1998 Mercury Sable Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 190 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the fuel system of the 1998 Mercury Sable, 4% of the 190 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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.
“Prior to recall regarding obdii, consumer experienced faintness, nausea and dizziness, followed by headaches and weakness while driving, consumer became aware of the recall and had repairs completed on the vehicle, however consumer sought a second opinion and emission leaks were found in the manifold areas and the catalytic conversion pipe, consumer does not feel safe driving this vehicle due to the carbon monoxide poisoning.”
NHTSA complaint #564546, filed 2002-03“While parking vehicle a loud popping sound was heard coming from under the hood. Hood was raised and a fire broke out against fire wall in center area of vehcle. Believed fire was caused by a fuel leakage from injector rail. Dealer / manufacturer were not contacted at this time. Can NHTSA help in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #849904, filed 1999-11“Turned vehicle off to fill it with fuel. Turned it off & then on without starting. Was unable to shift vehicle into neutral to be moved. Contacted dealer & was informed how to shift when on but not running.”
NHTSA complaint #873961, filed 2000-10“Heavy smell of gasoline is felt when gas tank is above 3/4 full or making left hand turns above 20 MPH. Dealer attempted to fix problem, but smell continues. Claim they have seen it in many 1998 sables.”
NHTSA complaint #538450, filed 1998-07“The symptom is the 'check engine' light is always on. It consumes much more gas than before during idling and the engine temperature tends to be high.”
NHTSA complaint #714622, filed 1999-11Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 3 | 5% |
| 2005 | 3 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 4% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 9 | 2% |
| 2001 | 13 | 3% |
| 2000 | 10 | 2% |
| 1999 | 9 | 3% |
| 1998 | 8 | 4% |
| 1997 | 9 | 4% |
| 1996 | 10 | 3% |
| 1995 | 19 | 5% |
| 1994 | 21 | 5% |
| 1993 | 22 | 3% |
| 1992 | 5 | 1% |
| 1991 | 6 | 3% |
| 1990 | 6 | 4% |
| 1989 | 9 | 4% |
| 1988 | 8 | 6% |
| 1987 | 4 | 5% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1998 Mercury Sable
32 complaintsBrakes
29 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 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