Mercury Sable power steering loss problems

Filed Sep 4, 2015 · Body, Steering · 89,789 miles · MA

The engine cradle/frame supporting the engine & transmission and suspension and steering assemblies failed due to excessive corrosion causing the rear mount at the body connection on both sides to separate and drop about 3" causing a loss of steering. The drop of the cradle and engine and transmission pulled down on the steering shaft universal joint under the dash causing the steering to bind up and also causing the entire steering and suspension geometry to fail. The vehicle was not garaged, was purchased new by me, was not in involved in any flood damage, was not in close proximity to salt water and the undercarriage was sprayed each time I frequently washed the vechicle. The engine cradle in addition to the rear mount failure has extensive rust and corrosion thruout the structure. As someone who pays attention to my vehicle I began to notice rust/corrosion on the engine cradle about 5 years after purchasing the vehicle and have searched the internet for similar complaints without finding any. I'm wirtting this after finally seeing a complaint on a 2001 ford taurus cradle/frame failure and think this dangerous condition should be made public. Thankfully I was going at a slow speed and was able to veer the vehicle to the side of the road. Had I been traveling at highway speed the event would have been catastrophic not only to me but others on the road also. Loved my vehicle it runs great and was looking foward to more miles with it, unfortunately the repair would be a major undertaking and expense and my sable is to head to the junk yard on a flatbed.

Filed Oct 7, 2014 · Steering · 85,175 miles · OH

Loss of power steering assist while driving on ohio turnpike 07/19/2014. With no power steering it was a very dangerous condition while entering a service plaza. Also subsequent maneuvering on city streets was nearly impossible. Subsequent repair (07/23/2014) of lower cradle, and installed new (updated) motocraft rack and pinion unit. New alignment was performed per tsb. Vehicle took 3 days to repair. Cost to repair vehicle was over $1000. Ford issued a technical service bulletin (09-5-7) on march 23, 2009 but to my knowledge has not issued a recall.

Filed May 14, 2013 · Brakes, Steering · 15,000 miles · CA

2008 ford mercury sable. Consumer writes in regards to power steering failure. *smd the consumer stated the power steering rack and pump failed. Also, the rear brakes were severely worn and needed to be replaced.

Filed Sep 6, 2011 · Steering · TN

2008 mercury sable. Consumer states problem with power steering *tgw the consumer stated the power steering failed as he was making a right turn.

Filed May 3, 2011 · Brakes, Suspension · 75,000 miles · MI

Left front spring broke gouging an 8 inch tear in tire side wall causing a blowout and damage to anti-lock brake system. Transmission mount was also damaged. If this had happened at highway speeds, loss of steering control and braking could have caused serious injuries. Ford denies any responsibility. I was told that ford had admitted frequent spring failure on its 1999 to 2001 taurus/sable vehicles and installed guards to protect the tires from blowout. This is second spring failure in 2 years. The first time was the right rear spring broke damaging strut and gouging tire but not causing deflation. Two spring failures on the same vehicle in 2 years indicate that it is not an isolated incident. This is time bomb waiting for someone to get seriously injured.

Filed Jul 21, 2008 · Body · CA

Vehicle -- 1990 mercury sable station wagon, 3.8 engine experienced loss of steering control due to failure of engine/transmission lower subframe mount failing. Subsequent motion also breached both rear brake lines with major loss of braking power. With significant effort, I was able to maintain control of the vehicle.

Filed May 1, 2006 · Body · 131,720 miles · PA

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 5 MPH as the contact was turning left onto the highway; the contact heard a loud popping sound and the steering became very difficult. There is an the federal safety agency recall, # 98v323000, regarding the structure: frame and members. The VIN was not included in the recall.

Filed Jan 31, 2005 · Steering · IN

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!

Filed Dec 12, 2004 · Electrical, Steering · 69,000 miles · VA

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.

Filed Aug 23, 2004 · Steering · 37,500 miles · CT

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.