Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
My car is a lemon. Have had a new engine put in it 2 times because the rods spun. I have had the brake lights "fixed" 3 times, the alternator replaced 3 times, new catalytic converters twice. New power steering. Transmission done 3 times. Theres definantly more I just cant think of alllllll my repairs on this 1999 Cougar. I bought it used and it has now 98000 miles cause I drive out of state.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Mercury Cougar. The contact stated that the rear sway bar became fractured while driving over a road bump. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic where it was determined that the entire sub frame was corroded. The failure was reported to the manufacturer. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 68,434.
While driving 20-25 MPH and making a merge to right lane and due to strut breaking, causing steering to become inoperative, and resulting in a crash. Ford was not willing to investigate the problem. During the crash, the wheel and everything attached to the wheel came off.
Bought car at dealer on 02/05/01 since then I've had to repair car on too many occasions. Here some of the repairs I've had to do on this car ever since I bought it. On 3/01: brakes, 10/01: dealership replaced battery and performed a recall,12/01: dealership replaced alternator, 05/02: brake pads, 04/04: water pump belt, 09/04: replaced batter, 10/11/04: replaced alternator and belt, 10/14/04: replaced positive battery terminal, 12/04: replaced radio, 02/06: replaced motor mount, 01/07:replaced battery, 02/07: replaced strut, 02/08: replaced shock absorber, 10/08: replaced battery, 04/09: replaced bearing, transmission & anchor engine mount and don't have the date but also had to replace the windshield wiper motor. These repairs are what I have in receipts yet for example I have replaced the motor mounts more than once. …
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. …
Oil filter combusted due to pressure. Engine has been destroyed!!! Car is a year and a half old with 24,500 miles. I have a number of problems that have occurred with this car. I have ignored due to they come and go. Such as rattling noises from the trunk, cigarrette lighter is dead, gas gauge doesn't read properly all the time, lights illuminate for rear light out, airbags, coolant, next time start up car they are out??? I had a Saturn for 5 years never had a problem. I have this Cougar for a year and a half and look at all these problems. I am sorry a car that is a year and a half should not be getting a new engine!!!! I am extremely disappointed with Mercury. I will never get another one again.
21,210 miles-brake rotor and pad failure,sunroof inoperable,passenger window inoperable-warranty 47,823 miles-complete charging system failure-warranty trunk has never opened correctly from inside-no solution 87,000 miles- starter motor failed-$250 91,519 miles-2 radiator hoses failed-$240 93,000 miles-manual transmission failed, differential gears -$2440 now I am having problems with my fuel pump. Throughout the life of this car there have been numerous problems cars don't receive until after 100,000 miles. In my eyes, it is simply a 100,000 mile lemon!
1999 Mercury Cougar has problems with the speakers, battery equipment, brake equipment and instrument cluster.** answer required***. The vehicle pulled to the right while driving. The consumer stated on a separate occasion while driving she noticed the vehicle had no brakes, the consumer was able to find a mechanic who determined all for rotors and pads needed to be replaced. The consumer stated the brake light did not illuminate.
The air conditioner was turned on. It failed to cool inside of vehicle, not working properly. The trunk fails to lock when closed. The locking mechanism is not holding the latch . Would need to jiggle the ignition key in the switch before it starts. The passenger side seat slides back & forth without locking into place. While backing up vehicle, it would make loud noises from the front end near wheels.
The problem is not bad rotors/pads, I had the dealer turn the rotors and the problem subsided for a while. Then a week later they returned. Its a low grind/growling noise much different from low pads or no pad left. I have also noticed that alot of people on the net have also noticed the same problem. I just want the problem resolved.( dot number: tire size: 215/50r/16 )
Suspension complaints in other Cougar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1999 Mercury Cougar?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the suspension of the 1999 Mercury Cougar, 5% of the model year's 454 complaints. The component named most often is rear (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Mercury Cougar suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 1999 Mercury Cougar, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1999 Mercury Cougar suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to suspension 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.