Engine
3.0L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 231 of 304 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Power train
71 complaint records2 fire reports1 crash report
"AFTER PUTTING VEHICLE IN PARK IT ROLLED FORWARD. HAD TO APPLY BRAKES FOR VEHICLE TO STOP. VEHICHLE WAS NOT ON A HILL.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
69 complaint records5 fire reports2 crash reports
"CONSUMER RECENTLY HAD TAKEN HER VEHICLE FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A LEAKING HEAD GASKET. *SCC..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Steering
39 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER HAD TO TURN VEHICLE OFF AND RESTART VEHICLE TO REGAIN POWER STEERING.*AK *SCC..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98V067000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER FORD SERVICE BULLETIN 97-17-9 FROM AUGUST 1997 THROUGH DECEMBER 1997. | Normally free |
| 96V176000 | Power Train | THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARK PAWL SHAFT MAY NOT BE FREE TO ROTATE AS INTENDED. IF THE PARK PAWL SHAFT DOES NOT ROTATE, IT WOULD PREVENT THE PARK PAWL FROM ENGAGING THE PARK GEAR WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS IN THE PARK... | Normally free |
| 96V166000 | Power Train | THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET HAS A SHARP EDGE WHICH CAN CAUSE THE PARKING PAWL TO HANG UP AND NOT ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. | Normally free |
| 96V086000 | Power Train | THE PARK PAWL SHAFT WAS IMPROPERLY POSITIONED WHEN THE ROLL PIN THAT RETAINS IT WAS INSTALLED DURING TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY. | Normally free |
| 96V016000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | THE BRAKE SYSTEM FLUID LEVEL INDICATOR LAMP SWITCH CAN MALFUNCTION. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS." | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998114 1998-06-04 | Fuel System | 18 | VEHICLES THAT WERE SERVICED FOR A STALL CONDITION BETWEEN AUGUST 1, 1997 AND DECEMBER 1, 1997 MAY HAVE RECEIVED AND INCORRECT FUEL TANK. THE INCORRECT TANK CONTAINS AN ADDITIONAL VENT HOLE WHICH PROVIDES THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK. |
| 1996148 1996-09-20 | Powertrain | 17,222 | THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK MECHANISM MAY NOT PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING EVEN IF THE TRANSAXLE SHIFT LEVER IS FIRMLY PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION. |
| 1996135 1996-09-13 | Powertrain | 2,391 | THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET HAS A SHARP EDGE WHICH MAY CAUSE THE PARKING PAWL TO HANG UP AND NOT ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. THIS MAY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO MOVE EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK. |
| 1996084 1996-06-06 | Structure | 6,307 | NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FORD AX4S AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES. THE PARK PAWL SHAFT MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY POSITIONED DURING TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY. |
| 1996034 1996-02-21 | Brakes | 4,690 | THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 105 - HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS. THE BRAKE SYSTEM FLUID LEVEL INDICATOR MAY MALFUNCTION WHICH COULD CAUSE THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP TO: (1) REMAIN ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY, OR (2) FAIL TO... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18614 May 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SURGE, IDLE ROLL, ROUGH IDLE ONLY WHEN THE ENGINE COOLING FANS ARE OPERATING. *TT | |
| 17358 Aug 2004 | Power Train | GROAN/BUZZ/VIBRATION WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR IS IN PARK WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED ON AN INCLINE. *TT THIS BULLETIN UPDATES PREVIOUS BULLETIN 17358, DATED 11/01/2003 TO INCLUDE 2005 MODELS. *TT | |
| 03181 Sep 2003 | Electrical System | REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 03148 Jul 2003 | Power Train | NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 03123 Jun 2003 | Power Train | TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH NOT ENGAGING WHEN COMMANDED AND/OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0741 OR P1744 STORED IN MEMORY. MODELS FROM 1996 TO 2003. *TT |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02236 Nov 2002 | Visibility | ERRATIC OPERATION OF THE COOL/WARM FUNCTION OF THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM - REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR STRATIFICATION (SECONDARY) TEMPERATURE BLEND DOOR. *TT | |
| 02221 Nov 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE-GEAR DRIVEN SYNCHRONIZERS-INCORRECT INSTALLATION-CAMSHAFT POSITION SYNCHRONIZER (CMP) INSTALLATION TOOL CORRECT APPLICATION. *MJ | |
| 870197 Oct 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INCORRECTLY INSTALLED GEAR DRIVEN CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR SYNCHRONIZER ASSEMBLIES CAUSING SURGE, LOST OF POWER, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1336, P1309 AND P0340. *TT | |
| 02208 Oct 2002 | Equipment | CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH | |
| 02176 Sep 2002 | Exterior Lighting | LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ | |
| 02153 Aug 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 3.0L 4V DURATEC ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1518, INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER CONTROL. *TT | |
| 0214 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT | |
| 01246 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT | |
| 15370 Nov 2001 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A GROAN/BUZZ/VIBRATION WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR IS IN PARK. *TT | |
| 15392 Nov 2001 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A PARK PULLOUT CLUNK NOISE WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO ANOTHER GEAR POSITION. *TT | |
| 15390 Nov 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND/OR EGR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES 332, P0401, P1407 (LACKOF EGR FLOW). *TT | |
| 01181 Sep 2001 | Power Train | BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB | |
| 01156 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC | |
| 01157 Aug 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC | |
| 01124 Jun 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ON SOME VEHICLES, ENGINE OIL MAY CONTINUE TO LEAK FROM THE ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET AREA AFTER AN ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED. *TT | |
| 01116 Jun 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT COOLING SYSTEM CONDITIONS SUCH CONTAMINATED / CORRODED COOLANT; LEAKING / DISCOLORED COOLANT OVERFLOW BOTTLES; VIBRATION FROM ENGINE; LEAKING HEATER CORE; COOLANT OVERFLOW; HIGH TEMPERATURE GAUGE READINGS, ETC. *TT | |
| 0162 Apr 2001 | Electrical System | VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) MAY NOT START OR CRANK. *TT | |
| 14856 Apr 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EQUPPED WITH 3.0L 2V VULCAN OR 4V DURATEC ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN EXHAUST RUST-THRU, WELD FATIGUE CONDITION BETWEEN THE TWO TOEBOARD CATALYSTS WHERE A TIE-IN BRACKET IS WELDED TO THE FORMED INLET PIPE OF THE REAR BANK TOEBOARD CATALYST. *TT | |
| 0147 Mar 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE IN 2001 VEHICLES - SAE 5W-20 MOTOR OIL. *TT | |
| 13802 Mar 2001 | Interior Lighting | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT LOSS OF INTEGRATED CONTROL PANEL (ICP) ILLUMINATION. AUDIO AND CLIMATE CONTROLS CONTINUE TO OPERATE DURING THE ICP'S LOSS OF ILLUMINATION CONDITION. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY A FAULTY INTERNAL RIBBON CABLE CONNECTION IN THE ICP. *TT | |
| 00263 Dec 2000 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A POWER WINDOW THAT WILL NOT OPERATE DOWNWARD BECAUSE IT'S STUCK / BOUND TO THE WEATHERSHIP HEADER. *TT | |
| 00203 Oct 2000 | Unknown Or Other | A SEPARATION BETWEEN LAYERS OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.*JB | |
| 00191 Sep 2000 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SEPARATION BETWEEN LAYERS OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. *JB | |
| 8016 Apr 2000 | Electrical System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT LOSS OF INTEGRATED CONTROL PANEL (ICP) ILLUMINATION. **MR** | |
| 8583 Apr 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT DTC P1518 AND / OR P1519, RELATED TO INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER CONTROL (IMRC). *MR | |
| 14087 Apr 2000 | Fuel System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1518 AND/OR P1519, RELATED TO INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER CONTROL (IMRC). **MR | |
| 8316 Mar 2000 | Equipment | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH COMPACT DISC CHANGER MAY EXHIBIT A 6 DISC CD CHANGER THAT IS NOT EJECTING THE MAGAZINE OR IS NOT RESPONDING TO COMMAND FROM THE RADIO. | |
| 8199 Feb 2000 | Suspension | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A RATTLING OR CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END (FRONT STABILIZER LINK) UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. | |
| 0015 Jan 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS | |
| 7855 Jan 2000 | Unknown Or Other | VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT INTERMITTENT INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL (ICP) ILLUMINATION. | |
| 8016 Jan 2000 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT LOSS OF INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL (ICP). | |
| 13802 Jan 2000 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT LOSS OF INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL (ICP) ILLUMINATION. *MJS | |
| 14319 Jan 2000 | Air Bags | INFORMATION REGARDING PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE BE REPLACEMENT DURING NORMAL VEHICLE SERVICE AFTER RESTRAINT SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS. *TT | |
| 99242 Nov 1999 | Structure | INFORMATION ON REPLACING AND / OR REPAIRING MALFUNCTIONING (DOOR, IGNITION AND DECKLID) LOCKS. *TT | |
| 99222 Oct 1999 | Electrical System | SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT | |
| 99194 Sep 1999 | Service Brakes | INFORMATION FOR SERVICING AND DIAGNOSING BRAKE VIBRATION, BRAKE INSPECTION, AND BRAKE FRICTION MATERIAL REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 99195 Sep 1999 | Equipment | SERVICE INFORMATION FOR MUSTY AND MILDEW TYPE ODORS COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING / HEATING SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 99196 Sep 1999 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT | |
| 99183 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SERVICE TIP INFORMATION ON REVISED OIL PAN GASKET REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 99184 Sep 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AX4S TRANSAXLE, MAY EXHIBIT A HARSH 2-3 DOWNSHIFT MAY OCCUR WHEN COASTING AROUND A CORNER AND THEN ACCELERATING. *TT | |
| 6997 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME SERVICE MANUALS MAY LIST THE INCORRECT CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR ALIGNMENT TOOL FOR VEHICLES WITH VARIOUS ENGINE SIZES. *TT | |
| 7106 Sep 1999 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING THE WINNERS OF THE EDSR OF THE MONTH QUALITY AWARDS FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST. *MJS | |
| 13180 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR ALIGNMENT TOOL CHART. *MJS | |
| 13250 Sep 1999 | Vehicle Speed Control | INFORMATION REGARDING SLIGHT VIBRATION UPON ACCELERATION. *MJS | |
| 996735 Aug 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE AX4S TRANSAXLE MAY EXHIBIT A HARSH 3-2 DOWNSHIFT WHEN COASTING AROUND A CORNER AND THEN STEPPING INTO THE THROTTLE TO ACCELERATE AWAY FROM THE CORNER. *TT | |
| 99152 Jul 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT | |
| 99139 Jun 1999 | Exterior Lighting | CONDITIONS WITH THE BRAKE LAMPS INADVERTENTLY DISABLING THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *TT | |
| 99127 Jun 1999 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1135 OR P1155 STORED IN MEMORY AND / OR A LONG CRANK / SLOW START. *TT | |
| 99129 Jun 1999 | Equipment | EXPERIENCING A WHINE / BUZZ TYPE NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO ON VEHICLES WITH AN IN-TANK ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP. *TT | |
| 99111 Jun 1999 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION DESIGNED TO AID IN THE DIAGNOSIS, TESTING AND REPAIR OF NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) CONCERNS. *TT | |
| 991210 Jun 1999 | Unknown Or Other | FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A PRIVATE LABELED MATERIAL TO BE USED FOR IRON PARTICLE / ACID RAIN SERVICE REPAIRS. *TT | |
| 99816 May 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT | |
| 99-8-15 May 1999 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING DOOR TRIM PANEL REPLACEMENT - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 9943 Mar 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING REPROGRAMMING POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES (PCMS). *TT | |
| 5518 Mar 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON SERVICING OIL PAN GASKET LEAKS. *TT |
Showing 60 of 260 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Mercury Sable →