1999 Mercury Sable: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Apr 24, 2011 · Body, Suspension · 151,000 miles · MN

Sub frame rusted through around front lower control arm bolts causing excessive play in steering and possible separation of control arm from sub frame. Front mount bolt is recessed 1/2 inch in to the sub frame where water/salt can collect and has no where to drain.

Filed Oct 21, 2004 · Suspension · 90,000 miles · AR

Car was two years old when purchased, and had 60k miles. I noted that car would shake, especially during braking. I also noted that vehicle pulled to one side during braking. I took car to shop and found that the brake discs had to be turned due to warpage. (I was told that this was common on these vehicles, including tuarus') this eleviated most of the problems, but was told that the tie rods, and tie rod ends were wore out and had to be replaced. I personally looked at the original tie rods after they were replaced and noted that they were wore out. This problem could have possibly resulted in premature braking and lose of control of the vehicle. There was a notable difference in the braking distance and ability to control vehicle at higher speeds. I still have the original tie rods, and ends.

Filed Sep 14, 2004 · Steering · WI

While driving steering wheel feels real loose, nd makes a loud noise. Dealer replaced the tie rod at consumer's expense of $200. *ak

Filed Aug 10, 2004 · Suspension · 59,000 miles · NY

Consumer was backing out of a parking space and when moving forward front suspension crashed to the ground, and the front of the vehicle collapsed, left front ball joints fell to the ground and broke the axle. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, and was told that warranty expired and there was nothing they could do.

Filed Aug 1, 2003 · Body, Brakes · NJ · crash · 3 injuries

Problems with ABS. *mr the vehicle was in two accidents due to the inability to control the vehicle during normal driving conditions, where the ABS did not work. The vehicle was in for repair 7 times. The following are repairs and or problems the vehicle experienced: torque converter replaced after transmission fluid was found low, exhaust leak fixed, washer fluid would spray when the turn signal and lights were on, shaking when the brakes were applied/resurfaced rotors, trunk leaked water, replaced multi-function switch to fix washer fluid problem, ABS not working when there was a panic stop, left and right spindle assembly was replaced, front end rotors were replaced again, wheel alignment, the ABS did not engage and caused an accident, and replaced left side outer tie rod end. *scc

Filed Dec 5, 2001 · Airbags · VA

Started from a stopped position and heard a loud bang from under the car. Looked under the car to see if I had hit something.nothing in sight.as I drove home, I noticed the car pulled to the rightand the air bag light blinked. Dealer investigated and stated that I must have hit something very hard because the sub frame assembly and passenger lower control arm were bent. I am the only driver and have never hit anything. Repair charge was $2056.

Filed Oct 21, 1999 · Steering · TX

Consumer was driving 30 - 35 MPH tie rod popped out, disabling steering making vehicle go out of control. Consumer almost had an accident. Consumer was driving under normal weather conditions.