1997 Mercury Sable steering problems

Filed Mar 16, 2006 · Steering, Suspension · 12,000 miles · NH

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.

Filed Jun 28, 2005 · Steering · CT

The consumer was having trouble with the steering wheel. It didn't turn. The consumer took the car to the dealer and they drove it. The dealer replaced 2 parts in the steering, but the problem remained. The steering wheel made a binding noise and gets really tight. When the steering wheel locked up the windows will not roll down. *jb *tt

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 70,000 miles · MO

I should have learned that sable was a bad car after the engine of my mother's '87 sable exploded, caught fire and busted through the floor of the car beside the gas pedal and brake (1993). Luckily she was not in the car. The engine had been off and sitting in park for five minutes when this happened. I bought my 97 sable in 2001. I have never had a car with so many constant problems. I spend about $1200 a year fixing it continually. I'm currently having electrical problems with the radio going out while in reverse or when I press the brake. The window on the passenger side won't move up or down unless the driver and the passenger press the buttons at the same time. The interior light stays on, so we have to unplug the fuse to get it to go off. The seat belt safety light and the window button lights keep clicking on and off. Once again, the steering wheel is hard to turn even though the power steering fluid is at the right level. I have to get the wheels aligned several times a year. The car always makes a humming noise and does not block out the sound of wind. The shoulder straps of seat belts alway lock into place too tight. Name the problem... I've probably been through it. I will never buy another ford/ mercury again even if it is the #1 selling car.

Filed Jul 4, 2003 · Electrical, Engine · FL

During rainy weather, the right front tire splashes water into the engine fan belt assembly causing the fan belt to slip and squeal. The power steering pump fails to turn resulting in hard steering and loss of vehicle control, the generator fails to turn resulting in battery light illumination. The right front wheelwell baffle assembly installed by the mfg does not adequately shield the fan belt assembly from rain water intrusion. A temporary, thought inadequate fix, is to apply "belt dressing" to the fan belt. Ref complaint #551260.

Filed May 25, 2003 · Electrical, Steering · 54,000 miles · CA

1997 mercury sable.

Filed Oct 17, 2002 · Steering · PA

Consumer states that when vehicle goes throw a puddle off water the steering wheel locks up. Dealer contacted. Ts

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 May 9, 2001 · Steering · TN

Consumer has had tie rods changed because they were broken, this caused steering and brake problems. Has not contacted dealer yet.

Filed Jan 10, 2001 · Lights, Steering · UT

Dome light always on due to door switch stuck. Very dangerous at night. Dealer said reoccuring problem in model and said I can fix it myself by removing door panel. Asked if I had other "electrical" problems. I said emergency (hazard) lights don't work. He said model has awful electrical problems and wanted to know if I use the automatic lights equipped on the car. Said I tried but it was faulty. Never bothered using it since. He gave me an estimation on repairs stating it is manufacture defect but I would have to pay for it.

Filed May 12, 2000 · Brakes, Steering · MN

No summary listed for above vehicle.