1988 Mercury Sable power train problems
22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 1988 Mercury Sable — 17% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Initially the gears were slipping while driving. Currently, the consumer cannot shift the vehicle into any gear. The dealer determined that the automatic transmission must be rebuilt. *ak . The consumer is seeking assistance to correct his vehicle because of the faulty defect design in the…”
filed Dec 5, 2003
“Transmission has failed twice. Currently in the vehicle radio light and dome light intermittenly comes on. Horn also honks as I drive . Steering wheel feels wobbly and there are popping noises come from around the steering column. Front passenger seat lumbar button is stuck. Tires have been changed…”
filed Oct 15, 2002
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *mjs
0015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 10, 2000Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda. *tt
99152 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 26, 1999Information regarding tsb 98-5a-12 (transaxle/transmission/transfer case-vehicles towed behind recreational vehicles-recommended guidelines) does not list towing information for certain model vehicles. *mjs
12178 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 1, 1998
Power Train problems in other Sable years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 Sable | 3 | 15% |
| 2008 Sable | 11 | 18% |
| 2005 Sable | 26 | 31% |
| 2004 Sable | 12 | 23% |
| 2003 Sable | 30 | 15% |
| 2002 Sable | 23 | 5% |
| 2001 Sable | 22 | 5% |
| 2000 Sable | 31 | 7% |
| 1999 Sable | 28 | 11% |
| 1998 Sable | 25 | 13% |
| 1997 Sable | 43 | 19% |
| 1996 Sable | 69 | 23% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1988 Mercury Sable
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.