2002 Mercury Sable Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 5%of 440 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,946miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Mercury Sable, 5% of the 440 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,946 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“This is a recurring problem with my 2002 Mercury Sable. Water leaks into the interior blower motor and shorts it out. I've replaced the motor and switch 3 times each over the last year and it keeps happening. Ford wants about $400 to repair. I discovered that a lot of people have this problem with this make and model and the taurus.”
NHTSA complaint #10282235, filed 2009-08, 95,000 miles“My car (2002 Mercury Sable) continues to fail smog inspection due to faulty oxygen sensors. I have taken it to the dealer and it costs at least $200 each time I take it in and they never completely fix it stating it is an ongoing problem with this car. The check engine light is always on.”
NHTSA complaint #10160045, filed 2006-06, 51,000 miles“Engine suddenly began racing, (as if the accelerator was stuck) while pulling into a parking space at the mall. Was able to stop the car by firmly applying the brakes. Checked and verified that the floor mat was not interfering with the accelerator pedal.”
NHTSA complaint #10451707, filed 2012-03, 102,000 miles“After stopping at intersection, traffic light, etc., unexplained engine surge and engine noise, makes car lurch forward even when applying all possible pressure to brakes. Surge ceases only when transmission put in neutral. Towed to dealer first time, driven several times. This has happened several times. Dealer can find nothing wrong. I am always apprehensive when driving this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10158752, filed 2006-06, 2,000 miles“When cruise control is on and active and gas pedal manually depressed ( to pass car) throttle will stick open. Ball on throttle plate comes out of saddle on cruise control cable. When foot taken off gas ball on throttle plate does not return to original saddle position at end of cruise control cable. Ball on throttle plate gets stuck on edge of entrance to cable saddle. Throttle sticks partway open with amount open depending on cruise control cable position / amount of throttle commanded by cruise control. I fixed by placing a piece of 1/2 o.d. …”
NHTSA complaint #10451699, filed 2012-03, 105,000 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 2002 Mercury Sable
239 complaintsVehicle speed control
56 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
27 complaintsAir bags
24 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsElectrical system
17 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