1998 Mercury Sable Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 17%of 190 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,182miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1998 Mercury Sable, 17% of the 190 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,182 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.
“On february 14, 2006 as I drove up to my neighbor's garage door, my 1998 Mercury Sable wagon had 'a mind of it's own'. It would not respond to the brake but accelerated 'on it's own' causing me to go through the door and hit the side brick wall of the garage. The insurance company totaled the car. After much research, I found many such stories with several makes of cars. The cruise control causes an 'sudden involuntary acceleration' which does not allow the brake to work these are only a couple of the links I found. …”
NHTSA complaint #10151208, filed 2006-02, 108,000 miles“1999 Mercury Sable accelerated without warning. The customer stated the vehicle accelerated as he was attempting to brake at an intersection to make a right turn. The consumer was able to get the vehicle under control after putting it in neutral. Updated 03/22/10 updated 05/28/10.”
NHTSA complaint #10205004, filed 2007-10, 44,933 miles“While sitting at a stop sign, the consumer's vehicle accelerated, resulting in a rear end collision the vehicle in front. The consumer's vehicle proceeded to knock down a stop sign. The vehicle was totaled. (sudden acceleration) there was a repair for the same problem in june 02, 2004. The problem would occur when the brake was released and there was a strong pull when in reverse. This problem was diagnosed as an idle air control issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10117379, filed 2005-05, 69,090 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“1) vehicle was having shifting problems with not easily coming out of the 'park position. Dealer kept stating there was no problem. 2) oct.30--traveling at 70 MPH heading for a downhill with relatively sharp curve at bottom, braked to cancel cruise control with no response. Again braked hard with no response. Cancelled cruise control manually with steering wheel off button---just in time to avoid a certain disaster! Later, I engaged the cruise control again on a straight stretch of road and again, the brake did not cancel the system! …”
NHTSA complaint #10141423, filed 2005-11, 51,000 milesVehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 5 | 25% |
| 2008 | 10 | 16% |
| 2005 | 38 | 46% |
| 2004 | 15 | 29% |
| 2003 | 28 | 14% |
| 2002 | 56 | 13% |
| 2001 | 61 | 14% |
| 2000 | 71 | 15% |
| 1999 | 16 | 6% |
| 1998 | 32 | 17% |
| 1997 | 28 | 12% |
| 1996 | 17 | 6% |
| 1995 | 20 | 6% |
| 1994 | 19 | 5% |
| 1993 | 25 | 4% |
| 1992 | 22 | 6% |
| 1991 | 7 | 3% |
| 1990 | 12 | 7% |
| 1989 | 13 | 5% |
| 1988 | 7 | 6% |
| 1987 | 2 | 3% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1998 Mercury Sable
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 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