1999 Mercury Cougar

Introduction

The 1999 Mercury Cougar is a sporty coupe that offers a powerful V6 engine and sleek styling. It is offered with a 2.5L V6 engine rated at 170 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.0L V6 engine rated at 200 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.

While the Cougar is praised for its performance and style, it has some known issues that owners should be aware of.

Engine

2.5L V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant to leak and engine overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Valve cover gasket leak
  • Description: The valve cover gasket can leak, allowing oil to escape.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

3.0L V6

• Head gasket failure
  • Description: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant to leak and engine overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: 00V223000, 03V182000

Transmission

5-speed Manual

• Clutch failure
  • Description: The clutch can fail, causing difficulty shifting gears or grinding noises.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+

4-speed Automatic

• Transmission slipping
  • Description: The transmission may slip when shifting gears, causing loss of power.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: 99V113000

Suspension

• Front strut bearing failure
  • Description: The front strut bearings can fail, causing a knocking or clunking noise when turning.
  • Solution: Replace the front strut bearings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+

Electrical

• Window switch failure
  • Description: The window switch can fail, preventing the windows from operating.
  • Solution: Replace the window switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Exterior

• Door handle breaking
  • Description: The door handle can break, making it difficult to open the door.
  • Solution: Replace the door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100+

Interior

• Dashboard cracking
  • Description: The dashboard can crack due to exposure to sunlight.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Summary

The 1999 Mercury Cougar is a stylish and fun-to-drive coupe, but it is not without its issues. Engine problems, transmission problems, suspension problems, and electrical problems are all common concerns. Many of these issues can be costly to repair, so it is important to factor in the potential repair costs before purchasing a Cougar.