1996 Mercury Sable: problems, recalls and reliability

“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.”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2011

“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”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2011

“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”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2009

“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2007

“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”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2007

“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2006

“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.”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2006