1997 MERCURY SABLE

3 recalls — 50 complaints

98V028000 Feb 10, 1998
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.
571,800 vehicles affected
97V097000 Jun 9, 1997
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AX4S AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES. THE LOW/INTERMEDIATE SERVO COVER CAN SEPARATE FROM THE TRANSAXLE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. IF THIS OCCURS, TRANSMISSION FLUID WILL LEAK CONTACTING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE THESE SERVO COVERS.
100,000 vehicles affected
96V166000 Sep 5, 1996
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET HAS A SHARP EDGE WHICH CAN CAUSE THE PARKING PAWL TO HANG UP AND NOT ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET.
40,000 vehicles affected
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Oct 20, 2016
YES I HAVE A USED CAR AND THE DASH FROM THE HEAT HAS ROSE OFF OR HAS BUCKELED UP AND I HAVE CONTACTED THE COMPANY WELL APPARENTLY IT IS OBSOLETE AND IT IS HARD TO COME BY SO I CANT DRIVE WITHOUT A DASH AND I CANT GET ONE EITHER
SERVICE BRAKES Aug 30, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A SAFETY INSPECTION, WHERE THE MECHANIC NOTIFIED HER THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND THE BALL JOINTS WERE DETACHING FROM THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
SUSPENSION Aug 30, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A SAFETY INSPECTION, WHERE THE MECHANIC NOTIFIED HER THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND THE BALL JOINTS WERE DETACHING FROM THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Jun 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN BRAKING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD INCREASE ABNORMALLY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD SLIGHTLY PULL FORWARD AS IF IT WERE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. AS THE CONTACT WAS APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP, SHE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE MECHANIC DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL AS A PRECAUTION AND THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.
Crash
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS Aug 23, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE SUB FRAME THAT HOLDS THE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION TOGETHER WAS DETACHED FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO RUST. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING NOISE; HOWEVER, DURING THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS COVERED WITH RUST. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR RELATED WARRANTIES AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Nov 30, 2010
CONSTANTLY HAVING TO SERVICE BRAKES ON MY 1997 MERCURY SABLE. I HAVE HAD BRAKE CALIPERS SEIZE UP TO THE POINT THE WHEEL WAS TOO HOT TO TOUCH AND I CURRENTLY HAVE BRAKE LINES RUSTED OUT FOR THE SECOND TIME IN ABOUT 2 YEARS THIS IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE FOR SUCH AN EXPENSIVE LUXURY MODEL AND FROM A SAFETY POINT OF VIEW IT IS UNACCEPTABLE TO PUT ANYTHING IN THE WAY OF BRAKE LINES THAT WILL LEAK RUST OR OTHERWISE FAIL PREMATURELY. *TR
SUSPENSION:REAR May 5, 2010
I BOUGHT AND ARE DRIVING A 1997 MERCURY SABLE WITH 84K MILES AND IT IS A DANGER TO BE IN. THE REAR SPRINGS ARE BROKEN IN SEVERAL PLACES. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT FORD WAS RECALLING AND FIXING THIS PROBLEM IN SIMILAR AND LIKE YEARS OF TAURUS'S AND SABLES. MINE THEY CLAIM DOES NOT QUALIFY. THE 1997 IS THE SAME CAR AS A 1998 AND 1999 THAT THEY HAVE PROVIDED RECALL REPLACEMENTS ON... I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM OR HAVE BEEN IN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM THAT FORD IS OBVIOUSLY AWARE . *TR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Dec 11, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE WAS INFORMED BY A FORD REPRESENTATIVE THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V097000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE CONTACT STILL HAS THE VEHICLE, BUT IS AFRAID TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 37,840. UPDATED 12/30/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO DISCOVERED OIL LEAKING IN THE TRANSAXLE AREA. UPDATED 01/05/09. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Oct 9, 2008
I HAVE READ DOZENS OF EXAMPLES OF THE SAME PROBLEM POSTED ON THIS SITE. IT APPEARS THAT MERCURY NEEDS TO MAKE A RECALL. ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO MY BRAKE PEDAL RELEASED THE PRESSURE I HAD ON IT AND WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I TOOK IT INTO THE BRAKE SHOP AND HAD MY HOSES, CALIPERS, AND BREAK LINES ALL COMPLETELY REPLACED. WITHIN 6 MONTHS, THE EXACT SAME THING HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. I DO NOT HAVE $500 TO SPEND EVERY SIX MONTHS ON A CAR THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE RELIABLE AND DEPENDABLE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. *TR
SEAT BELTS Aug 4, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LOOSENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 55,000.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Jun 11, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING AND DRAINING ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ANY OPEN RECALLS AND THEY WERE UNAWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V097000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS Apr 2, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. IN COLD WEATHER, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL SHUT, BUT NOT LATCH UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN 3-4 MILES WITH THE HEATER ON FULL BLAST. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED FOR THE PAST TWO WINTERS. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS THE CONTACT'S RESPONSIBILITY. WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IS SHUT, ONE OF THE TRIM PANELS DETACHES FROM THE INTERIOR DOOR PANEL DUE TO DETERIORATION OF THE PLASTIC ATTACHMENTS (CHRISTMAS TREE). HE WAS INFORMED NOT TO WORRY ABOUT THE FAILURE BECAUSE IT WAS NOT HARMFUL. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DOES NOT LATCH BECAUSE THE PLASTIC MECHANISM DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE CONTACT HAS TO MANUALLY WORK THE DOOR HANDLE TO REACTIVATE THE LATCH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS NOT AN ISSUE, AND THAT THE DOOR NEEDED TO BE TAKEN APART AND RELUBRICATED AT HIS EXPENSE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. UPDATED 04/21/08 *BF
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH Apr 2, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. IN COLD WEATHER, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL SHUT, BUT NOT LATCH UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN 3-4 MILES WITH THE HEATER ON FULL BLAST. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED FOR THE PAST TWO WINTERS. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS THE CONTACT'S RESPONSIBILITY. WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IS SHUT, ONE OF THE TRIM PANELS DETACHES FROM THE INTERIOR DOOR PANEL DUE TO DETERIORATION OF THE PLASTIC ATTACHMENTS (CHRISTMAS TREE). HE WAS INFORMED NOT TO WORRY ABOUT THE FAILURE BECAUSE IT WAS NOT HARMFUL. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DOES NOT LATCH BECAUSE THE PLASTIC MECHANISM DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE CONTACT HAS TO MANUALLY WORK THE DOOR HANDLE TO REACTIVATE THE LATCH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS NOT AN ISSUE, AND THAT THE DOOR NEEDED TO BE TAKEN APART AND RELUBRICATED AT HIS EXPENSE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. UPDATED 04/21/08 *BF
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS Mar 3, 2008
CAR WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE, WHEN IT DID MOVE LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. WHEN I REMOVED TIRE, FOUND COIL SPRING HAD BROKEN AND PUNCTURED TIRE. VERY THANKFUL IT HAPPENED IN DRIVEWAY. OTHER MODEL YEARS ARE COVERED BY RECALL, COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING FOR 1997. *TR
TIRES:VALVE Jan 24, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. THE VEHICLE HAS COOPER TIRES. THE DAY AFTER THE CONTACT PURCHASED FOUR NEW TIRES, THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE FLATTENED. THE TIRE DEALER REPAIRED THE VALVE. THE PURCHASE DATE, POWERTRAIN, AND TIRE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 138,707.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS Sep 27, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE STRUCK THE CURB AND CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE PLASTIC STRIPS THAT HOLD THE BRAKE LINE TO THE BOTTOM SECTION OF THE VEHICLE WAS COLLECTING WATER THAT DID NOT EVAPORATE. AS A RESULT, THE TWO BRAKE LINES THAT DELIVERED OIL TO THE REAR BRAKES CORRODED AND ALL THE BRAKE FLUID LEAKED OUT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TWO MAIN LINES FROM THE BRAKE CYLINDER TO THE REAR TIRES. THE LINES WERE FLUSHED FIVE TIMES AFTER THE REPLACEMENT. THE REPAIR COST $567.13. MORE RECENTLY, THE VEHICLE LOST BRAKE POWER AGAIN AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO DRIVE THROUGH A STOP SIGN AT 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY CAME TO A STOP 150 YARDS LATER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE NOT TIGHTENED PROPERLY AND THE LINES HAD TO REPLACED AGAIN AT THE COST OF $611.45. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NO RECALLS WERE AVAILABLE AND THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,431. *UPDATED 12/12/07 *BF UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Sep 10, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO AND DESTROYED THE CONTACT'S GARAGE DOOR. HE STATED THAT THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE WAS TO PLACE IT IN PARK. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND IS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 78,000. UPDATED 12/31/07 *BF UPDATED *JB
Crash
TIRES:TREAD/BELT Mar 13, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 1997 MERCURY SABLE AT 20 MPH HE FELT A WOBBLE. THE CONTACT STATED IF THE WOBBLE CAME FROM THE FRONT TIRE IT WOULD CAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL TO SHAKE. THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED THE CONTACT THIS WAS DUE TO A BELT SEPARATION IN THE TIRE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE TIRE. TIRE TREAD SEPARATION OCCURRED THREE TIMES WITH THE FRONT TIRES AND FOUR OCCURRENCES INVOLVED THE REAR TIRES. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTINENTAL AND THE MODEL AMERI-TECH. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAD AN ODOMETER READING OF 86,000 MILES. THE TIRES FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.*AK THE CONSUMER PROVIDED INVOICES FOR ALL THE TIRE REPAIRS AND STATES HE WENT TO DIFFERENT DEALERS BECAUSE HE WAS INFORMED TO DO SO BY GENERAL TIRES. UPDATE 4/24/07 *TR
TIRES:SIDEWALL Jan 8, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE PURCHASED A SET OF FIRESTONE TIRES THAT DID NOT LAST LONGER THAN 10 DAYS. WHEN SHE RETURNED THE TIRES TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE BECAUSE SHE DIDN'T GET AN ALIGNMENT WHEN SHE PURCHASED THE TIRES. *AK UPDATED 01/31/07. *JB
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS Dec 4, 2006
WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 40 TO WORK, VEHICLE BEGAN RIDING VERY ROUGH. I COULD FEEL EVERY BUMP IN THE ROAD. GOT TO WORK AND DISCOVERED VEHICLE HAD DROPPED DOWN ALL THE WAY ON THE LEFT REAR AND MOST OF THE WAY ON THE RIGHT REAR. CAUSE WAS BROKEN LEFT REAR COIL SPRING. *JB
EQUIPMENT Nov 18, 2006
(LOCATION) STATE: MICHIGAN. CITY: WARREN: ZIP CODE: 48092. LOCATION: ELEVEN MILE ROAD & DEQUINDRE ROAD CROSS SECTION NEAR SEVEN ELEVEN GAS STATION. (DESCRIPTION OF THE INCIDENT): FRONT PASSENGER RIGHT SIDE WHEELS AND TIRES ASSEMBLY BROKE OFF FROM THE INTEGRATED VEHICLE. *NM
TIRES Nov 18, 2006
(LOCATION) STATE: MICHIGAN. CITY: WARREN: ZIP CODE: 48092. LOCATION: ELEVEN MILE ROAD & DEQUINDRE ROAD CROSS SECTION NEAR SEVEN ELEVEN GAS STATION. (DESCRIPTION OF THE INCIDENT): FRONT PASSENGER RIGHT SIDE WHEELS AND TIRES ASSEMBLY BROKE OFF FROM THE INTEGRATED VEHICLE. *NM
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS Nov 18, 2006
(LOCATION) STATE: MICHIGAN. CITY: WARREN: ZIP CODE: 48092. LOCATION: ELEVEN MILE ROAD & DEQUINDRE ROAD CROSS SECTION NEAR SEVEN ELEVEN GAS STATION. (DESCRIPTION OF THE INCIDENT): FRONT PASSENGER RIGHT SIDE WHEELS AND TIRES ASSEMBLY BROKE OFF FROM THE INTEGRATED VEHICLE. *NM
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS Apr 14, 2006
REAR RIGHT COIL SPRING SNAPPED WHILE GOING OVER A SMALL BUMP. *NM
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY Mar 16, 2006
BALL JOINT AND TIE-ROD REPLACEMENTS NEEDED VERY FREQUENTLY (1-2 TIMES A YEAR). ON BOTH A 1997 SABLE WAGON AND 1999 SABLE SEDAN. EACH VEHICLE HAS HAD SEVERAL BALL JOINTS AND TIE-RODS REPLACED, SOME COVERED BY MFG AS THE FREQUENCY WAS SO OFTEN. EACH TIME WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE BALL-JOINT AND/OR TIE-ROD, ON ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER, NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO "SAFETY" REQUIREMENTS. IF THIS IS THE CASE THAN THE FREQUENCY HAS ME CONCERNED THAT IF THE 'ISSUE" WAS NOT CAUGHT IN TIME THERE COULD BE AN INJURY OR DEATH. THE 1997 SABLE WAGON WENT IN FOR A STARTER REPLACEMENT TODAY 3/16/06 AND WE WERE TOLD THAT THE LOWER OUTER TIE-ROD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS TIE-ROD WAS REPLACED 11K MILES AGO ON 12/3/04 AND THE CAR WAS INSPECTED ON 12/5/05. *JB
SUSPENSION Mar 16, 2006
BALL JOINT AND TIE-ROD REPLACEMENTS NEEDED VERY FREQUENTLY (1-2 TIMES A YEAR). ON BOTH A 1997 SABLE WAGON AND 1999 SABLE SEDAN. EACH VEHICLE HAS HAD SEVERAL BALL JOINTS AND TIE-RODS REPLACED, SOME COVERED BY MFG AS THE FREQUENCY WAS SO OFTEN. EACH TIME WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE BALL-JOINT AND/OR TIE-ROD, ON ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER, NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO "SAFETY" REQUIREMENTS. IF THIS IS THE CASE THAN THE FREQUENCY HAS ME CONCERNED THAT IF THE 'ISSUE" WAS NOT CAUGHT IN TIME THERE COULD BE AN INJURY OR DEATH. THE 1997 SABLE WAGON WENT IN FOR A STARTER REPLACEMENT TODAY 3/16/06 AND WE WERE TOLD THAT THE LOWER OUTER TIE-ROD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS TIE-ROD WAS REPLACED 11K MILES AGO ON 12/3/04 AND THE CAR WAS INSPECTED ON 12/5/05. *JB
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Feb 15, 2006
VEHICLE SLOW TO UP SHIFT. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE SUDDENLY DROPPED TO LOWEST GEAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 23 MPH. LOUD ROARING! AFTER PLACING IN PARK; PUTTING INTO DRIVE TRANSMISSION SLAMS INTO FIRST GEAR, BUT WILL NOT CHANGE INTO HIGHER GEAR. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS Feb 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20-25 MPH THE BRAKES FAILED CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND DETERMINED BOTH BRAKE LINES BELOW THE FRONT DRIVER DOOR WERE RUSTED CAUSING THE LINES TO BREAK OPEN. THE RUST WAS CAUSED FROM TWO PLASTIC STRIPS ATTACHED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE LINES FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE REAR TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. UPDATED 03/17/06. *JB
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) Sep 8, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. WHEN PARKING THE CAR THE SHIFTER INDICATES IT IS IN PARK, BUT IT IS ACTUALLY IN REVERSE. THERE IS A RECALL #96V166000, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THIS PROBLEM ON 9-6-05. *AK *MR
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS Jun 20, 2005
DT: FORD MERCURY SABLE STATION WAGON 1997. FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND WENT PASS THE BASE AND MADE CONTACT WITH THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. THIS TIRE WAS SHREDDED. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING A VERY SLOW SPEED WHEN THIS HAPPENED. FORD WAS RECALLING THE 1999 - 2001 MODELS UNDER RECALL 04S17, THIS RECALL DOES NOT APPLY TO THE 1997. MODEL. *AK *JB
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE Jun 13, 2005
WE OWN A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. IN JUNE OF 2004 OUR HEATER CORE WENT OUT AND, AS THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY, WAS REPLACED BY A LOCAL CAR DEALERSHIP, HENRY DAY FORD. THE MILEAGE OF THE CAR WAS THEN 60,468. SINCE THEN, WE HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE HEATER CORE REPLACED AN ADDITIONAL 4 TIMES, THE LAST TIME WAS MAY 11, 2005 (MILEAGE 64,995). ON JUNE 7, 2005, ONCE AGAIN, THE HEATER CORE SEEMED TO GO OUT. WE TOOK IT TO HENRY DAY AND THEY INFORMED US THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS WARPED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. EACH TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED, A STEAM HAS FILLED THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE AND CLOUDED THE WINDOWS, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE WHERE I AM GOING. IT IS A VERY MALODOROUS STEAM, FULL OF ANTIFREEZE. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVE SPOKEN TO SEVERAL OWNERS OF FORD TAURUS AND MERCURY SABLE VEHICLES, AND MOST SEEM TO HAVE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH MULTIPLE HEATER CORE PROBLEMS. THIS WOULD APPEAR TO BE A FLAW IN THE VEHICLE. I AM CONCERNED THAT IT WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT FOR ME, AND I WONDER HOW MANY ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. I AM ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT MY HEALTH AND THE HEALTH OF MY SPOUSE (WHO HAS HEART PROBLEMS). WE HAVE BEEN NAUSEATED AND HAVE HAD CONGESTION AND EVEN SOME MEMORY PROBLEMS THAT SEEM TO OCCUR AFTER INHALING THE STEAM. WE WOULD LIKE INFORMATION ON THE EFFECTS OF INHALING THIS MIXTURE OF WATER AND ANTIFREEZE.
EQUIPMENT Jun 13, 2005
WE OWN A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. IN JUNE OF 2004 OUR HEATER CORE WENT OUT AND, AS THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY, WAS REPLACED BY A LOCAL CAR DEALERSHIP, HENRY DAY FORD. THE MILEAGE OF THE CAR WAS THEN 60,468. SINCE THEN, WE HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE HEATER CORE REPLACED AN ADDITIONAL 4 TIMES, THE LAST TIME WAS MAY 11, 2005 (MILEAGE 64,995). ON JUNE 7, 2005, ONCE AGAIN, THE HEATER CORE SEEMED TO GO OUT. WE TOOK IT TO HENRY DAY AND THEY INFORMED US THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS WARPED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. EACH TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED, A STEAM HAS FILLED THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE AND CLOUDED THE WINDOWS, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE WHERE I AM GOING. IT IS A VERY MALODOROUS STEAM, FULL OF ANTIFREEZE. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVE SPOKEN TO SEVERAL OWNERS OF FORD TAURUS AND MERCURY SABLE VEHICLES, AND MOST SEEM TO HAVE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH MULTIPLE HEATER CORE PROBLEMS. THIS WOULD APPEAR TO BE A FLAW IN THE VEHICLE. I AM CONCERNED THAT IT WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT FOR ME, AND I WONDER HOW MANY ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. I AM ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT MY HEALTH AND THE HEALTH OF MY SPOUSE (WHO HAS HEART PROBLEMS). WE HAVE BEEN NAUSEATED AND HAVE HAD CONGESTION AND EVEN SOME MEMORY PROBLEMS THAT SEEM TO OCCUR AFTER INHALING THE STEAM. WE WOULD LIKE INFORMATION ON THE EFFECTS OF INHALING THIS MIXTURE OF WATER AND ANTIFREEZE.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH Jun 8, 2005
I OWN A 1997 MECURY SABLE. ON 06/07/05 I WAS TRAVELING IN MI ON HIGHWAY 96 EAST BETWEEN GRAND RAPIDS AND LANSING. WHILE CRUISING ALONG AT 70 MPH, THE HOOD ON MY CAR RELEASED, AND SMASHED INTO MY WINDSHIELD CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE WINDSHIELD, HOOD, AND ROOF OF THE CAR. APPARENTLY THE SAFETY CATCH FAILED, WHICH IN TURN CAUSED THE DAMAGE. I SPOKE WITH FORD MOTOR, WHO EXPLAINED TO ME THAT BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE DAMAGE. I BELIEVE FORD TO BE LIABLE BECASUE THIS IS NOT A MAINTENANCE ISSUE. THE SAFETY CATCH BY DESIGN IS INTENDED TO PREVENT THESE TYPES OF ACCIDENTS, AND IT SHOULD NEVER FAIL.
STEERING May 3, 2005
THE CONSUMER WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. IT DIDN'T TURN. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY DROVE IT. THE DEALER REPLACED 2 PARTS IN THE STEERING, BUT THE PROBLEM REMAINED. THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A BINDING NOISE AND GETS REALLY TIGHT. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP THE WINDOWS WILL NOT ROLL DOWN. *JB *TT *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 29, 2005
WHEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE A CLICKING UNDER THE DASH WILL OCCUR, AT THE SAME TIME MY SEAT BELT LIGHT WILL COME ON AND GO OFF, WHEN IT GOES OFF I LOSE MY POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, STEREO AND WINDOW OPENER. THE ODDEST THING IS EVERYTHING IS FULLY RESTORED WHEN IN NEUTRAL OR PARK. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Jan 12, 2005
FAULTY DESIGN OF CAM SENSOR AND ACTUATOR ON 1997 MERUCRY SABLE. MY CAR FAILED. PROOF OF MULTIPLE FAILURES: HTTP://AUTOS.MSN.COM/RESEARCH/VIP/RELIABILITY.ASPX?MODELID=2008&SRC=VIP I REQUEST RECALL AND REPLACEMENT OF THIS PART ON ALL CARS. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Dec 21, 2004
NAR 04/01/2003. THE SPEED SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED 5 TIMES WITHIN 6 YEARS. WHEN THE SPEED SENSOR FAILED, IT CAUSED THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE TO GO TO ZERO WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL MOVING. THE GEARS CHANGED RANDOMLY AND THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT. *JB
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS Nov 21, 2004
BROKEN RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING OBSERVED WHILE SERVICING BRAKE SYSTEM. SEVERE CLUNKING SOUND RADIATED THROUGH VEHICLE FOR 3-5 DAYS PRIOR TO SERVICE.*AK
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS Oct 28, 2004
THIS WAS A FAILURE THAT FORTUNATELY WAS CAUGHT BEFORE A CRASH. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED LAST DECEMBER. FROM THE TIME I PURCHASED IT THERE WAS A CLUNKING SOUND THAT CAME FROM UNDER THE FRONT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER MY HUSBAND NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS MOVING BACK AND FORTH (FRONT TO BACK) WHEN THE CAR WOULD START OUT AND BACK UP. HE CONTINUED TO MONITOR IT FOR A FEW DAYS WHEN IT STARTED TO SOUND IF IT WERE WHIRRING AND GRINDING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. HE TOOK IT TO A REPAIR PLACE, FISHER AUTO BODY AND REPAIR IN SOMERSET. THERE THEY FOUND THE FOLLOWING, THE FRONT STRUTS WERE BAD, THE DRIVER SIDE WAS LEAKING AND HAD LITTLE FUNCTION, THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS WEAK; THE FRONT SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY MOUNT HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND HAD SEPERATED; THE REAR MOTOR MOUNT WAS DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED; THE REAR SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY MOUNTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (TO CURE THE CLUNKING); THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING HAD GONE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (TO REPAIR THE WHIRRING SOUND), PLUS STRUT MOUNT, CUSHION, ETC. THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR WAS NEARLY $1600. ALTHOUGH I SUSPECT THE WEAK STRUTS ALLOWED THE SUBFRAME TO SLAM TO THE GROUND ON HILLS OR SHARP GULLEYS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE FRONT MOUNTS BREAKING, THEY WERE CLEARLY NOT DESIGNED TO STAND UP IN THE LONG RUN. THE SAME DESIGN WAS USED ON THE 93 TAURUS FOR INSTANCE AND YOU RECALLED THE REAR MOUNTS AND REQUIRED A BEEFED UP MOUNTING PLATE AND DESIGN. YOU SHOULD FORCE FORD (MERCURY) TO DO THE SAME WITH THIS CAR. *AK
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT Oct 28, 2004
THIS WAS A FAILURE THAT FORTUNATELY WAS CAUGHT BEFORE A CRASH. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED LAST DECEMBER. FROM THE TIME I PURCHASED IT THERE WAS A CLUNKING SOUND THAT CAME FROM UNDER THE FRONT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER MY HUSBAND NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS MOVING BACK AND FORTH (FRONT TO BACK) WHEN THE CAR WOULD START OUT AND BACK UP. HE CONTINUED TO MONITOR IT FOR A FEW DAYS WHEN IT STARTED TO SOUND IF IT WERE WHIRRING AND GRINDING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. HE TOOK IT TO A REPAIR PLACE, FISHER AUTO BODY AND REPAIR IN SOMERSET. THERE THEY FOUND THE FOLLOWING, THE FRONT STRUTS WERE BAD, THE DRIVER SIDE WAS LEAKING AND HAD LITTLE FUNCTION, THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS WEAK; THE FRONT SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY MOUNT HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND HAD SEPERATED; THE REAR MOTOR MOUNT WAS DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED; THE REAR SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY MOUNTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (TO CURE THE CLUNKING); THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING HAD GONE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (TO REPAIR THE WHIRRING SOUND), PLUS STRUT MOUNT, CUSHION, ETC. THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR WAS NEARLY $1600. ALTHOUGH I SUSPECT THE WEAK STRUTS ALLOWED THE SUBFRAME TO SLAM TO THE GROUND ON HILLS OR SHARP GULLEYS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE FRONT MOUNTS BREAKING, THEY WERE CLEARLY NOT DESIGNED TO STAND UP IN THE LONG RUN. THE SAME DESIGN WAS USED ON THE 93 TAURUS FOR INSTANCE AND YOU RECALLED THE REAR MOUNTS AND REQUIRED A BEEFED UP MOUNTING PLATE AND DESIGN. YOU SHOULD FORCE FORD (MERCURY) TO DO THE SAME WITH THIS CAR. *AK
TIRES Oct 28, 2004
THIS WAS A FAILURE THAT FORTUNATELY WAS CAUGHT BEFORE A CRASH. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED LAST DECEMBER. FROM THE TIME I PURCHASED IT THERE WAS A CLUNKING SOUND THAT CAME FROM UNDER THE FRONT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER MY HUSBAND NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS MOVING BACK AND FORTH (FRONT TO BACK) WHEN THE CAR WOULD START OUT AND BACK UP. HE CONTINUED TO MONITOR IT FOR A FEW DAYS WHEN IT STARTED TO SOUND IF IT WERE WHIRRING AND GRINDING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. HE TOOK IT TO A REPAIR PLACE, FISHER AUTO BODY AND REPAIR IN SOMERSET. THERE THEY FOUND THE FOLLOWING, THE FRONT STRUTS WERE BAD, THE DRIVER SIDE WAS LEAKING AND HAD LITTLE FUNCTION, THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS WEAK; THE FRONT SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY MOUNT HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND HAD SEPERATED; THE REAR MOTOR MOUNT WAS DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED; THE REAR SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY MOUNTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (TO CURE THE CLUNKING); THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING HAD GONE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (TO REPAIR THE WHIRRING SOUND), PLUS STRUT MOUNT, CUSHION, ETC. THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR WAS NEARLY $1600. ALTHOUGH I SUSPECT THE WEAK STRUTS ALLOWED THE SUBFRAME TO SLAM TO THE GROUND ON HILLS OR SHARP GULLEYS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE FRONT MOUNTS BREAKING, THEY WERE CLEARLY NOT DESIGNED TO STAND UP IN THE LONG RUN. THE SAME DESIGN WAS USED ON THE 93 TAURUS FOR INSTANCE AND YOU RECALLED THE REAR MOUNTS AND REQUIRED A BEEFED UP MOUNTING PLATE AND DESIGN. YOU SHOULD FORCE FORD (MERCURY) TO DO THE SAME WITH THIS CAR. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL Sep 27, 2004
WHILE APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Sep 7, 2004
WHEN ON A INCLINE, THE VEHICLE SLIPPED OUT OF DRIVE TO REVERSE GEAR. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACK RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. *JB THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CABLE.
Crash
TIRES Jul 28, 2004
DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE RIGHT REAR TIRES TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRES ON THE SAME DAY WHILE ON A VACATION TRIP. GENERAL TIRES, SIZE 205/65R15, DOT# UNKNOWN. *AK THE GAS STATION ATTENDANT CHECK THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE AND IT ONLY HAD 17 LBS OF PRESSURE. HE TESTED AND FOUND MULTIPLE DEFECTS (SEPARATION AND LEAKS) IN ALL FOUR TIRES. *NM
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Jul 28, 2004
INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THE POWER STEERING/POWER WINDOWS AND ABS FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. *AK (AUTOMATIC POSITION LEVER MODULE) THE RADIO HAD GONE ON AND OFF AS WELL. *SC *JB
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. Jul 28, 2004
INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THE POWER STEERING/POWER WINDOWS AND ABS FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. *AK (AUTOMATIC POSITION LEVER MODULE) THE RADIO HAD GONE ON AND OFF AS WELL. *SC *JB
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS Jul 22, 2004
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MOVE MY CAR. I PUT IT IN GEAR AND HEARD A BIG CLUNK, THE CAR DROPPED ON THE LEFT AND I HEARD MY TIRE BLOW OUT. IT WAS THE LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING , WHEN IT BROKE THE BROKEN SPRING STABBED MY TIRE. I AM SURE THAT IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THIS WOULD HAVE CAUSED QUITE AN ACCIDENT. NOT ONLY WAS THIS A BIG EXPENSE FOR ME TO FIX. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR, BECAUSE I CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER ABOUT THE OTHER (RIGHT) SIDE AND ALSO THE BACK SPRINGS. DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT I CAN DO TO STAY SAFE IN MY VEHICLE? PLEASE RESPOND. THANK YOU. SHARON KITCHEN. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Jul 20, 2004
THE BRAKE FAILED WHEN APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT SHOP, MECHANIC INDICATED THE EXCESSIVE RUSTED IN THE BRAKE LINE MADE THE VEHICLE TO HAVE A LONGER STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *LA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES Jul 18, 2004
I OWN A 1997 MERCURY SABLE. THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WINDSHEILD WIPER IS DEFECTIVE, WE HAVE REPLACED IT SEVERAL TIMES AND IT CONTINUES TO BE A DANGEROUS PROBLEM. EACH TIME IT HAS OF COURSE BEEN RAINING HEAVILY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN IT JUST STOPS WORKING. WE HAVE SOMEHOW MANAGED AT THIS POINT TO HAVE NO ACCIDENTS BUT AS I SAID IT CONTINUES TO DO THIS EVEN AFTER HAVING IT REPLACED.
TIRES:TREAD/BELT Jul 10, 2004
A GENERAL TIRE 205 65R 15 FAILED ON 7/7/2004. THE TIRE TREAD CAME OFF AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN I20 NEAR TERRELL, TEXAS. THE TREAD KNOCKED THE SCREWS OUT OF THE BUMPER SIDE PANEL AND DAMAGED THE PANEL. I HAVE ESTIMATE OF OVER $1400.00 FROM LEADERSHIP FORD IN DALLAS.*AK