2003 Mercury Sable Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 10%of 201 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Mercury Sable, 10% of the 201 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,500 miles. 2 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.
“1. The hood closes apparently fine, it does not open if I try to, however keeps opening every 20 minutes after driving. I could not find the cause. 2. Very strong smell of gas keeps ocurring, no signs or drops or viisual leak puddle.”
NHTSA complaint #11047279, filed 2017-11, 8 miles“Ford taurus and the Mercury Sable's have a problem with water leaking into the heater core box which eventually causes the heater motor and stop working. I understand from reading post on the internet that is apparently a design flaw. My car had 44,000 miles at the point where the motor quit working. The bill to repair the car was $471.28. The warranty had obviously expired but I felt like ford motor co should re-imburse the cost of the repair since it is a very common problem. They declined to help with the cost of the repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10213122, filed 2007-12, 44,000 miles“Passenger floor rusted out completely in two spots on the front right of floor. Two major holes. The remainder of the floor is showing signs that it too is deteriorating. This is a safety concern as the structural integrity of the floor has been compromised and can allow someone to fall through should excess weight be placed in any of these weak places and or holes.”
NHTSA complaint #10836733, filed 2016-02, 131,000 miles“The vehicles stock jacking locations are no longer considered as safe. They have deteriorated due to corrosion and rusting away. Should someone decide to trust any one of the affected jacking locations, the structural integrity of the frame may crumple and break causing the vehicle to drop onto anyone performing work underneath, which may result in severe injury, or even death.”
NHTSA complaint #10836738, filed 2016-02, 131,000 miles“Car was completely stopped. When engaged into reverse, car made loud noise, tires squealed, engine raced and crashed into parked car behind it at high rate of speed. Parked vehicle that was struck then struck car next to it since impact was so great. Car was uncontrollable, could not be stopped via brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #10724265, filed 2015-06, 60,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10177863Jul 13, 2020This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit…
- 10156863Feb 7, 2019Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without…
- 10155551Feb 7, 2019Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without…
- 10014165Dec 27, 2004Aluminum corrosion - service tip.
- 10013080Oct 1, 2002Headliner grab handles loosen.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 5% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2005 | 3 | 4% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 20 | 10% |
| 2002 | 13 | 3% |
| 2001 | 11 | 3% |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% |
| 1999 | 10 | 4% |
| 1998 | 10 | 5% |
| 1997 | 8 | 4% |
| 1996 | 29 | 10% |
| 1995 | 25 | 7% |
| 1994 | 20 | 5% |
| 1993 | 34 | 5% |
| 1992 | 29 | 8% |
| 1991 | 20 | 9% |
| 1990 | 23 | 14% |
| 1989 | 23 | 10% |
| 1988 | 14 | 11% |
| 1987 | 17 | 22% |
| 1986 | 11 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mercury Sable
47 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
30 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaintsEngine cooling
19 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