2000 Mercury Cougar
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Mercury › Cougar › 2000
These records cover every 2000 Mercury Cougar. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2000 Mercury Cougar. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
Federal mogul will notify owners and replace the parts free of charge. the recall began on may 22, 2008. owners can contact federal mogul at 877-489-6659.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Affinia (brake parts, inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. the recall began on march 20, 2006. owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
This action IS deemed a safety improvement campaign and IS not being conducted under the safety act. all owners will be notified of the problem, and dealers will replace the fdm with a new design at no charge if the owner reports that the vehicle exhibits any of the identified symptoms. the free replacement will be available for a period of 10 years following the original purchase of the vehicle, with no mileage limit. the campaign began on april 16, 2004. owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
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 and remedy
Risk
The short could potentially result in a fire, stalling, or a no-start condition.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the battery cable to the alternator for damage and, if it IS damaged, will replace the cable. additionally, the routing of the cable will be corrected, as necessary, and a routing clip will be added. also the torque on the alternator attachment of the cable will be checked and, as required, will be tightened to specification. 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.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
Dealers will install improved pcrv's in the rear brake system. this recall was expanded in september 2000 to include 1999 and 2000 ford contour, mercury mystique and cougar vehicles.
Owner complaints
211 complaints18 involved a crash10 involved a fire17 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- 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…
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.
- Exterior lighting · 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.
- 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.…
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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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. *Jb
- 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.
- 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…
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. *tr
- 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.
- 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. *tr
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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. *tr
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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. *tr
- Electrical system · 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…
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.
- Electrical system · 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…
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.
- 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.
- 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*bf
- 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)…
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 *cn
- Tires
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
- Electrical system · Equipment · 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…
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
- Unknown or other
Mercury cougar sunroof comes off track and repair cost 1200 dollars what a rip off *tw
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013116Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
- 10013115Steering column shipped without crush pad - reuse original crush pad if not damaged.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10011159Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10009321Inoperative electric rear window defroster (heated backlite) grid lines, integral antenna concerns.
- 10008993Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0420 and/or p0430/ 2.5L engine only.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10007005Engine hesitation, loss of power, surging, and other similar symptoms as a result of contamination of the fuel pump. This program extends the coverage of the fuel delivery module (fdm).
- 10004886Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457 or p1442 or a check fuel cap lamp illuminated with dtc p0457 for the evaporative emission system.
- 10004066Malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p0171/p0174 or p1072/p0175 stored in memory or as hard faults. Hesitation, lack of power or runs rough condition.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10003193The malfunction indicator lamp (mil) may be illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p1380, p1381, p1383, and/or p0340 may be stored in memory.
- 10002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
- 6092221Some vehicles equipped with 2.0L engine may exhibit a timing belt shredding or timing belt striking the front cover.
- 6092160Information regarding a/c peanut o-ring color.
- 6092151Some vehicles may exhibit intermittent and / or inoperative speaker function.
- 6092149Some vehicles may exhibit paint bubbling / peeling on the front and / or rear bumper.
- 6092146Some vehicles may exhibit a radio that IS intermittently inoperative.
- 6092143Some customers may report a concern of radio volume going up and down on its own while driving or flucftating by itself.
- 6090834Information on using peanut style a/c fittings.
- 6090829Exhibiting an intermittent and / or inoperative speaker function.
- 6090827A concern with paint bubbling / peeling on the front and / or rear bumper.
- 6090825Vehicles may exhibit a radio that IS intermittently inoperative.
- 6090823Some customer may report a concern with the radio volume going up and down on its own while driving or fluctuating by itself.
- 6090516Information regarding radio removal/installation. *Mjs
- 6090290Concerns with vehicles exhibiting intermittent and / or inoperative speaker function when the radio IS removed or reinstalled in the vehicle.
- 6090198This bulletin addresses an issue with the automatic transmission fluid seeping from the vent, resulting in fluid collecting on the main control assembly.
- 6090188Exhibiting a windnoise and / or water leak around the b-pillar mouldings.
- 6090131Information on diagnosing a vehicle with malfunction indicator lamp illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes p0442 and p0455 stored in continuous memory.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6090080Experiencing a grinding / groaning / squeaking / squealing noise when opening or closing the sunroof.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 637575Battery lamp on, however the charging system IS functioning properly.
- 637571Some vehicles may exhibit diagnostic trouble code b1213, b1342, b1601, b2431.
- 636219Some vehicles equipped with a 2.5L engine may exhibit multiple misfire diagnostic trouble codes with no driveability concerns noted.
- 636067Some vehicles may exhibit complaints of false alarm activation ofthe perimeter anti-theft alarm or being inoperative.
Every Mercury Cougar model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.