Three problems related to rear suspension coil springs have been reported for the 1998 Mercury Sable. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns 1998 Mercury Sable. Several mechanics stated that the rear suspension and the rear coil springs failed. The dealer stated that the rear coil spring corroded and was related to a manufacturers recall; however, the VIN was not a part of the recall. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and the failure mileages were 80,000. Updated 10/21/09 the consumer was also informed the front coil springs were defective as well. Updated 10/23/jb.
Noise from front during turns. Took car to shop same day and was told the driver front coil spring had fractured and rubbing on tire during turns. This is the second fractured coil spring on this car. Both rear coil springs were replaced 4/20/05 after the passenger side rear spring fractured (reported to NHTSA -odi 10146034). Broken front coil spring replaced 5/4/06. Was told by shop we were lucky the tire didn't blow.
While researching another problem online, I found references to coil spring problems for other Sable model years, so thought I should notify NHTSA my rear coil spring broke also. While parked in my garage, the passenger side rear coil spring on my 1998 Mercury Sable wagon broke. Incident date is estimated, I had to wait for the shop to get the springs. Both rear springs were replaced April 20, 2005 (I have receipt).