Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM | |||||
| 15065 | 07/01/2001 | 621067 | Some vehicles may exhibit a/c discharge air temperatures differences of greater than 10 degrees f from registers on left side of dash than on right. *tt | 09/06/2001 | |
| 0041 | 02/21/2000 | 612346 | Vehicle may experience fluttering noise heard from heater plenum area vehicles built from 11/2/1998 through 12/22/1998. *mjs | 06/07/2000 | |
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - BLOWER | |||||
| 99M08 | 09/01/1999 | 6089618 | Owner notification program providing additional coverage for replacement of the blower resistor and attached wire connector. this additional coverage is provided in case the vehicle owner epxeriences durability concerns with these compone | 02/09/2000 | |
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - CONTROLS/WIRING | |||||
| 041514 | 08/09/2004 | 04189 | 10011159 | Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair. *tt | 01/04/2005 |
| 031501 | 07/12/2004 | 04137 | 10009321 | Inoperative electric rear window defroster (heated backlite) grid lines, integral antenna concerns. *tt | 09/23/2004 |
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - HEATER CORE | |||||
| 01156 | 08/06/2001 | 623944 | Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *slc | 10/31/2001 | |
| VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES | |||||
| 6157 | 05/01/1999 | 606991 | Information regarding inoperative mirrors. *tt | 09/09/1999 | |
| VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES - EXTERIOR | |||||
| 9912682 | 08/01/1999 | 609000 | Concerns with loss of the power function of one or both exterior mirrors. *tt | 12/06/1999 | |
| 99412 | 03/08/1999 | 604768 | Service tips regarding the outside rearview mirror breakaway design. *tt | 05/12/1999 | |
| VISIBILITY - SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY | |||||
| 99193 | 09/20/1999 | 6090080 | Experiencing a grinding / groaning / squeaking / squealing noise when opening or closing the sunroof. *tt | 03/06/2000 | |
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD | |||||
| 13508 | 11/01/1999 | 614633 | Some vehicles may exhibit a windnoise or whistle from the windshield a-pillar moldings. *tt | 11/29/2000 | |
| 7532 | 11/01/1999 | 610859 | Some vehicles may exhibit a windnoise or whistle from the windshield a-pillar moldings. *tt | 05/16/2000 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY | |||
| 09/05/2011 | 135000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 1999 mercury cougar. the contact stated that the sunroof separated from the vehicle, which could cause possible water damage. the dealer and manufacturer were notified, but denied any assistance with repairs of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 135,000 and the current mileage was 139,000. the vin was unavailable. sm. | |||
| 09/05/2011 | 135000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1999 mercury cougar. the contact stated that the sunroof had separated from the vehicle, which could cause possible water damage. the dealer and manufacturer were notified, but denied any assistance with repair to the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 135,000 and the current mileage was 139,000. the vin was unavailable. nw | |||
| 2 | 06/01/2001 | ||
| The knob that adjusts the heat for high or low had stuck on low. the problem may be an electrical problem. ts the sunroof had broken. scc | |||
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM | |||
| 04/28/1999 | 4 | ||
| When the heater is turned on or on a rainy day, the windshield steams up and consumer has difficulty seeing. *slc | |||
| 04/20/1999 | 04/01/1999 | ||
| I have the manual transmission, and when driving below 35 mph with the defroster or air conditioner turned on a constant, surging is felt about every minute. at even slower speeds it becomes more of a concern as the car will surge unexpectedly when driving in parking lots or negotiating corners. if the defroster or air conditioner is not turned on then the car operates normal without any surging. *ak | |||
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - REAR WINDOW | |||
| 09/25/1998 | |||
| Rear windshield defogger is not working properly. consumer unable to see from rear window. dealer notified, and informed consumer that codition was normal. *ak | |||
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - BLOWER | |||
| 10/16/2004 | 69500 | 1 | 10/20/1999 |
| My blower fan quit working on anything but high. i took it to a mechanic and he found the heater blower resistor had gone out and it melted the connector. there is a safety recall program for 1999 mercury cougers 01s22. *ak | |||
| 03/25/2004 | 1 | ||
| The consumer noticed that the blower malfunctioned. the consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the consumer that the heater blower resistor needed to be replaced. please provide further details. *jb | |||
| 1 | 03/31/1999 | ||
| The heater fan makes noise. nlm | |||
| 05/05/1999 | 1 | 04/02/1999 | |
| Blower for heating and a/c seldom works. mjs | |||
| VISIBILITY - POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | |||
| 06/01/2000 | 4 | ||
| Driver's window control will take the window down, but not up, dealer has not been able to resolve this issue. *slc | |||
| 10/20/1999 | 5 | 06/01/1999 | |
| Vehicle less than 6 months old, problems with both windows/doors. air leaks from both windows, doesn't seal properly, sounds like the window is down slightly. driver window making squeaking noise going up and down and a clicking noise in both doors when hitting slight bumps, brakes squealing, defect in paint, air vent system, when you put the dial to only the floor air still comes out of the upper vents. i have had the car back to the dealership 5 times. each time they tried to repair the windows they have created another problem somewhere else in the car. the windows are still not repaired properly. they replaced the driverside window, inside driver door panel taken off at least 12 or more times, passenger side at least 4. dashboard taken out at least 4 times and they are now ordering a new dash. the noise in the dash and now the fan was not there when i took the car in for service the first time. i belive the car had some factory defects which were not repairable through the dealership, this has caused additional probmes with my car. at this time i feel i am being forced to pay for a new car which has been taken apart several times and put back together. i feel i am paying a new car price for what is now a used vechicle. i am going to ford to request a buy back of the car, had it not been for the defects in the windows/doors in the first place, that are obviously not repairable my car would not have been picked apart. since the dash has been taken out several times when you go over a bump you can see the dash shake as well as rattle. *ak | |||
| 06/01/1999 | 1 | 02/01/1999 | |
| Driver and passenger power windows do not seal when doors are closed; must often power windows down and back up to properly close. dealer corrected rattling driver window on its track, but both windows still fail to close or seal properly. | |||
| VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES | |||
| 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. | |||
| VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES - EXTERIOR | |||
| 09/26/1999 | |||
| When vehicle is at a four-way stop sign, car to the right of consumer's stop sign, vehicle at this position causes it to be hidden from consumer's right of rearview mirror. dealer notified and informed consumer that nothing can be done. asking nhtsa to look into this matter. *ak | |||
| VISIBILITY - REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES - INTERIOR | |||
| The interior rearview mirror is obstructing the view of the driver which may result a crash. please provide further informaiton. *ak | |||
| VISIBILITY - SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY | |||
| 07/29/2006 | 83000 | 2 | 07/25/2006 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1999 mercury cougar. he stated that the sunroof shifted to the side and he heard a crack when he attempted to open it, which caused the bracket to break. the problem occurred on two occasions. approximately one year ago the track and bracket were replaced however the sunroof would no longer close. the failure mileage was 83,000 and the current mileage was 87,000. | |||
| 04/10/2006 | 108000 | 1 | 02/27/2006 |
| Tl*- the contact has a 1999 mercury cougar with a failure mileage of 107,000. when the contact opened the sun roof she heard a snapping sound. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer, and was told that she had to replace the sun roof assembly. she felt that this was a very expensive repair for a part that only needed a plastic piece replaced. the current mileage was 137,000 miles. *ak the consumer has provided multiple pages of various customers and the problems of their mercury cougars which are located on www.cougarsunroof.com and broken sunroof poll. the consumer has also provided the invoice with an estimate for repair. update 05/09/07*tr | |||
| 10/02/2006 | 1064 | ||
| Sunroof broke loose. is stuck now but could potentially release from vehicle while driving. this is a major issue affecting many many vehicles. refer to www.cougarsunroof.com. list of over 1000 complaints there. it is only a matter of time before this gets someone killed. i have a bachelor's degree in fire protection and safety engineering technology from oklahoma state university's world renowned program and this is a serious issue. *nm | |||
| 02/20/2006 | 95000 | 3 | 02/17/2006 |
| The sunroof on my 1999 mercury cougar has stopped working. it stopped in the raised position and upon investigating the problem it seems that the plastic pieces on the track have broken. while researching the problem i discovered that this is a known problem and can be dangerous because there have been many reports of the sunroof panel actually flying off the car while moving. ford/mercury knows this was a problem because they changed the plastic pieces to aluminum after this manufacture year. it is a shame that someone doesn't make this company fix the problem before someone gets hurt or killed by one of these sunroof's malfunctioning and flying off the car or falling on someone while trying to get it to close. your attention in this matter would be appreciated. *jb | |||
| 07/18/2006 | 78000 | 1 | 07/15/1999 |
| Sunroof failed to close on 99 mercury cougar looked on the web and i am not alone http://www.cougarsunroof.com/. *nm | |||
| 09/25/2004 | 53900 | 1 | 06/10/2002 |
| Faulty equipment in the sunroof assembly (plastic pieces that hold the sunroof to the track guides). these pieces also take a considerable amount of stress when the sunroof is in the open position. they are supporting most of the weight of the sunroof itself. and also on my car, left side track is broken and jammed. take a look at www.cougarsunroof.com please take the time to read some of the complaints. they focus around the same problem, as i have described above. i think a recall should be issued for any 1999 and up mercury cougar that have sunroofs. *nm | |||
| 11/09/2005 | 56000 | 1 | 07/01/2005 |
| The issue is with the design flaw for a sunroof on the 1999 ford mercury cougar, which happened about a month ago when trying to open one day. i bought the car with low mileage of 53000, sunroof one of main reason for purchase. did some research, there is great website that shows thousand plus owners who have had same problem and no help from ford. problem is small plastic piece in design of sunroof cannot support roof, therefore breaks and entire roof must be replaced even though part cost a few dollars. the cost to fix vehicle from ford with labor has been quoted between 1500-2500 dollars, unbelievable for design flaw. also causes safety issue for some as sunroof is loose on top of roof and will not shut all the way for many owners, but since no injuries have been reported yet, ford has not recalled faulty design. my only request is that someone from agency takes a look at the this website as the administrator has done a terrific job explaining the problem, the unfair treatment from ford, and also complies a very long list of owners who have all had the exact same problem. the website will allow the agency a very good understanding of the issue and hopefully take action for those who feel cheated by the company (i was directed to the nhtsa from that site). please review this website as it will explain all that is needed for the complaint and hopefully allow the agency to take some action for the consumers. http://www.cougarsunroof.com/faqs.php and http://www.cougarsunroof.com/index.ph. *jb | |||
| 06/16/2006 | 1 | ||
| 1999 mercury cougar sunroof broke and the cost of repair is unbelievable! i have seen many websites with the same complaint. thousands of complaints. something has got to be done. there has to be something wrong when all these sunroofs are breaking constantly. *nm | |||
| 04/20/2001 | 40000 | 1 | 09/01/1998 |
| Sunroof failed to close at 40k miles and is stuck open. it will cost about $2k to fix. it rattles when driven and i am afraid it will fly off on the freeway. i am concerned for the safety issue not to mention that all sorts of weather conditions have ruined the interior of the car. i read about this site on a web site devoted to broken cougar sunroof's ( www.cougarsunroof.com ) and there are over 800 people with the same complaint already. please look into this before someone does get hurt. *jb | |||
| 01/18/2006 | 1 | ||
| The sunroof broke, is a common and known problem (with a website dedicated with over a thousand testimonials). ford refuses to do anything. only option is $1700 repair. *nm | |||
| 11/15/2001 | 32000 | 1 | 11/15/2001 |
| We bought our first cougar in 2001. it is a 1999. a month after i bought it, the sunroof broke and froze in the up position. i had an extended warranty that was told to us covered this part. when took it in to get looked at, it did not cover it and they said that the sunroof would cost $2000 to fix. rain, snow, and anything else comes into my car now and the fabric is now ruined. it is utterly ridiculous that this manufacturer made such a faulty product and refuses to do anything to help fix it. i haven't seen a cougar since with a sunroof that is not broken. please recall this item!!! *nm | |||
| 04/13/2006 | 68000 | 1 | 01/31/2006 |
| My sunroof broke and almost flew off of my car!!!!!! *nm | |||
| 02/21/2006 | 49450 | 1 | 06/01/2000 |
| (1) sun roof was closed for about 1 month prior to event. (2) sun roof began to open and stopped, remaining in a partially open position. (3) failure is not corrected. parts and labour will run $1500. safety concern in the event of a crash, sun roof in a partially open position may cause additional injuries to passengers. additionally, concern about sun roof remaining intact in the open position for extended period of time during interstate driving. possibility that sun roof may dislodge. *nm | |||
| 12/28/2005 | 84000 | 1 | |
| Sunroof arms break and sunroof goes flying off the car at high speeds. there are also over 800 people with this simlar problem. the full list is at www.cougarsunroofs.com. *nm | |||
| 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 | |||
| 09/01/2003 | 19000 | 1 | |
| Consumer complained about a sun roof problem. when the button was pushed to raise the roof it went off the track. consumer contacted the manufacturer, who was not standing behind its product. *ak | |||
| 07/05/2004 | 93000 | 2 | 05/09/1999 |
| The battery seemed low on the car, indicated by interior lights not being very illuminated, but then dashboard lights started flashing and windows rolled up very slowly. i charged the battery for many hours and it took a charge, so i could get to the mercury dealer. it died when i got there and they were closed, so i had to jump it and move to a safe location to leave overnight. this had happened twice before in the past 2 1/2 years, so i new it was the alternator again! that's three alternators in 2 1/2 years. this time i am out of warranty and am expected to pay $550 for a recurring problem that clearly will happen again. the dealer can not tell me why this is occuring, and ford customer service could care less. after researching this problem on the internet, it seems that many cougar owners have experienced this problem continually. i have also had to have the transmission replaced, as well as the motor for the sunroof.*ak | |||
| 04/04/2004 | 42000 | 1 | 10/13/2000 |
| Sunroof fails to open... over a $1000 to repair... plastic rail at fault... funny 2000-01 have metal rails... why wasn't this defect recalled-if manufacturer knew of weak part. now passes this fault on to the consumer instead of fixing it....at high price to repair. *jb | |||
| 06/12/2003 | 46000 | 1 | 05/31/2003 |
| Sunroof opens when switch is pushed. then when switch is pushed the sunroof will not close. you can hear the motor trying to work to close the sunroof but it just never happens. after waitng a few hours to a couple of days and then try to close the sunroof by pushing the switch, the sunroof will close. the dealership said that the entire motor needed to be replaced which doesn't make sense becasue if the motor works to open the sunroof, then it should work to close the sunroof. | |||
| 08/15/2003 | 32000 | 1 | 07/30/2003 |
| Sunroof will not work properly, just quoted $1000 for a whole new assembly, the car has only 32,000 miles on it. have read numerous complaints about this, why isn't a recall being done????*ak | |||
| Consumer states that the sunroof will not close. cause is unknown. please provide any further information. | |||
| 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 | |||
| 03/05/2003 | 1 | ||
| The sun roof did not work properly.*jb | |||
| 07/18/2001 | 1 | 07/12/2001 | |
| The sun roof was stuck in the open position. the drivers window shutters when going up or down. *jg | |||
| 1 | 01/01/2002 | ||
| I feel like such an idiot because i bought this car!! unbelieveable problems, and now i have to try to sell this car. i paid $16000 for this crap, and then i had to pay $300 because the rotors warped on my rear brakes, and then the track on my sunroof completley broke, and that is going to cost me at least $800. ford/mercury should be sued for making a totally crappy car. as you can see by the number of complaints on your website, something needs to be done about this!!!! thanks, rosie | |||
| Sunroof ceased operating. taken to mercury dealer approx. aug/sept. 2001 was told whole roof assembly had to be replaced. cost approx. $ 1500.00. moonroof only had approx. 40-60 hrs. use.*ak | |||
| 1 | 09/26/1998 | ||
| Sunroof quit working while in an open position and made noises. *slc | |||
| 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. | |||
| 09/01/2000 | 1 | 04/01/1999 | |
| Ive had problems with this car since i drove it off the lot almost every month it is in the shop for the same reasons first the radio has been fixed twice and then finally replaced the speakers have been replaced and that has yet to solve the problem, my trunk release on my car has been worked on atleast 4 times and they still think it is not a problem but they dont open it every day either, starting in january of 2000 i called the dealership 6 or more times complaining about the brakes and every time they worked on it they said all brakes pulsate and squeek a little but low and behold a recall letter suprised me in the mail today, my sunroof was in the shop dont know the date because it was squeeking and the panel that surround the keys was loose theyfixed but the day i got it out of the shop for getting the radio replaced the sunroof quit totally, just talked to them today and they said they have had several people with the same problem it appears that the wiring in the sunroof it worn out i asked if this was normal for a car that was a year old and they said it was just from being opened and closed but im sorry its only a year old they said it is a 1200.00 dollar problem to fix without labor and couldnt garuantee that it wouldnt have to be replaced next year again . the alarm system randomly goes off and wont shut off its actually called a panic system but goes off like an alarm system after asking other cougar owners about theirs and comparing notes looks like we have all had the same things going wrong except a friend of mine has already had her engine rebuilt at 20,000 miles ------help me before mine goes out to. thank you | |||
| 10/17/2000 | 1 | 12/01/1999 | |
| Sun roof failed upon opening. jammed in track | |||
| 02/01/1999 | 3 | 08/01/1998 | |
| Had to change front brakes 3 times . now rear brakes have same problem and dealer refuses to change calling the problem acceptable. sunroof assembly failed 3 times . was driving for 3 months with problem before the part came in. afraid the sunroof would fly off the car when in high speed.had to change intirior cloth 1 time because it had water stains. had to change weather gard on driver side door and it is still not done right.window has marks from it when i open it. | |||
| 10/15/1999 | 8 | 12/31/1998 | |
| Sunroof inoperable. *mjs | |||
| 09/08/1999 | 2 | 02/01/1999 | |
| Panel under sunroof is held on by plastic clips, has come off twice , dealer replaced sunroof | |||
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD | |||
| 07/18/2001 | 1 | 07/12/2001 | |
| The sun roof was stuck in the open position. the drivers window shutters when going up or down. *jg | |||
| 05/10/1999 | 1 | 04/01/1999 | |
| Caliper pin was replaced by dealership, no charge. | |||
| 08/18/1998 | |||
| Driver side window leaks, paint had to be buffed due to free fall, rear end has a squeaks when turning or hitting bumps, the door ajar alarm stays on, and the bulb failure light comes on but there is no bulb out. vehicle is only 2 weeks old. | |||
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER | |||
| 1 | |||
| While driving, the windshield wipers come on and go off on their own. consumer stated the problem is really noticable when making a turn, consumer has to play with turn signal to start again. consumer feel this is very dangerous if in a down pour of rain. please provide any further information. | |||
| 07/30/2002 | |||
| While driving in the rain windshield wipers stopped working without any warning.contacted dealer.*ak | |||
| 12/01/2000 | 4 | ||
| Panic button went off on my mistake but alarm would'nt shut off had to get replaced, hatch wouldn't open properly, i had my brakes replaced 3 times because of squealing noise. and these windshield wipers for the fourth time now . | |||
| 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. | |||
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER - SWITCH/WIRING | |||
| 02/15/1999 | 2 | 10/28/1998 | |
| While driving about 65 mph the first time and 35 mph the second time, consumer turned on the windshield wiper switch, and windshield wipers started working for awhile, but stopped, and after a minute or so they started working again. *ak | |||