10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,636 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1996 Mercury Sable:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #11

Mar 121997

Sable 6-cyl

  • 6,000 miles
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.

- Silver Spring , MD, USA

problem #10

Nov 242003

(reported on)

Sable

  • 56,000 miles
Upon starting the vehicle, it accelerated at a high speed when the gear was placed in reverse. When this occurred, the vehicle lost steering power assist and brakes. The vehicle stopped when it hit an object. The driver then put vehicle into drive and turned the ignition off, but the vehicle accelerated forward. The vehicle then made several turns before stopping again. This failure occurred once before. The cause of the failure was undetermined.

- Bradenton, FL, USA

problem #9

Feb 112003

(reported on)

Sable

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When the brake was applied, the vehicle lunged forward and accelerated into some nearby trash cans and a wooden fence.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #8

May 301998

Sable

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
At 14,000 mile vehicle commences to accelerate intermittently and momentarily while brakes are being applied from a stop position. Sudden acceleration would last for approximately one minute or less. Vehicle been in dealer shop on four occasions, and they were unable to duplicate the problem.

- Jersey City, NJ, USA

problem #7

Nov 012000

Sable

  • miles
While in park engine would idle at a very high speed. Also, while driving at any given speed vehicle will accelerate on its own, and it is very difficult to stop vehicle. Please provide any additional information/attachments. *consumer has not taken vehicle to dealership.

- Livonia, MI, USA

problem #6

Nov 011997

Sable

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When vehicle shifts gears rpms stay at 1800-2000, will not go down, consumer has to shut off engine and restart. To dealer who replaced air bypass valve, then throttle positioner, coerrected problem for a short time only. Air bypass valve and throttle positioner sensor were replaced on warranty.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #5

Mar 271997

Sable

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
High idle when moving from park to drive, causing vehicle to lurch forward, and it will also travel couple feet if foot is not on brakes hard. Manufacturer issued a tsb, but it does not correct defect. Consumer states that this failure caused the liquid filled mounts to fail which also caused exhaust leak at manifold, the tsb number is 97-7-1, which states the PCM needed replaced due to an incorrect software identification block. Drive and serpentine belts failed.

- Randalls Town, MD, USA

problem #4

Feb 081998

Sable

  • miles
Driver loses ability to control vehicle speed. Vehicle goes 40 mph without depressing the gas pedal, lurches after stops and idles over 2000 rpms. Dealer replaced the throttle control cable and valve-air by pass. (parts number 9715, 9F715)

- Marblehead, MA, USA

problem #3

Feb 081998

Sable

  • miles
Driver loses ability to control vehicle speed. Vehicle goes 40 mph without depressing the gas pedal, lurches after stops and idles over 2000 rpms. Dealer replaced the throttle control cable and valve-air by pass. (parts number 9715, 9F715)

- Marblehead, MA, USA

problem #2

Feb 081998

Sable

  • miles
Driver loses ability to control vehicle speed. Vehicle goes 40 mph without depressing the gas pedal, lurches after stops and idles over 2000 rpms. Dealer replaced the throttle control cable and valve-air by pass. (parts number 9715, 9F715)

- Marblehead, MA, USA

problem #1

Aug 051997

Sable

  • miles
Vehicle speeds up when coming to a stop. Problem is sporadically. Manufacturer is unable to fix vehicle.

- Orland Park, IL, USA