1996 Mercury Sable Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 9%of 304 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 27 complaints about the visibility of the 1996 Mercury Sable, 9% of the 304 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving in heavy rain on highway, signaled to exit and wipers froze causing loss of vision. Had to exit highway by looking at shoulder of road. Stopped car and played with wiper switch, turning off and on. Wipers fail when right turn signal applied. Called dealership where purchased and told no recall on vehicle. Wife remembers hearing about same problem on tv. Looking for information on bulletin or recall.”
NHTSA complaint #709305, filed 1999-07“Had rec'd recall notice #98v198000 in mail. Contacted dealer. Took vehicle for appt. Had vehicle repaired. Been having problems with heater core which was replaced 6 times. Coolant system blowing into vehicle. Can smell it. Mechanic can not locate cause of problem.”
NHTSA complaint #848321, filed 1999-09“When driving at any speed the vehicle starts to vibrate, and the acid content in the vehicle is too high. The vehicle smells like it is overheating, but there isn't any leakage. Contacted dealer, and took the vehicle in for service to for the heater core.”
NHTSA complaint #828879, filed 1998-10“Heater core failed. Steam & fumes were coming through the vents. Water was exiting from outside. Had no prior warning of any problem. Was previously recalled for heater core.”
NHTSA complaint #862211, filed 2000-05“The heater core had blown out 6 times since it was repaired under recall. Would start blowing ant-ifreeze inside of vehicle, even when air conditioner is off.”
NHTSA complaint #847808, filed 1999-09Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 5% |
| 2005 | 4 | 5% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 19 | 9% |
| 2002 | 27 | 6% |
| 2001 | 11 | 3% |
| 2000 | 12 | 3% |
| 1999 | 21 | 8% |
| 1998 | 10 | 5% |
| 1997 | 22 | 10% |
| 1996 | 27 | 9% |
| 1995 | 15 | 4% |
| 1994 | 25 | 6% |
| 1993 | 47 | 7% |
| 1992 | 13 | 4% |
| 1991 | 7 | 3% |
| 1990 | 6 | 4% |
| 1989 | 2 | 1% |
| 1988 | 2 | 2% |
| 1987 | 1 | 1% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1996 Mercury Sable
69 complaintsEngine cooling
60 complaintsSteering
36 complaintsBody and structure
29 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