Owners have filed 283 complaints
about the 2000 Mercury Cougar with NHTSA between 2000 and 2019.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 63
Against the median year of the Mercury Cougar. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 84
16.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 34
20% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Fuel Pump
2325.0%
Alternator/Generator/Regulator
2021.7%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
1213.0%
Cables
1010.9%
Gasoline
88.7%
Frontal
77.6%
Automatic Transmission
77.6%
Engine
55.4%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
32.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
108.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2722.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3630.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2420.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1613.4%
150,000+ miles
32.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2000peak 17Dec 2019
Recalls on the 2000 Mercury Cougar
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
08E033000
SUSPENSION
FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
Risk: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E022000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
04V421000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION OF THE FILTER IN THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) CAN REDUCE, AND EVENTUALLY BLOCK, THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.
Risk: THIS MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER, SURGING, AND OTHER SIMILAR SYMPTOMS. OVER TIME, THE FILTER MAY BECOME SUFFICIENTLY BLOCKED TO CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
01V031000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L V6 ENGINES. THE BATTERY CABLE WAS MISROUTED AND ITS ATTACHMENT TO THE ALTERNATOR CABLE WAS UNDER-TORQUED. IF MISROUTED, THE CABLE COULD CONTACT THE POWER STEERING LINE AND THE INSULATION COULD WEAR, RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
Risk: THE SHORT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE, STALLING, OR A NO-START CONDITION.
00V075000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). A PRESSURE CONSCIOUS REDUCING VALVE (PCRV) IN THE REAR BRAKES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION AND RESULT IN MALFUNCTION, WHEN OPERATED IN AREAS THAT USE SALT COMPOUNDS ON THE ROADWAY FOR DE-ICING OR DUST CONTROL.
Risk: IF BOTH PCRV'S MALFUNCTION, VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED DURING BRAKING AS A RESULT OF THE REAR WHEELS LOCKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20010428,036 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a misrouted battery cable to the alternator could contact the metal tubing that is part of the power steering line. This could eventually wear the insulation and result in an electrical short. An electrical short could potentially result in a fire, or in a no-start or stall. Correction: Dealers will inspect vehicles and the battery cable will rerouted or replaced as required.
Recall 200007743,458 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the pressure conscious reducing valve (PCRV) in each of the rear brakes may be subject to malfunction due to corrosion when operated in areas of high road salt use. If both PCRVs malfunction, vehicle handling may be adversely affected during braking as a result of the rear wheels locking, which could potentially result in a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will install improved PCRVs in the rear brake system.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 100,000 milesGate City, VAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V031000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, SPEEDOMETER AND THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING BEGAN OPERATING SPORADICALLY AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED UNDER THE RECALL. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10525807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesMount Holly, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THERE WAS BURNING ODOR EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WOULD HAVE REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED A SECOND TIME AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO BE REPAIRED AGAIN. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V031000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY:CABLES), THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #10437446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,788 milesGaithersburg, MDFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
MY CAR STALLED WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION WHILE IN MOTION. LATER FIND OUT THAT I NEED A NEW FUEL PUMP. WAS NOT AWARE IT WAS UNDER RECALL. PAID TO HAVE IT FIXED IN JULY OF 2009. REPAIR SHOP FAILED TO PUT MY VIN, MILEAGE, AND CORRECT YEAR OF VEHICLE ON INVOICE RESULTING IN NOT BEING ABLE TO GET MY MONEY BACK FROM FORD. RECALL WAS GOOD THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2010. MY CAR ONCE AGAIN STALLED WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT SPARKS AND SMALL FLAMES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START AFTER STALLING. ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, AND FORD IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. I REPLACED THE BATTERY AND STILL NO CRANK OR CLICKING. ALSO LISTED AS A RECALL. SPEND $651.02 TO HAVE FUEL PUMP FIXED AND NOW CAN'T GET MY MONEY BACK BECAUSE REPAIR SHOP DID NOT FILL OUT INVOICE CORRECTLY. NOW WILL HAVE TO POSSIBLY PAY OVER A $1,000.00 TO FIX THE ELECTRICAL ISSUE... WHEN THE FUEL PUMP WAS FIXED, THE SHOP FAILED TO SECURE THE GAS TANK CORRECTLY CAUSING FUEL TO POUR OUT WHILE DRIVING AT A RATE OF A GALLON PER MINUTE. FORD IS NOW DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO AVOID PAYING ME BACK FOR THE RECALL SERVICES AFTER I WAS INFORMED BY A FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE REP THAT I WOULD BE PAID BACK. I HAVE BEEN BACK AND FORTH FOR WEEKS NOW TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD OVER AND OVER AGAIN WITH A NEW EXCUSE EVERYTIME AS TO WHY THEY CAN NOT REPAY ME...
NHTSA complaint #10336479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,788 milesGaithersburg, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY CAR STALLED WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION WHILE IN MOTION. LATER FIND OUT THAT I NEED A NEW FUEL PUMP. WAS NOT AWARE IT WAS UNDER RECALL. PAID TO HAVE IT FIXED IN JULY OF 2009. REPAIR SHOP FAILED TO PUT MY VIN, MILEAGE, AND CORRECT YEAR OF VEHICLE ON INVOICE RESULTING IN NOT BEING ABLE TO GET MY MONEY BACK FROM FORD. RECALL WAS GOOD THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2010. MY CAR ONCE AGAIN STALLED WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT SPARKS AND SMALL FLAMES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START AFTER STALLING. ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, AND FORD IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. I REPLACED THE BATTERY AND STILL NO CRANK OR CLICKING. ALSO LISTED AS A RECALL. SPEND $651.02 TO HAVE FUEL PUMP FIXED AND NOW CAN'T GET MY MONEY BACK BECAUSE REPAIR SHOP DID NOT FILL OUT INVOICE CORRECTLY. NOW WILL HAVE TO POSSIBLY PAY OVER A $1,000.00 TO FIX THE ELECTRICAL ISSUE... WHEN THE FUEL PUMP WAS FIXED, THE SHOP FAILED TO SECURE THE GAS TANK CORRECTLY CAUSING FUEL TO POUR OUT WHILE DRIVING AT A RATE OF A GALLON PER MINUTE. FORD IS NOW DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO AVOID PAYING ME BACK FOR THE RECALL SERVICES AFTER I WAS INFORMED BY A FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE REP THAT I WOULD BE PAID BACK. I HAVE BEEN BACK AND FORTH FOR WEEKS NOW TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD OVER AND OVER AGAIN WITH A NEW EXCUSE EVERYTIME AS TO WHY THEY CAN NOT REPAY ME...
NHTSA complaint #10336479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,788 milesGaithersburg, MDFire
EQUIPMENT
MY CAR STALLED WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION WHILE IN MOTION. LATER FIND OUT THAT I NEED A NEW FUEL PUMP. WAS NOT AWARE IT WAS UNDER RECALL. PAID TO HAVE IT FIXED IN JULY OF 2009. REPAIR SHOP FAILED TO PUT MY VIN, MILEAGE, AND CORRECT YEAR OF VEHICLE ON INVOICE RESULTING IN NOT BEING ABLE TO GET MY MONEY BACK FROM FORD. RECALL WAS GOOD THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2010. MY CAR ONCE AGAIN STALLED WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT SPARKS AND SMALL FLAMES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START AFTER STALLING. ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, AND FORD IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. I REPLACED THE BATTERY AND STILL NO CRANK OR CLICKING. ALSO LISTED AS A RECALL. SPEND $651.02 TO HAVE FUEL PUMP FIXED AND NOW CAN'T GET MY MONEY BACK BECAUSE REPAIR SHOP DID NOT FILL OUT INVOICE CORRECTLY. NOW WILL HAVE TO POSSIBLY PAY OVER A $1,000.00 TO FIX THE ELECTRICAL ISSUE... WHEN THE FUEL PUMP WAS FIXED, THE SHOP FAILED TO SECURE THE GAS TANK CORRECTLY CAUSING FUEL TO POUR OUT WHILE DRIVING AT A RATE OF A GALLON PER MINUTE. FORD IS NOW DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO AVOID PAYING ME BACK FOR THE RECALL SERVICES AFTER I WAS INFORMED BY A FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE REP THAT I WOULD BE PAID BACK. I HAVE BEEN BACK AND FORTH FOR WEEKS NOW TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD OVER AND OVER AGAIN WITH A NEW EXCUSE EVERYTIME AS TO WHY THEY CAN NOT REPAY ME...
NHTSA complaint #10336479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesCleveland Hts., OHCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MERCURY COUGAR SUNROOF COMES OFF TRACK AND REPAIR COST 1200 DOLLARS WHAT A RIP OFF
NHTSA complaint #10307162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 38,600 milesUpland, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY FAILED AND MULTIPLE WARNING INDICATORS, INCLUDING THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR, ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS TO HAVE THE BATTERY REPLACED. AFTER MULTIPLE INCORRECT DIAGNOSTICS, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BATTERY CABLE ROUTING WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V031000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,600.
NHTSA complaint #11287532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE WINDOWS AND SUN ROOF INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10898974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE WINDOWS AND SUN ROOF INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10898974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesAntioch, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TAKATA INFLATORSI HAVE A 2000. MERCURY. COGUAR. WHEN. I BOUGHT THE. CAR IT RAN TGOOD, THEN. IN 2014. I HAD TO. PAY 1000. TO GET A. FUEL PUMP PUT IN. AND. THAT ONLY LASTED. 2YRS. NOW THE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT . I DON'T. HAVE. THAT KIND OF MONEY .I LIVE ON AS. WHEN I PAY MY BILLS I'M. BROKE. I LOOKED UP RECALLS. AND ITS THE FUEL SYSTEM ON THE CAR. IT JUST STOPS. EVEN IN TRAFFIC. I DON'T SEE WHAT MY CREDIT. HAS ANYTHING. TO DO WITH GETTING HELP. FIXING MY CAR IF IT HAS A RECALL. ON THE FUEL SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #10864259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesAntioch, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
HAVING SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL SYSTEMS. I HAVE PUT FUELPUT A NEW FUEL PUMP IN GAS TANK 2 YES. AGO. PUT FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR THIS YEAR. PUT NEW FUEL REGULATOR THIS YEAR NOW WHEN DRIVING IT WILL JUST STOP. AND WOULDN'T STARTUP
NHTSA complaint #10863741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesAmericas, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL PUMP WOULD ONLY ALLOW 1-2 GALLONS TO ENTER THE FUEL TANK BEFORE SHUTTING OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10851327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gate City, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN GRIFFITH ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE ELECTRICAL SAFETY ISSUES WITH 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE CONSTANTLY EXPERIENCED WIRING/ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10654389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,127 milesMarietta, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 01V031000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,127 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
NHTSA complaint #10584684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesGate City, VAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V031000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, SPEEDOMETER AND THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING BEGAN OPERATING SPORADICALLY AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED UNDER THE RECALL. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10525807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesHarrisonville, MO
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUNROOF FAILED TO CLOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE SUNROOF ROLLERS HAD FAILED. THE SUNROOF WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
NHTSA complaint #10520903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesOxford, CT
SERVICE BRAKES
THE DRIVERS REAR METAL BRAKE LINE FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY ON THE HIGHWAY IN A PANIC STOP. THIS RESULTED IN COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE OF BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #10513499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesDescplaines, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ASKED ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V421000 (FUEL SYSTEM: GASOLINE), BUT WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
NHTSA complaint #10486531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesNEW Iberia, LA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL PUMP WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V421000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10486116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,729 milesPrescott, WI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
DURING PERIODIC MAINTENANCE THE DEALER DISCOVERED THE PASSENGER SIDE FUEL TANK STRAP HAD CORRODED AND BROKE. LIKELY CAUSE WAS THE SALT AND CHEMICALS APPLIED TO THE ROADS DURING THE WINTER. THE DRIVER SIDE STRAP WAS INTACT BUT WOULD LIKELY FAIL IN THE FUTURE. I WAS INFORMED THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE SPECIAL ORDER SINCE THEY DO NOT NORMALLY FAIL. RETURNED THE NEXT DAY TO HAVE BOTH STRAPS REPLACED. FORTUNATELY THE ISSUE WAS DISCOVERED BEFORE THE TANK SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE WITH FORD TRUCKS OF THE SAME VINTAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10439651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesMount Holly, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THERE WAS BURNING ODOR EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WOULD HAVE REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED A SECOND TIME AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO BE REPAIRED AGAIN. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V031000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY:CABLES), THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #10437446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,288 milesNiantic, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AS THE WHEEL LOCKED AND THE RADIO SHUT OFF, SIMILAR TO THE FAILURE LISTED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V031000 ( ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY:CABLES). THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WITHOUT A JUMP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 135,288.
NHTSA complaint #10429458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesWest Columbia, SC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ACCELERATING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE AND STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND MADE THE CONTACT AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V421000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), BUT ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 141,000.
NHTSA complaint #10419165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,500 milesFountain, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
MY 2000 MERCURY COUGAR SUDDENLY STARTED SPUTTERING, BUCKING, AND IN LESS THAN TWO MINUTES STOPPED IN TRAFFIC. IT WOULD CRANK BUT NOT START. I HAD TO HAVE IT PUSHED OFF THE ROAD OUT OF TRAFFIC. IT WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS A FAULTY FUEL PUMP SYSTEM. WHEN LOOKING ONLINE FOR RECALLS OR SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGNS, ON THE FORD WEBSITE, THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT COUGARS HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL PUMP SYSTEM. THE WEBSITE DID NOT SPECIFY ANY MODEL YEAR. WHEN LOOKING ON ANOTHER WEBSITE AND SEARCHING RECALLS, THE 2000 COUGAR HAD NO RECALLS OR SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGNS. WHAT IS INTERESTING TO ME IS THAT THE OTHER THREE MODEL YEARS, 1999, 2001, AND 2002, ALL HAD RECALLS ON THE FUEL PUMP SYSTEM. FORD MOTOR COMPANY ISSUED AN EXTENDED MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY ON THE FUEL PUMP SYSTEM FOR THOSE THREE MODEL YEARS UNTIL DECEMBER 2010. MY HUSBAND AND I BOTH CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY REGARDING OUR PROBLEM AND WERE TOLD THAT WE WERE SENT A NOTICE REGARDING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND WE SHOULD HAVE HAD IT FIXED BEFORE THE WARRANTY ENDED. OUR CAR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY THEREFORE WE DID NOT RECEIVE A NOTICE. THEY BASICALLY SAID SORRY, YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN FOR THE $600+ REPAIR BILL AND HAVE A GREAT DAY. WHEN A CAR IS ONLY MADE FOR FOUR YEARS AND THREE OF THOSE FOUR HAVE A SAFETY PROBLEM THAT CAUSES THE CAR TO STOP SUDDENLY IT STANDS TO REASON THAT THE FOURTH MODEL YEAR MADE WITH THE SAME PARTS WOULD HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10417139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crystal Lake, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT IS EFFECTING MY VEHICLE. I HAVE A V6 ENGINE, AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, RADIO, INTERIOR LIGHTS, AND HEAD LIGHTS FLICKER WHEN I START UP MY CAR AND CONTINUE TO DO SO. I WENT ONLINE TO LOOK AT POSSIBLY RECALLS AND SAW THAT THERE WAS ONE DECRIBING THE EXACT ISSUE I HAVE. I CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN HUNTLEY, ILLINOIS AND TALKED TO A GUY IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, NAMED MIKE. HE TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL ONLY AFFECTED CERTAIN MERCURY COUGARS FROM CERTAIN PLANTS.... I AM ALSON HAVING ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR.
NHTSA complaint #10414297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crystal Lake, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT IS EFFECTING MY VEHICLE. I HAVE A V6 ENGINE, AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, RADIO, INTERIOR LIGHTS, AND HEAD LIGHTS FLICKER WHEN I START UP MY CAR AND CONTINUE TO DO SO. I WENT ONLINE TO LOOK AT POSSIBLY RECALLS AND SAW THAT THERE WAS ONE DECRIBING THE EXACT ISSUE I HAVE. I CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN HUNTLEY, ILLINOIS AND TALKED TO A GUY IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, NAMED MIKE. HE TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL ONLY AFFECTED CERTAIN MERCURY COUGARS FROM CERTAIN PLANTS.... I AM ALSON HAVING ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR.
NHTSA complaint #10414297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesSalem, OR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND THE CONTACT RECEIVED A JUMP START BEFORE HE WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE REMAINED ON FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE STALLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BUT FOUND THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE INTERMITTENTLY DIMMING. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V031000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: BATTERY: CABLES). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE AND THAT FUEL WAS NOT TRAVELING TO THE ENGINE CORRECTLY EVEN WITH A FULL TANK OF FUEL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER BOTH ADVISED THAT CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V421000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10379490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesSalem, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND THE CONTACT RECEIVED A JUMP START BEFORE HE WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE REMAINED ON FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE STALLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BUT FOUND THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE INTERMITTENTLY DIMMING. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V031000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: BATTERY: CABLES). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE AND THAT FUEL WAS NOT TRAVELING TO THE ENGINE CORRECTLY EVEN WITH A FULL TANK OF FUEL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER BOTH ADVISED THAT CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V421000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10379490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesGreenwood, SC
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE SUN ROOF THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUN ROOF MECHANISM WOULD NO LONGER FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUN ROOF NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126000.
NHTSA complaint #10355716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Akron, OH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
2000 MERCURY COUGAR, VEHICLE HOOD LATCH FAILED CAUSING THE HOOD TO OPEN AND STRIKE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND THE ROOF. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0395-91)*JB UPDATED 09/13/10
NHTSA complaint #10354248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesBridgeport, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD LACK POWER. THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT LOCATED A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V031000- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: BATTERY: CABLES) BUT WAS TOLD BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 62,000. UPDATED 11/03/10. *LJ UPDATED 2/17/2011
NHTSA complaint #10347259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.