1999 Mercury Sable Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 3%of 258 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 1999 Mercury Sable, 3% of the 258 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,000 miles. 2 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.
“On several occasions, after driving my 1999 Mercury Sable station wagon in moderate to heavy rain, I lose power steering during turns. The alternator light also comes on. I believe the problem is related to excessive belt slippage from water. It goes away if I stop for a few seconds to let the belt regain traction. This condition occurs unexpectedly is a risk to loss of control during the period of time without power steering.”
NHTSA complaint #10102810, filed 2004-12, 69,000 miles“The check engine light came on. The car started smoking from under the hood. Then the smoke started coming inside the car from the dashboard. After that the car caught fire under the hood and the car was on fire. Almost everything under the hood burned up. The car is not drivable.”
NHTSA complaint #10136872, filed 2005-09, 97,101 miles“While driving on I-95 started rain/downpour tried to turn on the windshield wipers and they would not work, then the lights on the dashboard came on/airbag light would not go off, and windows would not go up or down. Consumer stopped vehicle until rain stopped, then drove to a near by mechanic, and they said it was an electrical problem. Took to dealer they said they would check the system out. Then they test drove vehicle, and said it was okay. Consumer was petrified to drive on I-95, especially when needing windshield wipers.”
NHTSA complaint #856712, filed 2000-02“Exhibiting multiple electrical concerns such as clock radio resets itself to 12:00. Heat comes on by itself. The air conditioner will not work. Traced concern to open inpower feed circuit to under dash fuse panel. Repaired loose connection.”
NHTSA complaint #567407, filed 2002-09“Consumer went to start vehicle and heard a clicking noise coming from underneath vehicle, and there was no power/ lights or electric power. Consumer had vehicle towed to an auto shop, and mechanic told him that starter failed and was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #891625, filed 2001-06Electrical 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 1999 Mercury Sable
48 complaintsSteering
33 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
21 complaintsSeat belts
20 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Mercury Sable
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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