The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 00V-075 (00V075000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 00S03 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components |
| Report date | March 9, 2000 |
| Owners notified | October 11, 2000 |
| Vehicles affected | 436,200 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the brakes
- 1996 Ford Contour brake problems 49
- 1997 Ford Contour brake problems 29
- 1998 Ford Contour brake problems 91
- 1999 Ford Contour brake problems 45
- 2000 Ford Contour brake problems 9
- 1999 Mercury Cougar brake problems 77
- 2000 Mercury Cougar brake problems 12
- 1996 Mercury Mystique brake problems 15
- 1997 Mercury Mystique brake problems 12
- 1998 Mercury Mystique brake problems 28
- 1999 Mercury Mystique brake problems 21
- 2000 Mercury Mystique brake problems 2
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 00V-075 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 436,200 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.