1999 Mercury Sable Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 13%of 258 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,382miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Mercury Sable, 13% of the 258 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,382 miles. 2 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.
“While driving the steering wheel became loose and made it very hard to steer almost causing me to have a accident after coming to a stop the steering wheel was off center and very hard to turn had to get car towed.I find this to be a complete rip off because I see numerous complaints of steering problems of the same matter”
NHTSA complaint #11289660, filed 2019-12, 149,000 miles“On several occasions, after driving my 1999 Mercury Sable station wagon in moderate to heavy rain, I lose power steering during turns. The alternator light also comes on. I believe the problem is related to excessive belt slippage from water. It goes away if I stop for a few seconds to let the belt regain traction. This condition occurs unexpectedly is a risk to loss of control during the period of time without power steering.”
NHTSA complaint #10102810, filed 2004-12, 69,000 miles“When I drive my vehicle through any puddle of water, the power steering fails, the car can not be driven, and the battery light comes on. Extremely dangerous; the steering fails as you try to make a turn!!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10163956, filed 2006-07, 40,000 miles“Report of catasropic failure of stering system on 1999 mecury Sable / rack and pinion gear fracture/ seems there is major defalt with stering system, total crack in frame /gear system, all had to be replaced, didnt see any recalls, mechanic who fixed say this need to be reported to manafuture, milage is 100k, no accidents in vehicle, just failed while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10106056, filed 2005-01, 100,000 miles“The vehicle was loosing power steering fluid through the rack and pinion steering. The owner took the vehicle back to the dealer, and was informed that the fluid was leaking through the rack and pinion steering assembly. The turning radius was not adequate enough to make a right turn without the front of the vehicle entering the left lane of traffic on the road being turned onto.”
NHTSA complaint #10114986, filed 2005-04, 66,765 milesSteering: 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 1999 Mercury Sable
48 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
21 complaintsSeat belts
20 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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