2005 Mercury Sable Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 31%of 83 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,640miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Mercury Sable, 31% of the 83 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,640 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Approximately 200 miles after factory dealer transmission service we pulled up to an intersection to turn left, after slowing to turn the car became immobile and wouldn't move under it's own power. The transmission just whined and wouldn't engage. Called numerous transmission shops and dealerships describing what happened and every one of them knew what was wrong before I had finished asking my questions.”
NHTSA complaint #10555990, filed 2013-12, 62,000 miles“I drived it on highway and suddenly there was noise and rmp passed 4000 but no accelerated. I managed to stopped on shoulder, and restarted the car, engine run ok, and car wasn't moving, either forward or backward. I could be hit by other cars if I didn't manage to shoulder. I searched online and I found out a lot of complaints about Mercury Sable's transmission issues. This is very dangerous and people may get killed because of sudden transmission failure without any warning. My car has about 88700 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #11129796, filed 2018-09, 88,700 miles“While driving recently, my 2005 Sable suddenly accelerated, forcing me to brake and put the car in neutral while at speed. This has happened 3 or 4 other times.in the past. Now the cruise control does not work anymore.”
NHTSA complaint #10593933, filed 2014-05, 68,000 miles“This 2005 Mercury Sable (ls premium) just fell out of gear as I was on the road. Totally out of the blue with no warning whatsoever. I know now the transmission must be replaced for upwards of $1800.00. This car has just 30,000 miles on it. I find it completely unacceptable for a mildly driven car, owned by an elderly woman, should fail so badly after only 30,000 miles. This seems to be a common occurrence with this particular transmission also involving the ford taurus and the windstar...which I understand was recalled. …”
NHTSA complaint #10701221, filed 2015-03, 30,000 miles“I was driving home from work when my car told me to have my transmission checked. I took it to the shop and the mechanic told me that I have to have my transmission rebuilt. The car only has 70,000 miles on it, and I bought it when it had 31,000 miles in 2007. The mechanic proceeded to inform me that the make and model of my car has continuous problems with the transmission, and that he alone had fixed at least 10 or 12 within the past few months.”
NHTSA complaint #10316977, filed 2010-03, 70,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10022203Dec 6, 2006Extended warranty coverage for vehicles with hard start when operating on e85 fuel, powertrain control module (pcm) calibration. Warranty extended for 10 years or 100,000 miles…
- 10016808Oct 11, 2005Erratic fluid level reading on transaxle dipstick-leaks-4f50n, ax4n, ax4s transaxle.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10011157Sep 6, 20044f50n transaxle no 1-2 upshift and diagnositc trouble code p0732.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 3 | 15% |
| 2008 | 11 | 18% |
| 2005 | 26 | 31% |
| 2004 | 12 | 23% |
| 2003 | 30 | 15% |
| 2002 | 23 | 5% |
| 2001 | 22 | 5% |
| 2000 | 31 | 7% |
| 1999 | 28 | 11% |
| 1998 | 25 | 13% |
| 1997 | 43 | 19% |
| 1996 | 69 | 23% |
| 1995 | 93 | 27% |
| 1994 | 95 | 25% |
| 1993 | 48 | 7% |
| 1992 | 61 | 17% |
| 1991 | 101 | 46% |
| 1990 | 17 | 10% |
| 1989 | 19 | 8% |
| 1988 | 22 | 17% |
| 1987 | 9 | 12% |
| 1986 | 8 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2005 Mercury Sable
38 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Mercury Sable
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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