedal will be depressed and the vehicle will not move. After a considerable amount of time the vehicle would respond. Dealer has examined the vehicle twice for this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10065006, filed 2004-03, 43,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Mercury Sable. While driving 5 MPH, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without the accelerator pedal being depressed. As a result, the vehicle crashed into and destroyed the contact's garage door. He stated that the only way to stop the vehicle was to place it in park. The contact called the dealer and is awaiting a response. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 78,000. Updated 12/31/07 updated”
NHTSA complaint #10202339, filed 2007-09, 78,000 miles“I purchased Mercury Sable in july 1999 as a new vehicle (dealer demo). I experienced first problem about a year ago during two separate weeks and thought no more about it until this month. I left church and went up a slight incline to a stop sign; when I took my foot off the brake and tried to pull out into the traffic, the car began rolling backwards. I braked and looked to be sure I had not somehow put the car in neutral; it was in drive. I again tried to accelerate and the car continued backward, half way down the block. I pushed hard on the accelerator and the car suddenly jerked forward. …”
NHTSA complaint #745623, filed 2001-05“The contact owns a 1997 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that when braking to a complete stop, the engine rpms would increase abnormally. In addition, the vehicle would slightly pull forward as if it were attempting to accelerate. As the contact was approaching a traffic stop, she crashed into the rear of another vehicle. There were no injuries. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic for diagnosis but the failure was unable to be determined. The mechanic disconnected the cruise control as a precaution and the vehicle functioned properly. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. …”
NHTSA complaint #10460825, filed 2012-06, 43,000 milesVehicle 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 1997 Mercury Sable
43 complaintsEngine cooling
42 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
22 complaintsSeat belts
21 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsSteering
19 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsEquipment
12 complaintsTires
11 complaintsFuel system
9 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