Does the 2002 Mercury Sable have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Mercury Sable, the most recent reported on March 2, 2004 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercury Sable?

Owners have filed 440 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is suspension (239 complaints), followed by vehicle speed control (56).

How many 2002 Mercury Sable complaints mention a crash or fire?

32 of 440 complaints report a crash and 5 a fire; 22 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2002 Mercury Sable recalls and problems

3 recalls and 440 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Mercury Sable.

recalls

440

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Mercury Sable recalls

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 04V106000 · reported March 2, 2004 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 938,789 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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 driver, which could lead to a crash.
The risk: In addition, if the switch and/or associated wiring fail in the open position, the brake lights will not actuate and the driver will not be able to shift the vehicle out of "park" if they fail in the closed position, the brake lights will remain on, which will not allow the speed control to be activated. This could also cause the battery to discharge.
The fix: Dealers will remove the stop lamp switch and associated wiring assembly and install a newly designed stop lamp switch and wire assembly. Owner notification is expected to begin on april 5, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Visibility: windshield

NHTSA campaign 03V087000 · reported March 10, 2003 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 67,894 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: Potential loss of windshield retention may also reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace these windshields. Owner notification began on march 31, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford/mercury at 1-800-392-3673.

Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages

NHTSA campaign 02V266000 · reported October 2, 2002 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 369,614 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Certain passenger vehicles equipped with adjustable padels are being recalled in order to adjust the brake and accelerator pedals to a minimum of 50 mm of lateral separation. Simultaneous application of both the brake and accelerator pedals could result in an increase in engine rpm.
The risk: This could result in a customer experiencing an "unintended vehicle speed increase" or a perceived "unable to stop" condition.
The fix: Owners will be instructed as to the proper way to set the position of the pedals and to take their vehicles to a dealer to have the spacing between the brake and accelerator pedals measured. If the spacing is found to be less than 50 mm, the dealer will adjust the pedals to increase the distance between them to greater than 50 mm. Owner notification began october 28, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Suspension239
Vehicle speed control56
Visibility26
Air bags24
Power train23
Engine and engine cooling20
Service brakes, hydraulic18
Electrical system17
Exterior lighting13
Structure13

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 4, 2022 · Power train
10/2/2022 was on I 94 east bound lost momentum rpms jump to 6k then lost all gears in transmission car has 88639 miles on it hardly driven changed trans fluid hoping to get trans working again and still won't move in any gear had to wait 4 hours on freeway for a tow just to get it off the freeway had to fight with AAA…

Sep 30, 2022 · Power train
The contact owns a 2002 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light and transmission symbol remained illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered and stalled…

Oct 25, 2021 · Unknown or other · 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Mercury Sable. The contact stated while attempting to shift the vehicle out of park, the gear shifter failed to move out park. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken into a local mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact…

Sep 25, 2020 · Suspension · 37,500 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE EXPLODED. THE SUSPENSION COIL SPRING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRACTURED AND SLASHED THE TIRE CAUSING THE TIRE TO EXPLODE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE…

Jun 21, 2018 · Unknown or other · 177,000 miles · fire reported
CAR FIRE DUE TO RECALLED FUSES HAD THIS CAR FOR 5 YEARS AND HAD NO ISSUES

Sable model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	7	464	34	8
2001	8	430	32	7
2002	3	440	32	5
2003	3	201	13	1
2004	1	52	3	0
2005	0	83	3	0

Across all years, the 2000 Sable has the most complaints (464). All Mercury Sable years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Mercury Sable have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Mercury Sable, the most recent reported on March 2, 2004 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercury Sable?: Owners have filed 440 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is suspension (239 complaints), followed by vehicle speed control (56).
How many 2002 Mercury Sable complaints mention a crash or fire?: 32 of 440 complaints report a crash and 5 a fire; 22 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 4, 2022.