10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 20,147 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 contact stated that the engine revs very high and then the vehicle begins to jerk. The contact has taken the vehicle to the dealer on several occasions, but they have been unable to diagnose the cause of failure. The contact informed the manufacturer about the failure and mentioned that the dealer changed several parts. The manufacturer stated that there were no current recalls or service bulletins for this failure. The serpentine belt, throttle assembly, and vacuum tube were replaced, but the failure persists. The current and failure mileages were 183,000. The consumer stated believes dealer charged for unnecessary repairs, inaccurate diagnostics, and financial burden for car rentals and wants to be reimbursed all the outpocket expenses. Updated 09/05/07
- Hackettstown, NJ, USA
: the consumer stated while driving on an icy road, the rear brakes failed and the consumer hit into a curb. The throttle has stuck intermittently since August of 2005. The dealership was unable to duplicate the problem. There are two recalls, #00V075000 regarding the service brakes and #99V194000 regarding the vehicle speed control. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN.
- Islip, NY, USA
Contact owns a 1999 Mercury Cougar. He has been looking on the internet and found recalls 04V4210000, 04V4210000,1V0320000, and 01V0310000. He called the manufacturer, and they told him that this vehicle was not included in these recalls due to VIN although the contact's vehicle experienced the same failure as described in aforementioned recalls. While driving and accelerating the vehicle surged. He had not noticed this when the cruise control was on. But, noticed this immediately after purchasing the vehicle from an auction on 9-18-05. Also, the left rear tail lamp blew out three times in a short time frame. He bought the extended life bulbs, but they still blew out. However, some of the lights worked on the dashboard.. the engine light did not come on when he first started the vehicle. The contact noticed this 10-04-05.
- Salt Lake City , UT, USA
While driving throttle stuck intermittently. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
- Henderson, NV, USA
While driving 40 mph and without warning, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drive it to the dealer. The mechanic could not duplicate or resolve the problem. The accelerator stuck as the consumer was taking a right turn. The vehicle spun around and the emergency brake was applied and the vehicle continued until the vehicle was shut off.
- Plattsburgh, NY, USA
While driving, the throttle became stuck intermittently. It was difficult for the consumer to decelerate the vehicle. The cause had not been determined. The dealership had been notified, but did not resolve the problem.
- San Jose, CA, USA
Engine light came on I thaugh it would be an electrical problem, it was not.the car would jump and accelerate when stoping at traffic lights and stopped traffic when I would press on the gas lightly. Dealership said it would be $2000. To fix. I did not extend my Ford warranty. They said there was a hidden warranty with the engin and that I would have to pay $500. He aslo said I couldn't have been anything I did, the engine was coming apart, that would be the manufaturer's fault. I wish I would have not baught this Cougar, its been nothing but problems and recalls. I have went to the dealership so many time I've lost count.
- Chula Vista, CA, USA
Vehicle cuts off on an intermittent basis while traveling any speed on highway. Vehicle accelerates and headlights, and warning light illuminate before vehicle shuts down. Dealer has been contacted.
- Pocono Pines, PA, USA
Vehicle experiences sudden acceleration causing temporary control problems, consumer states on some occasions the accelerator will pat her foot just before it suddenly accelerates.
- Capital Heights, MD, USA
The consumer could hear a whinning noise when releasing his foot from the gas pedal. Nlm
- Mechanicsburg, PA, USA
Car leased in 1999. Since then there have been several complaints, the radio shorting out, 2 same side/tire blow outs, trouble lights and transmission problems, brake noise and acceleration problems. In each and every case the response has been "we cannot reproduce the problem" hence, no fixes. Warrenty expired now the alternater needs to be replaced" comment from service department "it must have been defective". ??"
- Matawan, NJ, USA
While driving about a low speed vehicle will suddenly accelerate without a prior warning. Consumer had taken vehicle to dealer for repairs, but dealer's personnel could not duplicate problem.
- Alexandria, VA, USA
Loud hum and RPM fluctuation at all speeds. Vehicle will accelerate on its own. Dealer says replacement parts are backordered and have been for 3 months.
- Winfield, KS, USA
Cruise control will not disengage with a tap on the brake - it must be fully depressed.
- Centreville, VA, USA
Cruise control will not disengage with a tap on the brake - it must be fully depressed.
- Centreville, VA, USA
While driving at approximately 40mph vehicle stalled without any prior warning. Towed vehicle to dealership & was informed it was the iac solenoid which needed to be replaced.
- Broken Arrow, OK, USA
Transmission surges and hesitates upon accelleration causing unexpected increases in speed; rear hatch will not open; brakes still grind after replacement; after door latches replaced, car now makes whining noice; starter replacement makes high pitched noise; coolant light comes on--dealer's solution is to overfill coolant level.
- San Mateo, CA, USA
While driving on the highway vehicle will race to very high rpms, and then completely shutdown without warning.
- Altoona, PA, USA
Throttle will not close when shifting gears below 3500 RPM's. car will actually accelerate when letting off the throttle under 3500 RPM's. when down shifting car will accelerate also if shifting under 3500 RPM's. very dangerous in traffic as driver must constantly ride the brake to slow auto. Car is a stick shift and Mercury has stated that the problem is a minimal reported problem but they are aware of it.
- Stafford, VA, USA
- San Rafael, CA, USA