Model year
2003 Mercury Sable
NHTSA lists 3 recalls and 201 complaints for the 2003 Mercury Sable (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (25), POWER TRAIN (22), SUSPENSION:FRONT (19). NHTSA lists 4 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 19–21 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,200–$3,550, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 464 complaints
- 2001 430 complaints
- 2002 440 complaints
- 2003 201 complaints
- 2004 52 complaints
- 2005 83 complaints
- 2008 61 complaints
- 2009 20 complaints
Recalls
04V106000 · Mar 2, 2004
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS MALFUNCTIONING COULD RENDER THE STOP LAMPS INOPERABLE OR CAUSE THEM TO STAY ON ALL THE TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE CONFUSION TO A FOLLOWING…
04V105000 · Mar 2, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE AIR FILTER PAPER IN THESE VEHICLES CAN SMOLDER OR BURN.
03V087000 · Mar 10, 2003
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." THE WINDSHIELDS MAY POTENTIALLY EXHIBIT INCREASED WIND NOISE, WATER LEAKAGE, AND SQUEAKS AND RATTLES.
Complaints
201 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 13, fire flag on 1, injury field 8, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| RQ03008 | BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH; EXTERIOR LIGHTING; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL… | Oct 23, 2003 | Mar 5, 2004 |
| DP06005 | ENGINE STALLING FFV · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES,… | Dec 4, 2006 | Dec 28, 2007 |
| EA08018 | Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture · SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS | Aug 28, 2008 | Jun 30, 2011 |
| PE12033 | Speed control cable damage · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | Oct 24, 2012 | Jun 26, 2013 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sable · 3L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 18 | 26 | 21 | — | — | $3,200 |
| Sable · 3L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 18 | 25 | 21 | — | — | $3,200 |
| Sable Wagon · 3L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 17 | 24 | 19 | — | — | $3,550 |
| Sable · 3L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline · FFV | 17 | 25 | 20 | — | — | $3,350 |
| Sable Wagon · 3L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline · FFV | 17 | 24 | 19 | — | — | $3,550 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2003 Mercury Sable at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.