Two problems related to cruise control have been reported for the 2003 Mercury Sable. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Mercury Sable based on all problems reported for the 2003 Sable.
I was driving east on I-70 from kansas city mo. Cruise was set at 78. 4 lanes. Was in left passing lane and had to slow down quickly because of vehicle in front was doing about 50mph. The right was clear and I started moving to the right to pass. The car instantly accelerated as I started to turn right. The acceleration actually pull the car forward so fast the rear end slid to the left. Car moved a crossed the right 3 lanes of traffic at about a 60 deg angle. I managed to turn the car into the skid to avoid the guard rails and started back across the lanes with complete loss of control of the car as it did a complete 360. As I was returned to facing east again I pulled off into the median as I was again in the far left lane now in front of the vehicle I had started to pass. Having been in many emergency situation in my 67 years. I just road out the turn. I was no fun watching the vehicle I was trying to pass approach me while I was completing the 360. With so many vehicles surrounding the gap I was in, I am still amazed no one was killed, and no collision of any sort occurred. Took to the dealer and it was suggested the pcv valve was plugged. Replaced. Around Feb 2 2016 I was driving I 95 to florida. I noticed the cruise dropping out twice without braking and once accelerating without resetting. I understood now that the I-70 incident was actually the cruise control. I will have it disconnected so that it can not be used again. How I survived is beyond belief. I am extremely glad no one was with me.
The contact owns a 2003 Mercury Sable. The contact stated that the cruise control failed to function properly. A mechanic confirmed that the plastic cruise mechanism failed and caused the vehicle to accelerate up to 70 mph. The mechanic replaced the linkage component that controlled the cruise mechanism. Case # 0539942409 was filed with the Ford manufacturer regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000 miles. The current mileage was 41000. Updated 03/19/10. According to the mechanic, the speed control actuator cable failed. Updated 07/06/10.