1999 Mercury Cougar

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 454 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 9 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
68,434 milesMedian miles at failure

128 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly27
000
Electrical System26
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission20
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine19
205
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components18
200
Vehicle Speed Control15
100
Tires15
100
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline15
201
Unknown or Other14
001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc13
000

9 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension08E033000
Filed Apr 14, 20086,903 vehiclesFederal-Mogul Chassis Products

Defect. FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.

Risk. THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic06E022000
Filed Mar 13, 20067,440 vehiclesBrake Parts, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.

Risk. LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.

Fuel System, Gasoline04V421000
Filed Aug 30, 200488,600 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION OF THE FILTER IN THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) CAN REDUCE, AND EVENTUALLY BLOCK, THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.

Risk. THIS MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER, SURGING, AND OTHER SIMILAR SYMPTOMS. OVER TIME, THE FILTER MAY BECOME SUFFICIENTLY BLOCKED TO CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT. ALL OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FDM WITH A NEW DESIGN AT NO CHARGE IF THE OWNER REPORTS THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS ANY OF THE IDENTIFIED SYMPTOMS. THE FREE REPLACEMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, WITH NO MILEAGE LIMIT. THE CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON APRIL 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Electrical System01V230000
Filed Jul 9, 2001342,962 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN MY 1996-1998 PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY, CUAUTITLAN ASSEMBLY PLANTS OR ON MY 1999 PASSENGER VEHCLES BUILT AT THE AUTOMOTIVE ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY PLANTS, THE ROUGH SURFACE OF THE HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR'S STAINLESS STEEL BLADES CAN DAMAGE THE COPPER SURFACE OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR. THE DAMAGE COULD, OVER TIME, CAUSE INCREASED RESISTANCE IN THE CONNECTOR AND, DUE TO SUBSEQUENT TERMINAL RELAXATION, RESULT IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT CONDITION.

Risk. THE OPEN CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO ELECTRICAL ARCING THAT COULD MELT THE CONNECTOR HOUSING MATERIAL CREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR AND A NEW WIRE JUMPER HARNESS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch01V032000
Filed Feb 6, 200133,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH TERMINALS COULD OVERHEAT.

Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE EITHER A LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP FUNCTION OR CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED BRAKE LAMPS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW STOP LAMP EXTENSION HARNESS WITH BRONZE TERMINALS AT THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH CONNECTOR, AND ALSO INSPECT THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH FOR SIGNS OF OVERHEATING AND REPLACE, AS REQUIRED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 22, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables01V031000
Filed Feb 6, 2001120,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L V6 ENGINES. THE BATTERY CABLE WAS MISROUTED AND ITS ATTACHMENT TO THE ALTERNATOR CABLE WAS UNDER-TORQUED. IF MISROUTED, THE CABLE COULD CONTACT THE POWER STEERING LINE AND THE INSULATION COULD WEAR, RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.

Risk. THE SHORT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE, STALLING, OR A NO-START CONDITION.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BATTERY CABLE TO THE ALTERNATOR FOR DAMAGE AND, IF IT IS DAMAGED, WILL REPLACE THE CABLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE ROUTING OF THE CABLE WILL BE CORRECTED, AS NECESSARY, AND A ROUTING CLIP WILL BE ADDED. ALSO THE TORQUE ON THE ALTERNATOR ATTACHMENT OF THE CABLE WILL BE CHECKED AND, AS REQUIRED, WILL BE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 22, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components00V075000
Filed Mar 9, 2000436,200 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). A PRESSURE CONSCIOUS REDUCING VALVE (PCRV) IN THE REAR BRAKES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION AND RESULT IN MALFUNCTION, WHEN OPERATED IN AREAS THAT USE SALT COMPOUNDS ON THE ROADWAY FOR DE-ICING OR DUST CONTROL.

Risk. IF BOTH PCRV'S MALFUNCTION, VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED DURING BRAKING AS A RESULT OF THE REAR WHEELS LOCKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL IMPROVED PCRV'S IN THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS RECALL WAS EXPANDED IN SEPTEMBER 2000 TO INCLUDE 1999 AND 2000 FORD CONTOUR, MERCURY MYSTIQUE AND COUGAR VEHICLES.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch99V226000
Filed Aug 18, 199910,011 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DOOR LATCH MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH A LATCH PAWL THAT HAS A COATING WHICH WILL SWELL IN HIGH HUMIDITY CONDITIONS. THE LATCH PAWL MAY THEN STICK IN THE OPEN OR UNLATCHED POSITION.

Risk. THE DOOR WOULD NOT LATCH WHEN CLOSED. IF THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN IN THIS CONDITION, IT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN THE DOOR OPENING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED SIDE DOOR LATCH.

Vehicle Speed Control99V194000
Filed Jul 20, 1999159,565 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH A BURR ON OR NEAR THE END OF THE CABLE SLEEVE INTERIOR. THIS BURR COULD FRAY THE CORE WIRE RESULTING IN THE ACCELERATOR NOT RETURNING TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED.

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE STICKING, BINDING, OR CAUSING HIGH ENGINE RPM.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED ACCELERATOR CABLE THAT HAS A FLARED CONDUIT SLEEVE END AND MOLDED ON END FITTING.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 12, 2017680,000 milesIA

YES, I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN JULY OF 2017. WHEN I TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, EVERYTHING SEEMED PERFECTLY FINE. YET, THE DAY I RECEIVED IT, I WENT TO THE GAS STATION TO FILL UP. UPON RETURNING HOME, 1 MILE., THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS TOLD BY THE SELLER ALL WAS PERFECTLY FINE. DRIVE THE CAR, IT WILL BE FINE. I WAS CONCERNED AND I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC. AFTER RUNNING SOME DIAGNOSTIC TESTS, I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A CATALYIC CONVERTER, REPAIRS OVER $1500.00. I WAS READING THE RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE AND CAME ACROSS CAMPAIGN ID# NHTSA 04V421000. THE RECALL WAS FOR CONTAMINATION OF THE FILTER I THE FUEL DELIVERY MODE(FDM) CAN REDUCE AND EVENTUALLY BLOCK, THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE. IN WHICH, CAN CAUSE MANY PROBLEMS. I HAVE THOSE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. UPON STARTING, IT REVIVES UP, THEN EVENTUALLY SLOWS DOWN AND ALMOST KILLS. IT SOUNDS AS IF NO GAS IS GETTING TO THE ENGINE. LOSS OF POWER, STALLING. MY QUESTION IS HOW I COULD FIND OUT IF THIS RECALL WAS DONE TO THE VEHICLE. WHERE DO I START. I REALIZE ITS BEEN MORE THAN 10YEARS FROM THE PURCHASE OF IT NEW, AND I DIDN'T PURCHASE NEW, BUT IF THE RECALL WASN'T DONE...MAY I BE ENTITLED? THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 68,000 MILES ON THE ENGINE. IS THIS THE PROBLEM AND HAS IT NOW EFFECTED THE CATALYIC CONVERTER? THANKS GREATLY FOR YOUR PRECIOUS TIME. A REPLY WOULD GREATLY BE APPRECIATED. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

Air Bags
Filed Jan 25, 2017WA

I GOT IN MY CAR ONE DAY AFTER WORK IN THE PARKING LOT AND STARTED MY CAR AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. IT STAYED ON FOR THREE DAYS AND IS NO LONGER ON. IT SEEMS LIKE NO ONE WANTS TO TAKE ACCOUNT OR PROVIDE SOLUTIONS FOR THE PROBLEM. EVERYTIME I ROLL UP MY WINDOWS, MY LIGHTS DIM AS IF THE BATTERY IS DYING. MY WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL DOESN'T SHUT OFF AND IM NOT ABLE TO CHANGE THE SPEED.

Power Train
Filed Nov 24, 2016150,000 milesAZ

TRANSMISSION HAVING PROBLEMS GOING INTO GEAR CONSTANTLY SLIPPING AND CATCHING GEARS WHEN TRYING TO DRIVE ONLY GETS UP TO 30 MPH

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 8, 2016120,000 milesAZ

CALIPERS CONSTANTLY FALLS OFF CAUSING WHEEL TO LOCK UP

Electrical System
Filed Jun 27, 2016CA

I HAVE PROBLEM WITH TRANSMMITION SHIFTING 1ST TO SECOND CHANGES AT 3000RPM BUT WHEN I CHANGE PARK TO DRIVE SHAKES MOTOR BAD , ONE OF THE WIRES START SMOKING I LIKE I PUT TAPE AROUND WIRED BURND. TEMPERATURE IT DOESN'T SHOW BUT WHEN I OPEN THE HOOD THE CAR IS VERY HOT EVERY TIME I TRIED DRIVING IT AT FREEWAY OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTS BLINKING I LIKE I PAID TO GET IT FIX AND STILL DOES THE SAME.

Engine
Filed May 27, 201698,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY COUGAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH APPROACHING A STOP, THE VEHICLE IDLED AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE SPEEDOMETER FLUCTUATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE HEATER WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO TURN BACK ON AND BE ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 18, 2015115,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE FAILED AFTER THE CONTACT DROVE FOR A COUPLE OF MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR AND FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V031000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) OR 04V421000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 22, 2015191,487 milesTX

1999 COUGAR BATTERY CONNECTION PROBLEMS OR SOMETHING FAULTY. SOMETIMES WHILE I'M DRIVING MY CAR JUST GOES DEAD. IT'S DONE THAT A LOT LATELY. I NOW HAVE A NEW BATTERY BUT THE SAME THING HAPPENS AND I'M SCARED WHEN IT HAPPENS ON THE FREEWAY . TONIGHT I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND IT WENT DEAD! I HAD NO LIGHTS , I HAD NO TAIL LIGHTS,NO HEAD LIGHTS ,NO BLINKERS AND NO EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND THE CAR CLOSE BEHIND ME HAD TO SLAM ON BREAKS CAUSE THERE WAS NO EMERGENCY LANE, NO SIDE OF THE ROAD JUST A GUARD RAIL! I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD . BRAND NEW BATTERY JUST GOES DEAD LIKE IT DID MANY TIMES ON THE OLDER BATTERY IT'S NOT THE ALTERNATOR EITHER...SOMETHING IS NOT MAKING A CONNECTION. I'M GONNA END UP SQUASHED, DEAD CAUSE ON A FREEWAY AT NIGHT WHEN THE CAR DIES EVERYTHING DIES: LIGHTS,TAIL LIGHTS AND EMERGENCY LIGHTS IF IM IN THE DARK NO ONE WOULD SEE ME IN TIME TO STOP IF IM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 11, 2015175,000 milesWI

I HAVE ALWAYS HAD MY CAR WASHED AND RUST PROOFED DURING THE WINTER EVER 2 WEEKS. LAST DECEMBER THE PAINT UNDER THE BOTTOM OF BOTH THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGER DOORS STARTED HAVING THE PAINT BUBBLE UP ON BOTH ROCKER PANELS. IT STARTED BUBBLING UP THEN CURLING AND THE PAIN STARTED COMING OFF. IVE SEEN MANY OTHER COUGARS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM AND FEEL IT IS DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE PAINT THAT WAS USED OR SOMETHING MISSING FROM THE PAINT JOB THAT WAS DONE

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 11, 2015175,000 milesWI

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: (MANAGEMENT) I WAS DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AND WAS HONKED AT BY ANOTHER DRIVER WHO TOLD ME THAT MY BRAKES LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I HAD A FRIEND OF MINE THAT IS A CERTIFIED REPAIR PERSON LOOK AT IT AND HE SAID IT WASN'T THE LIGHT OR THE FUSE OR THE BRAKE SWITCH UNDER THE PEDAL AND THAT HE WAS 95% SURE IT WAS THE STOP LAMP EXTENSION HARNESS THAT HAS BRONZE TERMINALS AT THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH CONNECTOR. I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN 2004 AND UNDER A RECALL HAD THE BLOWER SWITCH RESISTOR REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. THE REASON THE RECALLS FOR THIS CAR ARE NOT SHOWING UP IS BECAUSE THE RECALLS ARE MORE THAN 15 YEARS OLD & THEY DON'T KEEP TRACK AFTER THAT. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR BEFORE BUT I HAVE HAD OVER $9,000 WORTH OF REPAIRS ON IT SINCE I'VE OWNED IT NOT INCLUDING THE NORMAL OIL CHANGES AND TUNE UP. I THINK FORD NEEDS TO APPROVE THIS FOR THE RECALL CONSIDERING THEY KNEW HOW MANY THINGS WERE WRONG WITH THE COUGARS AND THAT'S WHY THEY DON'T MAKE THEM ANYMORE... NOT A SATISFIED CUSTOMER WITH A FORD PRODUCT! FIRST & LAST FORD PRODUCT I WILL EVER OWN IF THIS ISN'T FIXED TO MY SATISFACTION. THANK-YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Aug 13, 201434,000 milesDE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. A FAILURE CODE WAS DISPLAYED THAT IDENTIFIED THE ALTERNATOR AS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE ALTERNATOR WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V031000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.

EngineFire
Filed May 29, 201497,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE ENGINE AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FIRE EXTINGUISHED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 16, 2014KY

EXTERIOR LIGHTS NOT WORKING ,REPLACED BRAND NEW AND SHUT OFF AGAIN CAUSING CAR TO LOCK ITSELF IN PARK. *TR

Steering
Filed Jan 15, 2014116,000 milesMI

I HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS AND HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS INCLUDING BRAKE LIGHTS NOT WORKING AND BACK WHEEL LOCKING UP. IT WAS RAINING, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY ABOUT 55 MPH AND SUDDENLY THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT COMPLETELY, THE HEAT/DEFROST STOPPED WORKING AND MY BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. I JUST INSTALLED A BRAND NEW BATTERY JUST 6 DAYS BEFORE INCIDENT, ALTHOUGH THIS ISN'T THE FIRST TIME THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE RAINING. THIS TIME IT WAS EXTREMELY SCARY DUE TO THE HIGH SPEED I WAS DRIVING AND BECAUSE THE HEAT STOPPED WORKING MY WINDOWS STARTED TO FOG UP QUICKLY CAUSING MY VISIBILITY TO BE REDUCED DRAMATICALLY WHILE TRYING TO USE ALL MY STRENGTH TO STEER THE CAR AROUND A CURVE WITHOUT HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS SOON AS I WAS ABLE TO SEE AN EXIT I GOT OFF FREEWAY AND CAR DIED COMPLETELY DRIVING UP THE OFF RAMP. THANK GOD THERE WASN'T ANY VEHICLES BEHIND ME I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AFTER WAITING ABOUT HALF HOUR CAR STARTED BACK UP, POWER STEERING & HEAT WAS BACK ON. I HAVE 2 YOUNG KIDS AND I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IN THIS CAR WITH THEM. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 4, 2013112,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY RECALLS SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V032000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING ). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 9, 2013117,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDER THE HOOD AND TIGHTENED THE BATTERY CABLE. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED UPON REACHING THE RESIDENCE. IN ADDITION, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WITH A SMALL AMOUNT OF LEAKAGE ON THE GROUND. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 04V421000 ( FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND 01V031000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Aug 14, 2013MO

CPSC: I1370321A. 1999 MERCURY COUGAR. CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG ON THE DRIVER SIDE DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. *LN

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Jul 18, 2013145,000 milesMO

ON MY DRIVE HOME FROM WORK ON FRIDAY 7/12/2013 AT APPROXIMATELY 3:30 PM THE AIRBAG ON THE DRIVER SIDE DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THIS WAS ON A 1999 MERCURY COUGAR THAT MY FAMILY PURCHASED NEW. THE VIN IS [XXX]. I CALLED AND SPOKE WITH [XXX] AT FORD AND HE STATED THERE WAS NOTHING FORD COULD DO. HE SUGGESTED I CALL MY INSURANCE COMPANY...I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY MY INSURANCE COMPANY WOULD BE CONCERNED WITH A FLAW IN A FORD PRODUCT. I HOPE YOU WILL UNDERSTAND THAT I AM SCARED TO DRIVE THIS CAR AT THIS POINT. WILL ONE OF THREE REMAINING AIR BAGS DEPLOY FOR NO APPARENT REASON? TO BE TOLD TO CONTACT MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. I AM A VERY REASONABLE PERSON BUT WILL NOT BE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF. MY EXPECTATION ARE SIMPLE: FORD NEEDS TO HAVE THIS CAR TOWED TO A DEALER. THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE ENTIRE AIR BAG SYSTEMS NEEDS TO BE CHECKED AND BROUGHT UP TO A SAFE STANDARD. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Suspension
Filed Jun 21, 201368,434 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SWAY BAR BECAME FRACTURED WHILE DRIVING OVER A ROAD BUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ENTIRE SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,434. *TR

Engine
Filed Jun 5, 2012130 milesMI

WHEN DRIVEN IT JERKS WHEN U TAKE OFF AND WHEN IT SHIFTS, AND IT MAKES A CLUNK NOISE WHEN I HIM HIT A BUMP IT IS SO BAD MY CAR GOES THE OTHER WAY THE REAR END. *TR

20 of 454 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1999
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200295310Routine
200182361Fatalities reported
20002115100Above average
1999 — this page454931Fatalities reported
19981000Routine
199776020Routine
199662200Routine
1995109040Routine
1994137021Fatalities reported
1993195340Routine
199292320Routine
199173360Routine
199086390Routine

Compare every Cougar year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 14, 2008. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.