One problem related to windshield wiper/washer linkages has been reported for the 1997 Mercury Sable. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I own a 1997 Mercury Sable. The front drivers side windsheild wiper is defective, we have replaced it several times and it continues to be a dangerous problem. Each time it has of course been raining heavily in heavy traffic when it just stops working. We have somehow managed at this point to have no accidents but as I said it continues to do this even after having it replaced.