Mercury

Sable (5th)

2008-2009 · Compact Sedan ยท 2 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (3.7)
81 NHTSA Complaints
1 Recalls
3 Fire Reports
10 Crash Reports
View all 2 generations of the Mercury Sable → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (11.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (11.3% risk)
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

Mercury Sable Unidentified Engine

โœ… Recommended (3.7)
15 complaints 7.5 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
4
other
4
brakes
3
suspension
2
safety systems
1

Known Issues

Steering Issues (4 complaints)
Brakes Issues (3 complaints)
Suspension Issues (2 complaints)

3.5-V6-Gas

3.5L 6-cyl / 263 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.4)
66 complaints 33.0 per year Gasoline
3 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
13
steering
13
engine
11
electrical
11
other
8

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (13 complaints)
Steering Issues (13 complaints)
Engine Issues (11 complaints)

Same engine used in

+72 more
CHRYSLER LHS (2000-2001)TOYOTA Avalon (2013-2018)CHRYSLER Concorde (2000-2004)KIA Amanti (2004-2009)FORD Fusion (2006-2012)MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class (2006-2013)LEXUS IS (2014-2025)FORD F-150 (2004-2008)MITSUBISHI Montero Sport (2000-2004)NISSAN Murano (2009-2014)LINCOLN MKX (2007-2015)MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class (2014-2019)FORD Transit (2015-2025)LINCOLN MKZ (2007-2012)FORD Edge (2007-2014)CHRYSLER Town & Country (2008-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)FORD Taurus (2008-2009)MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class (2015-2019)CHRYSLER Sebring (2007-2010)DODGE Ram (2000-2001)FORD F-150 (2015-2020)FORD Edge (2015-2024)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Flex (2009-2019)INFINITI QX50 (2008-2017)INFINITI Q70 (2006-2010)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2005-2010)INFINITI QX60 (2013-2020)FORD F-150 (2009-2014)DODGE Journey (2009-2020)CHRYSLER Sebring (2001-2006)MERCEDES-BENZ GLE-Class (2012-2019)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2001-2006)KIA Sorento (2011-2015)DODGE Charger (2006-2010)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)NISSAN Altima (2013-2018)INFINITI QX4 (2000-2003)MITSUBISHI Eclipse (2000-2005)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2007-2012)NISSAN Maxima (2004-2008)NISSAN Pathfinder (2013-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2001-2007)DODGE Stratus (2001-2006)LINCOLN MKT (2010-2019)NISSAN Murano (2015-2025)NISSAN Pathfinder (2005-2012)DODGE Neon (2000-2005)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)FORD Expedition (2007-2017)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2008-2014)DODGE Intrepid (2000-2004)FORD F-150 (2021-2025)MERCEDES-BENZ GLS-Class (2013-2019)CHRYSLER 300 (2005-2010)HYUNDAI XG350 (2001-2005)NISSAN Maxima (2009-2014)DODGE Magnum (2005-2008)NISSAN Altima (2007-2012)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2010-2016)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2013-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2024-2026)RAM 2500 (2010-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class (2014-2020)KIA Sorento (2003-2009)MITSUBISHI Lancer (2002-2007)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)DODGE Avenger (2008-2014)LEXUS RX (2016-2022)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mercury Sable regardless of engine variant.

Steering Issues (17 complaints)
steering critical
Transmission Issues (13 complaints)
transmission critical
Engine Issues (11 complaints)
engine critical
Electrical System Issues (11 complaints)
electrical critical

Recalls (1)

16V247000Apr 25, 2016serious
Air Bags

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Alternatives in Compact Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2008-2009 Mercury Sable problems?

The 2008-2009 Mercury Sable has accumulated 81 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Steering, Transmission, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mercury Sable engine is most reliable?

The 2008-2009 Mercury Sable was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2008-2009 Mercury Sable a good used car?

The 2008-2009 Mercury Sable can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 81 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008-2009 Mercury Sable have?

The 2008-2009 Mercury Sable has 81 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2008-2009 Mercury Sable?

There is 1 NHTSA recall affecting some 2008-2009 Mercury Sable vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Mercury Sable?

Before buying a used Mercury Sable, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Steering, Transmission, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Sable?

The 2009 Mercury Sable received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 4 stars (11.3% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 81 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver