2003 Mercury Sable Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 201 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 118,478miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Mercury Sable, 4% of the 201 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,478 miles.
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.
“Driving on I-25 northbound, at 50 MPH, the vehicle started to accelerate, with my foot off the accelerator. Went from 50 to 65...stepped on brake, brakes slowed/stopped the acceleration...pulled off at the first exit ramp. Looked under hood, for anything not correct...nothing visually detected. Did this one more time...3 days later. Have not experienced since.”
NHTSA complaint #10467560, filed 2012-07, 74,200 miles“I pulled up to a stoplight. When it turned green, I depressed the accelerator and the vehicle's engine revved as though it were in neutral. When shifted into any forward gear or reverse gear, it would not move. It was as though it were stuck in neutral. The transmission specialist said it was a common problem, knew exactly what it was, and quipped that he was surprised mine had lasted this long. Upon researching online, it appears that this is an incredibly widespread problem. In fact, ford knows it is a problem as it has recalled two of their minivans that contain the very same transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #10484963, filed 2012-11, 85,262 miles“Throttle cable stuck, engine at 1800 tpm, engine revved to 2600 RPM, inability to slow vehicle, surging. Required hard breaking. Once car stopped, idle dropped to 900 RPM after 15-30 seconds. Happens with increasing frequency. Engine surges at start, revs to 2100 then to 2600. Inspected cable, throttle and cruise control cable point of entry to supporting bracket plastic shattered. Cable emits sound from binding. Took to ford dealer, they indicated my vehicle was not part of the recall although the problem has been clearly documented with the same make, model, year and engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10629987, filed 2014-09, 118,478 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Sable. While the vehicle was operated, it lost engine power without warning. The vehicle was towed to dom's getty service station (308 mercer st, hightstown, nj) where it was diagnosed as a transmission failure. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11022792, filed 2017-09, 57,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated independently to 25 MPH after shifting from park to drive. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the idle iac valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10584953, filed 2014-04, 155,000 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 5 | 25% |
| 2008 | 5 | 8% |
| 2005 | 5 | 6% |
| 2004 | 3 | 6% |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% |
| 2002 | 4 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 1% |
| 2000 | 5 | 1% |
| 1996 | 2 | 1% |
| 1995 | 1 | 0% |
| 1994 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mercury Sable
47 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
30 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
19 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsAir bags
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