2003 Mercury Sable Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 9%of 201 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Mercury Sable, 9% of the 201 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle accelerates on it's own. Have had multiple problems where I go to stop and car accelerates at a stop sign or light. I have almost rear ended multiple cars because of this. While going from a red to green light on a hill my Sable stalled and began to roll backwards, almost crashing into the car behind me, if it hadn't been for my quick reaction. Vehicle will idle very high, 2.5rpms at the lowest, while sitting in park after startup. After a 5 minutes it will sometimes drop down to 750-1000rpms, other times it will continue to idle high. …”
NHTSA complaint #10627245, filed 2014-08, 70,000 miles“The blower motor on my 2003 Mercury Sable was sitting in a pool of water, ruining the motor. Caused by faulty design by ford motor co. Water gets into this area by improper design, allows water to reach area when the wiper cowl eventually warps, or when the A/C drain clogs or water leaking thru the firewall.”
NHTSA complaint #10408622, filed 2011-06, 71,000 miles“The consumer received recall 04v105000 regarding air filter paper. The dealer claimed that the recall part was replaced, but the consumer insisted that it wasn't replaced. The consumer found that the original air filter was still in the vehicle. The service dealer fixed the air leak in the drivers side door and replaced the air filter.”
NHTSA complaint #10067516, filed 2004-05, 13,500 miles“2003 Mercury Sable blower motor inoperable. Occurred in january as an intermittent issue. Motor failed completely in mar 2005. Technical service bulletin issued effective 7/16/2004 states: 2001-2004 taurus/Sable: water in blower case-blower motor/resistor failure-vehicles built between 5/1/2003 to 12/15/2003. Some vehicles may exhibit water in blower case, resulting in leakage to interior passenger floor. Inspect and seal cowl area and install rain-hat. Inspect and replace blower motor. The blower motor was replaced as was the resistor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10118552, filed 2005-04, 56,012 miles“I have had my compressor in dec 2008 to fix the AC problem I had then but it never was. Then my mechanic suggested that was the condenser changed and now that hasn't solved the problem. I am beginning to wonder if this is not a problem the manufacturers need to look at. With this economy spending the money a I am not to mention that I am still making payments to the finance company is an added headache. Please help!”
NHTSA complaint #10266721, filed 2009-04Related recalls
- 04V105000Mar 2, 2004On certain vehicles, the air filter paper in these vehicles can smolder or burn.Covers: Mercury Sable 2003, Ford Taurus 2003
Related 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 2003 Mercury Sable
47 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
30 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
19 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsEngine
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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