Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||||
| 9913092 | 08/01/1999 | 609038 | Information when diagnosing the ambient temperature display and / or the optional frost / ice warning system on some vehicles, awareness of the operating strategy may aid in imporoved diagnosis. *tt | 12/07/1999 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||||
| 12524 | 03/01/1999 | 6091772 | Addressing concerns of contamination in the coolant expansion tank (located on the passenger side inner fender). *tt | 11/14/2000 | |
| 12089 | 11/01/1998 | 613069 | Some vehicles may exhibit a low coolant light concern, workshop manual diagnosis may not lead to a resolution, note workshop manual updates. *mjs | 06/16/2000 | |
| 5848 | 03/01/1999 | 605236 | Concerns with contamination in the coolant expansion tank. *tt | 06/04/1999 | |
| 982316 | 11/23/1998 | 603763 | Premature deterioration of the cooling system resulting in potential leaks and / or component failure may occur if conventional premium engine coolant (green-colored) is mixed with new extended life engine coolant ( orange-colored) found in | 03/04/1999 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| 031514 | 08/04/2003 | 99105 | 10003193 | The malfunction indicator lamp (mil) may be illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p1380, p1381, p1383, and/or p0340 may be stored in memory. *tt | 10/10/2003 |
| 14355 | 09/01/2000 | 618630 | Information pertaining to duratec oil pan investigation. *jb | 04/18/2001 | |
| 13468 | 11/01/1999 | 6092221 | Some vehicles equipped with 2.0l engine may exhibit a timing belt shredding or timing belt striking the front cover. *tt | 11/28/2000 | |
| 7451 | 11/01/1999 | 610829 | Some vehicles equipped with 2.0l engine may exhibit a timing belt shredding or timing belt striking the front cover. *tt | 05/15/2000 | |
| 982514 | 12/21/1998 | 603652 | Concerns with the timing arrows/flags on the back of the camshaft sprocket (s) are mis-marked by as much as 30 degrees rotation. *yc | 03/01/1999 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||||
| 16028 | 07/01/2002 | 636219 | Some vehicles equipped with a 2.5l engine may exhibit multiple misfire diagnostic trouble codes with no driveability concerns noted. *tt | 11/06/2002 | |
| 01246 | 12/10/2001 | 630515 | Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure. *tt | 04/18/2002 | |
| 0214 | 01/21/2002 | 630001 | Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area. *tt | 04/11/2002 | |
| 01205 | 10/15/2001 | 627927 | Some vehicles may exhibit vacuum or air leaks in the intake manifold and / or engine system causing diagnostic trouble codes p0171 and or p0174. *tt | 02/26/2002 | |
| 0147 | 03/05/2001 | 619424 | Subject regarding engine oil recommendations for use in 2001 vehicles - sae 5w-20 motor oil. *tt | 05/30/2001 | |
| 00186 | 09/04/2000 | 618595 | Vehicles may experience no start condition when the wiper switch is in the intermittent or low-speed setting during vehicle start-up. *jb | 04/17/2001 | |
| 0114 | 01/22/2001 | 618069 | Experiencing a spark knock or pre-ignition condition on vehicles with an automatic or manual transmission during steady cruise driving or under light acceleration. *tt | 04/03/2001 | |
| 11813 | 08/01/1998 | 615309 | Some vehicles may experience a concern of an intermittent no crank, no start condition. *tt | 01/12/2001 | |
| 4609 | 08/01/1998 | 615147 | Some vehicles may experience a concern of an intermittent no crank, no start. *tt | 01/02/2001 | |
| 13975 | 03/01/2000 | 612943 | Vehicles with 2.5l engine and built after may 25, 1999 may exhibit an intermittent hard / no start, rough idle or hesitation after a hot soak of approximately 30 minutes. *tt | 06/14/2000 | |
| 13830 | 01/01/2000 | 612885 | Some vehicles equipped with a 2.5l engine and built after may 5, 1999 may exhibit an intermittent hard/no start, rough idle or hesitation after a hot soak of approxinately 30 minutes. *mjs | 06/13/2000 | |
| 8334 | 03/01/2000 | 612760 | Some vehicles equipped with a 2.5 engine and built after may 25, 1999 may exhibit an intermittent hard / no start, rough idle or hesitation after a hot soak of approximately 30 minutes. *tt | 06/12/2000 | |
| 6576 | 07/01/1999 | 610694 | Service tip information regarding engine oil leak diagnosis. *tt | 05/11/2000 | |
| 13386 | 10/01/1999 | 609662 | Information on investigating hard start / no start conditions accompanied by overfueling in ambients below 32f/0c, on vehicles with vct equipped 2.0l zetec engines. *tt | 04/05/2000 | |
| 99138 | 06/28/1999 | 606506 | A rough idle, stalling at an idle, reduced power and / or malfunction indicator lamp (mil) with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p1381 and p1383 may be stored im memory on some vehicles. *tt | 08/26/1999 | |
| 99816 | 05/03/1999 | 606420 | Ford motor company now recommends sae 5w-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year. *tt | 08/19/1999 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM | |||||
| 17174 | 09/01/2003 | 10004066 | Malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p0171/p0174 or p1072/p0175 stored in memory or as hard faults. hesitation, lack of power or runs rough condition. *tt | 11/17/2003 | |
| 14596 | 01/01/2001 | 617972 | Exhibiting one or multiple studs break on exhaust flanges. *jb | 04/02/2001 | |
| 14542 | 12/01/2000 | 617052 | Some vehicles may exhibit one or multiple threaded studs break on the exhaust flanges. this may be noted by a rattling noise, exhaust leak or a scraping noise when driving. *tt | 03/14/2001 | |
| 00252 | 12/11/2000 | 616819 | On some vehicles, an objectionable exhaust, sulfur, or rotten egg odor following aggressive driving, such as full-throttle acceleration may occur. *tt | 03/13/2001 | |
| 13093 | 08/01/1999 | 6091895 | Some vehicles equipped with 2.5l may exhibit a sulfur smell from the exhaust. (t | 11/16/2000 | |
| 7311 | 10/01/1999 | 6090889 | Some vehicles with cd4e automatic transacle may exhibit an objectionable sulfur or rotten egg odor from the exhaust following aggressive driving. *tt | 03/31/2000 | |
| 99237 | 11/15/1999 | 6090162 | Objectionable exhaust, sulfur, or rotten egg odor aggressive driving on vehicles with 2.5l engine and cd4e transaxle. *tt | 03/09/2000 | |
| 9913029 | 08/01/1999 | 609031 | Engineering is currently investigating concerns with 2.5l vehicles exhibiting a sulfur smell from the exhaust. *tt | 12/07/1999 | |
| 996746 | 08/01/1999 | 608457 | Customers may complain of a sulfur smell from the exhaust on vehicles equipped with a 2.5l. *tt | 12/02/1999 | |
| 982010 | 10/12/1998 | 603695 | Experiencing a buzzing or rattling noise from the exhaust system. *yc | 03/02/1999 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) | |||||
| 15390 | 11/01/2001 | 630408 | Some vehicles may exhibit a check engine light and/or egr diagnostic trouble codes 332, p0401, p1407 (lackof egr flow). *tt | 04/17/2002 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 02/01/2011 | 125000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 1999 mercury cougar. the contact stated that the check engine light illuminated upon starting the vehicle. in addition, the engine exhibited a loss of power. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop and the contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the failure recurred approximately eleven months later. the vehicle was taken back to the repair shop and the contact was informed that the same repairs would be needed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 04v421000 (fuel system, gasoline). the failure mileage was 125,000. kmj | |||
| 02/01/2011 | 125000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 1999 mercury cougar. the contact stated that the check engine light illuminated upon starting the vehicle. in addition, the engine exhibited a loss of power. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop and the contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the failure recurred approximately eleven months later. the vehicle was taken back to the repair shop and the contact was informed that the same repairs would be needed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 04v421000 (fuel system, gasoline). the failure mileage was 125,000. sm. | |||
| 03/19/2001 | 1 | ||
| Bought car at dealer on 02/05/01 since then i've had to repair car on too many occasions. here some of the repairs i've had to do on this car ever since i bought it. on 3/01: brakes, 10/01: dealership replaced battery and performed a recall,12/01: dealership replaced alternator, 05/02: brake pads, 04/04: water pump belt, 09/04: replaced batter, 10/11/04: replaced alternator and belt, 10/14/04: replaced positive battery terminal, 12/04: replaced radio, 02/06: replaced motor mount, 01/07:replaced battery, 02/07: replaced strut, 02/08: replaced shock absorber, 10/08: replaced battery, 04/09: replaced bearing, transmission & anchor engine mount and don't have the date but also had to replace the windshield wiper motor. these repairs are what i have in receipts yet for example i have replaced the motor mounts more than once. currently the following areas of my vehicle do not function: the horn no longer works, cruise control is not functioning, the air conditioner no longer heats, & the brake light of my vehicle remained lit when the vehicle was on and now have failed to turn out (lamp socket is burnt). *tr | |||
| 04/24/2007 | 1 | 04/01/1999 | |
| Recall of brake pressure control. ford service center states repair was done on 12-19-2000, but there is no records to confirm. in addition, the fuel system recall, ford states that there isn't one on my vehicle, however, my vechicle displays the same symptoms described under recall 04v421000 and the continuous check engine light. i have had all sensors repaired that came up in engine diagnostic testing . according to last test done, reads fuel is running lean but can't repair because no code appears for that to show where problem lies. i have had fuel system flushed to help remedy problem. still having issues. *tr | |||
| 07/15/2006 | 126000 | 1 | 05/08/1999 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving 35 mph on dry city streets, the check engine light illuminated without warning. the vehicle was taken to the dealer however no problem was found. | |||
| 03/01/2006 | 109000 | 1 | |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds the engine stalls causing all the lights on the dash to illuminate. additionally the speedometer, gas gauge and odometer become inoperable. the vehicle was taken to the dealership but because it was purchased as is they will not inspect it. | |||
| 01/23/2006 | 55223 | 2 | 07/22/2005 |
| As soon as i bought the car used with 49000 it wouldn't start. replaced the starter, still wasn't right. had to replace the flywheel because the old and new starter never matched properly with flywheel. then, the engine light came on. the egr sensor was bad. replaced the sensor. all of this within one month of owning the car. then a few months later coolant light wasn't just coming on, but staying on, had to replace coolant tank due to shorting of the sensor in the tank. now, six months after owning car, engine light is back on. *ak | |||
| 03/21/2005 | 111004 | 1 | 10/19/2001 |
| 3/21/05 vehicle taken to lincoln mercury driveability concern by>>( my wife)>>>check engine light on, they fond intake gaskets leaking vac & bank 2 also monitor are very active need tune up and plug wires and tires... my wife gave them all technical service bulletins diagnostic trouble codes po420 & po430 paper....also,told them 99-mercury cougar 2.5l engine stall and have inability to start car...they kept paper, and told her she need new battery cables!!!! call manufacturer on tsb and recall, we was told there was no recall on our vehicle i.d. number....etc........consumer reports used car buying guide fond recall ---99-00 mercury cougar with 2.5l v6 engine----natsa number #01i009000 please help............. *jb | |||
| 09/01/2005 | 4 | 10/01/1999 | |
| I have had multiple problems since i purchased the car in 10/99. i have had the sun roof replaced once and now needs it again for the same reason; the track broke ($1000 to fix, $2000 if i go to the dealer). the ignition switch has been changed twice because it sticks (it need to be changed again). in 2/00 it started: whenever the car got cold, the car would either not turn on or would just shut down while i was driving. the car was brought to the dealer multiple times for the same problem. he changed numerous parts but was unable to resolve the issue, until a 2004 recall for something to do with the fuel system. about three years ago the engine light came on at which time the dealer replaced the catalytic converter. a few weeks later the engine light came on again at which time the dealer told me it was the head gasket. that, i had replaced by an independent mechanic and then still had to bring it back to the dealer to have the catalytic converter done a second time, and to have the computer reset to have the engine light shut off. anytime i have work done on the car, even just maintenance, the check coolant light or the engine light comes on and i have to bring it to the dealer to have it shut off. in 9/05 the coolant light illuminated and a day later the engine light came on, i brought the car to an independent mechanic who changed the overflow tank because he believed it to be a bad sensor. after fixing that, the engine light would not go off as well as one of my brake lights. he did multiple tests and determined that it is something electrical, unfortunately he could not pinpoint the exact cause of the electrical problem. for some reason those lights have gone off but i expect them come back on soon. *jb | |||
| 06/23/2000 | 7 | 02/01/2000 | |
| 1999 mercury cougar has problems with the speakers, battery equipment, brake equipment and instrument cluster.***no answer required***. *mr the vehicle pulled to the right while driving. the consumer stated on a separate occasion while driving she noticed the vehicle had no brakes, the consumer was able to find a mechanic who determined all for rotors and pads needed to be replaced. the consumer stated the brake light did not illuminate. *jb | |||
| 11/09/2004 | 54000 | 1 | |
| While driving any speed, the vehicle would hesitate/surge forward before stalling. the consumer managed to pull over and restart the vehicle. the dealership will be notified. please provide more information. *jb | |||
| 03/02/2004 | 67000 | 5 | 03/02/2004 |
| While driving at any speed check engine light stayed on. vehicle stalled, and was started again. then, the vehicle revved severely. dealer sent the vehicle to repair shops five times for estimates, but could not find the cause of the problem. *ak the check engine light has been on since the vehicle was purchased. *nm | |||
| 05/03/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving between 35 to 40 mph vehicle stalled. this caused loss of steering and brake power. consumer lost the control of the vehicle, and was involved in a front end collision. upon impact, neither of the air bags deployed.*ak | |||
| 12/14/2002 | 1 | 10/05/2002 | |
| I have a 1999 mercury cougar and it has malfunctions all over in the engine. the main problem is that my prestone is leaking into my pistons therefore killing my whole engine. i have taken it to the dealer that had sold it to me but they have done nothing to fix the problem.someone needs to fix it and i'm not about to fix it.*ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 01/10/2001 | 06/01/1999 | ||
| Oil filter combusted due to pressure. engine has been destroyed!!! car is a year and a half old with 24,500 miles. i have a number of problems that have occurred with this car. i have ignored due to they come and go. such as rattling noises from the trunk, cigarrette lighter is dead, gas gauge doesn't read properly all the time, lights illuminate for rear light out, airbags, coolant, next time start up car they are out??? i had a saturn for 5 years never had a problem. i have this cougar for a year and a half and look at all these problems. i am sorry a car that is a year and a half should not be getting a new engine!!!! i am extremely disappointed with mercury. i will never get another one again.*ak | |||
| 02/18/1999 | 1 | ||
| Coolant level switch/sensor failed causing coolant light on dash to illuminate. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN | |||
| 11/01/2001 | 1 | ||
| The fan motor blower doesn't work resulting in one of the resistors burning, the dealer is aware of the problem and the potential of a fire. nlm | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - HOSE | |||
| 04/21/2004 | 01/18/1999 | ||
| 21,210 miles-brake rotor and pad failure,sunroof inoperable,passenger window inoperable-warranty 47,823 miles-complete charging system failure-warranty trunk has never opened correctly from inside-no solution 87,000 miles- starter motor failed-$250 91,519 miles-2 radiator hoses failed-$240 93,000 miles-manual transmission failed, differential gears -$2440 now i am having problems with my fuel pump. throughout the life of this car there have been numerous problems cars don't receive until after 100,000 miles. in my eyes, it is simply a 100,000 mile lemon! *nm | |||
| 09/15/2000 | 1 | 10/01/1998 | |
| Vehicle experiencing a momentary loss of steering when driving over a water puddle, and intermittently causing malfunction to instrument panel lights. dealer / manufacturer notified, and unable to locate cause. *ak both side mirrors fell off. the cd and the radio are not operational. the radiator hose broke after 2 months of purchasing the vehicle. the back window wiper failed. the sun roof failed. this vehicle had numerous mechanical problems. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 06/22/2007 | 183000 | 5 | 06/11/2000 |
| Tl*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 *tr | |||
| 06/21/2004 | 33000 | 200 | 04/01/2000 |
| Tl*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. *jb | |||
| 03/11/2007 | 1 | 09/09/1999 | |
| 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 $1300.00. i thought getting a tune up was a good thing! *jb | |||
| 07/08/2006 | 90000 | 2 | 04/22/2002 |
| 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. *nm | |||
| 06/08/2006 | 2 | 04/22/2002 | |
| 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. *nm | |||
| 06/01/2006 | 15 | 06/01/1999 | |
| 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. *nm | |||
| 02/27/2006 | 1 | 08/24/1998 | |
| 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!!!! *nm | |||
| 10/07/2005 | 1 | 10/07/2005 | |
| 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. please provide further details. *jb | |||
| 10/24/2003 | 2 | ||
| 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. please provide further details. *jb *tc | |||
| 10/12/2003 | 1 | ||
| When driving at any speed check engine light appeared on the dashboard intermittently. *ak | |||
| 79000 | 1 | ||
| 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. *ak | |||
| 09/19/2001 | 98000 | 20 | 09/19/2001 |
| 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. *ak | |||
| 4 | |||
| Problems with vehicle's trunk coming unlatched from the inside. *mr 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. *scc there was a recall regarding the heater blower resistor, however the dealer stated the vehicle identification number wasn't included in the recall. *jb | |||
| 07/11/2003 | 1 | ||
| 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. *ak | |||
| 05/15/2003 | 1 | ||
| While driving 65 mph the engine piston locked up and caused the engine to blow. *nlm | |||
| 02/11/2003 | 52000 | 1 | 08/22/2002 |
| 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, mr. kerr, 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 cougars. 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. *nlm | |||
| 03/03/2003 | 60132 | 1 | |
| The engine made a very loud rattle and then stalled. the dealer stated the engine blew due to defective pistons and rods. *jb | |||
| 03/19/2002 | 1 | 08/01/1998 | |
| 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.*ak | |||
| 1 | 03/31/1999 | ||
| While driving, engine stalled due to a defective oil pump installed on vehicle, massive oil leakage due to failure. *slc | |||
| 10/01/2000 | 3 | 04/01/1999 | |
| 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. *ak (tiresize: r16)( dot number: tire size: r16 ) | |||
| 2 | 05/03/1999 | ||
| The engine has been replaced 2 times and the oil filter has blown off the engine. *slc | |||
| 01/10/2001 | 06/01/1999 | ||
| Oil filter combusted due to pressure. engine has been destroyed!!! car is a year and a half old with 24,500 miles. i have a number of problems that have occurred with this car. i have ignored due to they come and go. such as rattling noises from the trunk, cigarrette lighter is dead, gas gauge doesn't read properly all the time, lights illuminate for rear light out, airbags, coolant, next time start up car they are out??? i had a saturn for 5 years never had a problem. i have this cougar for a year and a half and look at all these problems. i am sorry a car that is a year and a half should not be getting a new engine!!!! i am extremely disappointed with mercury. i will never get another one again.*ak | |||
| 2 | 05/03/1999 | ||
| The engine has been replaced 2 times and the oil filter has blown off the engine. *slc | |||
| 02/04/1999 | 8 | 12/31/1998 | |
| Vehicle hesitation upon start up due to faulty fuel regulator and intake gaskets. *mjs | |||
| 09/04/1998 | |||
| When starting the car it's making a grinding noise. finally, took vehicle in and it was the flywheel and starter. dealer fixed it. had the vehicle for two weeks after repairs, and it still didn't start. when turning the ignition key, it would either make a humming sound or nothing at all. dealer kept it for 3 weeks and put over 100 miles on the vehicle, and still can't find what is wrong. *ak | |||
| 06/09/1999 | |||
| Enginecheck light came on after being repaired for the timing belt leak. vehicle was leaking day after being picked up from dealer. the repairs, done between june 9-jul 9, 1999, were not satisfactory. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| 09/01/2002 | 1 | 10/01/2098 | |
| Oil pan gaskets should have a longer life. this car is out of warranty due to time of ownership not miles driven repairs cost $371. car receives regular oil changes and good care. if this problem is getting widespread i would like to see a recall or be offered extended warranty protection. dt | |||
| 01/10/2000 | |||
| 01 v 031 000/battery cable routing: vehicle has an ongoing problem with stalling. vehicle been to the dealer for repairs ,and the problem still occurring. feel free to provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 07/30/2001 | 2 | 07/12/2001 | |
| There is engine noise upon acceleration. *jg | |||
| 03/13/2002 | 1 | 07/01/1998 | |
| 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.*ak | |||
| 12/15/2001 | 1 | ||
| 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. *ak *jb | |||
| 12/15/2001 | |||
| Vehicle cuts off on an intermittent basis while traveling any speed on highway. dealer has been contatced. please provide further details.*ak | |||
| 07/27/1999 | |||
| Vehicle stalls. when driving in rain and hit a puddle ,vehicle will stall. also, when hitting a bump wheel will lock/ lights will come on, and vehicle will stall. contacted dealer, and dealer stated could not find anything wrong.*ak | |||
| On 4 different occasions vehicle will shut off suddenly andwithout warning as though someone shut key off, and then everything locks up/ loss of power occurs, and cannot even shift out of gear. dealer has replaced starter, but it did not fix defect.*ak | |||
| 06/16/2001 | 6 | 08/02/1999 | |
| Air conditioner turns off and on without manually operating the system, once air conditioner turns back on the air is not cool.air blows like vent is closed. also, engine will cut off without prior warning. dealer unable to duplicate problems. *ak | |||
| 06/15/2001 | 6 | 08/02/1999 | |
| While standing outside of vehicle with windows rolled down when door closed and automatically locked. consumer noted this was not a feature of vehicle. key failed to unlock the door, consumer reached inside vehicle to manually unlock door. dealer stated if a new alarm system was put in to replace the old one, problem might be corrected. *ak air conditioner turns on and off. radio will not come on at times. motor will die out. alarm went off, door lock by themselves. key will not crank vehicle at times. vehicle jumped and jerked almost hitting consumers sister who was standing in front of the vehicle. *slc | |||
| Intermittently vehicle will stall out and die without warning.*ak | |||
| 12/01/1999 | 1 | 03/31/1999 | |
| The vehicle developed a starting problem, it would crank excessively before starting, the dealer replaced the fuel pump but that only temporarily solved the problem as it returned shortly after replacing the pump. nlm | |||
| 09/25/2000 | 07/01/1998 | ||
| Engine threw rod at 40k . no other previous problems engine maintained every 3000 mi. *ak | |||
| 2 | 05/03/1999 | ||
| The engine has been replaced 2 times and the oil filter has blown off the engine. *slc | |||
| 1 | |||
| Engine light comes on, possible engine failure. *slc | |||
| 07/03/2000 | 1 | 01/14/1999 | |
| While driving on a 4-lane highway, lights on the dashboard lit up and engine died. then, consumer lost control of the vehicle. with no brakes or steering vehicle started to spin out of control and hit a guardrail at about 55mph. consumer said it was a engine problem. airbags did not deploy.*ak *ml | |||
| 04/04/2000 | 4 | 07/01/1999 | |
| Car stalls for no apparent reason. it will lose power as if out of gas. rpm's will rev up high and car will act as if it is in neutral. while traveling at 70mph , the car would hesitate severely and act as if it was going to shut down. it would continue to drive , but speed would get slower and slower but the rpm's would keep going up and down. when car completely stalls , it becomes very difficult to get it started again. once it is started, it will drive fine for about another week. the car has stalled at different speeds and totally unexpected. it has happened four times and the car becomes hard to control in traffic. the dealer has been unable to duplicate the problem, therefore unable to fix it. other minor problems have been the hatch not opening due to leaking strut. took 2 atempts by the dealer before problem was solved. cd player went out and sun roof would not open. *ak | |||
| 03/14/2000 | |||
| Intermittently vehicle failed to accelerate. vehicle been in/out of dealer shop. dealer informed consumer that no correction could be made at this time. *ak | |||
| 07/01/1999 | 4 | 05/21/1999 | |
| While driving vehicle idles and stalls unexpectedly which may cause a crash. also vehicle experiences a no start condition. dealer cannot determine the cause of the problem. *ak *ml | |||
| 08/12/1998 | 4 | 03/01/1998 | |
| Engine management computer malfunction, causing engine to stall while idling, and to cut out/stumble during acceleration. car has been to dealership four times for service, has not been remedied. ford service technician has verified the faults and can come up with no better than a lame it checks out ok on the computer. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | |||
| 10/01/2000 | 2 | 05/01/1999 | |
| Serpentine belt slips when driving in rain causing a loss in power steering and all warning lights coming on inside of car. there are various reports about this problem.......#2 front brake pads are wearing out way to early, and also had front rotors replaced. *ak | |||
| 08/22/2000 | 0 | ||
| While driving in a rainy conditions serpentine belt gets wet/ will lose power steering, leaving vehicle stuck. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM | |||
| 60 | 04/01/1999 | ||
| Tire has continuously lost air since day one. it has been back to the dealer at least three times for this problem, each time they find no constant problem. once they stated that a patch was leaking. the tire is so thin in spots that a 1/4 screw punctured it, thus the patch. that was not the problem. the vehicle spends more time at air pumps that gas. now i had it aligned and balanced, where i was informed that both front tires are separating. i have long contended there is a problem. i have complained to ford and never received a reply. the tires are now on the rear, and i will take it back to the dealer, i also expect to get a major run around. the dealership i take it to is not where i purchased it. i am taking it to holman lincoln mercury in hollywood, fl. i have not taken it to the selling dealership due to distance.any advise?*ak (tiresize: p215/50r16) | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL | |||
| 10/01/2000 | |||
| Engine light comes on intermittently. at first it starts in rainy or cold weather. dealer inspected vehicle, and stated diagnosics showed oxygen sensor was the problem, part has not been replaced yet. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR | |||
| 09/01/2005 | 4 | 10/01/1999 | |
| I have had multiple problems since i purchased the car in 10/99. i have had the sun roof replaced once and now needs it again for the same reason; the track broke ($1000 to fix, $2000 if i go to the dealer). the ignition switch has been changed twice because it sticks (it need to be changed again). in 2/00 it started: whenever the car got cold, the car would either not turn on or would just shut down while i was driving. the car was brought to the dealer multiple times for the same problem. he changed numerous parts but was unable to resolve the issue, until a 2004 recall for something to do with the fuel system. about three years ago the engine light came on at which time the dealer replaced the catalytic converter. a few weeks later the engine light came on again at which time the dealer told me it was the head gasket. that, i had replaced by an independent mechanic and then still had to bring it back to the dealer to have the catalytic converter done a second time, and to have the computer reset to have the engine light shut off. anytime i have work done on the car, even just maintenance, the check coolant light or the engine light comes on and i have to bring it to the dealer to have it shut off. in 9/05 the coolant light illuminated and a day later the engine light came on, i brought the car to an independent mechanic who changed the overflow tank because he believed it to be a bad sensor. after fixing that, the engine light would not go off as well as one of my brake lights. he did multiple tests and determined that it is something electrical, unfortunately he could not pinpoint the exact cause of the electrical problem. for some reason those lights have gone off but i expect them come back on soon. *jb | |||
| 05/26/2003 | 3 | 01/10/2002 | |
| The catalytic converter failed. chapman ford fixed one of the catalytic converters, but the system may still be failing. *ak the vehicle contained a rotten egg smell. *cb *jb | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | |||
| 05/17/2003 | 61000 | 0 | 08/23/1999 |
| Imrc (intake manifold runner control) unit seems to have used insufficient cable strength. faulty design caused the cable to fray inside the unit eventually breaking. *nlm | |||