2009 Mercury Sable Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2009 Mercury Sable has 20 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 33, ranking 3rd out of 4 model years with data. It carries a Good verdict, with no recalls filed and engine issues being the top reported problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 33/100
- #3 of 4 Sable years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 20
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Engine
- Best nearby year
- —
- no alternative with data
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 17.5 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2009 Mercury Sable problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine9 (45%)
- Brakes3 (15%)
- Structure & Body3 (15%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (15%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (15%)
- Other1 (5%)
- Steering1 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine suddenly stalls or loses power at speed, sometimes with the tachometer dropping to zero and the alternator warning light coming on.
- Engine stalling has occurred with cruise control engaged, in one case leading to loss of power brakes and power steering.
- Windshield wipers clog with snow and slush, leaving the windshield opaque and forcing drivers to pull over to clear it by hand.
- Front struts reportedly bottom out over bumps, causing the car to slide sideways; the dealer called this normal and would not replace them.
- Front wheels have intermittently seized during low-speed driving, triggering the ABS and traction control warning lights.
- A rear lower control arm hinge bolt was found backed out about two inches, raising concern the rear axle could disengage.
2009 Mercury Sable recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2009 Mercury Sable fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17.5 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2009 compared with other Sable years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Mercury Sable reliable?
- NHTSA lists 20 complaints for the 2009 Sable with a complaint index of 33, the lowest index among the four model years with data, and it earns a Good verdict relative to other Sable years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2009 Mercury Sable?
- Engine problems are the top reported issue, accounting for 9 of 20 complaints (45%), including cases of sudden stalling at speed with a median failure mileage of 39,115 miles.
- Does the 2009 Mercury Sable have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2009 Mercury Sable.
- How does the 2009 Sable compare to the 2008 Sable?
- The 2008 Sable has a complaint index of 100 and an Avoid verdict with 61 complaints and one recall, while the 2009 Sable has a much lower complaint index of 33 and a Good verdict.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2009 Mercury Sable?
- EPA rates the 2009 Sable at 20 mpg combined (17.5 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,250.