1997 Mercury Sable
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Sable › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Mercury Sable. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1997 Mercury Sable. Newest first.
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."
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the headlamp assemblies are replaced, customers may be confused by the aiming instructions provided in the owner guides causing the headlamps to be improperly aimed.
Remedy
Owner guides containing revised aiming instructions will be mailed to owners of these vehicles.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The catalytic converter temperature may be hot enough to ignite the transmission fluid and cause a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the transmission and replace these servo covers.
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.
Owner complaints
228 complaints10 involved a crash5 involved a fire11 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
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used car and the dash from the heat has rose off or has buckeled up and I have contacted the company well apparently it IS obsolete and it IS hard to come by so I cant drive without a dash and I cant get one either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 · Suspension
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
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…
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.
- Structure › Frame and members
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…
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
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…
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
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…
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
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…
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
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…
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
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
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…
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.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
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…
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
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
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
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…
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
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.…
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
- Tires › Tread/belt
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…
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
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
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 · Tires · Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
(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
Rear right coil spring snapped while going over a small bump. *nm
- Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly · Suspension
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…
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
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
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…
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)
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
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
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.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10008592Exhaust system y-pipe crack at the noise vibration harness bracket.
- 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.
- 10004886Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457 or p1442 or a check fuel cap lamp illuminated with dtc p0457 for the evaporative emission system.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
- 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.
- 6090131Information on diagnosing a vehicle with malfunction indicator lamp illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes p0442 and p0455 stored in continuous memory.
- 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.
- 627927Some vehicles may exhibit vacuum or air leaks in the intake manifold and / or engine system causing diagnostic trouble codes p0171 and or p0174.
- 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.
Every Mercury Sable model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.