1999 Mercury Cougar steering problems

Filed Jan 15, 2014 · Driver assistance, Steering · 116,000 miles · MI

I have only owned this vehicle for about 4 months and have had many problems including brake lights not working and back wheel locking up. It was raining, I was driving down the freeway about 55 MPH and suddenly the power steering went out completely, the heat/defrost stopped working and my battery light came on. I just installed a brand new battery just 6 days before incident, although this isn't the first time the power steering went out while raining. This time it was extremely scary due to the high speed I was driving and because the heat stopped working my windows started to fog up quickly causing my visibility to be reduced dramatically while trying to use all my strength to steer the car around a curve without hitting another vehicle. As soon as I was able to see an exit I got off freeway and car died completely driving up the off ramp. Thank god there wasn't any vehicles behind me I was able to pull over after waiting about half hour car started back up, power steering & heat was back on. I have 2 young kids and I'm scared to drive in this car with them.

Filed Sep 28, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · 8,520 miles · MO

Purchased car new, in 57000 miles we have had to replace, 2 alternators, 1 starter, 2 batteries, entire rack and pinion, power steering pump, transmission torque converter, 4 set of brakes, 4 sets of tires plus two individual tires all with sidewall blow outs except one puncture and 2 headlight switches, 2 cig lighters. The entire upper engine gasket set had to be replaced to get to an intake leak. The head lights and foglights work itermittantly, engine warning lights are constantly going on and off. Currently one headlight is out (lamp is good) fog lights are not working (today) and an engine warning light is indicating a problem again.

Filed Jun 4, 2004 · Body, Brakes · MI

Mechanical problems with 1999 mercury cougar. *mr the vehicle died in the middle of traffic on three occasions. There were alternator and fuel problems. The consumer requested a credited amount of funds and reimbursement for the battery, brakes and additional expenses. Other problem are as followed: the new wheels were defective (corroded and frozen), the brake sensor snapped off of the wheel, the cd player was skipping, the hatch would not release properly, the steering wheel would shake, the keyless entry with anti-theft was inoperative, there was rough idle, the transmission shifter would stick, the cup holder did not shut, the hood would not open, and the lights would dim and or brighten while the vehicle was in motion. *sc

Filed Jan 17, 2004 · Steering · 89,000 miles · AR

Rack & pinion. Loss of fluid.

Filed Sep 5, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · 98,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Jun 17, 2003 · Steering · 45,000 miles · NY

Power rack and pinion leakage occurred and rack needed to be replaced. The warranty 3 yrs. Or 36,000 mi. Had expired according to dealer. $800.00 and 15 months later a "clunking" noise is coming from the steering wheel during parking maneuvers. Apparently, they only warranty the part for 12 months.

Filed Jan 10, 2003 · Electrical, Steering · OH

When turning key in ignition there is a grinding noise, sometimes vehicle won't start. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer replaced bb valves, and cleaned engine. This did not correct the problem. Also, loose outer tie rods. *jb.

Filed Sep 4, 2002 · Steering · CT

While still under warranty, power steering would fail after driving through any water, even very small puddles. Would hear screeching noise, power steering failed for 20 second or so, nearly crashed several times. Local dealer could not find a problem when I took in for repair. Recently, warranty expired, experienced complete failure of power steering. Power steering gear replaced for $1000. Still lost power steering in puddles after repair. Needs splash guard similar to mercury mystique, see mercury tsb 97-11-2 tech service bulletin. Severe safety hazzard! Should be recalled!!

Filed Feb 11, 2002 · Steering · IN

On wet road conditions power steering will lock up intermittently. Vehicle was taken to dealership, it was determined this was normal operating procedure for this vehicle.

Filed Dec 13, 2001 · Electrical, Steering · MI

5 months after purchasing this cougar, there was a huge power steering leak. Called around for someone to fix it, but dealer was the only choice. We were told it could be a bad pump and that would cost $450 to fix. They called back and said the whole gear was bad and had to be replaced and would cost us $700. We had no choice but complained to the dealer that rack and pinion gear should not go bad on a 2 year old car. We also contacted ford customer relations, who did nothing to help us. We want our money back. Dealer also failed to notify us of 5 outstanding recalls on this car. Then, 2 days after picking it up from steering being fixed electrical system shorted out and stranded our 19 year daughter at 2 in the morning. This is directly related to one of the recalled items. The dealer should have fixed this during the 3 days when they had the car .