1999 Mercury Cougar Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 7%of 454 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,246miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1999 Mercury Cougar, 7% of the 454 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,246 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Nhtsa campaign id number 01v032000. Ford motor company had a recall for the exterior lighting: brake lights: switch. Even though my vehicle had the same issues as the vehicles under the recall. They will not honor. October 30, 2001 I had the brake switch and jumper harness replaced. Due to the malfunction of my exterior brake lamps”
NHTSA complaint #10133579, filed 2005-08, 81,491 miles“To whom it may concern: (management) I was driving on a residential street and was honked at by another driver who told me that my brakes lights were not working. I had a friend of mine that is a certified repair person look at it and he said it wasn't the light or the fuse or the brake switch under the pedal and that he was 95% sure it was the stop lamp extension harness that has bronze terminals at the brake lamp switch connector. I bought this car in 2004 and under a recall had the blower switch resistor repaired under the recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10724828, filed 2015-06, 175,000 miles“I also own a 99 Cougar and have had nothing but issues, but I love the way the car drives when it works correctly. I have also replaced the alternator and it's also on its 5th window motor, which still does not work correctly. I have replaced almost every sensor possible, too. Of course when I have questioned Mercury on these issues, they claim that it's not a common problem with the cougars. I have heard from others on the tire issues, but luckily mine has not had any issues with tires. The newest issue with mine is the headlamps. I was in some heavy rain water in the beginning of oct. …”
NHTSA complaint #10180942, filed 2007-01, 69,000 miles“The vehicle would not shift out of gear when the brake were being applied. Also, the rear brake light illuminated. The dealer was notified. The dealer informed the consumer that the vehicle was not covered under a recall. The switch had become hot and melted plastic from the housing around metal connector prone.”
NHTSA complaint #10097594, filed 2004-11, 78,000 miles“Both headlights continuously had condensation which dimmed the lights. Also the wiper motor failed after less than 36,000 miles and there were transmission problems prior to 50,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10049192, filed 2003-12, 36,500 milesRelated recalls
- 01V032000Feb 6, 2001Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The brake lamp switch terminals could overheat.Covers: Mercury Cougar 1999
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 2% |
| 2000 | 8 | 4% |
| 1999 | 34 | 7% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 3 | 2% |
| 1993 | 24 | 12% |
| 1992 | 27 | 29% |
| 1991 | 8 | 11% |
| 1990 | 5 | 6% |
| 1989 | 3 | 4% |
| 1988 | 3 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1999 Mercury Cougar
99 complaintsBrakes
77 complaintsEngine cooling
67 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
52 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
50 complaintsFuel system
46 complaintsBody and structure
34 complaintsAir bags
31 complaintsVehicle speed control
31 complaintsTires
27 complaintsOther or unknown
26 complaintsSuspension
22 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Mercury Cougar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology