Model year guide

2004 Mercury Sable

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Mercury Sable is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 17 on record.

2004 Mercury Sable — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Mercury Sable at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints52
Combined20 mpg
Typical price$1,703

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2004 Mercury Sable recalls 2

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:pads NHTSA Campaign #16E026000 · 01/04/2016

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 31, 2015 are inten…

Fix: 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.

Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust NHTSA Campaign #04V330000 · 08/07/2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE SEATS MAY HAVE BEEN INADEQUATELY WELDED.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE UPPER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY ON THE POWER SEATS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2004 Mercury Sable common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

2004 Mercury Sable MPG & running costs

Combined20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,100

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2004 Mercury Sable worth?

Low
$700
Typical price
$1,703
High
$3,495

From 14 comparable 2004 Mercury Sable listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Mercury Sable costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,500
Depreciation (5 yrs)$800
Total$16,300
Per mile$0.22

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,703) with the same model 5 model-years older ($887), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2004 Mercury Sable trims & engines on record

Trims
GS · LS Premium
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl 155 hp · 3.0L 6-cyl 200 hp

2004 Mercury Sable vehicles on record

Other Mercury Sable model years

2004 Mercury Sable — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Mercury Sable have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2004 Mercury Sable. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mercury Sable?

Based on 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, electrical system, exterior lighting.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Mercury Sable get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2004 Mercury Sable at about 20 mpg combined (17 city / 25 highway).

How much is a 2004 Mercury Sable worth?

Comparable 2004 Mercury Sable listings run roughly $700–$3,495, typically around $1,703 (from 14 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.