24th Sep 2006, 21:43

I purchased a 99 Cougar back in June, and since August I've started to experience problems. Just a couple weeks ago I had to have an O2 sensor changed, and just today my check engine light has come on and it sounds like there is some knocking in the engine. Anybody have any clue what this might be?? I'm at a loss. Otherwise, I love the look of the car, but I'm seriously starting to wonder if I purchased more of a problem that I can afford.

26th Nov 2006, 17:34

I have owned a 1999 Cougar for 4 years now and also have experienced many problems. So far I have dealt with the Alternator, Battery, Sunroof got stuck, my trunk won't stay open when I want it to, and my clutch is giving out. I have also had problems with the engine not starting at times, and of course the famous yellow coolant light that comes on and off and detours me from passing emissions inspection. I am still searching for a solution to that light problem... any ideas? If I had the money then I would definitely sell this car for the little money it's worth and buy something more reliable like a Honda... but for now I am stuck. : (

29th Nov 2006, 18:14

My mom has a '99 Cougar and the dealerships just give her the run around with all the same problems that everyone else is having. The car has 66K miles on it. Why doesn't Ford recall the crap out of these things and fix them. They are all lemons.

2nd Dec 2006, 13:35

I bought my son a 99 cougar this year. Nothing but problems! The sun roof has never works (we knew that) but after we had it only 2 months it stalled. My son was driving along and suddenly it started hitting high rpm's, the lights started going on and off, then it just died! We jumped it the next morning and managed to get it home. While debating on what to do, it seemed to fix its self as fast as it broke! We had no more problems for a few months, then the same thing happened again. We replaced the battery (wouldn't you know it was almost 90 bucks for what it needed to have). A week later... same thing! So I guess we'll try the alternator. Is that working for everyone? I see that people are replacing it left and right, but is it really the problem? I'm upside down here, and I can see I got a lemon with a common problem. Why won't Mercury take care of it???

3rd Dec 2006, 09:16

For you folks having the jumping idle and throttle issues try installing a new Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) located on the throttle body. Its available at AutoZone, made by Wells, part number TPS-246, and runs $ 30.00.

3rd Dec 2006, 10:30

I bought a Cougar a while ago, and I LOVE it. I have the coolant light issue, but oh well. It runs like a dream and looks awesome. I do the oil changing as required, and baby it like you wouldn't believe, and in return, it takes excellent care of me. The only thing I've had to buy is a battery. I don't beat it, and it loves me for it.

3rd Dec 2006, 11:53

My girlfriend has a 1999 cougar that has recently been acting up. The other night it got really cold here and when she started her car it turned over, but the RPMs kept fluctuating from high to low and vice-versa. But it stayed running. This morning I tried to start it and it dies if I take my foot off the gas pedal. I looked under the hood and it looks like one of the cables that connects to the throttle is really loose. Its not the cable that runs to the gas pedal, but the one that goes to the pump against the firewall. Could this be the reason for the problems? Any feedback is much appreciated. Thanks.

3rd Dec 2006, 13:13

I have had a 99 Mercury Cougar for about 6 months now. I have had to put about $2k of parts into it and now, when I start the car and stop, the rpms go up and down and the car shakes. Does anyone know what the problem is? If you do please e-mail me at Carter_747@hotmail.com.

8th Dec 2006, 20:38

I have a 1999 Cougar with approximately 72,000 miles. I have recently noticed a slight vibration at approximately 40 MPH. It seems that it happens only upon acceleration.

Additionally, I recently hit a deer requiring two new headlights, grille and hood replacement. No new or "good" used headlights could be found anywhere in the country, so the damaged lights were reinstalled. They still light, but are cracked. Information received indicates that no new ones will be manufactured until January.

Incidentally, the vibration was noticed prior to the incident with the deer. I'd appreciate any thoughts on what might be causing this.

12th Dec 2006, 12:31

I have had my '99 Cougar for over 7 years, and 169,000 miles. I absolutely love it. The problems I have didn't start until after 150,000 miles so I consider myself lucky. I had replaced the alternator in 2002. Aside from that, I have put very little money into the car. I have replaced tires and brakes due to wear and tear of the vehicle. I've replaced the battery once, and change the oil every 3 to 5,000 miles.

My sun-roof tilts, but doesn't slide. I owned my car for six years before that happened. And the check engine light has been on for over a year now. It passed inspection without a problem, so I am extremely blessed. It stills runs great and is fun to drive.

I just bought a Mercury Milan because we need a family car. I hope I can sell the Cougar after reading the experiences everyone else has had.

16th Dec 2006, 17:26

And the issues continue...1999 V-6, automatic, 95K miles and here's the latest problems with it:

1. Service Code P1744: Torque converter clutch stuck in off position (rebuild tranny = $ 2300 +/-)

2. Code P0171 & 0174: System too lean on banks 1 & 2 (MAF = $ 125, O2 sensors = $ 200) or could be vacuum leak, ignition misfire or fuel injector problem.

3. Code Po402: EGR flow is excessive (EGR valve = $ 45) or EGR pressure sensor = $ 55) or passages blocked with carbon or EGR solenoid defective.

You have to love it when the option are all trial and error.

This is on top of the a/c unit issues, tire issues, throttle issues and so on.

Anyone interested in buying a Cougar at a good price? LOL.