1990 Mercury Sable Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 14%of 166 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the steering of the 1990 Mercury Sable, 14% of the 166 complaints for this model year. 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have removed the tie rod and examined the end - sheared off inside of rubber boot. Absolutely no apparent damage to other components in the wheel/steering assemblies. We were very very lucky that this failure did not occur at speed.”
NHTSA complaint #703781, filed 1999-02“When wife was driving vehicle she tried to make a left turn and at the middle of the road with oncoming trafic, the steering wheel locked up and did not turn, forcing the vehicle to go straight, but at the last minute the consumer's wife pulled to left and handled vehicle. Dealer was contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #832217, filed 1998-12“Consumer was following a right curve at 40 MPH when steering froze up, halfway around, could not turn or move steering. Consumer continued off road, and applied brakes in order to stop vehicle. Defect was due to faulty rack and pinion steering. Also, midas told him that there was a specific problem with rack and pinion. Consumer was aware of another Sable 1990 that was involved in a crash due to failure of rack and pinion, and killed the passenger in other vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #881695, filed 2001-02“Heard a clicking noise in front of vehicle. While backing out of driveway inner tie rod broke off. Tie rod ball was rusted in the socket. Contacted dealer, and dealer replaced tire rod.”
NHTSA complaint #8001362, filed 2002-01“Was driving vehicle about 35mph, started to turning left, was unable to return steering wheel to original position. Had to be forced back. Took to dealer for repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #828068, filed 1998-09Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 5% |
| 2008 | 16 | 26% |
| 2005 | 7 | 8% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 1% |
| 2001 | 7 | 2% |
| 2000 | 5 | 1% |
| 1999 | 33 | 13% |
| 1998 | 6 | 3% |
| 1997 | 19 | 8% |
| 1996 | 36 | 12% |
| 1995 | 6 | 2% |
| 1994 | 13 | 3% |
| 1993 | 26 | 4% |
| 1992 | 28 | 8% |
| 1991 | 27 | 12% |
| 1990 | 24 | 14% |
| 1989 | 22 | 9% |
| 1988 | 23 | 18% |
| 1987 | 8 | 11% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1990 Mercury Sable
30 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Mercury Sable
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology