VehicleVerdict

2004 Mercury Sable problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2004 Mercury Sable is among the quieter years of the Sable on NHTSA's books: 75 complaints (70% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (15), brakes (12), and transmission (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

75

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Sable years?

Sable NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted981 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 55 complaints1987: 105 complaints1988: 189 complaints1989: 300 complaints1990: 220 complaints1991: 346 complaints1992: 517 complaints1993: 981 complaints1994: 534 complaints1995: 485 complaints1996: 391 complaints1997: 326 complaints1998: 243 complaints1999: 302 complaints2000: 578 complaints2001: 528 complaints2002: 541 complaints2003: 251 complaints2004: 75 complaints2005: 112 complaints2006: 2 complaints2008: 81 complaints2009: 27 complaints
Sable NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sable years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Mercury Sable problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control1520%
Transmission1216%
Brakes1216%
Lighting811%
Electrical System68%
Engine57%
Seats45%
Seat Belts34%
Airbags23%
Fuel System23%
Other23%
Suspension11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Body & Structure11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2004 Mercury Sable have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16E026000BrakesApril 1, 2016 · 49,635 units

Defect

Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.

Consequence

A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.

04V330000SeatsJuly 8, 2004 · 24,277 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE SEATS MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY WELDED.

Consequence

THE SEAT MAY NOT PERFORM AS INTENDED DURING A CRASH WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE UPPER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY ON THE POWER SEATS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE ENGINE KEEPS CONSTANT SPEED EVEN AFTER REMOVING FOOT FROM ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IT'S LIKE A STUCK THROTTLE. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP IT IS TO APPLY BRAKE AND SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND STAMP ON THE ACCELERATOR. TRAFFIC HAD COME TO A STOP AND MY ENGINE WAS STILL REVVING AT 3500…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 22, 2014

“WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT INADVERTENTLY WENT INTO REVERSE AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE CONSUMER VRASHED INTO THE GARAGE. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 7, 2005 · crash

“OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS I HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM OF WHEN BRAKING THE CAR SPEEDS UP AND I WOULD HAVE TO SLAME THE BRAKES ON SO I WOULD NOT REAR END THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME. I KEPT THINKING IT WAS SOMETHING I DID BUT AFTER SEEING REPORT TODAY I SURE IT WAS NOTHING I DID. GLAD TO SEE THAT THE 2004…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 1, 2010

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V106000 (EXTERIOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · January 1, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECURITY LIGHT RANDOMLY FLASHED AND THE ALARM RANDOMLY SOUNDED WITHIN LESS THAN THAN TWO DAYS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 11, 2016

2004 Mercury Sable — common questions

Is the 2004 Mercury Sable reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 75 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Sable year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2004 Sable problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (15 complaints), brakes (12 complaints), transmission (12 complaints).

Does the 2004 Mercury Sable have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Mercury Sable. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Mercury Sable under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mercury Sable years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sable years to avoid are 1993, 2000, 2002, 1994, 2001, 1992, 1995, 1996. The cleanest record among Sable years belongs to 1985.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.