Mercury

Sable (5th)

2008-2009 · Compact Sedan
81 NHTSA Complaints
1 Recalls
3 Fire Reports
10 Crash Reports
View all 2 generations of the Mercury Sable → 📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

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

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."

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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 general mechanical issues. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mercury Sable engine is most reliable?

The 2008-2009 Mercury Sable was offered with 0 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the base engine 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 solid used car purchase 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 — 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 general mechanical issues, 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: 2026-04-07.

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