IllustrationVEHICLE EXPERIENCES SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSING TEMPORARY CONTROL PROBLEMS, CONSUMER STATES ON SOME OCCASIONS THE ACCELERATOR WILL PAT HER FOOT JUST BEFORE IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATES. *SLC
1999 Mercury Cougar
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Cougar years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
90–25K
2725–50K
3750–75K
2675–100K
23100–150K
7150K+
129 reports with mileage · 325 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 99 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 72 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 67 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
23 crash reports3 fire reports21 injury reports
Unknown Or Other complaints
26 reportsCUPHOLDER SPILLS WHILE TURNING RIGHT OR GOING AROUND CURVES TO THE RIGHT. HAS CAUSED SLIGHT TO MODERATE LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS WERE NEAR COLLISIONS. ONE OF WHICH BEING A NEAR HEAD-ON, ALSO THE OCCASION IN WHICH MOST CONTROL WAS LOST.*AK
NUMEROUS TIMES MY FRONT CUPHOLDER HAS COLLAPSED WHILE TURNING A CORNER. IT HAS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. I HAVE HAD TO PAY TO HAVE MY SEATS AND FLOOR CLEANED AND A VERY GOOD PAIR OF PANTS I OWN ARE RUINED BECAUSE OF SPILLAGE INTO MY LAP. *AK
THE CUPHOLDER THAT CAME STOCK WITH MY 1999 MERCURY COUGAR IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD. I WORK AT INTEL, WHERE SAFETY IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. WHEN IN USE, ANYTHING THAT IS SET INTO THE CUPHOLDER ENDS UP ON THE DRIVERS LAP IN THE EVENT OF A RIGHT HAND TURN. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED ACCIDENTS FOR ME, ON TOP OF RUINING MY CLOTHI…
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THE CUPHOLDER THAT CAME STOCK WITH MY 1999 MERCURY COUGAR IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD. I WORK AT INTEL, WHERE SAFETY IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. WHEN IN USE, ANYTHING THAT IS SET INTO THE CUPHOLDER ENDS UP ON THE DRIVERS LAP IN THE EVENT OF A RIGHT HAND TURN. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED ACCIDENTS FOR ME, ON TOP OF RUINING MY CLOTHING. THESE CUPHOLDERS WERE REPLACED ON THE 2000 MODEL YEAR, BUT THOSE OF US WITH THE 1999 ENDED UP WITH UNSAFE EQUIPMENT. I THINK FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THE POORLY ENGINEERED PART TO PREVENT FUTURE INJURIES.*AK
SEVERAL TIMES WHEN I HAVE HAD DRINKS IN THE CUP HOLDER AND MADE A RIGHT HAND TURN THE DRINK HAS SPILLED ON ME AND CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR TEMPORARILY.*AK
THIS IS A VERY POORLY DESIGNED CUP HOLDER. I HAVE NOT GOTTEN INTO A ACCIDENT BUT HAVE COME CLOSE. TO USE IT YOU MUST HOLD THE CUP OR IT WILL FLIP OVER AND SPILL ON YOU BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN. IT IS SIMPLE UNSAFE TO HAVE TO HOLD A CUP IN THE CUP HOLDER WHILE MAKING TURNS WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO SHIFT STEE…
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THIS IS A VERY POORLY DESIGNED CUP HOLDER. I HAVE NOT GOTTEN INTO A ACCIDENT BUT HAVE COME CLOSE. TO USE IT YOU MUST HOLD THE CUP OR IT WILL FLIP OVER AND SPILL ON YOU BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN. IT IS SIMPLE UNSAFE TO HAVE TO HOLD A CUP IN THE CUP HOLDER WHILE MAKING TURNS WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO SHIFT STEER AND HOLD THE BEVERAGE IN THE CUP HOLDER AT THE SAME TIME. IF YOU DO NOT HOLD THE CUP HOLDER YOU DRINK WILL SPILL ON YOU CAUSING SERIOUS PROBLEMS THE LEAST OF WHICH IS LACK OF ATTENTION TO THE ROAD AND AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS I KNOW IT SOUNDS TRIVIAL BUT IF YOU LOOK AT ONE OF THESE 99 CUP HOLDERS YOU WILL SEE THE PROBLEM THAT IT CAUSES AND HOW IF WILL CAUSE ACCIDENTS.*AK
THIS IS A FRONT CUP HOLDERS ON THE FRIST MODELS OF THE COUGARS, THEY ARE MADE YOU PUT IT UP AND FLIP IT OUT, YOU MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND WHAT EVER THATS IN THERE OTHER THAN A SODA CAN WILL SPILL ALL OVER YOU AND THE CAR, NOW IF IT WAS SOMETHING HOT IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A WRECK. FORD DID CHANGED THE CUP HOLDERS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE…
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THIS IS A FRONT CUP HOLDERS ON THE FRIST MODELS OF THE COUGARS, THEY ARE MADE YOU PUT IT UP AND FLIP IT OUT, YOU MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND WHAT EVER THATS IN THERE OTHER THAN A SODA CAN WILL SPILL ALL OVER YOU AND THE CAR, NOW IF IT WAS SOMETHING HOT IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A WRECK. FORD DID CHANGED THE CUP HOLDERS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE 2000'S. *AK
CUP HOLDER CONTINUALLY SPILLS DRINK DURING REGULAR LH OR RH TURN. HAS NEARLY RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS (THROUGH LUNGING TO CATCH SPILLED DRINK AND LOSING CONTROL OF VEHICLE) HAS ALSO DAMAGED SEATING FABRIC. CURRENTLY DRIVE WITH ONLY ONE HAND ON WHEEL WHILE COMPLETING A TURN IN ORDER TO SUPPORT DRINK. THIS …
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CUP HOLDER CONTINUALLY SPILLS DRINK DURING REGULAR LH OR RH TURN. HAS NEARLY RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS (THROUGH LUNGING TO CATCH SPILLED DRINK AND LOSING CONTROL OF VEHICLE) HAS ALSO DAMAGED SEATING FABRIC. CURRENTLY DRIVE WITH ONLY ONE HAND ON WHEEL WHILE COMPLETING A TURN IN ORDER TO SUPPORT DRINK. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. MOST OTHER OWNERS OF SAME TYPE CAR ARE IN AGREEMENT ON THIS FACT. FORD HAS CHANGED DESIGN IN CURRENT 2001 MODEL TO ADDRESS PROBLEM - PROBLEM ACKNOWLEDGED INTERNALLY. PREVIOUS YEARS SHOULD BE RECALLED AS WELL.
THE CUPHOLDER HAD A 12 OZ CUP OF COFFEE IN IT ON MY WAY TO PROM. THE COFFEE SPILLED ON MY RENTED TUX. SINCE THEN, IT IS ESTIMATED I HAVE SPILLED SOME TYPE OF BEVERAGE 100 TIMES. THE CUP HOLDER IS EXTREMELY FLIMSY AND WEAK. ANY RIGHT HAND TURN RESULTS IN A SPILLED DRINK IN MY LAP. I'M QUITE SICK OF IT. FORD REPLACED THE CUP…
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THE CUPHOLDER HAD A 12 OZ CUP OF COFFEE IN IT ON MY WAY TO PROM. THE COFFEE SPILLED ON MY RENTED TUX. SINCE THEN, IT IS ESTIMATED I HAVE SPILLED SOME TYPE OF BEVERAGE 100 TIMES. THE CUP HOLDER IS EXTREMELY FLIMSY AND WEAK. ANY RIGHT HAND TURN RESULTS IN A SPILLED DRINK IN MY LAP. I'M QUITE SICK OF IT. FORD REPLACED THE CUPHOLDERS IN 2000 BECUASE OF SO MANY COMPLAINTS. THEY WANT $200 DOLLARS TO PUT A NEW CUPHOLDER IN MY CAR. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE BURNS THEMSELVES AND CAUSES AN ACCIDENT AND KILLS SOMEONE.
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.
Official recalls
704V421000 · Fuel System, Gasoline
Aug 30, 2004
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.
Consequence & remedy
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 AVAILABLE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, WITH NO MILEAGE LIMIT. THE CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON APRIL 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
01V230000 · Electrical System
Jul 9, 2001
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 SUBSEQUENT TERMINAL RELAXATION, RESULT IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT CONDITION.
Consequence & remedy
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.
01V031000 · Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables
Feb 6, 2001
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.
Consequence & remedy
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 BE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 22, 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.
01V032000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
Feb 6, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH TERMINALS COULD OVERHEAT.
Consequence & remedy
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 DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
00V075000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components
Mar 9, 2000
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.
Consequence & remedy
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.
99V226000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
Aug 18, 1999
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.
Consequence & remedy
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.
99V194000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Jul 20, 1999
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.
Consequence & remedy
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1EA01001 · Blower Switch/resistor Or Wiring Harness
Opened Jan 5, 2001 · Closed Jul 31, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
Electrical System
There is no summary currently available