1998 Ford Sable

Introduction

The 1998 Ford Sable is a midsize sedan that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 3.0-liter V6 that produced 140 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. A 3.8-liter V6 was also available, which produced 155 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Owners of the 1998 Ford Sable generally praise its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and reliable performance. However, the vehicle has also been known to experience a number of issues, which are detailed below.

Engine

• 3.0-liter V6
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, rough idle
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 3.8-liter V6
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, rough idle
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 4-speed Automatic
  • Shift Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, delayed shifts, hard shifts
    • Solution: Replace shift solenoid
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, electrical components not working, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead after sitting for a period of time
  • Solution: Find and fix the source of the battery drain (e.g. faulty wiring, parasitic draw)
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the source of the drain
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Weatherstripping Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaks into the cabin, wind noise
  • Solution: Replace weatherstripping
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Heater Core Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No heat coming from the vents, coolant leak
  • Solution: Replace heater core
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Bag Warning Light
  • Description/Symptoms: Air bag warning light illuminates on the dashboard
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the issue causing the warning light to illuminate
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the issue
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 1998 Ford Sable is a reliable and comfortable vehicle. However, it has been known to experience a number of issues, including intake manifold gasket failure, transmission shift solenoid failure, alternator failure, and weatherstripping failure. The severity of these issues varies, but most can be repaired for a reasonable cost.