Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Mercury Sable owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* 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.
While driving on the expressway at or about 70 MPH the bolts on the steering column fell on to the floor of the car, causing the wheel to turn in, owner had no control over vehicle after bolts came lose, this incident caused other accidents on the expressway, manfacturer contacted.
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 air so fast and hard, I have stunted my fingers before on it; the doors on the car have a sharp edge to it, if you don't stand back when opening the door, it can gash your leg; wind shield are a blind spot, to long, wipers are so strong they vibrate the car, unusually strong; back window on left side …
Power steering assist is lost during deacceleration during cold weather (<320f) making it difficult to turn vehicle. Local dealer reviewed problem and could not determine cause during first two visits. Third visit they want to start swoping out components out at high $ cost. Ford customer assistance contacted with no results. Dealer requested to contact factory regional rep. For review for debugging and factory technical assistance. No results todate 2/17/00.
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.
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.
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.
When it rains and water gets into the engine the battery light comes on and experiences loss of power steering. The dealer said that this was a common occurrence, and advised the owner not to drive the vehicle when it rains. Owner also notified the manufacturer by mail of this problem.
Power steering components emitting a groaning noise. Vehicle taken to the dealer for service regarding this problem five times, but problem was not resolved. Also, transmission roughly downshifts in first gear, resulting in excessive jerking.
When the gear shift indicates the vehicle is in drive, reverse or overdrive the power steering almost goes completely out and the vehicle loses all electrical power/ windows/radio, etc. The vehicle will be checked by dealer.
Steering complaints in other Sable years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1996 Mercury Sable?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Mercury Sable, 12% of the model year's 304 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Mercury Sable steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1996 Mercury Sable, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Mercury Sable steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.