NHTSA vehicle safety data
1999 Mercury Cougar Recalls & Complaints
The 1999 Mercury Cougar has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 454 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Mercury dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1999 Mercury Cougar. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
1999 Mercury Cougar owner complaints
Owners have filed 454 complaints with NHTSA about the 1999 Mercury Cougar, describing incidents dated July 1, 1998 to July 15, 2017.
Most-cited components
- Electrical System 94 complaints
- Service Brakes 68 complaints
- Engine 65 complaints
- Power Train 49 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 48 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 45 complaints
Of the 454 complaints on file, 23 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 454 complaints, owners report 27 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11054177 · Filed
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…
ODI #10947691 · Filed
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…
ODI #10927776 · Filed
TRANSMISSION HAVING PROBLEMS GOING INTO GEAR CONSTANTLY SLIPPING AND CATCHING GEARS WHEN TRYING TO DRIVE ONLY GETS UP TO 30 MPH
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1999 Mercury Cougar in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Engineering Analysis EA01-001: BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESS
Closed July 31, 2001
AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES
NHTSA #08E033000 · Suspension · NHTSA notice
Reported April 14, 2008 · FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS
Potentially affected: 6,903 vehicles
Owners notified May 22, 2008
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDER
NHTSA #06E022000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA notice
Reported March 13, 2006 · BRAKE PARTS, INC.
Potentially affected: 7,440 vehicles
Owners notified March 20, 2006
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AC DELCO, AIMCO, CARQUEST, AND BENDIX BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER OR FORD VEHICLES.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
FORD/FUEL DELIVERY MODULE
NHTSA #04V421000 · Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA notice
Reported August 30, 2004 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 88,600 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 04N02 · Owners notified April 16, 2004 · Vehicles built May 25, 1999 – November 30, 2001 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
FORD RECALL NO. 04N02.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
FORD/HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR
NHTSA #01V230000 · Electrical System · NHTSA notice
Reported July 9, 2001 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 342,962 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 01S22 · Owners notified August 29, 2001 · Vehicles built December 6, 1997 – May 31, 1998 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
THE OPEN CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO ELECTRICAL ARCING THAT COULD MELT THE CONNECTOR HOUSING MATERIAL CREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
FORD RECALL NO.01S22.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
FORD/BRAKE LAMP SWITCH
NHTSA #01V032000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights — Switch · NHTSA notice
Reported February 6, 2001 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 33,000 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 01S03 · Owners notified March 22, 2001 · Vehicles built December 6, 1997 – August 31, 1998 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH TERMINALS COULD OVERHEAT.
Safety consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE EITHER A LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP FUNCTION OR CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED BRAKE LAMPS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
FORD/BATTERY CABLE ROUTING
NHTSA #01V031000 · Electrical System — 12V/24V/48V Battery — Cables · NHTSA notice
Reported February 6, 2001 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 120,000 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 01S02 · Owners notified March 22, 2001 · Vehicles built December 6, 1997 – September 18, 2000 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
THE SHORT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE, STALLING, OR A NO-START CONDITION.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
FORD/REAR BRAKE VALVE
NHTSA #00V075000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components · NHTSA notice
Reported March 9, 2000 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 436,200 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 00S03 · Owners notified October 11, 2000 · Vehicles built December 6, 1997 – March 16, 2000 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 3, 2000 FOR THE 1996-1998 MODEL VEHICLES AND ON OCTOBER 11, 2000, FOR THE 1999-2000 MODEL VEHICLES.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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
FORD/DOOR LATCH
NHTSA #99V226000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch · NHTSA notice
Reported August 18, 1999 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 10,011 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 99S22 · Owners notified September 29, 1999 · Vehicles built September 9, 1998 – November 18, 1998 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED SIDE DOOR LATCH.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 29, 1999.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.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
FORD/THROTTLE CABLE
NHTSA #99V194000 · Vehicle Speed Control · NHTSA notice
Reported July 20, 1999 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 159,565 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 99S19 · Owners notified August 17, 1999 · Vehicles built March 16, 1998 – April 30, 1998 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE STICKING, BINDING, OR CAUSING HIGH ENGINE RPM.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED ACCELERATOR CABLE THAT HAS A FLARED CONDUIT SLEEVE END AND MOLDED ON END FITTING.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 17, 1999.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.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Other Mercury Cougar model years
Check your 1999 Mercury Cougar VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Mercury Cougar at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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