Four problems related to brake hoses, lines/piping, and fittings have been reported for the 1997 Mercury Sable. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 1997 Mercury Sable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a safety inspection, where the mechanic notified her that the brake lines were corroded and the ball joints were detaching from the vehicle. Also, the mechanic advised the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
: the contact stated while driving 20-25 mph the brakes failed causing loss of control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and determined both brake lines below the front driver door were rusted causing the lines to break open. The rust was caused from two plastic strips attached to the bottom of the vehicle. The brake lines from the master cylinder to the rear tires were replaced. The manufacturer was notified. Updated 03/17/06.
The brake failed when applied. The vehicle was taken to independent shop, mechanic indicated the excessive rusted in the brake line made the vehicle to have a longer stopping distance. Dealer was notified. Please provide further information.
Wife was just returning with neighbor, whom she had just dropped off, when she was turning into our driveway. She stepped on the brakes & the pedal went all the way to the floor & the brake system light came on. When I came home, it was obvious what had happened as there was brake fluid all over the driveway. I had car towed the next morning to hammonasset Ford, Mercury, Lincoln dealership in madison, CT. After inspecting the car today the dealer service dept. Informed me that the metal brake lines from the front to the rear of the car had rusted through, causing the loss of brakes. Fortunately the incident occurred in a driveway and there are no injuries. If this had happened while driving at 65 on an interstate highway, the resulting no brakes due to this defect in the brake fluid lines could have been fatal. If Sables & tauruses are prone to rust through of brake lines, I believe the cars should be recalled & the brake lines replaced.