2001 Mercury Sable LS Premium
1MEFM55S81A641140
Vehicle history report for the 2001 Mercury Sable LS Premium (VIN 1MEFM55S81A641140). Blue, sedan/saloon, 3.0L 6-cyl 200 hp, gasoline. 146,188 mi reported. Registered in Oh. 9 open safety recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
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Vehicle identity & specifications
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What a full report checks for VIN 1MEFM55S81A641140
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 9
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
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…
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.
NHTSA Campaign #16E026000 · 01/04/2016SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT ANCHOR LATCH (ISO-FIX ANCHOR) FASTENERS DO NOT HAVE ADEQUATE RESIDUAL TORQUE. THE ANCHORS ARE SECURED TO THE FLOOR PAN WITH A REINFORCEMENT PLATE THAT HAS TWO STUDS THAT EXTEND UPWARD THROUGH THE FLOOR PAN AND THE ISO-FIX ANCHOR. THE SEALER ON THE FLOOR PAN COULD CAUSE A SOFT JOINT AND, EVEN IF THE NUTS ARE PROPERLY TORQUED, ROAD …
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND RE-INSTALL THE BRACKET NUT USING A TORQUE RETENTION MATERIAL (RED LOCTITE). OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 11, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD
NHTSA Campaign #00V240000 · 24/08/2000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE AFFECTED EXPEDITION/NAVIGATOR OWNER GUIDES DO NOT IDENTIFY THE LOCATIONS OF SEATING POSITIONS EQUIPPED WITH TETHER ANCHORAGES, AND DO NOT PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SECURING CHILD SEATS TO THESE TETHER ANCHORAGES. T…
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH OWNER GUIDE INSERTS REVISED TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED INFORMATION, AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THESE INSERTS TO THEIR OWNER GUIDES. CUSTOMERS WILL ALSO BE ADVISED THAT IF THEY PREFER, THEIR DEALER WILL AFFIX THE INSERTS TO THEIR OWNER GUIDES.
NHTSA Campaign #00V396000 · 28/11/2000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS MALFUNCTIONING COULD RENDER THE STOP LAMPS INOPERABLE OR CAUSE THEM TO STAY ON ALL THE TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE CONFUSION TO A FOLLOWING DRIVER, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED STOP LAMP SWITCH AND WIRE ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
NHTSA Campaign #04V106000 · 02/03/2004SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS. THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE TONGUE MAY NOT FULLY EJECT FROM THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WHEN THE RELEASE BUTTON IS PUSHED SLOWLY. THIS CONDITION COULD ALSO RESULT IN A PARTIAL LATCH OF THE TONGUE IN THE BUCKLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AND RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 4, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-367
NHTSA Campaign #01V144000 · 27/04/2001SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSIO…
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE SPRING SHIELDS. IN ADDITION, FORD IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS IN ALL OTHER STATES, FOR FRACTURE ONLY, UP TO 10 YEARS OF SERVICE OR 150,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 150,000 MILES
NHTSA Campaign #04V332000 · 15/07/2004SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PADELS ARE BEING RECALLED IN ORDER TO ADJUST THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS TO A MINIMUM OF 50 MM OF LATERAL SEPARATION. SIMULTANEOUS APPLICATION OF BOTH THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS COULD RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED AS TO THE PROPER WAY TO SET THE POSITION OF THE PEDALS AND TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE SPACING BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS MEASURED. IF THE SPACING IS FOUND TO BE LESS THAN 50 MM, THE DEALER WILL ADJUST THE PEDALS TO INCREASE THE DISTANCE BE
NHTSA Campaign #02V266000 · 02/10/2002VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST L…
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE TH
NHTSA Campaign #01V258000 · 08/08/2001EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS:SWITCH
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE PEDALS. IF THE GREASE FROM THE ADJUSTABLE PEDAL ASSEMBLY ENTERS THE STOP LAMP SWITCH, IT CAN CONTAMINATE THE CONTACTS LEADING TO CARBON BUILD UP, AND POTENTIALLY, A SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH AND WIPE DOWN THE ADJUSTABLE PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO REMOVE EXCESS GREASE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 22, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME
NHTSA Campaign #01V078000 · 12/03/2001We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 432 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Mercury Sable, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 1 involved a crash 🔥 1 involved a fire
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
🔍 Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 432
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2001 Mercury Sable.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Lately my car has been over accelerating to about 4,000 rpm’s at random moments. I almost got into a wreck today and I was driving 30 mph. I’ve cleaned the throttle body and the idle air control valve and still the same issue. The car only has 113,000 miles on it but now I’m too scared to even drive it!
NHTSA ODI #11452347STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
I GOT IN MY CAR STARTED TO DRIVE AND HEARD SOMETHING SNAP THEN SMOKE CAME FROM THE HOOD AND THE CAR PULLED HARD RIGHT. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND PARKED THE CAR. THE COIL SPRING BROKE AND DUG INTO MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE AND IT PULLED THE AXLE OUT OF THE CV JOINT.I WAS IN ALLENTOWN,PA. ON A MAIN ROAD IN THE CITY. FEB.8,2020.
Fire · NHTSA ODI #11321890SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH FULL FORCE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO EVENTUALLY STOP. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN…
NHTSA ODI #11191343SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHILE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOORBOARD TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT POWERED OFF AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE WHILE AT A RED LIGHT AND WA…
NHTSA ODI #11189691VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SUDDENLY DROPPED DOWN AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 120 MPH. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, BUT THE RPMS CONTINUED REVVING AT MAXIMUM CAPACITY. WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN, THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY CAME TO A ROL…
NHTSA ODI #11180282AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE BRUSHED AGAINST A CURB AND THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TERRY'S FORD OF PEOTONE (363 S HARLEM AVE, PEOTONE, IL 60468, 708-258-9200) AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED, BUT IT WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.…
NHTSA ODI #11151781VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND CONTINUED HIGH RPMS. ACCELERATES WITHOUT DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR MERCURY SABLE / FORD TAURUS 2000-2003 AND I JUST DISCOVERED A RECALL WAS DONE IN 2013 BY FORD. THE CAUSE IS A MALFUNCTIONING OF THE THROTTLE BODY AND/CRUSIE CONTROL CABLES.
NHTSA ODI #11121080POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TRANSMISSION ISSUES INCLUDED A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE WHEN FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL WIRING / FUNCTIONALITY CAUSED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO REV TO TO HIGH RPMS. WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL GEAR AND WAS FORCED TO JUMP FROM VEHICLE TO AVOID POTENTIALLY FATAL WRECK. BRAKE PADS BURNED THROUGH TO THE CALIPERS WHEN TRYING TO BRAKE.
Crash · NHTSA ODI #11067172+ 424 more complaints on record.
