1999 Mercury Cougar: loss of power steering

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 May 3, 2004 · Airbags, Engine · IL · crash

While driving between 35 to 40 MPH vehicle stalled. This caused loss of steering and brake power. Consumer lost the control of the vehicle, and was involved in a front end collision. Upon impact, neither of the air bags deployed.

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 Jan 8, 2002 · Electrical · CT

Engine> vehicle has been hesitating since 10/01. Vehicle brought in for regular check and description of hesitation/bucking esp. On highway provided to service rep. Vehicle serviced hesitation problem diagnosed as ignition wires in need of replacement. Ignition wires replaced, lube, oil, filter, and fluids topped. Also told all four tires would need to be replaced. Declined tire replacement at this time. Total cost for service with tax &labor=$346.70 vehicle continued to run the same way. Also coolant and airbag icons came on and would not go off. Scheduled for servicing again on 12/5/01. Diagnosis airbag censor in need of replacement (still under warranty ) and in need of a new collant expansion container (approx. Cost $200.) car in on 12/31/01 ,airbag sensor replaced and car checked again for cause of hesitation. Response unable to duplicate customer's concern. Hesitation continued and on 1/05/02 while returning home on secondary road, check oil light icon came on. Dealership nearby so attempt was made to drive car there . Vehicle died, no power steering. Large puddle of oil under vehicle. Roadside assistance towed vehicle to dealership. Diagnosis> engine gone and in need of replacement. Imploded from within

Filed Nov 9, 2000 · Engine, Lights · OH

Vehicle experiencing a momentary loss of steering when driving over a water puddle, and intermittently causing malfunction to instrument panel lights. Dealer / manufacturer notified, and unable to locate cause. *ak both side mirrors fell off. The cd and the radio are not operational. The radiator hose broke after 2 months of purchasing the vehicle. The back window wiper failed. The sun roof failed. This vehicle had numerous mechanical problems.