2002 Mercury Sable Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 4%of 440 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Mercury Sable, 4% of the 440 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Automatic headlights relay soddard into backside of fuse panel (gem) was bad location for a person with no experience to fix or locate most people never got it fixed because of no experience and amount of money to have an electrical mechanic to fix. I understand there was a few people did get it fixed through a recall but I didn't and I never got a recall for this in the mail. I would like ford motor company fix this because I was never notified of this problem. My car has had this problem for about 12 years.”
NHTSA complaint #11100705, filed 2018-06, 35,000 miles“I have a 2002 Mercury Sable with 54,000 miles. Suddenly & w/o warning, my alternator stopped working and drained my battery. I have had 3 ford products with some lasting 160,000 miles w/o ever having problems with alternators. I talked w/the customer service rep. At the repair shop about having to replace an alternator on a 3 year old vehicle, and he indicated that they had had a fairly large no. Of Mercury Sable & ford taurus replacement of alternators. Is this a design defect in the alternators?”
NHTSA complaint #10124670, filed 2005-06, 54,000 miles“I purchased a 2002 Mercury Sable in september, 2006. On january 19, 2007 while turning into my driveway going 3-5 miles an hour both frontal airbags deployed causing an estimated $3,000.00 to $4,000.00 in damages. The dealer has refused to assist me saying I bought the car as is . They told me to file the claim with my insurance company. The insurance company said they could do nothing there was no impact . Ford motor company said there was a 50,000 mile warranty. Your department sent me a service technical bulletin stating that ford knew of this problem in may, 2002. …”
NHTSA complaint #10290614, filed 2009-11, 50,000 miles“Had tuneup. [plugs and wires] computer upgrade. Car now surges and idle jumps to 2000 RPM. Hit a car in front of me at stop light, and almost a person in walk, when surged. Am shifting to neutral at stops, but, it snaps your neck when you shift back to drive. Have had to 2 dif ford & mec. Dealers several times and only get nothing!! Help please.”
NHTSA complaint #10331257, filed 2010-05, 59,240 miles“Doors lock and unlock while driving. Horn alarm goes off when car is parked. Warning light for open doors when doors are closed. Doors unlock and interior lights come on.”
NHTSA complaint #10537602, filed 2013-08, 48,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10012969Feb 1, 2005Malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble code p0133, p1131 or p2195.
- 10014266Dec 27, 2004Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0300, p0316 or p030x - no crank battery discharged.
- 10013116Sep 6, 2004Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
- 10011176Aug 1, 2004Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0171/p0174, p1131/p1151, and/or p2195/p2197 in continuous memory.
Electrical 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 2002 Mercury Sable
239 complaintsVehicle speed control
56 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
27 complaintsAir bags
24 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsTires
9 complaintsWheels
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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