74 of the
283 complaints about the 2000 Mercury Cougar are about the
electrical system — 26% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
65,000 miles.
F
74
Complaints
1
Crashes
9
Fires
1
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Electrical System
2533.8%
Alternator/Generator/Regulator
2027.0%
Cables
1013.5%
Ignition
45.4%
Switch
45.4%
12V/24V/48V Battery
34.1%
Wiring
22.7%
Fuses AND Circuit Breakers
22.7%
Front Underhood
11.4%
Horn
11.4%
Electrical System across every Mercury Cougar year
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.
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 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.
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
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 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.
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 90,000 milesCrawfordville, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FLASHING BATTERY LIGHT. LIGHTS WOULD DIM DURING ACCELERATIONS OR REVVING OF ENGINE. ALTERNATOR FAILS CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. SAFETY ISSUE, I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO REPAIR SHOP, MECHANIC STATES HE HAS RESEARCHED THIS AND SAYS THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ON GOING PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF CAR. BATTERY LIGHT STILL STAYS ON AND LIGHTS DIM ON ACCELERATION AFTER REPLACED ALTERNATOR.
NHTSA complaint #10299064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesPlainsboro, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2000 MERCURY COUGAR V 6 AUTO -55000 MI - STEADY STATE CRUISING AFTER 10 MI 'WARM UP' - A FREQUENT , PROBLEM - LIKE OK FOR 3 OR 4 MILE , THEN 2 OR 3 TIMES WILL JERK OR SHUDDER , THEN OK FOR 3 OR 4 MI - HARD JERK , ENGINE TACH JUMPS FROM 2800 > 4000 RPM , BACK TO 2800. SEEMS MOSTLY AT STEADY 70 MPH OR SO , DOES DO IT SOMETIMES AT 40. SEEMS HARDLY EVER ON SHORT DRIVE , LIKE 8 MI TO WORK IN MORNING. TRANS CAN'T FIND CORRECT GEAR ? COMPUTER ? DEALER , AFTERMARKET SHOP COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. NEW FUEL FILTER , TRANS OIL.
NHTSA complaint #10292535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesWoodstock, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PROCEED FROM A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE STALLED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE NOTICED THAT THE BATTERY CABLES WERE MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY. A MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT THE CABLE MADE CONTACT WITH THE POWER STEERING LINE WHICH CAUSED THE INSULATION TO WEAR, AND THUS AN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED IN REFERENCE TO RECALL # 01V031000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY:CABLES). SINCE HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL, HE WAS INELIGIBLE FOR A FREE REMEDY. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND HE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF SENDING THEM CORRESPONDENCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #10291235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesMAN, WVFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE LIGHTS ON THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF MY CAR HAVE BEEN FLICKERING SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM AN INDIVIDUAL A FEW YEARS AGO. LAST WEEK I SMELLED BURNING WIRES WHILE DRIVING AND ME AND MY HUSBAND PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND HE INVESTIGATED THE PROBLEM AS TO WHERE THE SMELL WAS COMING FROM. HE NOTICED THE BATTERY CABLES WERE HOT AND MELTED INSULATION ON THEM AT THE BATTERY POSTS. NOW INSTEAD OF A FLICKERING ALTERNATOR LIGHT,HEADLIGHTS,AND DASH LIGHTS, I HAVE AN ALTERNATOR LIGHT THAT STAYS ON AND EVERYTHING ELSE IS STILL FLICKERING. WE TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC BECAUSE THE CAR QUIT RUNNING,APPARENTLY BECAUSE THE BATTERY WENT DEAD. THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY AND THE ALTERNATOR WHICH COST ME 320.00. I STILL HAVE FLICKERING LIGHTS AND THE ALTERNATOR LIGHT IS STILL ON. I TOOK IT TO HAVE THE ALTERNATOR CHECKED EVEN THOUGH IT WAS BRAND NEW,JUST TO BE SURE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A WIRING PROBLEM,THAT THE CHARGE FROM THE ALTERNATOR WAS NOT GETTING BACK TO THE BATTERY. ALL FUSES WERE CHECKED AND TO MY UNDERSTANDING MY CAR IS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY RECALLS ACCORDING TO THE VIN I FURNISHED FORD. I WANT THIS FIXED ,AND I SEE ON ALL THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE CHECKING THE WEB FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS,THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY MERCURY COUGAR OWNER OF THIS YEAR MODEL THAT CAN'T SEEM TO GET ANY HELP WITH AN APPARENT SAFETY ISSUE. ALSO I HAVE A SUNROOF THAT HAS TO BE TAPED DOWN TO KEEP IT FROM BLOWING OUT OF THE CAR AND LEAKS WHEN IT RAINS IF IT DOESN'T HAVE TAPE ON THE SEAMS.
NHTSA complaint #10283656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesBuchanan, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY CABLES LEADING FROM THE BATTERY TO THE ALTERNATOR CAUSED SHORTAGES. ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FLICKERED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, WHO CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS A SHORT SOMEWHERE IN THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, HE NOTICED A FAILURE WITHIN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. THE RPM'S WOULD REV TO A HIGH DEGREE AND THEN DECREASE VERY QUICKLY, WHICH OCCASIONALLY CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE RPM'S FLUCTUATED WHEN SHUTTING OFF THE VEHICLE OR REVVING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 01V031000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY:CABLES) AND 04V421000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 106,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000.
NHTSA complaint #10248967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesLutz, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THERE WAS A MODERATE LOSS OF POWER IN THE VEHICLE AND A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE ALTERNATOR BATTERY CABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. RECENTLY,THE CONTACT OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVELY HIGH TEMPERATURE READING FROM THE VOLTAGE OF THE ALTERNATOR. ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURES. THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED FAILURES IDENTICAL TO THE ONES MENTIONED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V031000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY:CABLES). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
NHTSA complaint #10246325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,900 milesJacksonville, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THEM BATTERY LIGHT. A NEW BATTERY WAS INSTALLED BUT AFTER A FEW DAYS THE BATTERY AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. ALTERNATOR WAS CHECKED AND FOUND TO BE IN PERFECT ORDER. EVENTUALLY ONE DAY ALL THE PANEL LIGHTS JUST WENT DIM AND THE CAR SHUT OFF TOTALLY. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED AN ALTERNATOR AT THE COST OF $550. I AGREED. GOT THE CAR DROVE IT FROM THE DEALER THE ENGINE LIGHTS AND BATTERY LIGHTS CAME BACK ON THAT VERY SAME DAY. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT TAKES TIME FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO ADJUST. I DROVE IT FOR ONE WEEK AND THE CAR SHUT OFF AGAIN. I HAD IT TOWED AGAIN. DEALER SAID IT WAS FIXED AND THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. IT'S HAS HAPPENED OVER AND OVER AGAIN SINCE THEM. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO.
NHTSA complaint #10220688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesTampa, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 55-60 MPH, ALL OF THE VEHICLE LIGHTS BEGAN FLICKERING. THE VEHICLE FAILED THREE TIMES AND WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHEN THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED, THE VEHICLE LIGHTS STILL FLICKERED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V031000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: BATTERY: CABLES). THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 67,000.
NHTSA complaint #10217392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesNeshanic, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND IT WAS JUMPED BY AAA. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY STATED THAT THE CABLE THAT CONNECTED THE BATTERY TO THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V031000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY:CABLES), EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED WITHIN THE MANUFACTURE DATES. THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN APRIL OF 2000. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 118,000.
NHTSA complaint #10207298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesSierra Vista, AZFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE ALTERNATOR BATTERY CABLE. WHEN THE BATTERY SHORTS OUT, IT CATCHES FIRE AND ALSO SHORTS OUT THE ALTERNATOR. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CABLE CAUGHT FIRE, BUT IT EXTINGUISHED ON ITS OWN. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE CONTACT PAID FOR THE REPAIR AND WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED. FORD REFUSES TO REIMBURSE HIM AND ADVISED HIM TO CALL NHTSA. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #10203257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesPenhook, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
WENT OUT TO GO TO WORK ONE MORNING AND CAR WOULD NOT START, ALL SYSTEMS COMPLETELY DEAD, JUMPED CAR OFF NEXT DAY AND BARELY MADE IT TO GARAGE, REPLACED BATTERY 11/04, PROBLEMS EVER SINCE WITH BATTERY LIGHT CONSTANTLY FLASHING AS WELL AS ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLASHING BRIGHT TO DIM DAY OR NIGHT, WAS TOLD 11/04 NEEDED A NEW ALTERNATOR, STILL HAVE NOT GOTTEN A NEW ALTERNATOR AND DO NOT PLAN TO AT THIS POINT, RECEIVED THE RECALL ON BATTERY CABLE AND REROUTING AND HAD THAT DONE, IF THIS IS A CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH V-6 2000 MERCURY COUGARS THE COMPANY SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY, IF DRIVING AT NIGHT AND CAR COMPLETELY STALLS, ALL LIGHTS AND CONTROLS ARE INOPERABLE WHICH WILL CAUSE ACCIDENT TO SELF AND/OR OTHERS, THIS IS A SCARY THOUGHT FOR A SINGLE FEMALE DRIVING AT NIGHT AND IN AREAS WHERE CELL PHONE DOESN'T ALWAYS HAVE A SIGNAL, FORD SHOULD FIX THIS BATTERY/ALTERNATOR PROBLEM ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT AND SUES.
NHTSA complaint #10168839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesPenhook, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
WENT OUT TO GO TO WORK ONE MORNING AND CAR WOULD NOT START, ALL SYSTEMS COMPLETELY DEAD, JUMPED CAR OFF NEXT DAY AND BARELY MADE IT TO GARAGE, REPLACED BATTERY 11/04, PROBLEMS EVER SINCE WITH BATTERY LIGHT CONSTANTLY FLASHING AS WELL AS ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLASHING BRIGHT TO DIM DAY OR NIGHT, WAS TOLD 11/04 NEEDED A NEW ALTERNATOR, STILL HAVE NOT GOTTEN A NEW ALTERNATOR AND DO NOT PLAN TO AT THIS POINT, RECEIVED THE RECALL ON BATTERY CABLE AND REROUTING AND HAD THAT DONE, IF THIS IS A CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH V-6 2000 MERCURY COUGARS THE COMPANY SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY, IF DRIVING AT NIGHT AND CAR COMPLETELY STALLS, ALL LIGHTS AND CONTROLS ARE INOPERABLE WHICH WILL CAUSE ACCIDENT TO SELF AND/OR OTHERS, THIS IS A SCARY THOUGHT FOR A SINGLE FEMALE DRIVING AT NIGHT AND IN AREAS WHERE CELL PHONE DOESN'T ALWAYS HAVE A SIGNAL, FORD SHOULD FIX THIS BATTERY/ALTERNATOR PROBLEM ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT AND SUES.
NHTSA complaint #10168839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesManchester, NH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
MY 2000 MERCURY COUGAR HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY LIGHT FLASHING INTERMITTENTLY AND THE HEAD LIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKERING CONSISTENTLY. FIRST I TOOK IT TO TWO LOCAL REPAIR SHOPS WHO FOUND NO CHARGING PROBLEMS. THE SECOND SHOP PROVIDED ME WITH A RECALL AND RECOMMENDED THAT I TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER(WITH THE RECALL PAPER WORK) AND THEY FIRST REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR (WHICH DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM) THEN REPLACED A CONNECTOR (WHICH DIDN'T FIX MY PROBLEM). WHEN I ASKED THEM TO REPLACE THE BATTERY CABLE TO THE ALTERNATOR WHICH IS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE A $1,900.00 WIRING HARNESS TO DO THAT. HE RECOMMENDED THAT I TRADE MY CAR IN. SO I WENT OUT AND BOUGHT A "CONSUMER REPORTS" USED CAR BUYING GUIDE TO LOOK FOR A RELIABLE USED CAR AND I FOUND A SECTION IN THE BACK FOR "RECALLS". UNDER THE '99-00 MERCURY COUGAR SECTION IT REFERENCES THIS RECALL AND SAYS "IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BATTERY CABLE". I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH FORD AND PLAN TO CALL THE ATTORNEY GENERALS CONSUMER AFFAIRS DIVISION NEXT.
NHTSA complaint #10164297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Antonio, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WITH NO WARNING, MY CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WILL START FAILING. LIGHTS WILL DIM, RPM AND SPEED GAUGES RESET AND THE CAR STALLS WITH IN A MATTER OF MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START AGAIN AND HAS TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. VEHICLE HAS LEFT ME STRANDED 5+ TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS. THE FAILURE IS IN THE ALTERNATOR TO THE CAR AND POSSIBLY THE BATTERY AS WELL WHICH BOTH HAVE ONLY EVER BEEN THE MANUFACTURERS PARTS. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE MY BATTERY REPLACED 4 TIMES AND MY ALTERNATOR 5+ TIMES IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THERE IS A SUBSTANTIAL PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE CAR IS NOT DEPENDABLE AT ALL AND CAUSES MORE STRESS, MONEY,& TIME THAN IT IS WORTH. THESE ISSUES SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY.
NHTSA complaint #10161341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesOklahoma City, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 50MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. UPON INSPECTION THE DEALER FOUND THE BATTERY WIRE HAD CAME LOOSE FROM THE ALTERNATOR. THE PROBLEM RETURNED A SECOND TIME UNDER A SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER. THE BATTERY WIRE WAS REATTACHED THE SECOND TIME. THE CONTACT FOUND THERE WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR THE BATTERY CABLES, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 01V031000. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED ON OCTOBER 15, 2001 AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM FOUND. ACCORDING TO THE RECORDS THE RECALL IS CLOSED.
NHTSA complaint #10149323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burlington, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY DAUGHTER'S CAR IS HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. IT IS EXACTLY AS MENTIONED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V031000. THE DEALER WON'T FIX THE PROBLEM AS A RECALL BECAUSE IS WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL BEFORE MY DAUGHTER BOUGHT THE CAR. IT IS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. FORD HAS TOLD HER IT WAS REPAIRED AND WHAT DEALER REPAIRED IT IN NEW JERSEY. SHE IS IN SOUTH CAROLINA IN COLLEGE , AND TOOK VEHICLE TO A DEALER THERE. THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T DO RECALL REPAIRS. SHE CALLED THE DEALER IN NEW JERSEY THAT FORD TOLD HER DID THE WORK, AND THEY TOLD HER THAT SOMETIMES RECALL WORK HAS TO BE REDONE, BUT THE WARRANTY WAS ONLY FOR ONE YEAR. I DON'T FEEL SHE SHOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE WORK DONE IF IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH MERCURY COUGARS, AND HER CAR WAS ONE THAT WAS INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. I WISH FORD COULD AT LEAST HELP HER PARTIALLY WITH THE REPAIRS. THE RECALL SAID THE CAR MIGHT CATCH ON FIRE. I HOPE THIS NEVER HAPPENS TO HER OR ANYONE OWNING A COUGAR.
NHTSA complaint #10148468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,875 milesLewiston, ME
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
MERCURY COUGAR 2000 STARTED TO GIVE ME PROBLEMS WITHIN THE LAST WEEK: LIGHTS FLICKERING,LOSS OF POWER, STALLING. CURRENTLY IN A GARAGE GETTING A NEW ALTERNATOR INSTALLED. NOT UNDER WARRANTY. I FORTUNATELY FOUND ON THE WEB THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, BUT DON'T BELIEVE THIS WILL RESOLVE THE ISSUE AS IT HASN'T FOR ANYONE ELSE. I READ COUNTLESS REPORTS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM ON THE WEB.
NHTSA complaint #10144092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dexter, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INTERIOR LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS AND GAUGES DIM AND BRIGHTEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. *TS ON ONE OCCASION THE CONSUMER'S WIFE COULDN'T SEE A CURB DUE TO THE LIGHT FLICKERING. AS A RESULT SHE RAN OVER THE CURB WHICH CAUSED A FLAT TIRE AND RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE RUNNING INTO A DITCH.
NHTSA complaint #10139884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DT: 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONSUMER FOUND RECALL 01V031000 FOR THE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR. THE BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES IN THE LAST WEEK, AND THE ALTERNATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE. HOWEVER, PROBLEM RECURRED. . WHEN SHE CONTACTED MERCURY THEY STATED THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE VEHICLE WILL START. BUT WHEN SHE TURNED ON THE AIR CONDITIONER OR RADIO THE VEHICLE STALLED. BOTH THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR HAVE BEEN CHECKED TO SEE IF THEY WERE THE PROBLEM. TWO MECHANICS STATED THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE FINE. IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THE EMISSION SYSTEM LIGHT ON THE VEHICLE KEPT COMING ON. FORD STATED THEY KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM AND THAT COULD BE CHECKED.
NHTSA complaint #10133524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V031000 CONCERNING BATTERY CABLE ROUTING. CONSUMER VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH THE HESITATION AND STALLING. DEALER REPLACED ALTERNATOR TWICE, AND REPAIR SHOP ONCE. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED.
NHTSA complaint #10109048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.