2000 Mercury Cougar Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2000 Mercury Cougar, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical6525.5%
- Fuel system4618.0%
- Engine2610.2%
- Visibility187.1%
- Airbags176.7%
- Driver assistance166.3%
- Brakes124.7%
- Steering83.1%
- Interior & seats83.1%
- Exterior lighting83.1%
- Body & structure72.7%
- Transmission72.7%
- Other / unspecified62.4%
- Tires & wheels52.0%
- Seat belts20.8%
- Powertrain (other)20.8%
- Suspension10.4%
- Heating & air conditioning10.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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. *JB
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE, 2000 MERCURY COUGAR, BEGINS JERKING AS IT IS BEING DRIVEN AT ANY SPEED, AND RESULTS IN COMPLETE SHUT DOWN OF ENGINE. SOMETIMES THE ENGINE WILL RESTART AFTER WAITING SEVERAL MINUTES, AND WILL NOT RESTART AT TIMES; REQUIRING TOWING. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALER, AND AN EMPLOYEE STATED THAT IT WAS KNOWN BY THE MANUFACTURER TO BE A DESIGN FLAW IN THAT YEAR VEHICLE. ANOTHER EMPLOYEE TOOK HIM TO THE SIDE AND SCOULDED HIM FOR THE DISCLOSURE. THEY WOULD NOT DISCUSS IT FURTHER, EVEN THOUGH I CONTINUED TO QUESTION WHAT THEY WERE DOING TO CORRECT THIS KNOWN DEFECT IN WORKMANSHIP. TO THIS DAY THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO REPEAT THE SAME FAILURE. I HAD THE FUEL FILTER REPLACED TWICE. FINALLY A MECHANIC REPLACED THE CAM SHAFT SENSOR (HE STATED THAT HE HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM WITH THE CAR MANY TIMES) AND KNEW THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. EVEN THOUGH THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED, THE CAR WORKED WITHOUT SHUT DOWN FOR APPROXIMATELY 4 MONTHS, BUT BEGAN THE SAME SEQUENCE OF SHUT DOWNS ALL OVER AGAIN. THE DESIGN FLAW SHOULD BE RECALLED OR CONSUMERS SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR PURCHASE OF A KNOWN DEFECTIVE VEHICLE BY IT'S MANUFACTURER AND DESIGNER. IT IS A SHAME TO GET "STUCK" WITH A LEMON. THANK YOU. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED ON HER VEHICLE. FORD INFORMED HER THAT A RECALL REPAIR WAS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WENT TO THE CORPORATE FORD OFFICE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPAIR HAD NOT BEEN PERFORMED. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE OCCASIONALLY STALLED AND ONE OF THE STRUTS FAILED DURING A TEST DRIVE AT 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS EVENTUALLY TOWED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,125 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. IN 2006, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND WAS STRUCK BY SIX VEHICLES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. HE STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN NUMEROUS CRASHES DUE TO DODGING ROAD DEBRIS, WHICH CAUSED HIS VEHICLE TO BE REAR ENDED AND CRASH INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS HAVE NEVER DEPLOYED IN ANY OF HIS CRASHES. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT OFFERED ANY ASSISTANCE AND STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE DUE TO THE LACK OF SAFETY RISK. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING MY 2000 MERCURY COUGAR ON SEPTEMBER 25 ,2006. WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A STOP SIGN &THEY COLLIDED. SHE HIT HIM WITH HER FRONT END & THEN PROCEEDED TO SWERVE HEAD ON INTO A TELEPHONE POLE . SO THIS MAKES TWO FRONT END COLLISIONS & THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. IN FACT SHE HAD ANOTHER ACCIDENT IN SEPT 2003 WHERE A CAR WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT AND HIT HER,BUT THAT WAS A SIDE IMPACT & AGAIN THIS AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. SO THIS HAS BEEN THREE INCIDENTS THAT THIS AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY & THIS PAST ONE ON MONDAY WAS FRONT END COLLISION & MY DAUGHTER HAS DAMAGE TO HER CHEST & RIB CAGE , WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF THE AIR BAGS WORKED PROPERLY! *NM
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY VEHICLE HAS NOT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT OR A CRASH YET, BUT IT SOON COULD. THE THROTTLE/ ACCELERATOR HAS BEEN STICKING ON MY 2000 MERCURY COUGAR SINCE SOON AFTER I BOUGHT IT IN OCTOBER OF 2003. IT STARTED WITH THE RPMS REVVING UP TO 2 OR 3 AS I WAS COMING TO A STOP. THIS HAPPENED ONCE EVERY COUPLE WEEKS OR SO. THE RPMS DO NOT GO DOWN UNTIL AFTER I HAVE COMPLETELY STOPPED. IT HAS SINCE BECAME MORE FREQUENT (CLOSE TO EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR) AND SIGNIFICANT(RPMS GO TO 3 OR 4). I TOOK IT TO THE LINCOLN MERCURY DEALERSHIP SOON AFTER I FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM IN APRIL 2003. THEY REPAIRED A BLOWN AIR VALVE. THE PROBLEM BEGAN AGAIN WITHIN A MONTH OF THE REPAIR. I THEN TOOK IT BACK IN JUNE 2003 AND REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY CLEANED THE THROTTLE. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM BEGAN AGAIN WITHIN THE NEXT MONTH. IN MAY 2004 I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR A CONTAMINATED FUEL PUMP. THINKING THIS WAS THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEMS I HAD THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED. THE PROBLEM BEGAN AGAIN WITHIN A MONTH. NOT BEING ABLE TO AFFORD TO PUT MORE MONEY INTO MY CAR, I WAITED A YEAR BEFORE TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN. UPON EMISSIONS INSPECTION IN SEPTEMBER 2005 THEY FAILED IT BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. I TOOK IT BACK A WEEK LATER AND THEY PASSED IT. THE LIGHT WAS OFF THEN. IT HAS BEEN GOING ON AND OFF ON ITS OWN SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING THE ACCELERATOR STUCK MAKING MY CAR STAY AT 40 MPH EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE GAS. I RESEARCHED A 1999 RECALL THAT SEEMS TO FIT THE EXACT DESCRIPTION OF MY CARS PROBLEM, BUT FORD INSISTS THAT COULDN'T BE POSSIBLE. *NM
I WAS HEADING HOME FROM THE BEACH. I HAD MY CAR ON CRUISE CONTROL. A CAR WAS STOPPING AHEAD TO TURN INTO A HOUSING DEVELOPMENT. I TRIED TO PUSH THE BRAKE TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL,BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT DISENGAGE. I AGAIN HIT THE BRAKE, HARDER THIS TIME, BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL AGAIN DID NOT DISENGAGE. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE I TRIED TO SWERVE TO MISS THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I ENDED UP LOSING CONTROL OF MY CAR OFFROAD AND ROLLING THE CAR INTO A DITCH. I AVOIDED ANY OTHER CARS OR PROPERTY, BUT MY CAR WAS DAMAGED HEAVILY. I AM STILL AWAITING THE ASSESSMENT OF THE DAMAGE FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY. MY PASSENGER AND I BOTH WALKED AWAY, LUCKILY WE WERE WEARING OUR SEAT BELTS.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. *TR
VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY. REPLACED THE BATTERY AND TOOK TO SHOP TO HAVE ALTERNATOR AND WHATEVER ELSE LOOKED AT. MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. BATTERY LIGHT STILL FLASHING. I'M SCARED THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND LEAVE ME STRANDED. ALSO HAVE HAD SAME ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS (POWER WINDOWS) AS EVERYONE ELSE, AS WELL AS SPENDING $600 ON BRAKES, AND TRUNK LATCH WON'T WORK. RADIO WORKS OFF AND ON. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE BUMPER AS IT WAS RIPPED OFF WHILE PULLING OUT OF PARKING SPACE. (NOT NEGLIGENC). *JB
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING THE CAR, AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY LOSE. COULD EASILY MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL UP AND DOWN. TOOK TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE MAIN BOLT THAT CONNECTS TO STEERING COLUMN BROKE, UNABLE TO DRIVE CAR, WAS CLASSIFIED AS TOTALED. *AK
MY 2000 MERCURY COUGAR STARTING LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID RAPIDLY AT APPROXIMATELY 54,000 MILES. TWO MECHANICS STATED THAT THE ENTIRE RACK AND PINON ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO FAILURE OF AN INTERNAL SEAL. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. IT HAS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED WITH ALL MANUFACTURER-RECOMMEDED SERVICES, OIL CHANGES, TIRE ROTATION, ETC. *AK
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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*BF
VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY. REPLACED THE BATTERY AND TOOK TO SHOP TO HAVE ALTERNATOR AND WHATEVER ELSE LOOKED AT. MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. BATTERY LIGHT STILL FLASHING. I'M SCARED THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND LEAVE ME STRANDED. ALSO HAVE HAD SAME ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS (POWER WINDOWS) AS EVERYONE ELSE, AS WELL AS SPENDING $600 ON BRAKES, AND TRUNK LATCH WON'T WORK. RADIO WORKS OFF AND ON. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE BUMPER AS IT WAS RIPPED OFF WHILE PULLING OUT OF PARKING SPACE. (NOT NEGLIGENC). *JB
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE FRONT BUMPER FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT PHYSICAL CONTACT. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER. THE DRIVER PICKED UP THE BUMPER AND ATTACHMENTS AND PLACED THEM INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE HOME. THE DRIVER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER FOR APPOINTMENT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
THERE IS A HEALTH ISSUE ASSOCIATED WITH MY 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. I RECENTLY NOTICED THAT THERE WERE PARTICLES COMING FROM THE FRONT AND WINDSHIELD VENTS. SOME WERE VERY SMALL, SOME PROBABLY TOO SMALL TO SEE, WHILE OTHER WERE LARGE, 1/2 X 1/4. THE PARTICLES CONSISTED OF BLACK, ROUGH SURFACE, SHARP MATERIAL, PROBABLY COMING FROM THE AIR MIXING BOX. ALSO COMING OUT WERE PIECES OF FOAM RUBBER. WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALER FOR WARRANTY SERVICE I WAS TOLD THAT THIS ISSUE IS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OF THE FORD CARS, AND HAS BEEN FOR MANY YEARS. FURTHER, FORD HAS DECIDED NOT TO HONOR A WARRANTY TO FIX THE PROBLEM, NOT TO NOTIFY THE PUBLIC THAT THEY DO NOT CONSIDER PIECES OF THE AIR-CONDITIONER FALLING APART IMPORTANT, AND NOT TO CONSIDER IT A HEALTH ISSUE. THEY SAID THAT THE MATERIAL IS NOT TOXIC. WHILE THAT MAY BE TRUE, WHAT I DO KNOW IS THAT SHARP PARTICLES ENTERING A PERSONS LUNGS IS DEFINITELY NOT GOOD FOR A ONES HEALTH! I HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT SOMEONE AT FORD, INCLUDING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, TO ADDRESS THE WARRANTY AND HEALTH ISSUE, BUT IT WAS A WASTE OF TIME! IN MY LETTER TO THE COMPANY, I SENT BOTH PICTURES AND SAMPLES WHICH THEY DID NOT EVEN LOOK AT IT. I HAVE SOME DEFINITIVE PICTURES THAT I DONT THINK YOUR FORMAT WILL ACCEPT. IF YOU CONTACT ME WITH A DIRECT EMAIL, I WILL SEND YOU THE PICTURES. YOU ASKED HOW MANY INCIDENTS, DEATHS, INJURIES, ETC. I DONT KNOW. WHAT I DO KNOW IS THAT FORD HAS SAID THIS IS A FREQUENT OCCURRENCE WITH MANY OF THEIR CARS. THANK YOU, WILLIAM KAHN TELEPHONE: (407) 647-1713 EMAIL: [email protected]
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. *TR
I HAVE A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR WITH THE TERRIBLE CD4E TRANSMISSION WITH 66,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT BAD. THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS AND THE SAME TRANNYS. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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... *TR
WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HAD A FLAT TIRE. WE THOUGHT THE TIRE HAD BLOWN OUT, BUT WHEN WE CHANGED THE TIRE, WE FOUND THAT THE RIM HAD BURST OPEN AND THE TIRE WAS PERFECTLY FINE. THANK GOD THE CAR DID NOT FLIP. IF IT HAD, NO ONE WOULD HAVE KNOWN WHAT HAPPENED. WE CALLED THE FORD COMPANY AND THEY TOLD US THEY WOULD NOT INCUR ANY COST FOR THEIR CLEARLY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. AFTER ALL THE PROBLEMS THEY HAVE CAUSED THE PUBLIC WITH THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS, YOU WOULD THINK THEY WOULD HAVE AT LEAST HAD A DEALERSHIP LOOK AT THE RIM TO TRY AND FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED. BUT APPARENTLY THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THEIR PRODUCTS UNLESS SOMEONE GETS KILLED LIKE IN THE CASE WITH THEIR DEFECTIVE TIRES. I REALLY FEEL THAT IF THEY HAD TAKEN THE COMPLAINTS SERIOUS ABOUT THE TIRE SITUATION, NO ONE WOULD HAVE LOST THEIR LIFE. IF ONE CUSTOMER COMPLAINS, AND YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR PRODUCT, I WOULD THINK THE COMPANY WOULD WANT TO KNOW WHY THEIR PRODUCT WAS DEFECTIVE IN THE FIRST PLACE. I TRULY HOPE THE FORD COMPANY GETS WHAT IS DUE THEM. AS THE OLD SLOGAN SAYS; FORD REALLY DOES MEAN FOUND ON THE ROAD DEAD. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2000 MERCURY COUGAR, EXPERIENCED EQUIPMENT FAILURE WITH HER LEFT TIRE THAT ALSO DAMAGED TO THE VEHICLE. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0338-90)*JB UPDATED 08/05/10 *BF
WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HAD A FLAT TIRE. WE THOUGHT THE TIRE HAD BLOWN OUT, BUT WHEN WE CHANGED THE TIRE, WE FOUND THAT THE RIM HAD BURST OPEN AND THE TIRE WAS PERFECTLY FINE. THANK GOD THE CAR DID NOT FLIP. IF IT HAD, NO ONE WOULD HAVE KNOWN WHAT HAPPENED. WE CALLED THE FORD COMPANY AND THEY TOLD US THEY WOULD NOT INCUR ANY COST FOR THEIR CLEARLY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. AFTER ALL THE PROBLEMS THEY HAVE CAUSED THE PUBLIC WITH THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS, YOU WOULD THINK THEY WOULD HAVE AT LEAST HAD A DEALERSHIP LOOK AT THE RIM TO TRY AND FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED. BUT APPARENTLY THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THEIR PRODUCTS UNLESS SOMEONE GETS KILLED LIKE IN THE CASE WITH THEIR DEFECTIVE TIRES. I REALLY FEEL THAT IF THEY HAD TAKEN THE COMPLAINTS SERIOUS ABOUT THE TIRE SITUATION, NO ONE WOULD HAVE LOST THEIR LIFE. IF ONE CUSTOMER COMPLAINS, AND YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR PRODUCT, I WOULD THINK THE COMPANY WOULD WANT TO KNOW WHY THEIR PRODUCT WAS DEFECTIVE IN THE FIRST PLACE. I TRULY HOPE THE FORD COMPANY GETS WHAT IS DUE THEM. AS THE OLD SLOGAN SAYS; FORD REALLY DOES MEAN FOUND ON THE ROAD DEAD. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
INVOLVED IN A COLLISION IN WHICH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, ALSO, DRIVER SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK UP, UPON IMPACT. *AK
NO CHILD SEAT WILL FIT INTO THE BACK SEAT OF THIS CAR. WE TRIED EVERY ONE IN THE STORE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
2000 MERCURY COUGAR WITH TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TRANSMISSION HESITATES WHEN PUTTING IT INTO GEAR, JERKS WHEN MOVING FORWARD. HE ALSO STATES THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID ON THE GROUND WAS NOTICED. *KB A LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS METAL FILLINGS IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AS WELL AS BAD SEALS. *JB
PROBLEMS WITH ODOMETER, GAS GAUGE, TURN SIGNALS,WINDOWS, RADIO, HAZARD LIGHTS, AIR BAG LIGHTS, SPEEDOMETER.*MR. THE MILEAGE AND CLOCK WERE NO LONGER VISIBLE. A NEW BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE INSTALLED PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE SUN ROOF LEAKED CONSTANTLY AND WAS ALSO FIXED PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE BATTERY AND WRENCH LIGHT WERE CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED OVER AND OVER AGAIN. CONSUMER HAD TO EXIT AND BARELY MADE IT HOME WHEN SHE ENTERED THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY DIED. *PH. THE AIR CONDITION WAS NOT COLD ENOUGH, THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER WAS BROKE, THE BRAKES MADE A GRINDING NOISE, THE DOOR LOCKS/LATCHES WERE INOPERATIVE, AND THE VEHICLE HAD A TRANSMISSION LEAK. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE SHUT OFF AFTER BEING DRIVEN FOR HALF HOUR, AND FAILED TO START. THE DEALER REPLACED BATTERY/ALTERNATOR/ IGNITION SWITCH, AND RELAY, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. *AK AFTER ALL REPAIRS WERE MADE, PROBLEMS CONTINUED TO EXIST. *PH. ALSO THE BALL JOINT WAS REPLACED, THE TRUNK RELEASE DID NOT WORK. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
PROBLEMS WITH ODOMETER, GAS GAUGE, TURN SIGNALS,WINDOWS, RADIO, HAZARD LIGHTS, AIR BAG LIGHTS, SPEEDOMETER.*MR. THE MILEAGE AND CLOCK WERE NO LONGER VISIBLE. A NEW BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE INSTALLED PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE SUN ROOF LEAKED CONSTANTLY AND WAS ALSO FIXED PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE BATTERY AND WRENCH LIGHT WERE CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED OVER AND OVER AGAIN. CONSUMER HAD TO EXIT AND BARELY MADE IT HOME WHEN SHE ENTERED THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY DIED. *PH. THE AIR CONDITION WAS NOT COLD ENOUGH, THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER WAS BROKE, THE BRAKES MADE A GRINDING NOISE, THE DOOR LOCKS/LATCHES WERE INOPERATIVE, AND THE VEHICLE HAD A TRANSMISSION LEAK. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .