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 1999 Mercury Sable owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Mercury Sable wagon. While driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel became loose and was unable to control the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then to an independent mechanic who stated that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 149,000. The VIN was not available.
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
Problems with ABS. The vehicle was in two accidents due to the inability to control the vehicle during normal driving conditions, where the ABS did not work. The vehicle was in for repair 7 times. The following are repairs and or problems the vehicle experienced: torque converter replaced after transmission fluid was found low, exhaust leak fixed, washer fluid would spray when the turn signal and lights were on, shaking when the brakes were applied/resurfaced rotors, trunk leaked water, replaced multi-function switch to fix washer fluid problem, ABS not working when there was a panic stop, left and right spindle assembly was replaced, front end rotors were replaced again, wheel alignment, the ABS did not engage and caused an accident, and replaced left side outer tie rod end.
Vehicle is 1999 Mercury Sable,power steering pump started making noise. Examining pump showed no leaks although fluid was low. Fluid added to proper level. Within driving 2 miles pump again made noise. Backing up car allowed visual confirmation of fluid leak on ground. Although some fluid was in steering pump, power assist was lost while driving making the car hard to steer and control. Trip to mechanic revealed rack and pinion failure and massive fluid leak. Milage on vehicle is 67,100 miles. Mechanic feels premature failure should not have occured at 67K miles. Price to replace is approx $500 to $800 should hydraulic hoses also need to be replaced.
Even after replacing the second power steering pump , it is horrible turning the steering wheel most of the time. Also, it is noisy while I'm driving it. It had a new rack and pinion on it when I bought it . Parking in a parking lot is awful as it is almost impossible to maneuver around other cars. Turning corners ,sometimes it's okay and other times really hard. Not sure if this complaint belongs here, but heater doesn't work ,either. Feels like A/C is on . Had a friend check it and he is having a hard time figuring it out. Don't know how to answer "date happened" as it has been doing this since I bought it in August.
Power steering failed while driving. Consumer heard a winding coming from the front. Consumer pulled over, lifted up the hood, and noticed power steering fluid was dry inside of the canister pump. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle to a local repair shop for steering fluid. Then, consumer took vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that rack pinion failed, and needed to be replaced. Consumer informed the mechanic that problem recurred.
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.
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.
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.
The steering rack failed with not visible indication of fluid loss. The plug on the rack blew-out without warning, causing the steering to become manual requiring vehicle towing. The car has been dutifully maintained with no indication of failure when inspected. Ford motor co. Has denied any responsibility.
Steering complaints in other Sable years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1999 Mercury Sable?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Mercury Sable, 13% of the model year's 258 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Mercury Sable steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1999 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 1999 Mercury Sable steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 5 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.