Known Recalls

Model year record

1999 MERCURY Cougar

7 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 740 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V421000

Fuel system, gasoline

Component
Fuel system, gasoline
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
88,600
Reported to NHTSA
2004-08-30
Owners notified
2004-04-16

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 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.

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V230000

Electrical system

Component
Electrical system
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
342,962
Reported to NHTSA
2001-07-09
Owners notified
2001-08-29

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 risk

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V031000

Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables

Component
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
120,000
Reported to NHTSA
2001-02-06
Owners notified
2001-03-22

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 risk

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V032000

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch

Component
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
33,000
Reported to NHTSA
2001-02-06
Owners notified
2001-03-22

Defect description

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

Safety risk

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V075000

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
436,200
Reported to NHTSA
2000-03-09
Owners notified
2000-10-11

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 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.

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V226000

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch

Component
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
10,011
Reported to NHTSA
1999-08-18
Owners notified
1999-09-29

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 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.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED SIDE DOOR LATCH.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V194000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
159,565
Reported to NHTSA
1999-07-20
Owners notified
1999-08-17

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 risk

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.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Electrical system4070,263 mi
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly3353,900 mi
Power train: automatic transmission3175,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components3162,200 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine2679,000 mi
Unknown or other2689,899 mi
Vehicle speed control2366,170 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline21—
Air bags: frontal1864,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc17—
Tires178,520 mi
Fuel system, gasoline1688,700 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip168,520 mi
Air bags1466,600 mi
Engine and engine cooling13109,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables1264,100 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator1233,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition12—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump1245,000 mi
Suspension11130 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights1081,491 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch1085,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch10136,000 mi
Structure: body: door9—
Structure: body: trunk lid9—
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery820,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.8—
Exterior lighting: headlights869,000 mi
Seats870,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor873,000 mi
Structure: body8175,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: lock7—
Power train7130 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic773,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system798,000 mi
Tires: tread/belt7—
Exterior lighting6112,000 mi
Structure6200 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal636,000 mi
Wheels6116,000 mi
Electrical system: starter assembly555,223 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash5100,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner5—
Suspension: rear598,000 mi
Tires: sidewall5—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery436,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission498,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler4—
Steering4116,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor469,500 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer4—
Electrical system: ignition: switch3—
Electrical system: wiring390,000 mi
Engine397,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor3125,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly3—
Fuel/propulsion system3117,000 mi
Interior lighting3—
Steering: rack and pinion38,520 mi
Suspension: front3—
Visibility: power window devices and controls3—
Visibility: windshield3—
Electrical system: horn2—
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood2—
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers2—
Electronic stability control (ESC)2116,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system2—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings2—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys2—
Equipment: electrical2—
Exterior lighting: fog lights2—
Exterior lighting: tail lights2—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system2—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap240,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)285,000 mi
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)2—
Seat belts: front: retractor250,200 mi
Service brakes2120,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads273,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion: rack245,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing273,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cables216,000 mi
Visibility2135,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system2—
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module1—
Back over prevention: warnings: external/pedestrian alert1—
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel179,700 mi
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module1—
Electrical system: ignition: module1—
Electrical system: starter assembly: relay1—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe161,000 mi
Equipment1—
Equipment: mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift1—
Exterior lighting: turn signal: flasher unit1—
Fuel system, other1—
Fuel system, other: delivery167,000 mi
Fuel system, other: fuel injection system1—
Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly: mounting140,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock1—
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines1—
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift178,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter139,000 mi
Power train: clutch assembly1—
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint1—
Power train: driveline: differential unit1—
Power train: manual transmission: shift pattern indicator159,000 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage1—
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly1—
Seat belts: rear/other1—
Seats: front assembly: recliner190,000 mi
Service brakes, air1—
Service brakes, air: antilock1—
Service brakes, air: disc: caliper1—
Service brakes, air: drum: drum198,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder1—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar1—
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device1—
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump18,520 mi
Steering: linkages1—
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly1—
Structure: body: bumpers1—
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate133,000 mi
Structure: body: hood1—
Structure: body: hood: hinge and attachments1—
Structure: body: roof and pillars1113,000 mi
Structure: frame and members1—
Suspension: front: control arm1—
Suspension: front: macpherson strut1—
Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly1—
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: rear window1—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices1—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior1—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior1—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring1—
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs136,000 mi

The 1998 model has 740 times as many complaints as this one. The 2000 model has 3 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.