1986 Mercury Sable: recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 1986 Mercury Sable. The newest campaign is 98V323000. NHTSA received the report on 16 Dec 1998. The NHTSA record gives the component Structure / Frame and Members. NHTSA has 46 complaints on file for this model year. 20 NHTSA investigations name this model year.

The NHTSA recall file shows no do-not-drive advisory and no park-outside advisory on these campaigns.

This page cannot show if a recall applies to one vehicle. The NHTSA VIN lookup shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle.

Remedy of the newest campaign, 98V323000, in the NHTSA record

Dealers will install subframe rear mount bolts, reinforcement plates, and plate nuts.

NHTSA VIN lookup

Complaint information entered into NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation vehicle owner's complaint database is used with other data sources to identify safety issues that warrant investigation and to determine if a safety-related defect trend exists.
NHTSA publishes these words. Source: NHTSA Datasets and APIs, section Complaints, read on 1 Oct 2026. Complaint file through 30 Sep 2026. Recall file through 30 Sep 2026.

Since the last update

No tracked figure of this page changed in a data update. What the log tracks

All updates to the register

Recall campaigns

8 campaigns, newest first. 8,923,200 units in total.

98V32300016 Dec 1998Structure / Frame and Members
93V10600023 Jun 1993Structure / Frame and Members
92V06500011 May 1992Wheels
91V1340006 Aug 1991Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Disc / Rotor
87V1390004 Sep 1987Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
87V01700019 Feb 1987Visibility / Windshield Wiper/Washer / Motor
86V03900010 Mar 1986Visibility
85V17200026 Dec 1985Steering / Column Locking / Anti-Theft Device

98V323000Received 16 Dec 1998. 2,697,000 units.
Structure / Frame and Members
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, nebraska, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virgnia, and wisconsin. The rear lower subframe mount plate nut can experience stress corrosion cracking if subjected to long term exposure to road salts. This can result in fracture and loss of the structural integrity of the subframe mount attachment. Detachment of the body mounts at the rear corners of the subframe, which supports the engine and transmission, allows the rear corners of the subframe to drop.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If both rear corners drop, steering would become suddenly very difficult, affecting vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will install subframe rear mount bolts, reinforcement plates, and plate nuts.
Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Manufacturer campaign number 98S36. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 18 Jan 1999.
93V106000Received 23 Jun 1993. 1,610,000 units.
Structure / Frame and Members
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Vehicle description: taurus and sables built from 10-14-85 through 8-19-88, and lincoln continentals built from 11-4-87 through 9-30-88 (except 1989 - 1991 2.5l taurus and 1989 - 1992 sho). The affected cars were originally sold or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, and wisconsin. The body mounts at the rear corners of the subframe, which supports the engine and transmission, may become detached due to corrosion of the subframe mount retaining plate. This would allow the rear corners of the subframe to drop.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If one of the rear corners drops, only minor indications of a malfunction such as a clunking noise or slight change in steering wheel alignment are noticeable. However, if both rear corners of the subframe drop, steering becomes very difficult, which could adversely affect vehicle control and possibly result in an accident.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Install a corrosion-resistant reinforcing plate and a new bolt on both rear subframe mounts. This recall campaign has been superseded by recall 98v-323.
Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 22 Jul 1993.
92V065000Received 11 May 1992. 654,000 units.
Wheels
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Children can accidentally lock themselves in the footwell area of the rear-facing third seat, or in the storage compartment in station wagons not equipped with an optional third seat. Once the compartment is closed it cannot be opened from the inside.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
There is a danger of air deprivation, hyperthermia,and/or panic response to a child who has locked himself or herself into thecompartment, with the possibility of asphyxiation.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Replace the self-latching assembly currently used in the rear storage compartment with a latch assembly that can only be closed with a key.
Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 15 May 1992.
91V134000Received 6 Aug 1991. 325,000 units.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Disc / Rotor
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Front disc brake rotors of the subject vehicles may experience severe corrosion if operated in areas where calcium chloride and sodium chloride are used extensively.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
Severely corroded rotors may fracture or separate nearthe inner edges of the brake discs resulting in reduced braking effectiveness,higher than normal pedal efforts, loud grinding noises, and moderate pulls whenthe brakes are applied. Reduced braking effectiveness may increase minimumstopping distances, possibly resulting in an accident.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Replace front brake rotors with full cast front brake rotors.
Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 26 Sep 1991.
87V139000Received 4 Sep 1987. 3,600,000 units.
Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
Coupling could disengage due to fuel pressure,vibration, and engine movements; this would cause loss of fuel which, inpresence of an ignition source, creates a fire risk.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Install retainer clips over the couplings to prevent coupling separation and fuel leakage.
Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 12 Oct 1987.
87V017000Received 19 Feb 1987. 28,000 units.
Visibility / Windshield Wiper/Washer / Motor
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Road salt induced erosion of the wiper motor conductor strips could cause localized thermal stress within the glass.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
Glass could fracture while station wagon is being drivenor parked, creating a risk of injury to occupants or sudden distraction to thedriver.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Apply sealant to conductor strips and protective tape to lower backlites.
Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY.
86V039000Received 10 Mar 1986. 4,700 units.
Visibility
Defect, in the NHTSA record
The right quarter windows may contain glass which was improperly tempered. This glass may yield pieces larger than the maximum allowed by FMVSS 205, glazing material. Consequence of defect: in case of an accident these large pieces of glass may seriously injure the occupants of the car.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Replace the quarter windows containing date code 5 af.
Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY.
85V172000Received 26 Dec 1985. 4,500 units.
Steering / Column Locking / Anti-Theft Device
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If the car is left unattended with the key removed and the ignition switch not in lock position, the car can be easily stolen. Studies have shown that stolen cars are frequently involved in accidents.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Ignition lock switch cylinder will be replaced.
Report filed by FORD MOTOR COMPANY.

The campaign number opens the NHTSA record. Each quotation is the text of the NHTSA recall file.

Recall campaign: One recall in the NHTSA recall file, with one campaign number. A campaign can name many makes, models and model years.

Units: The number of vehicles or products that a recall can include. The manufacturer or the firm reports the number to the agency.

Complaints by component

46 complaints, 55 component mentions.

A complaint can name more than one component. Each component that a complaint names is one component mention. The figure per 1,000 component mentions shows how many of each 1,000 mentions name the component.

1986 Mercury Sable
All 1986 vehicles

1986 Mercury Sable: complaints by component, per 1,000 component mentions
Component	1986 Sable	All 1986 vehicles	Sable, all years	Mentions
Structure	200	60.8	47.4	11
Power Train	163.6	57.7	117.4	9
Engine and Engine Cooling	127.3	138.3	191.9	7
Seat Belts	127.3	121.5	29.3	7
Electrical System	109.1	147.2	65.6	6
Seats	72.7	25.4	8.6	4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	36.4	77.2	61.5	2
Fuel System, Gasoline	36.4	92.1	23.2	2
Vehicle Speed Control	36.4	40.3	72.3	2
Visibility	36.4	28.2	41.2	2

The table shows the 10 components with the most mentions, of 13.

Complaints that report a crash: 0
Complaints that report a fire: 6
Injuries in the complaints: 2
Deaths in the complaints: 0
Date of the newest complaint: 16 Jun 2003

These figures are the entries of the persons who sent the complaints.

Complaint: A report about a possible safety problem that a person sends to NHTSA. This site shows the number of complaints and not their text.

Complaints about the 1986 Mercury Sable, by the year NHTSA received them. The largest year is 1995, with 13 complaints.

Investigations

NHTSA investigations that name the 1986 Mercury Sable
Number	Type	Subject	Component	Opened	Closed	Campaign
RQ97009	Recall query	REAR LOWER SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY	Structure / Frame and Members	29 Aug 1997	16 Feb 1999	93V106000
PE93100	Preliminary evaluation	POLYCAST ROAD WHEEL CRACKS	Suspension	2 Dec 1993	30 Jun 1994
EA92040	Engineering analysis	SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAIL	Structure	30 Nov 1992	30 Jun 1993	93V106001
PE92056	Preliminary evaluation	SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAIL	Structure	1 Jul 1992	30 Nov 1992
EA91042	Engineering analysis	STORAGE COMPAR SUFFOCATION	Structure	28 Oct 1991	21 May 1992	92V065000
PE91128	Preliminary evaluation	FIRES IN IGNITION SWITCH	Electrical System	17 Sep 1991	27 Jan 1992
PE91108	Preliminary evaluation	STORAGE COMPAR SUFFOCATION	Structure	1 Aug 1991	28 Oct 1991
PE91036	Preliminary evaluation	DOOR HANDLES BREAKAGE	Structure	22 Jan 1991	22 May 1991
EA90045	Engineering analysis	BRAKE DISC HUB SEPARATIONS	Service Brakes, Hydraulic	28 Sep 1990	12 Sep 1991	91V134001
EA90042	Engineering analysis	THROTTLE STICKING	Vehicle Speed Control / Linkages	31 Aug 1990	31 Dec 1991
PE90071	Preliminary evaluation	BRAKE DISC HUB FAILURE	Engine and Engine Cooling	2 Apr 1990	28 Jun 1990
PE90066	Preliminary evaluation	THROTTLE STICKING	Vehicle Speed Control / Linkages	27 Mar 1990	31 Aug 1990
PE90019	Preliminary evaluation	SPEED CONTROL FAILURE	Vehicle Speed Control	27 Nov 1989	27 Mar 1990
EA89023	Engineering analysis	FRONT SEAT BRACKET	Seats	25 May 1989	22 May 1990
PE89091	Preliminary evaluation	EXHAUST GAS INTRUSION	Vehicle Speed Control / Linkages	17 Feb 1989	13 Jul 1989
PE89007	Preliminary evaluation	FRONT SEAT BRACKET	Seats	19 Oct 1988	25 May 1989
PE89006	Preliminary evaluation	HEAD REST DROPS	Seats / Front Assembly / Head Restraint	19 Oct 1988	26 Jun 1989
EA88032	Engineering analysis	STALLING	Vehicle Speed Control / Linkages	22 Apr 1988	12 Jan 1990
PE88014	Preliminary evaluation	HIGH BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT	Service Brakes, Hydraulic	15 Jan 1988	26 May 1988
PE87030	Preliminary evaluation	STEERING BINDING	Steering	12 May 1987	24 Aug 1987

Investigation: A study of a possible safety defect by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. An investigation with no closing date in the NHTSA file is open.

Other model years

The number under each year is the number of recall campaigns.

A year without a link has fewer than 2 campaigns and fewer than 25 complaints. It has no page.

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Official channels

NHTSA VIN lookupNHTSA shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle from its VIN or its license plate.
NHTSA: report a safety problemThe NHTSA form for a complaint about a vehicle, a tire, a child seat or equipment.
NHTSA page of the 1986 Mercury SableThe recalls, the complaints and the investigations that NHTSA shows for this model year.

Cite this page

Recall Register. 1986 Mercury Sable: recalls and complaints. https://recallregister.com/vehicle/mercury/sable/1986/. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, recall, complaint and investigation files. Data through 30 Sep 2026.

Sources

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Licence: US government work, public domain
Recall file through: 30 Sep 2026
Complaint file through: 30 Sep 2026
First complaint in the file: 1 Jan 1995
Manufacturer in the recall file: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

The NHTSA record is the authority. A complaint count is the number of different complaint numbers for the make, the model and the model year. How the register is made. Report an error.

Questions

How many units are in the recall campaigns for the 1986 Mercury Sable?: 8,923,200 units in 8 campaigns. A campaign can name other models and model years, and its units include them.
How many recall campaigns does the Mercury Sable have for all model years?: NHTSA lists 46 recall campaigns for the Mercury Sable, model years 1984 to 2009. 8 of them name the 1986 model year.
Which component do the complaints about the 1986 Mercury Sable name most often?: Structure: 11 of 55 component mentions, or 200 per 1,000. For all 1986 vehicles the figure is 60.8 per 1,000.
Is an NHTSA investigation of the 1986 Mercury Sable open?: No. Each of the 20 investigations that name this model year has a closing date in the NHTSA file.