1998 Mercury Sable Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 7%of 190 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Mercury Sable, 7% of the 190 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,500 miles. 11 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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 was in an accident where I struck another vehicle broadside. My car's front end was totaled, along with the frame cracking. What did not happen was the airbag did not deploy. The car was a total lost.”
NHTSA complaint #10055009, filed 2004-01, 97,000 miles“While driving at any speed overdrive light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. This caused the speedometer to drop to zero, and the srs light illuminated on the dashboard. Also, horn became inoperative. Vehicle was taken tot he dealer for inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #10087325, filed 2004-08, 89,000 miles“The contact owns a 1998 Mercury Sable. While driving 35 MPH, the brakes failed. Due to the brake failure, the vehicle was involved in a crash at an intersection with an oncoming vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact and passenger sustained injuries to the back and face that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 179,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10781703, filed 2015-10, 179,000 miles“Manufacturer refuses to investigate air bag defect, along with the other problems. However, I am concern about driving around in a vehicle I thought was safe. Me and my children could have lost our lives to that 18 wheel truck. The truck struck both the fron and rear of my 1998 Sable and the bags did not deploy. Ford consumer affairs department stated to me that the vehicle was never on a call back and the manufacturer warranty expired. I had an extended warranty on my car at the time of the accident. I had this car tested when I first purchased it. …”
NHTSA complaint #750576, filed 2001-08“Consumer was driving over 50 MPH on highway, and in between two 18 wheelers.the 18 wheeler on right hand side hit vehicle on side. Then, pushed vehicle into another 18 wheeler on left side. Then consumer's vehicle hit a pickup truck with front end. Upon hitting median, bumper broke in half. Also, dual airbags did not deploy,causing injuries”
NHTSA complaint #858570, filed 2000-03Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 4 | 7% |
| 2005 | 4 | 5% |
| 2004 | 2 | 4% |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% |
| 2002 | 24 | 5% |
| 2001 | 27 | 6% |
| 2000 | 33 | 7% |
| 1999 | 17 | 7% |
| 1998 | 14 | 7% |
| 1997 | 12 | 5% |
| 1996 | 15 | 5% |
| 1995 | 8 | 2% |
| 1994 | 10 | 3% |
| 1993 | 24 | 4% |
| 1992 | 11 | 3% |
| 1991 | 10 | 5% |
| 1990 | 14 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1998 Mercury Sable
32 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsTires
8 complaintsInterior lighting
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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