Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mercury sable. The contact noticed transmission fluid leaking onto the catalytic converter. The was informed by a ford representative that his VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 97v097000 (power train:automatic transmission), although the failures were identical. The contact still has the vehicle, but is afraid to drive. The failure and current mileages were 37,840. Updated 12/30/08. *lj the consumer also discovered oil leaking in the transaxle area. Updated 01/05/09.
1997 Mercury Sable transmission problems
43 complaints (19% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 72,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 43
- of this car's complaints
- 19%
- typical mileage
- 72,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Automatic transmission30
- Manual transmission5
- Automatic transmission: torque converter2
- Automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)2
- Manual transmission: floor shift assembly1
- Driveline: differential unit1
- Driveline: constant velocity joint1
- Clutch assembly1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Mercury Sable transmission problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Mercury Sable transmission
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with ax4s automatic transaxles. The low/intermediate servo cover can separate from the transaxle while the vehicle is being driven. If this occurs, transmission fluid will leak contacting the catalytic converter.
- Risk
- The catalytic converter temperature may be hot enough to ignite the transmission fluid and cause a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the transmission and replace these servo covers.
Recall number 97V097000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 96V166000 · Recall details
What 1997 Mercury Sable owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 mercury sable. The contact stated that transmission fluid was leaking and draining onto the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnosis. The manufacturer stated that his vehicle does not have any open recalls and they were unaware of the federal safety agency campaign id number 97v097000 (power train:automatic transmission). The failure mileage was 105,000 and current mileage was 137,000.
Vehicle slow to up shift. While driving at any speed vehicle suddenly dropped to lowest gear would not go over 23 MPH. Loud roaring! After placing in park; putting into drive transmission slams into first gear, but will not change into higher gear.
Dt: the contact owns a 1997 mercury sable. When parking the car the shifter indicates it is in park, but it is actually in reverse. There is a recall #96v166000, but the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The consumer noticed this problem on 9-6-05. *ak
When on a incline, the vehicle slipped out of drive to reverse gear. This caused the vehicle to roll back resulting in damage to the vehicle. *jb the dealer replaced the transmission shifter cable.
Intermittently while driving at any speed there was a clicking sound coming from the steering column. When this occurred the power steering/power windows and ABS failed to work properly. *ak (automatic position lever module) the radio had gone on and off as well. *sc
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.
The automatic transmission lever position module failed. When this occurred, the windshield wipers/power steering and other components malfunctioned. The consumer replaced the part. The dealer indicated that this was a common failure with this make/model, but the cause was undetermined.*ak *cb
Transmission rebuilt.head gasket replaced.
1997 mercury sable.
Questions about the 1997 Mercury Sable transmission
Does the 1997 Mercury Sable have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 43 complaints about the transmission of the 1997 Mercury Sable, 19% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 1997 Mercury Sable transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 72,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Mercury Sable transmission?
Yes, 2 recalls: 97V097000, 96V166000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Mercury Sable have bad transmission?
The Mercury Sable model years with the most transmission complaints are 1991 (101 complaints), 1994 (95 complaints) and 1995 (93 complaints).
Other 1997 Mercury Sable problems
Engine 42Acceleration 28Visibility 22Seat belts 21Brakes 19Electrical 19Steering 19Suspension 17Lights 15Airbags 12Tires 11Fuel system 9Body 8Locks 3Seats 1Wheels 1
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