When I drive in the rain or through a puddle, the steering completely fails and my battery light comes on. Twice I have come severely close to crashing my car as a result of loss of steering completely!
1999 Mercury Sable: loss of power steering
8 of the 258 complaints about the 1999 Mercury Sable describe loss of power steering.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 6 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Loss of power steering by model year
What owners say
On several occasions, after driving my 1999 mercury sable station wagon in moderate to heavy rain, I lose power steering during turns. The alternator light also comes on. I believe the problem is related to excessive belt slippage from water. It goes away if I stop for a few seconds to let the belt regain traction. This condition occurs unexpectedly is a risk to loss of control during the period of time without power steering.
Power steering failed while driving. Consumer heard a winding coming from the front. Consumer pulled over, lifted up the hood, and noticed power steering fluid was dry inside of the canister pump. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle to a local repair shop for steering fluid. Then, consumer took vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that rack pinion failed, and needed to be replaced. Consumer informed the mechanic that problem recurred.
While driving in heavy rain storm, engine crankshaft pulley assy broke causing the loss of power steering immediately, I struggled to maintain control of vehicle. I had repaired at local shop in long island ,ny , mechanic said new replacement unit was much different than original indicating that there was problem with design of original unit.had I not been able to steer vehicle there could have been a collision resulting in injuries , etc. I checked recalls & there were non related to this mechanical failure. I paid $309.91 for repairs to vehicle. Vin# [xxx], I retained broken original pulley & bracket assembly. *ak updated 07/26/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
A loud noise came from the rear of vehicle, and the vehicle lost power steering fluid. The problem was determined to be a cracked steering rack and was replaced. *jb
Consumer states that power steering failed. Vehicle checked by dealer who determined needs new rack and pinion. Consumer stated unsafe to drive vehicle because turning capability is greatly reduced.
While attempting to make a turn and the power steering became stiff and hard. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, and they found that power steering column module developed a leak. *ak
While driving 10 MPH, power steering went out. Unable to steer vehicle.*ak dealer replaced power steering pump, steering rack and idler pulley.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Some vehicles may exhibit steering noise / reservoir fluid swirling / reservoir fluid overflow
- Some 3.0L 4-VALVE duratec engines only may exhibit steering noise / reservoir fluid swirling / reservoir...
- Some 3.0L 4-VALVE duratec engines may exhibit steering noise / reservoir fluid swirling / reservoir fluid...
- Experiencing a squeaking and / or popping noise from the front outer tire rods
- Some vehicles may exhibit front outer tie rods squeak and / or pop noise over bumps and / or turning
- Diagnostic service tips on passive anti theft system ( pats )
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1999 Mercury Sable power steering loss
Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 1999 Mercury Sable?
8 of 258 owner complaints about the 1999 Mercury Sable (3%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 1999.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1999 Mercury Sable?
There are 0 recalls and 6 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1999 Mercury Sable
Coil spring 35Wipers 17No deployment 9Seat belt 9Brake failure 8Ball joint 7ABS 5Loss of power 5
VIN decoder
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