Speed Control Linkage Problems of Mercury Sable

My son, john, has had the accelerator cable on his 1999 Mercury Sable, fail three times in the last three years. The most recent failure was yesterday in the middle lane of the gulf freeway while traveling at 65 mph. The faillure results in disconnection of the accelerator cable from the pedal, resulting in total loss of manual throttle control. He was fortunate to reach the freeway shoulder before he stopped. We called the dealer who had replaced the cable twice before for the same failure and he said his only fix was to replace the same cable again. Since we already knew that to be unsafe, we "jury rigged" a fix ourselfves that we think is ok. I am a retired nasa engineer and my assessment of the design, especially in view of the three failures, is that it is inadequate and unsafe. I cannot tell whether the failure mode is generic or for some reason, peculiar to our car. The dealer could only offer that we should call Ford customer relations. I talked to them and they could only refer me back to the dealer. After some argument they finally agreed to take down the information and forward it to some appropriate party. They offered be no assurance that there would be follow-up or way for me to follow-up their action. I am filing this complaint to insure some kind of follow-up on these failures.

See all problems of the 1999 Mercury Sable 🔎.

On several occasions vehicle revved and accelerated suddenly and unexpectedly. Dealer inspected vehicle, and could not duplicate or correct the problem. After dealer's inspection, vehicle, revved and accelerated forward gain, resulting in a collision. Vehicle was totaled. Please provide additional information. Consumer states three times at speeds ranging from 3 to 20 mph when jamming n the brakes either in foward or revers the engine would rev up at high speed and the vehicle would lurch either backwards or fowards, depending on whaat gear consumer was in, consumer was informed that the problem could not be duplicated, on the last occasion the vehicle went out of conrtol and was totalled.

See all problems of the 2001 Mercury Sable 🔎.

While consumer's wife was traveling at approximately 5 to 10 mph and slowing down to make a turn, brakes would not completely engage to stop vehicle. Engine accelerated while brakes were being applied. Dealership could not determine that there was a defect in vehicle. Then, on may 14th, 2001 consumer's wife went to stop vehicle while approaching a red light and brakes did not work/ would not bring vehicle to a complete stop. Engine acted as though it wanted to accelerate. The brake had failed twice.

See all problems of the 1998 Mercury Sable 🔎.

Consumer was at traffic stop and vehicle idling, as soon as consumer put foot on accelerator pedal ,consumer heard a loud noise and vehicle took off at high rate speed, crashing into a lamp pole, and causing injuires/ a broken sternum. Seatbelts did not lock up, and frontal airbags did not deploy.

See all problems of the 2000 Mercury Sable 🔎.

Vehicle would start to spontaneously accelerate on its on power. After engine was turned on and the gear changed to drive, vehicle would jump on its own. While vehicle accelerated, brakes started to malfunction, and vehicle could only stop when the complete engine was turned off. This has happened on two different occasions. Dealer had advised consumer that the vehicle was in "perfect condition". Defect can cause consumer to lose control and an accident. The accelerator and brake pedals engage simultaneously. The pedals are set unusually close together. The driver has no means to know the state of pedal adjustment.

Intermittently when applying the brakes motor started to race and the brakes won't hold. The more consumer pressed on the brake pedal, the faster the motor went, causing unwanted acceleration. Vehicle was taken to dealership twice. Dealership was not able to find any problems with the vehicle.

While stopping at an enter section vehicle accelerated out of control. Consumer finally stopped vehicle by putting foot on brake.

When the brakes are applied vehicle will suddenly accelerate. Dealer has inspected vehicle several times , but problem reoccurs. Manufacturer has been notified.

See all problems of the 1997 Mercury Sable 🔎.

Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration when brake pedal was applied while pulling into a parking space. Vehicle crashed into a center block building. Upon impact, both air bags did not depoly, and minor injuries were sustained by both driver and passenger. Dealer/manufacturer notified.

See all problems of the 1996 Mercury Sable 🔎.

Was slowing down to exit onto ramp, when suddenly vehicle accelerated forward without warning. Foot was on brakes. Vehicle spun around twice & then hit guardrail.

After coming to a stop vehicle would accelerate and rev up engine. Would take off when foot was off brake. Has happened 5 times. Contacted dealership, and informed consumer vehicle was out of warranty. Problem was intermittent.