2001 Mercury Sable Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 5%of 430 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,354miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Mercury Sable, 5% of the 430 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,354 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“No real signs of distress until the main bearings failed. At 33,000 miles, proof of service and oil changes covering the first 29,000 miles. Vehicle developed a bad knock. Had it towed to a ford dealership for inspection. Told me that the main bearings on the cam went bad. One ford dealership tells me ford will help with the cost of total engine replacement, unfortunately, not the dealership the car is at.”
NHTSA complaint #10162405, filed 2006-07, 33,019 miles“Something drastically wrong with the radiator system, antifreeze is always brown, have it changed and in 1 day it turns brown. The windows have been broken in this car since 2005, the two front windows do not go up and down, I don't feel safe without the windows working. There is something wrong with the suspension and I constantly have to put air into my tires and tires wear out quickly because suspension is messed up. Windshield washer has not worked since 2003. If it was built with pride like the company says it is, it would be a nice car. Falls apart too easily. I need help.”
NHTSA complaint #10712126, filed 2015-04, 98,000 miles“2001 Mercury Sable 39k miles. Driving on nys thruway when I experienced a complete engine failure with my car. Ford motor admitted there was a defect in the engine but said my vehicle was out of warranty. Did get me discount on repairs. Ford refused to tell me if others are experiencing same with this engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10023902, filed 2003-06, 398,000 miles“My 2001 Mercury Sable has now failed me over 8 times without warning. I would drive turn the car off then try to start it again and it would not start. It was completely dead. I called aaa had the car towed. I took it to the dealer and they charged me for everything. A battery, an alternator, wiring, the works then, the same thing happened. The last time my car was at the dealer for a week before I was told it needed a fuel pump. I have now decided to never buy another Mercury after being a long time customer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10310396, filed 2010-02, 57,800 miles“Coolant leaks for bottom I have a 2001 Mercury Sable ls it has the 3.0 liter motor not 24 valve. I have talked with three other people and they have all ford taurus's and they had to replace coolant bottle because they all cracked on the bottom of the bottle. Its odd that four people that I know we all have to change the bottle within a year of each other. Could there be faulty bottles made and will the antifreeze damage other parts on my car. I only have 78,000 miles on the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10166587, filed 2006-08, 77,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10019382Jan 1, 2006Camshaft tick noise - 3.0l 4v engine only.
- 10018746Nov 14, 2005Buck/jerk and miss during drive cycle above 3000 rpm - no dtc - 3.0l 2v gas and ffv engine.
- 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 2001 Mercury Sable
204 complaintsVehicle speed control
61 complaintsBrakes
40 complaintsAir bags
27 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsEquipment
11 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 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