Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STRUCTURE | |||||
| 11532 | 04/01/1998 | 613797 | On some vehicles, the front license plate bracket cannot be mounted to the front bumper by using the existing hardware and fasteners located in the glove box. *tt | 08/03/2000 | |
| 996140 | 05/01/1999 | 606990 | Some vehicles may exhibit the liftgate assist strap pulling loose. *tt | 09/09/1999 | |
| STRUCTURE - BODY | |||||
| 11767 | 08/01/1998 | 615268 | Some vehicles may exhibit a concern of loose visor clip. *tt | 01/10/2001 | |
| 4650 | 08/01/1998 | 615187 | Some vehicles may exhibit a concern of loose visor clip. *tt | 01/03/2001 | |
| 99-6192 | 05/01/1999 | 607007 | Exhibiting a concern of a grinding noise from the front end on turns. *tt | 11/03/2000 | |
| STRUCTURE - BODY - BUMPERS | |||||
| 13324 | 10/01/1999 | 6092149 | Some vehicles may exhibit paint bubbling / peeling on the front and / or rear bumper. *tt | 11/27/2000 | |
| 7244 | 10/01/1999 | 6090827 | A concern with paint bubbling / peeling on the front and / or rear bumper. *tt | 03/30/2000 | |
| STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR | |||||
| 12250 | 12/01/1998 | 615507 | Some vehicles may exhibit door lock(s) that intermittently re-lock without command or rapidly cycle to lock and unlock without command. *tt | 01/17/2001 | |
| 5314 | 12/01/1998 | 615414 | Some vehicles may exhibit door lock(s) that intermittently re-lock without command or rapidly cycle to lock and unlock without command. *tt | 01/16/2001 | |
| 99-8-15 | 05/03/1999 | 606419 | Subject regarding door trim panel replacement - service tip. *tt | 01/05/2001 | |
| 985173 | 11/01/1998 | 613303 | Some vehicles built before 5/25/98 may have loose or missing head buttons in the door grab handle due to poor adhesion. *tt | 06/20/2000 | |
| 12160 | 11/01/1998 | 613175 | Some vehicles built before 5/25/98 may have loose or missing cougar head buttons in the door grab handle due to poor adhesion. *mjs | 06/19/2000 | |
| 9912689 | 08/01/1999 | 609021 | Exhibiting an intermittent concern of the power door locks self-actuating (locking) without pressing the lock button. *tt | 12/06/1999 | |
| 996166 | 05/01/1999 | 606997 | Exhibiting an intermittent concern of the power door lock self-actuating without pressing the lock button. *tt | 09/09/1999 | |
| STRUCTURE - BODY - HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE | |||||
| 15197 | 08/01/2001 | 624978 | Some vehicles may exhibit a concern of backlite/hatchback moldings becoming loose. *jg | 11/16/2001 | |
| STRUCTURE - BODY - TAILGATE | |||||
| 5358 | 12/01/1998 | 615440 | Some vehicles may exhibit a concern where the liftgate will not open when using the liftgate release button on the left hand kick panel or by using the key fob. *tt | 01/16/2001 | |
| 996140 | 05/01/1999 | 606990 | Some vehicles may exhibit the liftgate assist strap pulling loose. *tt | 09/09/1999 | |
| STRUCTURE - BODY - TRUNK LID | |||||
| 12274 | 12/01/1998 | 615528 | Some vehicles may exhibit a concern where the liftgate will not open when using the liftgate release button on the left hand kick panel or by using the key fob. *tt | 01/18/2001 | |
| 9992 | 05/17/1999 | 606423 | Concerns with the liftgate latch not releasing using interior release or rke transmitter; popping up when unlocked; misalignment; and / or high closing efforts. *tt | 08/20/1999 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STRUCTURE | |||
| 09/05/2008 | 1 | ||
| The plastic sunroof transport mechanism has broken for the second time during the life of this car (i am the only owner). the first incident occurred early in my ownership and was covered under warranty. dealership that fixed it the first time has refused to fix it again citing a 12 month warranty. this problem is a well known design defect in the 1999 and 2000 model year mercury cougars and was addressed in the 2001 model year design. the cost for replacement parts is unconscionable considering the facts regarding this well known problem. i believe that clear knowledge of these issues of the ford motor company and the industry as a whole should have necessitated a recall long prior to this and because there isn't a recall i am filing this complaint. *tr | |||
| 05/09/2006 | 200 | 150 | 07/02/1999 |
| 1999 mercury cougar leaks water into hatch area directly onto the interior exposed electrical wiring and connections for tail lights and hatch release. dealership cannot determine source of leak and therefore cannot repair. mercury will not release blueprints of sheet metal layout to help in determining where water leak might be originating. neither did mercury cover diagnosis and will not cover repair even if problem source was identified. significant water inside the vehicle and directly on exposed electrical components could easily result in a catastrophic fire hazard and loss of life. *jb | |||
| 04/10/2006 | 89899 | 1 | 01/10/2006 |
| Moonroof on a 99 cougar doesn't work. wasn't much of a problem until the roof flew up and cracked the windshield of the person behind me. *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 | |||
| 06/01/2004 | 21 | 10/01/1999 | |
| Mechanical problems with 1999 mercury cougar. *mr the vehicle died in the middle of traffic on three occasions. there were alternator and fuel problems. the consumer requested a credited amount of funds and reimbursement for the battery, brakes and additional expenses. other problem are as followed: the new wheels were defective (corroded and frozen), the brake sensor snapped off of the wheel, the cd player was skipping, the hatch would not release properly, the steering wheel would shake, the keyless entry with anti-theft was inoperative, there was rough idle, the transmission shifter would stick, the cup holder did not shut, the hood would not open, and the lights would dim and or brighten while the vehicle was in motion. *sc *jb | |||
| 07/30/2001 | 1 | 07/12/2001 | |
| There was trim hanging from the steering wheel which fell off. also there was a hard plastic piece of trim hanging from the front end. there is a bubble present in the rear bumper, also the uni-body had been cut and extended to complete a prior repair of damage which occured before the was purchased, it was explained to the consumer that after a surgery to a vehicle in this manner, the vehicle would never truly be the same again.*jg | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY | |||
| 1 | 07/12/2001 | ||
| The center console is designed poorly. it flops around while in motion. *jg | |||
| 07/01/2001 | |||
| When car was purchased was not told that the uinbody rail was cut away over suspension/mtr.crossmember mount. found this info out when we had a minor accident with damange to the right front .have been trying to get this resolved sence 1/02 and jack garrett refuses to do anything just kept giving me a run around.this car should of never been sold it is unsafe and illiegal to sell with the frame being cut and a piece welded to make it fit,the rail is rusting. we have had several problems with this car it has been a lie from date of purchase ex. was told had great breaks got it to fl. had no brakes 343.00 i have several receipts for one repair after another.have pictures of the unibody,certfied letter to jack garrett,phone bills where i have called him letting him know of all the problems and lies he told us.*ak | |||
| 04/01/2002 | |||
| While traveling on highway cup holder had a drink inside. cup holder will dump the drink in driver's lap. dealership is aware of problem.*ak | |||
| 10/23/2001 | 4 | 06/01/1999 | |
| When making a right hand turn, the contents my cup in the cup holder (usually hot tea) spills into my driver's seat when making a right hand turn. 30-35 mi p/hr is the minimum speed that i've noticed. this distraction causes me to take my eyes off the road to straighten the cup to stop the spillage. at times i've found myself swerving a bit in the turn because of the initial shock of feeling my hot beverage on my thigh.*ak | |||
| 1 | 06/01/1998 | ||
| Molding around doors and windows was gapping, strap in the hatch back needed repair, and cougar emblems have been replaced. *slc | |||
| 04/01/2000 | 5 | ||
| Rear driver's side weather strip ripped, and consumer was not able to open door. has had weather strip replaced 5 times, original strip was okay. it was just leaking, but the replacement ones are the ones that keep ripping. *ak | |||
| 07/01/1998 | 3 | 07/01/1998 | |
| Sunvisor keeps falling down due to a defective clip which does not hold the sunvisor up, causing poor visibility, and may result in a crash. went to 2 dealers, 2nd dealer was able to fix the problem. *ak *ml | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - BUMPERS | |||
| 07/30/2001 | 1 | 07/12/2001 | |
| There was trim hanging from the steering wheel which fell off. also there was a hard plastic piece of trim hanging from the front end. there is a bubble present in the rear bumper, also the uni-body had been cut and extended to complete a prior repair of damage which occured before the was purchased, it was explained to the consumer that after a surgery to a vehicle in this manner, the vehicle would never truly be the same again.*jg | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR | |||
| 03/15/2008 | 8 | 07/01/1999 | |
| I am the original owner of a 1999 mercury cougar automatic v6. i have never been in an accident with the vehicle, but continue to have mechanical problems. like other 1999 | |||
| 11/10/2001 | |||
| Remote control does no longer unlock doors. remote control was replaced, but problem persists. recall 96v070000 on locks was done, it did not remedy the problem.*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 | |||
| 1 | 07/01/1998 | ||
| Passenger's seat will not lock in place unless seat is positioned all way to the back closely to rear seat . *ak consumer states the seat if unlocked and moved foward will only relock when pushed all the way to the rear, then seat can be adjusted and locked from any position, the problem is that you can not lock the seat if anything is placed behind the seat, in trying to lock the seat consumer states she has the crush her grandchild's feet in the car seat, consumer states there is a strong to light gasoline odor, also gas pedal will stick in up position and need strong push to release, door locks automaticcalylock and unlock at any time, the locks were finally replaced and consumer was given an extended warranty, consumer states radio goes out and the display disappears when it is hot.*jb | |||
| 1 | 03/31/1999 | ||
| The weather stripping on the passenger door began falling off. nlm | |||
| 1 | |||
| Driver's door will not close completely. *slc | |||
| 01/08/1999 | 4 | ||
| Door locks intermittently lock and unlock the doors while vehicle is in motion, there have been times when the vehicle is stopped and passengers inside are locked in. *slc | |||
| 3 | 09/01/1998 | ||
| Automatic door locks randomly without application. this happens with the ignition on or off. dealership has tried to correct problem three times. this has been an ongoing problem for last 18 months.*ak *slc | |||
| 12/01/1998 | |||
| 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. | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE | |||
| 02/20/2003 | 33000 | 1 | 01/13/2003 |
| I own a 1999 mercury cougar. i just bought the car in january of 2003 with 32,000 miles on the car. two weeks after purchasing the car the alternator died, which is a common problem with this car, and the dealership replaced the alternator. but two or three weeks after that, my power sunroof broke, which is also a very common problem, and because the car was not under warranty anymore it cost me over $1200.00 with labor to fix. i have since learned that there are many cougar owners that have had the sunroof break because the 1999 and 2000 cougars were made with plastic rails that easily break. the 2001 and 2002 cougars were made with metal rails and work fine. the parts that you order now for the 1999 and 2000 cougars are metal, so my question is, why wasn't this a recall, and why should we all have to pay for a defective part that is very expensive and breaks only because it is poorly manufactured? when i bought the car i had no idea how much money i would have to put into fixing the stock parts, such as the alternator, sun roof, and fuel pump, and rear hatch door, which are also very common problems. *nlm | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - HOOD | |||
| 08/19/1999 | 1 | 06/01/1999 | |
| No summary | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - HOOD - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS | |||
| 12/04/2004 | 1 | 08/01/2004 | |
| Dt: contact owns a 1999 mercury cougar. while contact's son drove the vehicle the hood latch broke, causing the hood to fly up and shatter the windshield. the consumer has contacted service dealer, but they stated there was no recall, and that the consumer would be responsible for the cost. the consumer has contacted the manufacturer.*ak | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - ROOF AND PILLARS | |||
| 02/13/2007 | 113000 | 1 | |
| Sunroofs on the 1999 to 2001 mercury cougars seem to break with alot of frequency. one day they seem to work and then for no reason they break. included is a website with other owners that have had the same problem. ford/mercury says it's not their problem even when it seems to be a design flaw of using plastic tracks for the sunroof. here's a link to the site with complaints http://www.cougarsunroof.com/ *tr | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - TRUNK LID | |||
| 09/01/2099 | |||
| Remote will not work on trunk release nor will the release from the inside work. it has been checked out 3 times and always the same answer. don't know why it won't open. panel has been replaced, still will not open.*ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| The trunk release seldom works, it has to be pushed repeatedly or opened with a key. *slc | |||
| 09/01/1999 | |||
| Remote will not work on trunk release nor will the release from the inside work. it has been checked out 3 times and always the same answer. don't know why it won't open. panel has been replaced, still will not open. | |||
| 11/30/1999 | 3 | 11/01/1999 | |
| Auto trunk release doesn't work. must use key and pull hard to open. had replaced 3 times still doesn't work | |||
| 05/05/1999 | 1 | 04/02/1999 | |
| Trunk release button fails continually. mjs | |||
| 12/01/1998 | |||
| 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. | |||
| 03/01/1999 | 2 | 02/01/1999 | |
| Remote trunk lid release does not release trunk lid; must still use key to open. dealer replaced spring but lid still does not release without key. suspect design flaw from manufacturer. | |||
| 04/25/1999 | 50 | 04/01/1999 | |
| Trunk release does not fully release trunk lid. lid gets stuck when released. dealer will not look at it, they say it's normall. i should have a working keyless entry system if i have paid for it...correct? | |||
| 07/01/1998 | 3 | 07/01/1998 | |
| Persistent high pitched whine comes thru the speakers in the car. noise intensifies with more gas. told it was altenator but now is said to be normal. gromets on the emergency brake cables were left off during assmebly of the car. dealership neglects consumer in response to fixing these problems. | |||
| STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS | |||
| 05/10/1999 | 1 | 04/01/1999 | |
| Caliper pin was replaced by dealership, no charge. | |||