1998 Mercury Sable Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 8%of 190 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Mercury Sable, 8% of the 190 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“While the cruise control was set at 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled then restarted by itself. The dealer could not duplicate or determine the cause of the problem. The cause of the problem was in the switch and a loose wire. The vehicle restarted on it's own and was sometimes hard to start. (hard to start, hot or cold) when the vehicle died at low speeds, it did not restart and was hard to start immediately after but would start within 2-3 minutes.”
NHTSA complaint #10042690, filed 2003-11, 54,000 miles“My check engine light came on. I took my car to a repair shop to retrieve stored engine control codes po443 and po455. I replaced the part and there is still the same code po443 and po455. I keep my old part.”
NHTSA complaint #10351299, filed 2010-08“For years I have had electrical problems on 1998 Mercury Sable--the dome light, floor lights and door lights constantly on. I keep the dome light off. The floor light bulbs were removed. Door lights are constantly on. However, 1.5 years ago, I lost all headlights at night upon entering a highway. I could risk using high beams by holding in place. Multifunction arm was replaced and the dial on dashboard. Then both dials were replaced for fan and heating, defrost and air conditioner. Then told my computer chip needs to be replaced. I have no defroster, heat, fan or air conditioner. …”
NHTSA complaint #10174619, filed 2006-11“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 2001-08Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 11 | 18% |
| 2005 | 6 | 7% |
| 2004 | 6 | 12% |
| 2003 | 10 | 5% |
| 2002 | 17 | 4% |
| 2001 | 26 | 6% |
| 2000 | 23 | 5% |
| 1999 | 7 | 3% |
| 1998 | 16 | 8% |
| 1997 | 19 | 8% |
| 1996 | 20 | 7% |
| 1995 | 32 | 9% |
| 1994 | 29 | 7% |
| 1993 | 46 | 7% |
| 1992 | 28 | 8% |
| 1991 | 16 | 7% |
| 1990 | 21 | 13% |
| 1989 | 58 | 24% |
| 1988 | 26 | 21% |
| 1987 | 15 | 20% |
| 1986 | 6 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1998 Mercury Sable
32 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsEngine cooling
19 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 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