1996 Mercury Sable problems
The Mercury Sable is a range of automobiles manufactured and marketed by the Mercury brand of Ford Motor Company. Introduced on December 26, 1985, as the replacement for the Mercury Marquis, the Sable marked the transition of the mid-size Mercury product range to front-wheel drive.
Over its production span, the Sable was Mercury's badge-engineered counterpart to the Ford Taurus, below the Grand Marquis in the Mercury range. From the 1986 to 2005 model years, it was produced as a mid-size four-door sedan and five-door station wagon. For 2006, the Sable was replaced by the full-size Montego and mid-size Milan. It was reintroduced for 2008 as a full-size car, offered as a four-door sedan.
Because of declining sales, the Sable was discontinued after the 2009 model year, leaving no Mercury counterpart for the sixth-generation Taurus. The final Sable was produced on May 21, 2009; in total, 2,112,374 Sables were produced during its 1985–2005 production.
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Common 1996 Mercury Sable problems
The Mercury Sable, introduced in 1986, was a popular midsize sedan that shared many components with the Ford Taurus. However, the 1996 model year has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners.
- Transmission Issues: The 1996 Mercury Sable has been reported to have transmission problems, which is the worst problem category for this model year.
- Ignition Lock Flaw: Some owners of the 1996 Mercury Sable have experienced issues with the ignition lock, which may require replacement. This issue has been reported to occur in both Sables and Tauruses, and it is unclear if it has been addressed in later models.
- Engine Service Soon Light: Some Sable owners have reported experiencing the engine service soon light, which may indicate a transmission problem.
- Starting Problems: Some 1996 Mercury Sable owners have reported issues with starting the car, which may require turning the steering wheel or tapping on the starter motor to resolve. This issue has been reported to occur multiple times, and it is unclear if it has been addressed in later models.
- Interior Heating Issues: Some Sable owners have reported issues with interior heating, which can be particularly problematic in colder climates.
- Broken Springs: The 2000 Sable has been reported to have 4 complaints about broken springs, which can affect the car's handling and ride quality.
- Faulty Clearcoat: Some older Mercury Sable models, including those from the late 80s to early 90s, have been reported to have issues with a faulty clearcoat that can develop cracks and peel over time. This issue may have been addressed in later models, but it is unclear if it affects the 1996 Sable specifically.
These common problems with the 1996 Mercury Sable have been reported based on complaints from owners, and they may vary in frequency and severity. It is important for Sable owners to be aware of these issues and to seek professional help if they experience any of these problems.
What years of Mercury Sable to avoid?
The Sable has 5 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 4th generation (2000–2005).
What kind of engine does a Mercury Sable have?
For the Sable G and GS, the standard engine was the 3.0L Vulcan V6, producing 145 hp. For the Sable LS, the standard engine was a 3.0L DOHC Duratec V6, producing 200 hp; optional in the Sable GS, the Duratec engine was an enlarged version of the engine from the Mercury Mystique.
How much horsepower does a 1988 Mercury Sable have?
MMP Rating
| Engine Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Horsepower Range: | 140 hp @ 4800 rpm (3.0L), 140 hp @ 3800 rpm (3.8L) |
| Torque: | 160 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (3.0L), 215 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (3.8L) |
| Compression Ratio: | 8.9:1 (3.0L), 9.0:1 (3.8L) |
| Ignition System: | Electronic |
Is Mercury Sable a good car?
Overall Mercury Sable is a great vehicle. Very comfortable, powerful, and drives smoothly. Relatively, fuel efficient.
1996 Mercury Sable car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercury Sable problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
- Visibility problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Mercury Sable vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1996 Mercury Sable
The NHTSA has received 330 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Mercury Sable. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1996 Mercury Sable vehicles.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-14
- VIN: 1MELM50U8TA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-05
- VIN: 1MELM50U5TA
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-16
- VIN: 1MELM53S3TG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-12
- VIN: 1MELM53S6TG
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-02
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1MELM50U8TA
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-19
- VIN: 1MELM53S3TG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-02-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1MELM58SXTG
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-09-11
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MELM58S4TA
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-06
- VIN: 1MELM55U1TG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-04
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE TREAD ON GENERAL AMERI TECH TIRES SEPARATED. *JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-15
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-02
- VIN: 1MELM50U7TG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-13
- VIN: 1MELM50U0TA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-01
- VIN: 1MELM53S6TG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-16
- VIN: 1MELM53S4TG
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-03
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE/TREAD SEPARATION. *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-02
- VIN: 1MELM50U1TA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: (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
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-16
- VIN: 1MELM50U4TG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-05
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1MELM53S5TA
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-04
- VIN: 1MELM53S9TG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1MELM50U1TA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A BRAKE PROBLEM. WHEN DRIVING THROUGH THE RAIN WARNING DASH LIGHTS COME ON, AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. *AK
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1MELM50U2TA
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE,TIRES
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1MTLM50U2T8
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-09
- VIN: 1MELM53S2TA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-25
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 9999
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED ENGINE TROUBLE. THE CONSUMER THEN OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW FLAMES. *PH THE CONSUMER FIRST NOTICED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WHEN THE VEHICLE SPUTTERED. UPON STOPPING HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE FRONT END. THE CONSUMER PUT THE FLAMES OUT WITH A SODA. *SC
1996 Mercury Sable recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1996 Mercury Sable.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP
- Summary: THE BRAKE SYSTEM FLUID LEVEL INDICATOR LAMP SWITCH CAN MALFUNCTION. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS."
- Consequence: 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.
Negative 1996 Mercury Sable car reviews
Positive 1996 Mercury Sable car reviews
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I bought this wagon used 7 years ago and have not needed to use the bumper to bumper warranty. It only requires normal maintenance. The car has great gas mileage for its size, achieving 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The handling, leg room, and sound system are all fantastic. The paint finish is wonderful, even though it has not been kept in a garage. It has been used to transport many muddy soccer kids and may even be passed down to my grandson as his college car in a few years. With a seating capacity of 8, thanks to the 3rd seat, it is perfect for families. It handles well in snow and rain, with no road noise. The style is timeless and reliable, making it a great first car for anyone looking for safety and reliability, as well as lots of features.
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I bought this car brand new as our main family vehicle. After twelve years and 117000 miles, it still runs and looks like new. I have done all the maintenance myself, including oil and filter changes every 3000 miles and transmission service every 40K. As a result, the car has rewarded me with exceptional reliability. The only major repairs I have had to do were axle replacement at approximately 70K due to tearing of boots from an encounter with highway debris and lower ball joints replacement due to potholed streets at 105K. This car is my main transportation to and from work. My wife drives a 2005 Five Hundred, also purchased new and being maintained very well with the expectation that it too will last over 10 years and over 100K miles.
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I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with my 1996 Mercury Sable wagon. I purchased it in 2009 with only 37,000 miles on it, and it has been a reliable car for me ever since. While I did have to replace the engine in 2014, it has been smooth sailing since then. The paint has held up well over the years, but there are a few minor repairs needed for the interior. The rear speaker screws came off and the plastic front passenger door handle has a missing piece, but these are minor issues that can be easily fixed. Despite its age, it still drives great with only 90,000 miles on it, as I don't drive much. I'm planning on selling it soon, but only because I'm now 67 and I want to get a car with safety features. Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience!
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Hi there! I just wanted to let you know that the car has only done 98,000 miles and the front tierods have already been replaced!
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115000 excellent miles! You've got yourself a great car with minimal problems.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Mercury Sable problems:
1996 Mercury Sable Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
Top 1996 Mercury Sable Problems · Problem With Idle Air Bypass Valve May Cause Engine Performance Problems · Engine Oil Pan Gasket May Leak · Camshaft Sensor ...
Q&A: Ford Mercury Sable 1996 - Common Issues & Solutions
Jan 23, 2011 ... Seems like something is draining the battery as for several weeks the battery light would come on and the heater fan would slow right down to ...
Mercury Sable Problems and Complaints - 11 Issues
Top Mercury Sable Problems · Problem With Idle Air Bypass Valve May Cause Engine Performance Problems · Engine Oil Pan Gasket May Leak · Camshaft Sensor Magnet may ...
Q&A: 1996 Mercury Sable - Common Issues & Solutions
Jun 16, 2011 ... If code definition is: open circuit, or short in definition, may be something simple, but if code stored states, "performance", slip detected, ...
'96 Mercury Sable-No Spark | Ford Forums
Jan 4, 2017 ... Check the wires going to the crank position sensor. Im guessing its an intermittent short. It looks like its a common problem with these cars.
Other years of Mercury Sable
Are you having problems with your 1996 Mercury Sable?
Joshuah McClure 2024-10-29
We recently purchased our second Sable car, as we had such a positive experience with the first one. It's a very comfortable car to drive and has good fuel efficiency. However, we have encountered some issues with the car after it reached 100,000 miles, such as needing to replace several parts including the motor, rotor, and sensors. Unfortunately, the cost of replacing the sensors was quite high. Additionally, we noticed that the engine gradually became harder to accelerate and the 'engine needs to be serviced' light presented a problem. Despite having several sensors replaced by the dealer, the light remained on and we ultimately decided to give up on fixing the issue due to the cost involved.
Prince Jenkins 2024-10-24
This car was bought new and has been well-maintained. Despite some initial transmission issues, I installed a shift kit which has greatly improved its performance. The car boasts a range of great features, including a 4 Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System, Disk Brakes, Power Driver's Seat, Gauge Cluster, Tachometer, Alloy Wheels, Lighted Variable Vanity Mirrors, a Great Lighting Package, and Dual Heated Remote Sport Mirrors. Overall, this car is a reliable and high-performing vehicle.
Jay Koepp 2024-06-27
We've had to replace the transmission on yet another Ford/Mercury vehicle. Our Taurus (which is similar to the Sable) has also needed two transmission replacements in just 58,000 miles. While we've been fortunate that the Sable's transmission has only needed to be replaced once in 80,000 miles, it's still a concern. On the plus side, I really appreciate the headroom in the Sable, and it's an attractive car. Apart from the transmission, the only other major repair we've had to make was a $500 heater cord. If the reliability of the transmission could be improved, I would definitely enjoy driving this car. Unfortunately, the transmission quality is a major issue that would prevent me from purchasing another Sable (or Taurus) in the future.
Carleton Koch 2024-06-26
I purchased this car for $1600 and unfortunately experienced several issues shortly after. The temperature gauge was erratic and the transmission slipped terribly upon launch. Additionally, there was a considerable oil leak which was later identified as a faulty oil pan seal. Despite fixing this issue, the car now has no oil pressure and the engine is knocking. These issues have led me to conclude that this car is not worth keeping.
Ellis Lebsack 2024-03-04
The car required some refurbishing, including the transmission and seat belts. However, after a couple of years, the transmission needed refurbishing again and the seat belts continued to twist and get stuck. The indoor courtesy light also presented an issue, but it was resolved by removing the bulbs. Additionally, the car's performance going uphill was not very strong, and the rear blade and A/C eventually stopped functioning. The stereo has also been experiencing issues since 2005.