Seven problems related to hydraulic power assist steering system have been reported for the 1999 Mercury Cougar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.
Whenever you hit a puddle sometimes the water hits something under the car while driving the battery light comes on and the power steering goes away, I could not steer the car I had to slow down fast before hitting the curb, 4 or 5 min later the light went off and everything was fine. This has also happend on a car wash.
Power steering fails when driving in the rain and puddle is driven through, causing loss of control of vehicle. Battery alert lights on dashboard. This defect first surfaced in June of 1999, and was called a "serpentine belt" failure and repaired . The problem has now returned and causes a serious loss of control of auto.
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. 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.
In rain, if you hit a puddle water splashes, hits the battery,& the power steering dies. Dealer says must wait for manufacturer to send recall notice. Has happened many times, almost caused accident twice!.
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!!.
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.