1996 Mercury Sable
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Mercury › Sable › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Mercury Sable. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1996 Mercury Sable. Newest first.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles previously serviced under ford service bulletin 97-17-9 from august 1997 through december 1997. these vehicles were inadvertenly equipped with an 18-gallon fuel tank rather than the 16-gallon as specified. the 18-gallon tank has a second valve location where a shipping plug should be installed.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this shipping plug IS displaced, fuel leakage can result. fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could potentially result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install the correct fuel tank.
The automatic transmission park pawl shaft may not be free to rotate as intended. if the park pawl shaft does not rotate, it would prevent the park pawl from engaging the park gear when the shift lever IS in the park position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could result in the vehicle rolling as if in neutral with the shift lever in the park position.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the park pawl shaft rotation and those shafts with restricted rotation will be replaced with a shorter shaft that will not restrict rotation.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Unintended and unexpected vehicle movement can result in personal injury and property damage.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the park pawl abutment bracket.
The park pawl shaft was improperly positioned when the roll pin that retains it was installed during transmission assembly. if the shaft was not properly positioned, the roll pin may not have lined up with the groove in the shaft and have been crushed at assembly. also, a burr could have been raised on the shaft.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in the park pawl occasionally not engaging when the transmission selector lever IS placed in the park position. This could result in the vehicle rolling as if in neutral if the vehicle operator does not apply the parking brake.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the park pawl shaft roll pin. If the roll pin IS damaged, both the roll pin and the park pawl shaft will be replaced. In addition, owners will be reminded to fully apply the parking brake, in addition to placing the transmission in park.
The brake system fluid level indicator lamp switch can malfunction. This does not comply with fmvss no. 105, "hydraulic brake systems."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Consequence of non-compliance: if the switch malfuntions, the brake system warning lamp will either remain illuminated continuously or fail to light as intended when the fluid level falls to a certain level. in either case, the vehicle operator would not be warned of a low brake fluid level condition.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake system fluid level indicator lamp switches.
Owner complaints
304 complaints20 involved a crash10 involved a fire119 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
Just bought a mercury sable 1996. After driving this vehical for about 10 miles, the transmission began to slip badly. It began with having trouble accelerating from a complete stop. Luckily I was driving in a rural area with few stops and little traffic. By the time I stopped at the 3 stop sign.…
Just bought a mercury sable 1996. After driving this vehical for about 10 miles, the transmission began to slip badly. It began with having trouble accelerating from a complete stop. Luckily I was driving in a rural area with few stops and little traffic. By the time I stopped at the 3 stop sign. The transmission would no longer engage into 1ST or 2ND gear. Never got into 4TH gear. But had to get push the vehical from the last stop sign until I reached a small hill that allowed me to reach the speed so that 3RD was able to engage and was able to make it to my house. The car hasn't moved since then. Waste of $1,000!! Transmission IS finished.
- Steering · Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1996 mercury sable. While driving at various speeds, a squeaking noise was heard under the vehicle, especially when slowing down, making turns, and reversing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cradle and subframe bushing were…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 mercury sable. While driving at various speeds, a squeaking noise was heard under the vehicle, especially when slowing down, making turns, and reversing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cradle and subframe bushing were corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, while driving at certain speeds and making right or left turns, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
- Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 1996 mercury sable. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance and the mechanic discovered that the engine cradle and the subframe were severely rusted and corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1996 mercury sable. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where unknown repairs were performed. The failure recurred however and the…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 mercury sable. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where unknown repairs were performed. The failure recurred however and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the same failure on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000 and the current mileage was 49,000. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine
Relevant information---engine was repaired on sept. 9/10, 2012 same morning as the accident--car was driven to bank but as I was leaving I could not put car into reverse. A gentleman passerby was able to put it into reverse with effort and a loud noise in the gears. I proceeded to my exercise…
Relevant information---engine was repaired on sept. 9/10, 2012 same morning as the accident--car was driven to bank but as I was leaving I could not put car into reverse. A gentleman passerby was able to put it into reverse with effort and a loud noise in the gears. I proceeded to my exercise class which lasted one hour. Had no trouble with reverse gear this time. about 1/2 hour later I was turning into a parking lot and in a matter of minutes the engine started revving up and shot forward on its own, went over a curb & sidewalk and crashed into a brick wall at high speed. the air bags went off and with effort I was able to open the front door. I had minor injuries--nose, cut on elbow, banged up knees. The engine of the car kept roaring for possibly 15 minutes until someone cut the cable to the battery. The police reported that I had stepped on the gas instead of the brake which was totally false. I remember distinctly thinking--there's something terrible wrong with my car. The insurance company was not interested in pursuing the cause which may have been related to the repair done on the engine. They called the car a total loss. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 1996 mercury sable. While driving at approximately 5 mph the contact heard a popping sound coming from the under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic. The mechanic stated the rear lower subframe was fractured due to corrosion and could…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 mercury sable. While driving at approximately 5 mph the contact heard a popping sound coming from the under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic. The mechanic stated the rear lower subframe was fractured due to corrosion and could detach from the vehicle. There was a recall under nhtsa campaign ID number: 98v323000 (structure:frame and members) that may be related to the failure but did not include 1996 models. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
- Air bags · Seat belts
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 mercury sable. The contact stated that while sitting on the passenger seat, he was involved in an accident. He mentioned that although he was properly wearing his seat belt and the airbag deployed, it failed to protect him. He mentioned that his head and right hand hit…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 mercury sable. The contact stated that while sitting on the passenger seat, he was involved in an accident. He mentioned that although he was properly wearing his seat belt and the airbag deployed, it failed to protect him. He mentioned that his head and right hand hit into the windshield and shattered it. He also suffered a concussion and injuries to his knees. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 166,000. Updated 06/01/11*lj updated 06/13/11
- Electrical system · Power train › Automatic transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 mercury sable wagon. The contact stated the vehicle had been parked on sept 10,09 at 3:30, the next day, at 6:30 pm the vehicle caught fire. The vehicle was engulfed in flames. There were no injuries. The fire department extinguished the fired and stated that it was as…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 mercury sable wagon. The contact stated the vehicle had been parked on sept 10,09 at 3:30, the next day, at 6:30 pm the vehicle caught fire. The vehicle was engulfed in flames. There were no injuries. The fire department extinguished the fired and stated that it was as electrical fire. A fire report IS available if needed. The manufacturer was not notified. The insurance has not advised the contact if the vehicle was destroyed or not. An insurance adjuster will provide the findings as soon as possible. The failure mileage was 140,000. updated 10/20/09 *cn the consumer stated the transmission was replaced twice. Updated 10/23/09.*jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
The steel brake lines to the rear breaks rusted and my breaks failed. I have looked at three other cars of the same type and tey have the same problem. This could kill someone. *tr
- Tires › Tread/belt
Tire tread on general ameri tech tires separated. *jb
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
The sub frame on my son's 96 mercury sable suddenly broke loose and nearly caused him a serious accident. The steerinmg of the vehicle became very eratic and as such lost control of the vehicle. Luckily no one was hurt.the area where the frame attaches to the body had literaly rusted away and the…
The sub frame on my son's 96 mercury sable suddenly broke loose and nearly caused him a serious accident. The steerinmg of the vehicle became very eratic and as such lost control of the vehicle. Luckily no one was hurt.the area where the frame attaches to the body had literaly rusted away and the subfram had shifted. I checked the complaint databases and found ford had a recall on sables and tauruses for subframe failures from 89 to the 95 model in saltbelt states. The same type of failures listed in the recall informatioin are also endemic to the 96 model. Other than the subframe failure the car was in excellent shape and well maintained. The major concern I have IS how many other 96' sable and tauruses are still on the roads in the saltbelt states with the potential for a very serious and life threatening accident to occur due to this defect. I seriously believe that ford or some governmental agency should require warnings to be issued to owners of these cars to have them inspected before people who are driving these cars find themselves in a serious accident.
- Structure › Frame and members
TL* - the contact has a 1996 mercury sable with an odometer reading of 60000 miles; the subframe was rusted. The contact heard a cracking noise when making left turn at 5 mph under dry conditions. when the contact looked under the car he found that the subframe rusted off of the vehicle. this…
TL* - the contact has a 1996 mercury sable with an odometer reading of 60000 miles; the subframe was rusted. The contact heard a cracking noise when making left turn at 5 mph under dry conditions. when the contact looked under the car he found that the subframe rusted off of the vehicle. this failure IS addressed under recall 98v323000 frame and members. The contact called the manufacturer, and was told that the car was too old for them to take any action. the contact said that he would have pictures and a repair order. *ak updated 02/22/07. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Dt*: the contact stated the brake lines from the front to the rear of the vehicle rusted causing brake fluid to pour from the tubes. as a result, the brakes failed without warning. the brake pedal went to the floor while traveling at 25 mph on a dry highway. upon inspection of the vehicle, the…
Dt*: the contact stated the brake lines from the front to the rear of the vehicle rusted causing brake fluid to pour from the tubes. as a result, the brakes failed without warning. the brake pedal went to the floor while traveling at 25 mph on a dry highway. upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact noticed pit holes in the tubes located in the fuel lines where the rust appeared. the vehicle was towed to a dealership to have the brakes repaired.
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension › Front › Stabilizer bar
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the left front wheel stabilizer arm wobbled from side to side. the vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop and it was determined, the front undercarriage and engine mounts were rusted. the vehicle was exposed to extreme winter…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the left front wheel stabilizer arm wobbled from side to side. the vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop and it was determined, the front undercarriage and engine mounts were rusted. the vehicle was exposed to extreme winter weather and corrosive road salts. the repair shop concluded that due to the extensive corrosion, the problem could not be corrected. the manufacturer was not alerted.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. the vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop who determined the engine mount and carriage frame rusted which caused the engine to slip from the mount. the vehicle was exposed to extreme…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. the vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop who determined the engine mount and carriage frame rusted which caused the engine to slip from the mount. the vehicle was exposed to extreme winter weather and road salts. the repair shop concluded that a piece of steel needed to be added to each side of the engine mount to correct the problem. the manufacturer was not alerted.
- Tires › Tread/belt
Tire/tread separation. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
(1) car shifts hard during acceleration and deceleration. speedometer does not work or bounces up, then down. check engine light comes on. (2) while driving at normal road speeds the transmission will switch to low gear causing sudden throw of driver inside car and at times when trying to…
(1) car shifts hard during acceleration and deceleration. speedometer does not work or bounces up, then down. check engine light comes on. (2) while driving at normal road speeds the transmission will switch to low gear causing sudden throw of driver inside car and at times when trying to accelerate there IS a long delay in power to engine then sudden acceleration. (3) replaced cam sensor and other sensor three times and always fails again.*jb
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Over the past several months I have been noticing that my engine "revs" as I try to stop.the problem IS intermitent but seems to be occurring more often. I had the dealer check it out-the 1ST time I believe they just did a test drive and said they could find nothing wrong. About 1 1/2 months later…
Over the past several months I have been noticing that my engine "revs" as I try to stop.the problem IS intermitent but seems to be occurring more often. I had the dealer check it out-the 1ST time I believe they just did a test drive and said they could find nothing wrong. About 1 1/2 months later it happened again and I bumped into a security gate at work. As I approached the closed gate I had my foot on the brake as I "eased" up to the card reader to open the gate, all of a sudden the engine started to rev and car inched forward as I tried to apply more brake effort. After a few seconds the idle returned to normal. I took the car back to the dealer 2 days later and paid for a computer diagnostic-again nothing was found and I was told it could be almost anything, and they had no suggestions on what to do. They told me they could replace "random" parts but it would cost alot of money to do so. I am not positive but this happened to me at least 4 times. The car revs for a few seconds as I brake to stop and then returns to normal idle.
- Structure
Dt:contact states the body of the car corroded from inside out,where the frame bolts were located. Contact called a ford dealer, who stated there was no a recall on this vehicle. *ak *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
Recall campaign 96v176000 was issued. when engaging the vehicle into park it began to roll. however, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak the vehicle does not enage in park and will not pass inspection. *tc
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Consumer complained about a brake problem. when driving through the rain warning dash lights come on, and the vehicle stalled. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Structure › Frame and members · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint · Tires
While driving engine collapsed due to rusting. this caused the frame to break. also, when the engine collapsed the ball joints broke, causing the tires to disengage from the vehicle. *ak
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
While driving passenger's front wheel fell off. consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that front passenger upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to corrosion.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Power train slipping and failure. Transmission will slip after first stop. Let set for a few minutes and restart, will drive until next stop.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train · Service brakes, hydraulic · Wheels
I have had this car for one year and one half. I bought it from ray hudson chevrolet in la crosse ,wis. I had the car two weeks and the transmission had to be replaced. Two weeks after the front and back brakes had to be replaced. This was at the dealers exspense. I had to have a wheel bearing replaced and now after a year and 1/2 I have to replace the whole motor.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10017916Surge, idle roll, rough idle only when the engine cooling fans are operating.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008314Erratic operation of the cool/warm function of the temperature control system - repair procedure for stratification (secondary) temperature blend door.
- 10008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application.
- 10008183Groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector IS in park with the vehicle parked on an incline. This bulletin updates previous bulletin 17358, dated 11/01/2003 to include 2005 models.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10002684Torque converter clutch not engaging when commanded and/or diagnostic trouble codes p0741 or p1744 stored in memory. Models from 1996 to 2003.
- 10000592Incorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge, lost of power, malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1336, p1309 and p0340.
- 6091815Some vehicles may exhibit front outer tie rods squeak and / or pop noise over bumps and / or turning.
- 6090873Locks failed. Yd
- 6090649Information regarding slight vibration upon acceleration. *Mjs
- 6090538Information regarding camshaft position (cmp) sensor alignment tool chart. *Mjs
- 6090455Information regarding the winners of the edsr of the month quality awards for the month of august. *Mjs
- 6090310Some service manuals may list the incorrect camshaft position sensor alignment tool for vehicles with various engine sizes.
- 6090184Information on replacing and / or repairing malfunctioning (door, ignition and decklid) locks.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090085Service information for musty and mildew type odors coming from the air conditioning / heating system.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6090053Some vehicles equipped with AX4S transaxle, may exhibit a harsh 2-3 downshift may occur when coasting around a corner and then accelerating.
- 6090051Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 635968Some vehicles equipped with the 3.0L 4V duratec engine may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with a diagnostic trouble code p1518, intake manifold runner control.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 630408Some vehicles may exhibit a check engine light and/or egr diagnostic trouble codes 332, p0401, p1407 (lackof egr flow).
- 630356Some vehicles may exhibit a park pullout clunk noise when shifting from park to another gear position.
- 630351Some vehicles may exhibit a groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector IS in park.
- 630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 622665On some vehicles, engine oil may continue to leak from the engine oil pan gasket area after an engine oil pan gasket repair has been performed.
- 622646Some vehicles may exhibit cooling system conditions such contaminated / corroded coolant; leaking / discolored coolant overflow bottles; vibration from engine; leaking heater core; coolant overflow; high temperature gauge readings, etc.
- 620415Information regarding passenger air bag module be replacement during normal vehicle service after restraint system diagnostics.
- 620271Some vehicles may exhibit an intermittent loss of integrated control panel (icp) illumination. Audio and climate controls continue to operate during the icp's loss of illumination condition. This may be caused by a faulty internal ribbon cable connection in the icp.
- 619424Subject regarding engine oil recommendations for use in 2001 vehicles - sae 5W-20 motor oil.
- 619333Some vehicles equpped with 3.0L 2V vulcan or 4V duratec engine may exhibit an exhaust rust-thru, weld fatigue condition between the two toeboard catalysts where a tie-in bracket IS welded to the formed inlet pipe of the rear bank toeboard catalyst.
- 619266Vehicles equipped with passive anti-theft system (pats) may not start or crank.
- 618578Some vehicles may experience a separation between layers of the instrument panel.
Every Mercury Sable model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.