- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles previously serviced under ford service bulletin 97-17-9 from august 1997 through december 1997. These vehicles were inadvertenly equipped with an 18-gallon fuel tank rather than the 16-gallon as specified. The 18-gallon tank has a second valve location where a shipping plug should be installed.
- The risk
- If this shipping plug is displaced, fuel leakage can result. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could potentially result in a fire.
- The fix
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE CORRECT FUEL TANK.
Vehicle safety record
1996 Mercury Sable Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 309 complaints about the 1996 Mercury Sable with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (68) and the engine & cooling (60). Those complaints describe 20 crashes, 9 fires and 24 injuries. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in March 1998 for the tank assembly. For comparison, the 1995 has 354 and the 1997 has 231.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Sable year, for its age
#19 most complained-about 1996 vehicle
- Complaints
- 309
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 20
- Fires
- 9
- Injuries
- 24
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1996 Mercury Sable problems
Share of all 309 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1996 Mercury Sable recalls 5
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- The automatic transmission park pawl shaft may not be free to rotate as intended. If the park pawl shaft does not rotate, it would prevent the park pawl from engaging the park gear when the shift lever is in the park position.
- The risk
- This condition could result in the vehicle rolling as if in neutral with the shift lever in the park position.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the park pawl shaft rotation and those shafts with restricted rotation will be replaced with a shorter shaft that will not restrict rotation.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Unintended and unexpected vehicle movement can result in personal injury and property damage.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the park pawl abutment bracket.
- The problem
- The park pawl shaft was improperly positioned when the roll pin that retains it was installed during transmission assembly. If the shaft was not properly positioned, the roll pin may not have lined up with the groove in the shaft and have been crushed at assembly. Also, a burr could have been raised on the shaft.
- The risk
- This could result in the park pawl occasionally not engaging when the transmission selector lever is placed in the park position. This could result in the vehicle rolling as if in neutral if the vehicle operator does not apply the parking brake.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the park pawl shaft roll pin. If the roll pin is damaged, both the roll pin and the park pawl shaft will be replaced. In addition, owners will be reminded to fully apply the parking brake, in addition to placing the transmission in park.
- The problem
- The brake system fluid level indicator lamp switch can malfunction. This does not comply with fmvss no. 105, "Hydraulic brake systems."
- The risk
- Consequence of non-compliance: if the switch malfuntions, the brake system warning lamp will either remain illuminated continuously or fail to light as intended when the fluid level falls to a certain level. In either case, the vehicle operator would not be warned of a low brake fluid level condition.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the brake system fluid level indicator lamp switches.
What owners say
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309 complaints about the 1996 Mercury Sable
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 13.
Just bought a mercury sable 1996. After driving this vehical for about 10 miles, the transmission began to slip badly. It began with having trouble accelerating from a complete stop. Luckily I was driving in a rural area with few stops and little traffic. By the time I stopped at the 3 stop sign. The transmission would no longer engage into 1st or 2nd gear. Never got into 4th gear. But had to get push the vehical from the last stop sign until I reached a small hill that allowed me to reach the speed so that 3rd was able to engage and was able to make it to my house. The car hasn't moved since then. Waste of $1,000!! Transmission is finished.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mercury sable. While driving at various speeds, a squeaking noise was heard under the vehicle, especially when slowing down, making turns, and reversing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cradle and subframe bushing were corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, while driving at certain speeds and making right or left turns, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mercury sable. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance and the mechanic discovered that the engine cradle and the subframe were severely rusted and corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mercury sable. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where unknown repairs were performed. The failure recurred however and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the same failure on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000 and the current mileage was 49,000. *Tr
Relevant information---engine was repaired on sept. 9/10, 2012 Same morning as the accident--car was driven to bank but as I was leaving I could not put car into reverse. A gentleman passerby was able to put it into reverse with effort and a loud noise in the gears. I proceeded to my exercise class which lasted one hour. Had no trouble with reverse gear this time. About 1/2 hour later I was turning into a parking lot and in a matter of minutes the engine started revving up and shot forward on its own, went over a...
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curb & sidewalk and crashed into a brick wall at high speed. The air bags went off and with effort I was able to open the front door. I had minor injuries--nose, cut on elbow, banged up knees. The engine of the car kept roaring for possibly 15 minutes until someone cut the cable to the battery. The police reported that I had stepped on the gas instead of the brake which was totally false. I remember distinctly thinking--there's something terrible wrong with my car. The insurance company was not interested in pursuing the cause which may have been related to the repair done on the engine. They called the car a total loss. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 mercury sable. While driving at approximately 5 mph the contact heard a popping sound coming from the under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic. The mechanic stated the rear lower subframe was fractured due to corrosion and could detach from the vehicle. There was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 98v323000 (structure:frame and members) that may be related to the failure but did not include 1996 models. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 mercury sable. The contact stated that while sitting on the passenger seat, he was involved in an accident. He mentioned that although he was properly wearing his seat belt and the airbag deployed, it failed to protect him. He mentioned that his head and right hand hit into the windshield and shattered it. He also suffered a concussion and injuries to his knees. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 166,000. Updated 06/01/11*lj updated 06/13/11
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 mercury sable wagon. The contact stated the vehicle had been parked on sept 10,09 at 3:30, the next day, at 6:30 pm the vehicle caught fire. The vehicle was engulfed in flames. There were no injuries. The fire department extinguished the fired and stated that it was as electrical fire. A fire report is available if needed. The manufacturer was not notified. The insurance has not advised the contact if the vehicle was destroyed or not. An insurance adjuster will provide the findings as soon as possible. The failure mileage was 140,000. Updated 10/20/09 *cn the consumer stated the transmission was replaced twice. Updated 10/23/09.*Jb
The steel brake lines to the rear breaks rusted and my breaks failed. I have looked at three other cars of the same type and tey have the same problem. This could kill someone. *Tr
Tire tread on general ameri tech tires separated. *Jb
The sub frame on my son's 96 mercury sable suddenly broke loose and nearly caused him a serious accident. The steerinmg of the vehicle became very eratic and as such lost control of the vehicle. Luckily no one was hurt.The area where the frame attaches to the body had literaly rusted away and the subfram had shifted. I checked the complaint databases and found ford had a recall on sables and tauruses for subframe failures from 89 to the 95 model in saltbelt states. The same type of failures listed in the recall...
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informatioin are also endemic to the 96 model. Other than the subframe failure the car was in excellent shape and well maintained. The major concern I have is how many other 96' sable and tauruses are still on the roads in the saltbelt states with the potential for a very serious and life threatening accident to occur due to this defect. I seriously believe that ford or some governmental agency should require warnings to be issued to owners of these cars to have them inspected before people who are driving these cars find themselves in a serious accident.
Tl* - the contact has a 1996 mercury sable with an odometer reading of 60000 miles; the subframe was rusted. The contact heard a cracking noise when making left turn at 5 mph under dry conditions. When the contact looked under the car he found that the subframe rusted off of the vehicle. This failure is addressed under recall 98v323000 frame and members. The contact called the manufacturer, and was told that the car was too old for them to take any action. The contact said that he would have pictures and a repair order. *Ak updated 02/22/07. *Jb
Dt*: the contact stated the brake lines from the front to the rear of the vehicle rusted causing brake fluid to pour from the tubes. As a result, the brakes failed without warning. The brake pedal went to the floor while traveling at 25 mph on a dry highway. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact noticed pit holes in the tubes located in the fuel lines where the rust appeared. The vehicle was towed to a dealership to have the brakes repaired.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the left front wheel stabilizer arm wobbled from side to side. The vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop and it was determined, the front undercarriage and engine mounts were rusted. The vehicle was exposed to extreme winter weather and corrosive road salts. The repair shop concluded that due to the extensive corrosion, the problem could not be corrected. The manufacturer was not alerted.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop who determined the engine mount and carriage frame rusted which caused the engine to slip from the mount. The vehicle was exposed to extreme winter weather and road salts. The repair shop concluded that a piece of steel needed to be added to each side of the engine mount to correct the problem. The manufacturer was not alerted.
TIRE/TREAD SEPARATION. *JB
(1) Car shifts hard during acceleration and deceleration. Speedometer does not work or bounces up, then down. Check engine light comes on. (2) While driving at normal road speeds the transmission will switch to low gear causing sudden throw of driver inside car and at times when trying to accelerate there is a long delay in power to engine then sudden acceleration. (3) Replaced cam sensor and other sensor three times and always fails again.*Jb
Dt:contact states the body of the car corroded from inside out,where the frame bolts were located. Contact called a ford dealer, who stated there was no a recall on this vehicle. *Ak *nm
Over the past several months I have been noticing that my engine "revs" as I try to stop.The problem is intermitent but seems to be occurring more often. I had the dealer check it out-the 1st time I believe they just did a test drive and said they could find nothing wrong. About 1 1/2 months later it happened again and I bumped into a security gate at work. As I approached the closed gate I had my foot on the brake as I "eased" up to the card reader to open the gate, all of a sudden the engine started to rev and...
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car inched forward as I tried to apply more brake effort. After a few seconds the idle returned to normal. I took the car back to the dealer 2 days later and paid for a computer diagnostic-again nothing was found and I was told it could be almost anything, and they had no suggestions on what to do. They told me they could replace "random" parts but it would cost alot of money to do so. I am not positive but this happened to me at least 4 times. The car revs for a few seconds as I brake to stop and then returns to normal idle.
Recall campaign 96v176000 was issued. When engaging the vehicle into park it began to roll. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *Ak the vehicle does not enage in park and will not pass inspection. *Tc
Consumer complained about a brake problem. When driving through the rain warning dash lights come on, and the vehicle stalled. *Ak
While driving engine collapsed due to rusting. This caused the frame to break. Also, when the engine collapsed the ball joints broke, causing the tires to disengage from the vehicle. *Ak
While driving passenger's front wheel fell off. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that front passenger upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to corrosion.*Ak
Power train slipping and failure. Transmission will slip after first stop. Let set for a few minutes and restart, will drive until next stop.*Ak
The consumer experienced engine trouble. The consumer then opened the hood and saw flames. *Ph the consumer first noticed there was a problem when the vehicle sputtered. Upon stopping he noticed smoke coming out of the front end. The consumer put the flames out with a soda. *Sc
Mercury Sable: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 465 | 7 | D |
| 1999 | 267 | 5 | D |
| 1998 | 195 | 2 | C |
| 1997 | 231 | 3 | C |
| 1996 | 309 | 5 | D |
| 1995 | 354 | 6 | D |
| 1994 | 392 | 5 | D |
| 1993 | 677 | 8 | F |
| 1992 | 377 | 5 | D |
1996 Mercury Sable vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 Mercury Sable | 309 | 5 | D | |
| 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis | 275 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 1996 Mercury Villager | 193 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1996 Mercury Mystique | 190 | 10 | F | Compare |
| 1996 Mercury Cougar | 67 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1996 Mercury Tracer | 17 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1996 Mercury Mountaineer | 3 | 2 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1996 Mercury Sable
Does the 1996 Mercury Sable have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 1996 Mercury Sable: tank assembly (March 1998); automatic transmission (September 1996); gear position indication (prndl) (September 1996); automatic transmission (May 1996) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Mercury Sable?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (68), engine & cooling (60), steering (36).
How many complaints has the 1996 Mercury Sable had?
309 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 23, 1996 and the latest on October 19, 2017. Of these, 20 describe a crash and 9 a fire, and together they report 24 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1996 Mercury Sable a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 36 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Mercury Sable year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Mercury Sable years have the most complaints?
1993 (677), 2000 (465), 2002 (457). See every Mercury Sable year compared.
What should I do if my 1996 Mercury Sable has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data