1998 Mercury Sable Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 15%of 190 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,098miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Mercury Sable, 15% of the 190 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,098 miles. 7 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.
“My brake line[metal],rusted completely through. 1.no indication of brake failure. 2.several of my family members drove my car to the grocery store,thankfully this is where the brakes gave out. 3.Mercury dealership replaced line for about $275.”
NHTSA complaint #10113886, filed 2005-03, 85,195 miles“In 1998 I purchased a new Mercury Sable. Stopping distance has been inadequate since new. Returned to dealer 3 times, checked and stated everything was fine. In panic stops it feels as if only the rear wheels are braking. Now, after 95,000 miles I have changed the rear brake pads 3 times and rear rotors once, but the original front pads are still on the car - just now needing replacement. Front rotors excellent - no outer ridge. Obviously, front brakes are not working effectively - normally front brakes provide about 60% of braking power. …”
NHTSA complaint #10104410, filed 2004-12, 94,950 miles“The accelerator and brake pedal were designed too close together, which caused the driver to accelerate when trying to brake. Please provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #10054201, filed 2004-01, 30,000 miles“While exiting ramp from a highway onto a main street, the explorer in front of us stopped before entering the main street. We were driving slowly when we tried to stop behind the other vehicle. My husband put his foot on the brake and it went to the floor. He continued a number of times, but could not stop or even slow down. We knew we would hit the vehicle in front of us, which prevented our car from going onto the main street of traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #725353, filed 2000-07“In 1998 I purchased a new Mercury Sable. Stopping distance has been inadequate since new. Returned to dealer 3 times, checked and stated everything was fine. In panic stops it feels as if only the rear wheels are braking. Now, after 95,000 miles I have changed the rear brake pads 3 times and rear rotors once, but the original front pads are still on the car - just now needing replacement. Front rotors excellent - no outer ridge. Obviously, front brakes are not working effectively - normally front brakes provide about 60& of braking power. …”
NHTSA complaint #10104369, filed 2004-12Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2 | 10% |
| 2008 | 6 | 10% |
| 2005 | 8 | 10% |
| 2004 | 12 | 23% |
| 2003 | 14 | 7% |
| 2002 | 24 | 5% |
| 2001 | 40 | 9% |
| 2000 | 67 | 14% |
| 1999 | 29 | 11% |
| 1998 | 29 | 15% |
| 1997 | 19 | 8% |
| 1996 | 20 | 7% |
| 1995 | 11 | 3% |
| 1994 | 26 | 7% |
| 1993 | 48 | 7% |
| 1992 | 41 | 11% |
| 1991 | 19 | 9% |
| 1990 | 10 | 6% |
| 1989 | 13 | 5% |
| 1988 | 4 | 3% |
| 1987 | 5 | 7% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1998 Mercury Sable
32 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsAir bags
14 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 29, 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