Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Mercury Cougar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt*: the consumer stated while driving on an icy road, the rear brakes failed and the consumer hit into a curb. The throttle has stuck intermittently since August of 2005. The dealership was unable to duplicate the problem. There are two recalls, #00V075000 regarding the service brakes and #99V194000 regarding the vehicle speed control. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN.
Dt: contact owns a 1999 Mercury Cougar. He has been looking on the internet and found recalls 04v4210000, 04v4210000,1v0320000, and 01v0310000 . He called the manufacturer, and they told him that this vehicle was not included in these recalls due to VIN although the contact's vehicle experienced the same failure as described in aforementioned recalls. While driving and accelerating the vehicle surged. He had not noticed this when the cruise control was on. But, noticed this immediately after purchasing the vehicle from an auction on 9-18-05. Also, the left rear tail lamp blew out three times in a short time frame. He bought the extended life bulbs, but they still blew out. However, some of the lights worked on the dashboard. . The engine light did not come on when he first started the vehicle. The contact noticed this 10-04-05.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Mercury Cougar. The contact stated that the engine revs very high and then the vehicle begins to jerk. The contact has taken the vehicle to the dealer on several occasions, but they have been unable to diagnose the cause of failure. The contact informed the manufacturer about the failure and mentioned that the dealer changed several parts. The manufacturer stated that there were no current recalls or service bulletins for this failure. The serpentine belt, throttle assembly, and vacuum tube were replaced, but the failure persists. The current and failure mileages were 183,000. The consumer stated believes dealer charged for unnecessary repairs, inaccurate diagnostics, and financial burden for car rentals and wants to be reimbursed all the outpocket expenses. Updated 09/05/07
Engine light came on I thaugh it would be an electrical problem, it was not.the car would jump and accelerate when stoping at traffic lights and stopped traffic when I would press on the gas lightly. Dealership said it would be $2000. To fix. I did not extend my Ford warranty. They said there was a hidden warranty with the engin and that I would have to pay $500. He aslo said I couldn't have been anything I did, the engine was coming apart, that would be the manufaturer's fault. I wish I would have not baught this Cougar, its been nothing but problems and recalls. I have went to the dealership so many time I've lost count.
I have problem with transmmition shifting 1st to second changes at 3000rpm but when I change park to drive shakes motor bad , one of the wires start smoking I like I put tape around wired burnd. Temperature it doesn't show but when I open the hood the car is very hot every time I tried driving it at freeway overdrive light starts blinking I like I paid to get it fix and still does the same.
Consumer received recall 99V194000 concerning throttle cable: while driving at any speed and when consumer stopped at a light the engine revved. Also, when vehicle was sitting still the vehicle began to move, even when the consumer's foot was on the brakes. This make, model and year vehicle was on recall. But, this vehicle was not included due to VIN.
While driving, the throttle became stuck intermittently. It was difficult for the consumer to decelerate the vehicle. The cause had not been determined. The dealership had been notified, but did not resolve the problem.
I have had numerous problems with my '99 Cougar such as, failure of my pat system and computer system. I have had problems with my brakes which they can't seem to figure out the problem. I have had my starter replaced twice. I have had defects in several sensors, which is not under warranty that I had to pay a good amount of money for them to repair. My fan has even blown out. There is a burning smell whenever I turn on my heater that none of the dealers can't seem to smell. I also had to purchase a new radiator. When my computer went out my car was still under warranty but they made me pay for the repairs, parts, and labor out of my pocket. This is not all. The list goes on and on. I have complained to the dealership, Ford motor co. And even had someone from Ford to investigate all of the problems I've had with my vehicle. …
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 ' 2000 Mercury Cougar owners I worry about the safety of driving a vehicle with more problems than can cost effectively be fixed. My list of broken items include the radio, power window regulator, o2 sensors, transmission at 59,000 miles, dashboard lights (low coolant and check engine), door/window leaky seal issues, engine misfire (decreased acceleration) and now my cruise control and turn signals do not work. Upon researching the recall for cruise control fires dealing with Ford products I found that I am among other disgruntled Cougar owners. Ford/Mercury or Ford technicians have not done a satisfactory job letting owners know of recalls that need attention. …
Passenger's seat will not lock in place unless seat is positioned all way to the back closely to rear seat . 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.
Related recalls
Vehicle speed control
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.
Remedy: Dealers will install a revised accelerator cable that has a flared conduit sleeve end and molded on end fitting.
Acceleration complaints in other Cougar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 1999 Mercury Cougar?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 1999 Mercury Cougar, 7% of the model year's 454 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Mercury Cougar acceleration problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-194 (vehicle speed control, Jul 20, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 Mercury Cougar acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.