1999 Mercury Cougar Recall: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES
NHTSA campaign 01V032000 · Exterior Lighting · filed Feb 6, 2001 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH TERMINALS COULD OVERHEAT.
The risk
THIS COULD CAUSE EITHER A LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP FUNCTION OR CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED BRAKE LAMPS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW STOP LAMP EXTENSION HARNESS WITH BRONZE TERMINALS AT THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH CONNECTOR, AND ALSO INSPECT THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH FOR SIGNS OF OVERHEATING AND REPLACE, AS REQUIRED. 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.
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Mercury Cougar recalls
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- 1996–1998 Ford Contour and 2 other models — ON CERTAIN MY 1996-1998 PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE…
- 1999–2000 Mercury Cougar — VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L…
- 1996–2000 Ford Contour and 2 other models — VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH…
Other campaigns involving Mercury vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 01V032000 (manufacturer number 01S03). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.