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.
1996 Mercury Sable: sudden unintended acceleration
8 of the 302 complaints about the 1996 Mercury Sable describe sudden unintended acceleration.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 7 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Sudden unintended acceleration by model year
What owners say
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.
(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.
When the brake was applied, the vehicle lunged forward and accelerated into some nearby trash cans and a wooden fence. *jg
At 14,000 mile vehicle commences to accelerate intermittently and momentarily while brakes are being applied from a stop position. Sudden acceleration would last for approximately one minute or less. Vehicle been in dealer shop on four occasions, and they were unable to duplicate the problem. *ak
Coolant turned to a rusty sluggy mixture. Freeze out plugs had to be replaced and system flushed. New coolant was added and it is already turning brown again. Ford did do the work for free, but told me I was on my own if it occured again. Have learned through various people that the same thing is happening to their sable and taurus cars. Transmission has also had to repaired at a cost to me of $1750.00. When you come to a stop the car will then not go forward. You have to press in on the gas and make it lunge forward, sometimes causing the tires to "burn rubber" ! We brought this problem to the service department three years ago and each time we took the car in the service staff informed us that there was no problem. On last visit is when the coolant problem was discoverd. Was told that our car had "cancer" and should get rid of it, but not at their dealership. The problem with the transmission was a forward engagement piston. The company that made the repair had three other sables in the shop with the exact same problem - each with no support from ford. Each were paying $1750.00. Help!!!
Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration when brake pedal was applied while pulling into a parking space. Vehicle crashed into a center block building. Upon impact, both air bags did not depoly, and minor injuries were sustained by both driver and passenger. Dealer/manufacturer notified.
Sudden acceleration transmission is slipping.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Information regarding slight vibration upon acceleration
- Some vehicles may exhibit a hard start / long crank, cold start stall, cold rough idle concern
- Some vehicles may exhibit a slight vibration during acceleration only
- Engine spark knock on acceleration
- Exhibiting a vibration at sppeds of 45 mph and above with the cruise on.
- Long crank - sticking idle air control (IAC) valve - vehicles built from 11/1/94 through 3/30/96 -stall -...
- 3.0L, AX4S/AX4N transaxle, trans engagements from park to reverse or drive may be harsh after start up...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1996 Mercury Sable sudden acceleration
Is sudden unintended acceleration a common problem on the 1996 Mercury Sable?
8 of 302 owner complaints about the 1996 Mercury Sable (3%) mention sudden unintended acceleration. The model year with the most reports is 2001.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Mercury Sable?
There are 0 recalls and 7 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 Mercury Sable
Jerking 14Stalling 11Transmission failure 10Headlights 8Overheating 8Engine failure 7Slipping 7ABS 6Check engine light 6Fire or smoke 6Fuel pump 6Power steering loss 6Grinding brakes 5Door locks 5Seat belt 5Steering noise 5Won't shift 5Wipers 5
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