Tl* the contact owns a 1999 mercury cougar. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, smoke started to emit from the engine and caught on fire. The contact mentioned that the fire extinguished independently. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 97,000.
1999 Mercury Cougar: fire, smoke or burning smell
5 of the 454 complaints about the 1999 Mercury Cougar describe fire, smoke or burning smell.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 2
Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year
What owners say
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. My latest concern is that my cougar might start on fire, per my complaint with ford; they see no threat with my cruise control issues and suggested I contact the federal safety agency with my complaint.
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. They have been rude to me on several occasions, especially when I had questions about the repairs of my vehicle. Something needs to be done about this. I would not recommend the purchase of a mercury cougar to anyone.
While driving 35-40 MPH all gauges were going haywire, consumer smelled something burning. Then, vehicle stalled. Vehicle at dealership at this time.
Prior to recall notice 01v‑031 the vehicle experienced electrical problems which caused the vehicle to stall while driving, the consumer left the vehicle to get assistance and upon returning to the vehicle he found the front of the vehicle was on fire. Nlm
Service bulletins that may apply
- Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated with diagnostic trouble code(s) P0420 and/or P0430
- Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code P0420 and/or P0430/ 2.5L engine only
- Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCS) P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457 or...
- Remote keyless entry (RKE) - service tips
- Some vehicles may exhibit diagnostic trouble code B1213, B1342, B1601, B2431
- Battery lamp on, however the charging system is functioning properly
- Information regarding discharged battery charging service tips and guidelines
- Vehicles equipped with passive anti-theft system (PATS) may not start or crank
Related recalls
Electrical system
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 01V230000 · Recall details
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cables
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 01V031000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1999 Mercury Cougar fire or smoke
Is fire, smoke or burning smell a common problem on the 1999 Mercury Cougar?
5 of 454 owner complaints about the 1999 Mercury Cougar (1%) mention fire, smoke or burning smell. The model year with the most reports is 1991.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1999 Mercury Cougar?
There are 2 recalls and 28 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1999 Mercury Cougar
Stalling 45Grinding brakes 30Check engine light 21Hesitation 18Fuel pump 16Loss of power 15Brake failure 13Tire blowout 12No deployment 11Headlights 11Sunroof shattered 10Won't start 10Door locks 9Wipers 8Jerking 7Sudden acceleration 7Transmission failure 7Adaptive cruise 6Engine failure 6Slipping 6ABS 5Misfire 5Power steering loss 5Pulling 5
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1999 Mercury Cougar?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history