The vehicle dossier US · 2008

2008 Mercury
SABLEProblems & recalls

61 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 20 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 61 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Other components20 reports
Steering16 reports
Transmission & drivetrain11 reports
Electrical system11 reports
Engine6 reports
Brakes5 reports
Air bags4 reports
Fuel system3 reports
Suspension3 reports
Body & structure2 reports
See original component labels
STEERING14
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
POWER TRAIN9
ENGINE5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC3
SEATS3
SUSPENSION3
AIR BAGS3
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
SERVICE BRAKES2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL1
PARKING BRAKE1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE1
STEERING:RACK AND PINION1
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER1
STRUCTURE1
STRUCTURE:BODY1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 14 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Nov 24, 2025
Mileage, where supplied

48,000 miles is the median among 53 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 23,000–63,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

1 recall campaign on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Apr 26, 2016 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTALCampaign 16V247000

Reported concern

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."

Manufacturer’s stated response

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C06.

Manufacturer campaign: 16C06

Read campaign 16V247000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

14 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Jul 13, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB 20-2233This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or pee…NHTSA ID 10177863

This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10177863 at NHTSA
Jul 2, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 48070Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC …NHTSA ID 10163573

Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings. This may be due to a poor electrical connection at the blower motor speed control. If the blower motor speed control is determined to be the causal part, replacement of the electrical connector pigtail harness (14S411) to the blower motor speed control is also recommended to avoid repeat repairs. Use pigtail harness service part numbers 3U2Z-14S411-ZEA or CU2Z-14S411-FA, as both parts are interchangeable. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 5 for recommended splicing procedures.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10163573 at NHTSA
Feb 7, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 47797Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC …NHTSA ID 10156877

Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings. This may be due to a poor electrical connection at the blower motor speed control. If the blower motor speed control is determined to be the causal part, replacement of the electrical connector pigtail harness (14S411) to the blower motor speed control is also recommended to avoid repeat repairs. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 5 for recommended splicing procedures. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cells 54/55 to obtain the service pigtail connector part number.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10156877 at NHTSA
Feb 7, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 47797Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC …NHTSA ID 10155565

Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings. This may be due to a poor electrical connection at the blower motor speed control. If the blower motor speed control is determined to be the causal part, replacement of the electrical connector pigtail harness (14S411) to the blower motor speed control is also recommended to avoid repeat repairs. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cell 5 for recommended splicing procedures. Refer to Wiring Diagram, Cells 54/55 to obtain the service pigtail connector part number.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10155565 at NHTSA
Jan 10, 2018 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 47009The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDea…NHTSA ID 10140323

The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.

Components: EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10140323 at NHTSA
Jan 10, 2018 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 47009The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDea…NHTSA ID 10138524

The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.

Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10138524 at NHTSA
Sep 21, 2016 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 46085The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited …NHTSA ID 10109070

The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.

Components: ENGINE · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV) · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10109070 at NHTSA
Apr 24, 2013 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-13-4-17FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: SOME VEHICLES, WITH DIAGNOSTIC CODES (DTCS) P0351, P0352, P0353, P0354, P0355, MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP IN THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) AND ONE OR MORE COIL ON PLUG(S) DAMAGE. MOD…NHTSA ID 10052190

FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: SOME VEHICLES, WITH DIAGNOSTIC CODES (DTCS) P0351, P0352, P0353, P0354, P0355, MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP IN THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) AND ONE OR MORE COIL ON PLUG(S) DAMAGE. MODELS 2006-08 MILAN, FUSION, 2008 SABLE, TAURUS, 2007-08 MKZ, MKX, EDGE, 2006 ZEPHYR. *PE

Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10052190 at NHTSA
Aug 9, 2010 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-10-16-1FORD: THERE MAY BE A ROUGH IDLE OR MISSES WHILE THE MALFUNCTION LIGHT IS ON. THERE ARE MUTLIPLE POSSIBLE TROUBLE CODES STORED. *RMNHTSA ID 10039155

FORD: THERE MAY BE A ROUGH IDLE OR MISSES WHILE THE MALFUNCTION LIGHT IS ON. THERE ARE MUTLIPLE POSSIBLE TROUBLE CODES STORED. *RM

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10039155 at NHTSA
Oct 1, 2007 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-07-21-11FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN: SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 6F50 TRANSAXLE , WITH ANY OUTPUT SHAFT SPEED (OSS) SENSOR OR TURBINE SHAFT SPEED (TSS) SENSOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE(S) (DTCS) P0715, P0717, P0720, P0721, P0722 AND/OR HARSH …NHTSA ID 10032244

FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN: SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 6F50 TRANSAXLE , WITH ANY OUTPUT SHAFT SPEED (OSS) SENSOR OR TURBINE SHAFT SPEED (TSS) SENSOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE(S) (DTCS) P0715, P0717, P0720, P0721, P0722 AND/OR HARSH ENGAGEMENTS, NO UPSHIFT, FIFTH GEAR ONLY, COULD HAVE AN INTERMITTEN SHORT IN THE OSS OR TSS SENSOR. *PE

Components: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10032244 at NHTSA
Oct 1, 2007 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSI-20016FORD/MERCURY: VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A NON-METALLIC RUBBERY GRUNT FROM THE FRONT END AT LOW SPEEDS, MOST NOTICEABLY WHILE TURNING INTO/OUT OF A DRIVEWAY. ENGINEERING IS AWARE OF THIS CONCERN AND IS INVESTIGATING. *PENHTSA ID 10032237

FORD/MERCURY: VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A NON-METALLIC RUBBERY GRUNT FROM THE FRONT END AT LOW SPEEDS, MOST NOTICEABLY WHILE TURNING INTO/OUT OF A DRIVEWAY. ENGINEERING IS AWARE OF THIS CONCERN AND IS INVESTIGATING. *PE

Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10032237 at NHTSA
Oct 1, 2007 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSI-20010FORD: SOME MULTIPLES VEHICLES REPLACEMENTS MAY REQUIRE REVISED AS BUILT DATA. THE NEW LEVEL SJB SERVICE PART INTRODUCED BETWEEN 10/07 AND 02/08 WILL REQUIRE ENTRY OF AS BUILT DATA. *PENHTSA ID 10032234

FORD: SOME MULTIPLES VEHICLES REPLACEMENTS MAY REQUIRE REVISED AS BUILT DATA. THE NEW LEVEL SJB SERVICE PART INTRODUCED BETWEEN 10/07 AND 02/08 WILL REQUIRE ENTRY OF AS BUILT DATA. *PE

Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL · UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10032234 at NHTSA
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Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Oct 14, 2008 ClosedTIRE VALVE CRACKINGPE08060

ON OCTOBER 14, 2008, ODI OPENED PE08-060 TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF CRACKED AND LEAKING SNAP-IN TIRE VALVES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2007 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY.THE VALVES WERE SUPPLIED TO FORD BY TOPSEAL AUTO-PARTS, A SUBSIDIARY OF THE SHANGHAI BAOLONG AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION IN CHINA.VALVES MADE BY TOPSEAL FOR AFTERMARKET SALE WERE THE SUBJECT OF TWO RECENT SAFETY RECALLS BY TECH INTERNATIONAL (08T-018) AND DILL AIR CONTROLS (08T-028), THE LATTER OF WHICH WAS INVESTIGATED BY ODI IN PE08-036 AND EA08-022.THE DEFECT CONDITIONS ADDRESSED BY THE AFTERMARKET TIRE VALVE RECALLS BOTH INVOLVED INADEQUATE RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING DUE TO ISSUES WITH THE SUPPLY OF ANTI-OZONANT CHEMICALS TO TOPSEAL FOR A PERIOD FROM JULY TO MID-NOVEMBER 2006.THE AFTERMARKET VALVES WERE COMPOUNDED WITH A BLEND OF EPDM AND NATURAL RUBBER, USING A RELATIVELY LOW PERCENTAGE OF EPDM (EPDM PROVIDES INHERENT RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING).HENCE, THE NEED FOR ANTI-OZONANT CHEMICALS AND THE PROBLEMS WITH CRACKING WHEN THOSE CHEMICALS WERE MISSING OR OUT OF SPECIFICATION IN SOME LOTS OF VALVES.BOTH RECALL CAMPAIGNS INVOLVED INSPECTION PROGRAMS TO IDENTIFY AND REPLACE VALVES WITH VISIBLE SURFACE CRACKING.ALTHOUGH THE TOPSEAL VALVES SUPPLIED TO FORD ALSO APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE ANTI-OZONANT SUPPLY ISSUES IN MID TO LATE-2006, FORD INDICATED THAT ITS VALVES WERE MADE AT A DIFFERENT TOPSEAL PRODUCTION LINE AND WERE COMPOUNDED WITH A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF EPDM RUBBER TO MEET MORE STRINGENT SPECIFICATIONS FROM FORD.ODI'S ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA PROVIDED BY FORD SHOWED THAT PROBLEMS WITH CRACKED TIRE VALVES WERE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER FOR MY 2007 VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2006 THROUGH MARCH 2007.FORD RESPONDED BY IMPLEMENTING CHANGES IN ITS MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR SNAP-IN RUBBER TIRE VALVES AND ALSO INCREASING THE QUALITY AND ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR VALVES IMPORTED FOR USE IN ITS VEHICLES.WHILE THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY CLAIM RATES ARE ELEVATED FOR SUBJECT VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2006 THROUGH MARCH 2007, THE RATES OF LEAKING VALVES ARE WELL BELOW ONE PERCENT OF PRODUCTION FOR EACH OF THE PEAK MONTHS FOR ALL OF THE AFFECTED MODELS.A SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITY OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS (TPMS) WHICH WARN THE DRIVER WHEN ANY TIRE PRESSURES DROPS BELOW 25 PERCENT OF RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE. AS OUTLINED IN A LETTER TO ODI DATED APRIL 6, 2009, FORD HAS AGREED TO SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS OF CERTAIN MY 2007 AND 2008 FORD, LINCOLN AND MERCURY VEHICLES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CRACKING CONCERN. LETTERS WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS OF VEHICLES BUILT FROM NOVEMBER 2006 THROUGH MAY 2007.OWNERS CAN OPT FOR A FREE DEALER INSPECTION.VALVES EXHIBITING SURFACE CRACKS OR AIR LEAKAGE RELATED TO OZONE ATTACK WILL BE REPLACED BY FORD UNDER ITS NORMAL WARRANTY TERMS.FORD EXPECTS TO SEND THE LETTER BY APPROXIMATELY MID-MAY 2009. BASED ON THE USE OF TPMS IN THE MAJORITY OF SUBJECT VEHICLES AND THE RELATIVELY LOW RATES OF REPAIRS ASSOCIATED WITH LEAKING VALVES AND RESULTANT TIRE DAMAGE, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE ACTIONS FORD HAS AGREED TO TAKE WILL PROVIDE EFFECTIVE AND EXPEDITIOUS RESOLUTION FOR VEHICLES THAT WERE BUILT DURING THE PERIOD WHEN VALVES WITH INADEQUATE RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING WERE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN USED IN VEHICLE PRODUCTION.FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO

Recorded closure: Apr 9, 2009

Find investigation PE08060

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