1997 Mercury Sable: brake failure

Filed Sep 27, 2007 · Brakes · 58,431 miles · FL

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

Filed Feb 13, 2006 · Brakes · 56,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Jul 20, 2004 · Brakes · NJ

The brake failed when applied. The vehicle was taken to independent shop, mechanic indicated the excessive rusted in the brake line made the vehicle to have a longer stopping distance. Dealer was notified. Please provide further information.

Filed Aug 20, 2003 · Brakes · 50,000 miles · CT

Wife was just returning with neighbor, whom she had just dropped off, when she was turning into our driveway. She stepped on the brakes & the pedal went all the way to the floor & the brake system light came on. When I came home, it was obvious what had happened as there was brake fluid all over the driveway. I had car towed the next morning to hammonasset ford, mercury, lincoln dealership in madison, ct. After inspecting the car today the dealer service dept. Informed me that the metal brake lines from the front to the rear of the car had rusted through, causing the loss of brakes.fortunately the incident occurred in a driveway and there are no injuries. If this had happened while driving at 65 on an interstate highway, the resulting no brakes due to this defect in the brake fluid lines could have been fatal. If sables & tauruses are prone to rust through of brake lines, I believe the cars should be recalled & the brake lines replaced.

Filed Dec 6, 2001 · Acceleration, Brakes · RI · crash

While gear shift indicated vehicle was in neutral engine surged and vehicle accelerated to an unknown speed before crashing into another vehicle. There were no injuries. Also, power steering and power assist brakes failed to operate during this incident. Dealership has yet to examine vehicle to determine cause of this problem. Please provide any additional information / documentation.

Filed Aug 28, 2000 · Brakes · MS

Brakes went out while traveling 10-15mph. Emergency brakes were applied to stop. This was first time that consumer has experienced the problem. Dealer will be informed.

Filed Jul 29, 1999 · Engine · TX

Every time vehicle hits a puddle after it has rains, the vehicle would stall out. The engine would still be running. Does not have to restart vehicle. Would have no brakes or power steering. Lost control. Taking vehicle to dealer.

Filed Jul 9, 1998 · Brakes · LA

Consumer had experienced a brake failure while parking vehicle in front of a building, vehicle continued on through the buliding before stopping. *ak