15th Oct 2008, 14:18
I've had this car for just over 4 years. I got it from my grandmother and it only had 23,000 miles at the time. I since have run it up to only 84,000. I've had the brakes changed once and the tires once as well. A couple years ago, it started to make a loud humming noise which turned out to be the transmission, which needed replacing. The wipers have rarely turned on for one "swipe" in the past, though I can't remember the last time that happened. I just had the serpentine belt changed for the first time. My passenger windows, front and rear, have never worked as far as I can remember. Also, the power lock on the front passenger door doesn't work. The license plate lights don't work, even when the bulbs are changed. The right front hub is starting to hum a little, so that may be going bad.
18th Apr 2009, 12:55
I also have been having some of the same problems with my Sable. I have a 99 Sable LS Premium that overall runs fairly well considering it has 184500 miles on it.
I have the "possessed wiper" problem at random times.
I recently got the message p7040 torque converter clutch (electrical) needs repair. Hopefully it won't be very expensive to repair. But I think I have my sights set on a VW Jetta anyhow LOL!!!
12th Apr 2010, 19:31
We bought a 1999 Sable from a car rental agency in the middle of 1999. The only problems we have had with the vehicle since then is:
1) A switch on the cruise control had to be replaced when we first got the vehicle. Luckily, we paid nothing for that because it was still under warranty.
2) We need to replace the belt tensioner on the vehicle. I have had more problems on my Monte Carlo than I have had with this vehicle, and I really haven't had too many on the Monte Carlo. It isn't just the builder; sometimes how you drive or maintain the vehicle plays an important part.
I know, you will still get lemons, no matter how you care for the vehicle, but, more often than not, if you pay close attention to the repair and service manual, you will be okay.
My luck with my vehicles have often made me wonder why American cars get such a bad rap. All auto companies build throwaways that aren't worth the money you spend on them. I just seem to have been fortunate to not have gotten too many of those.
30th Sep 2008, 14:08
Got a '99 Sable a little over 2 years ago. For the first year and a half to 2 years it was an absolute perfect car save for the prior mentioned windshield wipers coming on randomly. First thing we had to replace was the alternator.
After that I had a battery replacement. Again I don't think I can blame Ford for that either. That was mostly because my Sable sat in a airport parking lot for a week and wasn't started.
Now I'm starting to have some real problems with it I think. There is a loud noise coming from the wheel assembly. My dad took a look at it pretty thoroughly and couldn't find any problems at all. (He knows what he's doing) So he thinks its the transmission. That wouldn't surprise me, it occasionally had minor shifting issues but it seems to be increasing in frequency now and it takes it longer to finally change the gear.
Plus I've been riding around with a service engine soon light on. We can't find any obvious reason why that light comes on. I'm probably going to take it to a transmission place and ask them what they think. I'm just hoping it doesn't cost me too much.
My brother has a Japanese car (I think Toyota, Hyundai or Honda) that has to be close to 20 years old but is very reliable. I think next time I get a car, I'm going to get one from a Japanese company. They seem to have their crap together when it comes to producing cars.