1999 Mercury Cougar Recalls
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 1999 Mercury Cougar. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Fuel system, gasolineCovers: Mercury Cougar 1999–2002
Reported issue: On certain passenger vehicles, contamination of the filter in the fuel delivery module (fdm) can reduce, and eventually block, the flow of fuel to the engine.
Possible consequence: This may cause engine hesitation, loss of power, surging, and other similar symptoms. Over time, the filter may become sufficiently blocked to cause the engine to stall, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: This action is deemed a safety improvement campaign and is not being conducted under the safety act. All owners will be notified of the problem, and dealers will replace the fdm with a new design at no charge if the owner reports that the vehicle exhibits any of the identified symptoms. The free replacement will be…
- Electrical systemCovers: Mercury Cougar 1999, Ford Contour 1996–1998, Mercury Mystique 1996–1998
Reported issue: On certain my 1996-1998 passenger vehicles built at the kansas city, cuautitlan assembly plants or on my 1999 passenger vehcles built at the automotive alliance international assembly plants, the rough surface of the heater blower resistor's stainless steel blades can damage the copper surface of the wiring harness connector. The damage could, over time, cause increased resistance in the connector and, due to…
Possible consequence: The open circuit could lead to electrical arcing that could melt the connector housing material creasing the potential for a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness. Owner notification began august 29, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › CablesCovers: Mercury Cougar 1999–2000
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5l v6 engines. The battery cable was misrouted and its attachment to the alternator cable was under-torqued. If misrouted, the cable could contact the power steering line and the insulation could wear, resulting in an electrical short.
Possible consequence: The short could potentially result in a fire, stalling, or a no-start condition.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the battery cable to the alternator for damage and, if it is damaged, will replace the cable. Additionally, the routing of the cable will be corrected, as necessary, and a routing clip will be added. Also the torque on the alternator attachment of the cable will be checked and, as required, will…
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: Mercury Cougar 1999
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The brake lamp switch terminals could overheat.
Possible consequence: This could cause either a loss of brake lamp function or continuously illuminated brake lamps, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new stop lamp extension harness with bronze terminals at the brake lamp switch connector, and also inspect the brake lamp switch for signs of overheating and replace, as required. Owner notification began march 22, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon…
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation componentsCovers: Mercury Cougar 1999–2000, Ford Contour 1996–2000, Mercury Mystique 1996–2000
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles not equipped with the anti-lock braking system (abs). A pressure conscious reducing valve (pcrv) in the rear brakes may be subject to corrosion and result in malfunction, when operated in areas that use salt compounds on the roadway for de-icing or dust control.
Possible consequence: If both pcrv's malfunction, vehicle handling could be adversely affected during braking as a result of the rear wheels locking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install improved pcrv's in the rear brake system. This recall was expanded in september 2000 to include 1999 and 2000 ford contour, mercury mystique and cougar vehicles.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › LatchCovers: Mercury Cougar 1999
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The door latch may have been manufactured with a latch pawl that has a coating which will swell in high humidity conditions. The latch pawl may then stick in the open or unlatched position.
Possible consequence: The door would not latch when closed. If the vehicle is driven in this condition, it could potentially result in the door opening while the vehicle is in motion.
Remedy: Dealers will install a revised side door latch.
- Vehicle speed controlCovers: Mercury Cougar 1999, Ford Contour 1998, Mercury Mystique 1998
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The accelerator cable may have been manufactured with a burr on or near the end of the cable sleeve interior. This burr could fray the core wire resulting in the accelerator not returning to idle when the accelerator is released.
Possible consequence: This condition can result in the throttle sticking, binding, or causing high engine rpm.
Remedy: Dealers will install a revised accelerator cable that has a flared conduit sleeve end and molded on end fitting.
← All problems reported for the 1999 Mercury Cougar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.