10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 5 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 22,890 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
The contact owns a 1999 Mercury Cougar. The mechanic noticed oil leaking from the oil pan gasket onto the exhaust pipes. The mechanic stated that the oil pan gasket material was defective. The contact currently has to carry a fire extinguisher. The mechanic stated due to the failure a fire could occur at any time. The manufacturer stated that no recalls were issued and would not repair or replace the gasket. The current mileage is 45,000 and failure mileage was 33,000. The consumer stated the gasket materials used were not durable and soft enough. They must have experienced cracking due to temperature fatigue. Updated 10/11/07.
- West Hollywood, CA, USA
My 1999 Cougar was taken in for a tune up recently. The spark plugs were replaced with new ones. Approximately 3 weeks later one of them blew because Ford made a defective spark plug thread. Now I cannot get it fixed because a Ford specialist must go through the engine to repair and it will cost $1300. I thought getting a tune up was a good thing!
- Portland, OR, USA
1999 Mercury Cougar seat back failure during rear-end collision. Cougar stalled on busy freeway ending in rear totaled car collision. The driver's seat went completely down and upon seats in the backseat. This was two defects. Injuries were neck and back pains, three bumps to the head resulting in two black eyes. My advice to all 1999 Cougar owners-get rid of the car, by way of junkyard-this is an extremely dangerous vehicle and one will not know until an accident happens.
- Beeville, TX, USA
1. car began to lose power and the steering wheel began to lock up and lights began flickering on the dash. 2. the car stalled in the fast lane on a busy freeway. The consequence was a small truck rear-ended the back of the car and it was totaled. One person had busted lip in truck and one in the car had busted forehead and blackened eyes with back injuries and the other one had back and stomach extreme pains and legs. 3. nothing could be done at this point-the car always had problems. Too bad, I was not aware of all of the recalls--maybe that would not have helped either.
- Beeville, TX, USA
I would like to complain about my Cougar. I cannot pass the il. Emissions tests, due to the fact that the O2 sensors are defective. My engine light is constantly on. I have had my car serviced for the engine light, alone, 8 different times. Eight! this is incredible. Also, my car makes a loud screeching noise when I attempt to start it. -if it starts at all.- I have had my starter replaced twice. Twice!!! this car is a lemon. Nothing but a lemon. How could Mercury sale such crap and get away with it. My drivers' license will be suspended because I cannot pass the emissions test. If I can even get my car to the testing facility. I have had the alternator changed, the fuel pump, the electrical wiring changed, sunroof, turning signal, even the radio was defective. I sincerely hope that there is a class-action lawsuit against Mercury, because I will be the first one in line to sue.
- Orland Hills, IL, USA
Since moving to Texas in 2001 I have had repeated problems with the check engine light coming on. I have spent in excess of $5,000 trying to get this fixed. I just picked up my car again today after spending another $700+ to get the problem fixed. I only went approximately 3 miles when the light came on again. I am trying to find out what the problem is. I feel this is a recall item and would like something done concerning this problem. I have been told it was a weather issue, etc. It seems no one seems to know what the problem is. Help!!!!
- Frisco, TX, USA
While starting the vehicle, the check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the computer code needed to be reset and reset it twice. However, the problem still occurs at this time.
- Saginaw, MI, USA
While starting the vehicle, the check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the computer code needed to be reset and reset it twice. However, the problem still occurs at this time.
- Frisco, TX, USA
When driving at any speed check engine light appeared on the dashboard intermittently.
- Hermitage, TN, USA
While driving at 40 mph driver heard a loud squealing noise. Driver pulled over and parked, and then vehicle was towed to dealer. Mechanic stated that motor needed replacing.
- Hamden, OH, USA
My car is a lemon. Have had a new engine put in it 2 times because the rods spun. I have had the brake lights "fixed" 3 times, the alternator replaced 3 times, new catalytic converters twice. New power steering. Transmission done 3 times. Theres definantly more I just cant think of alllllll my repairs on this 1999 Cougar. I bought it used and it has now 98000 miles cause I drive out of state.
- Elk Grove , CA, USA
Problems with vehicle's trunk coming unlatched from the inside. The horn was also inoperative, the vehicle stalled, and there was a constant problem with the blower/fan. The consumer requested to be reimbursed for the repair cost of the blower. There was a recall regarding the heater blower resistor, however the dealer stated the vehicle identification number wasn't included in the recall.
- Woodbury, MN, USA
Consumer drove vehicle into the shop. There was a knocking noise coming from underneath the vehicle. Technician told her that motor was gone inside of the vehicle.
- West Alexandria, OH, USA
While driving 65 mph the engine piston locked up and caused the engine to blow.
- Royal Oak, MI, USA
I own a 1999 Mercury Cougar 2.5L duratec V6 (VIN L) currently with 55,000 miles. At 49,135 miles, I had the oil changed at its regular interval (3,000 mi) at midas service. At close to 52,000 miles, upon exiting a sweeping right-hand off-ramp, the 'oil' lamp flickered on and off for a few seconds. Several weeks later, the engine developed a light 'ticking' noise that grew into 'knocking.' The local Ford dealer, independence Ford, charged $60 to tell me several hundred dollars worth of tests would be required to determine the source of the noise. I asked the service manager, [xxx], if he or Ford was aware of problems concerning oil starvation due to 'crank whip' or pressure loss during right-hand cornering. He began listing existing known problems with Cougar. Being familiar with the technical service bulletins, I suggested he was reading the list of tsb's to me. He became evasive and said there was no problem with the engines. I had spent several hours researching the oil starvation problem known to exist with the duratec engines, including changes Ford made in 1999 and in 2003 to reduce the occurrence of bearing failure due to oil starvation as a result of crank whip and poor oil circulation. I read of owners with failures as low as 3,000 and 11,000 miles. I have contacted both Ford and Mercury via mail explaining the symptoms and problem with my vehicle, but have not received response. In the meantime, my vehicle was diagnosed by an independent repair facility as having damaged connecting rod bearings. I must now absorb the expense of engine failure at less than 55,000 miles. Ford has made production changes to reduce the incidence but refuses to offer repair and replacement for existing owners of the faulty engines. A market has developed, including revised oil pans incorporating baffles, to offer possible remedy to the problem. I sincerely appreciate anything NHTSA can do to help owners like myself who are the victims of this faulty design. Information redacted pursuant to the free
- Mount Carmel, PA, USA
The engine made a very loud rattle and then stalled. The dealer stated the engine blew due to defective pistons and rods.
- Jordan, UT, USA
The timing chain failed & broke, resulting in extensive damage to the car's engine. Car lost power & stalled on a state highway. According to independent reports from (2) repair shops, premature failure of the timing chain was indicated, resulting in thousands of dollars worth of damage to the engine - heads & valves.
- Babylon, NY, USA
While driving, engine stalled due to a defective oil pump installed on vehicle, massive oil leakage due to failure.
- Avon Lake, OH, USA
I normally buy foreign made autos. But this car was gorgeous. It has become a living nightmare. A flywheel was replaced after several times telling the dealer that it made a horrible screeching noise as if the key was already started. The next problem is that I hit a pothole in detroit and ruined a rim plus tire. I just recently had to replace 2 more tires that just seem to wear out for no reason. I don't do a whole lot of driving. Last month they replaced the iac switch. Now I need to take it in because it rides like a raggedy truck. It shakes and will not hold the road. You can feel every crack in the street. My boyfriend has a 88 olds and I would rather ride/drive his car than this Cougar. I still have 1 year on my lease and you can bet I will never by a Ford/Lincoln/Mercury car every again. (tiresize: R16)( dot number: Tire size: R16 )
- Cleveland, OH, USA
- Hackettstown, NJ, USA