Two problems related to front suspension lower ball joint have been reported for the 1996 Mercury Sable. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving engine collapsed due to rusting. This caused the frame to break. Also, when the engine collapsed the ball joints broke, causing the tires to disengage from the vehicle.
While driving passenger's front wheel fell off. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that front passenger upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced due to corrosion.