1998 Mercury Sable Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 10%of 190 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Mercury Sable, 10% of the 190 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 2 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.
“The radiator coolant system hose come off, and leaked transmission fluid. This resulted in the transmission failure. The service shop indicated that the cause of the hose coming off could be caused by pressure build up. Please provide more details.”
NHTSA complaint #10034599, filed 2003-08, 58,000 miles“While driving consumer noticed black smoke coming from the engine. Consumer pulled the vehicle over, called a tow truck, and vehicle was towed to the dealership. Mechanic informed consumer that the plastic intake manifold failed.”
NHTSA complaint #10050165, filed 2003-12, 100,000 miles“Automobile 1998 Mercury Sable engine RPM surges fixed several times at dealer replacing sensors and other parts still surges periodically in 2002 the engine surged and the brakes did not hold collision with another vehicle the car was in the shop 5 times before the crash for the same problem since 2002 another 4 times and the problem is still not fixed also after shutting off car, the fan still runs also fixed 4 times now only reason we did not buy a new, and other brand vehicle is lack of funds to purchase a new car this car is dangerous not sure of accident date exactly will check police…”
NHTSA complaint #10019284, filed 2003-05, 60,000 miles“My 1998 Mercury Sable with 3.0 liter engine apparently is designed to provide no engine braking when coasting. The engine computer prevents the engine from returning to idle. Other have told me that this occurs with other ford taurus' and sables. This condition results in excessive speed building up when going downhill - especially with the cruise control engaged.”
NHTSA complaint #10062461, filed 2004-03“This is the 2nd year in a row that I have had to have the engine cooling system flushed because it is getting something in it from the engine and then blocking the heater core. My mechanic (a neghbor) indicated that he has started seeing this problem in a lot of sables & tarauses at 4 years or more.”
NHTSA complaint #10056928, filed 2004-02Related service bulletins
- 10017916May 1, 2005Surge, idle roll, rough idle only when the engine cooling fans are operating.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2005 | 3 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 4% |
| 2003 | 19 | 9% |
| 2002 | 20 | 5% |
| 2001 | 23 | 5% |
| 2000 | 25 | 5% |
| 1999 | 22 | 9% |
| 1998 | 19 | 10% |
| 1997 | 42 | 18% |
| 1996 | 60 | 20% |
| 1995 | 132 | 38% |
| 1994 | 142 | 37% |
| 1993 | 357 | 53% |
| 1992 | 151 | 41% |
| 1991 | 56 | 25% |
| 1990 | 30 | 18% |
| 1989 | 49 | 21% |
| 1988 | 29 | 23% |
| 1987 | 10 | 13% |
| 1986 | 7 | 15% |
Other parts of the 1998 Mercury Sable
32 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsSuspension
22 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 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