1996 Mercury Sable Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 12%of 304 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Mercury Sable, 12% of the 304 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10851657, filed 2016-03, 80,000 miles“I have a number of worries with my vehicle. The following are: when playing the radio/tape deck, you hear a loud buzzing noise coming through the speakers even if the radio is turned down; when steering from left to right you'll hear a cranking noise coming from the front end of car; car does not absorb bumps at all, it rocks, makes knocking noise coming from somewhere near wheels; when driving on highway at a speed of about 50-70 MPH, car will sway, like a wind is blowing it away; feul sensor will float, you can not count on it to tell you how much gas you have; trunk hood flips up in the…”
NHTSA complaint #744401, filed 2001-04“When driving and upon making left or right hand turns consumer heard a grinding noise coming from front end. Contacted dealer, dealer noted that right hand tie rod failed at 25 thousand miles. Also, left hand side tie rod failed at 44 thousand miles due to poor or no lubication. Tie rods have been replaced. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #876717, filed 2000-12“Rack and pinion steering was replaced under warranty in feb 2000. Currently, it needs to be replaced again. Consumer states dealership replaced the rack and pinion the first time, and now that it needs to be replaced again they are refusing, consumer was informed by dealership that things just happen.”
NHTSA complaint #895203, filed 2001-08“When making a sharp right turn vehicle made a groaning noise. Vehicle was taken to dealership. Dealer determined the problem was related to rack and pinion steering. Rack and pinion steering has been replaced four times. Also, power steering pump has been replaced twice, along with the pressure and return hoses. Vehicle is still undriveable. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #859290, filed 2000-03Steering: 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 1996 Mercury Sable
69 complaintsEngine cooling
60 complaintsBody and structure
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
27 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Mercury Sable
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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