1997 Mercury Sable visibility problems

Filed Jun 13, 2005 · Visibility · 65,200 miles · UT

We own a 1997 mercury sable. In june of 2004 our heater core went out and, as the car was under warranty, was replaced by a local car dealership, henry day ford. The mileage of the car was then 60,468. Since then, we have had to have the heater core replaced an additional 4 times, the last time was may 11, 2005 (mileage 64,995). On june 7, 2005, once again, the heater core seemed to go out. We took it to henry day and they informed us that the head gasket was warped and needed to be replaced. Each time this has occurred, a steam has filled the interior of the vehicle and clouded the windows, making it impossible to see where I am going. It is a very malodorous steam, full of antifreeze. My concern is that this is a safety hazard. I have spoken to several owners of ford taurus and mercury sable vehicles, and most seem to have had a similar problem with multiple heater core problems. This would appear to be a flaw in the vehicle. I am concerned that it will cause an accident for me, and I wonder how many accidents have occurred because of this problem. I am also concerned about my health and the health of my spouse (who has heart problems). We have been nauseated and have had congestion and even some memory problems that seem to occur after inhaling the steam. We would like information on the effects of inhaling this mixture of water and antifreeze.

Filed Jul 18, 2004 · Visibility · TN

I own a 1997 mercury sable. The front drivers side windsheild wiper is defective, we have replaced it several times and it continues to be a dangerous problem. Each time it has of course been raining heavily in heavy traffic when it just stops working. We have somehow managed at this point to have no accidents but as I said it continues to do this even after having it replaced.

Filed Feb 24, 2004 · Engine, Visibility · 52,200 miles · CA

Consumer took vehicle to dealer for recall repairs on cooling system in february, 2000. 17,000 miles later while driving, consumer turned on the defroster and a green film covered the inside of front windshield, making it impossible to see. Consumer had to roll windows down to see. Dealer replaced heater core. *ak

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 Apr 24, 2003 · Engine, Transmission · 100,000 miles · WA

At about 100,000 easy highway miles, we had to replace the torque converter, then the entire transmission, plus for the last two years minor engine repairs to the tune of about $350 every other month, the window won't go down anymore, and now--4 months after the transmission replacement--we have lost overdrive and the engine light is on, again! We have never had a car with this many problems, and will never buy a ford/mercury anything again. Our suburban was more reliable.

Filed Jan 22, 2003 · Brakes, Engine · 34 miles · GA

I purchased a 1997 mercury sable in july 1977 from don jackson spartan lincoln mercury dealer. I have had continuous trouble with the transmission, the brakes, the "plastic" bucket holding reserve antifreeze (cracked and leaked antifreeze) and now the windshield wipers work when they want to work (intermittently and steadily). When I contacted don jackson lincoln-mercury at those times when the parts acted up to ask them if there had been any recalls or problems (and I cited each area each time I called), I was told there were no problems reported in any of these areas with the 97 sable. I found there on the internet that there are many. I have paid $2000 for the transmission repair, $550 for brakes, $80 for the antifreeze bucket, and went to purchase a wiper motor ($85) when I was told by the auto store clerk to check the internet, which I am now doing. I find that jackson spartan l/m dealer has not been honest with me and I was not notified by don jackson spartan l/m of these fallacies. What can I do?

Filed Jan 15, 2002 · Visibility · TN

Heater core for the ventilation system has failed four times since december of 1999. Dealership diagnosed problem, and an independent mechanic has been performing the repairs. Please provide any additional information / documentation.

Filed Feb 20, 2001 · Visibility · IN

At times, power window is inoperable, consumer states a hit to the center of the door panel causes it to work.

Filed Jan 31, 2001 · Lights, Visibility · MI

Interior lights stay on-shows that doors are not shut when they are-also wiper motor failed.

Filed Nov 30, 2000 · Visibility · WA

When engine warm, if heater/air conditioner/defroster turned on and aimed at windshield causes warm, humid air to condense on glass preventing forward visibility at any speed. Notified dealer after initial occurrence...exchanged pollen filter. No change.