1996 Mercury Sable Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 6%of 304 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1996 Mercury Sable, 6% of the 304 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 car inched forward as I tried to apply more brake effort. …”
NHTSA complaint #10128651, filed 2005-07, 93,350 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10048531, filed 2003-11, 56,000 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10501255, filed 2013-03, 6,000 miles“Idle speed (RPM) has been steadly increasing up to 2500rpm, my wheels slide during braking pulling into my garage with engine racing. Throttle is sticking.”
NHTSA complaint #721029, filed 2000-04“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.”
NHTSA complaint #886597, filed 2001-04Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 5 | 25% |
| 2008 | 10 | 16% |
| 2005 | 38 | 46% |
| 2004 | 15 | 29% |
| 2003 | 28 | 14% |
| 2002 | 56 | 13% |
| 2001 | 61 | 14% |
| 2000 | 71 | 15% |
| 1999 | 16 | 6% |
| 1998 | 32 | 17% |
| 1997 | 28 | 12% |
| 1996 | 17 | 6% |
| 1995 | 20 | 6% |
| 1994 | 19 | 5% |
| 1993 | 25 | 4% |
| 1992 | 22 | 6% |
| 1991 | 7 | 3% |
| 1990 | 12 | 7% |
| 1989 | 13 | 5% |
| 1988 | 7 | 6% |
| 1987 | 2 | 3% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1996 Mercury Sable
69 complaintsEngine cooling
60 complaintsSteering
36 complaintsBody and structure
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
27 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsElectrical system
20 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 31, 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