2001 Mercury Cougar
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Cougar › 2001
These records cover every 2001 Mercury Cougar. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2001 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.
Owner complaints
82 complaints7 involved a crash6 involved a fire5 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start-up after multiple attempts. The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shutoff as the oil warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact had…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start-up after multiple attempts. The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shutoff as the oil warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the fuel sensor, relay sensor, fuel injection senor and multiple other parts were replaced. Despite multiple repairs to the vehicle, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and they informed her that her vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v421000 (fuel system, gasoline) which was linked to her failure. A dealer had not been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 116,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. The contact stated that once the fuel level reached a half tank of gasoline, the vehicle hesitated and loss motive power with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the trans axle and check engine warning lights were illuminated.…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. The contact stated that once the fuel level reached a half tank of gasoline, the vehicle hesitated and loss motive power with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the trans axle and check engine warning lights were illuminated. Columbia ford lincoln hyundai (700 7TH ave, longview, wa 98632) was notified of the failure. the contact was informed that the vehicle was not subjected to a recall. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Fuel/propulsion system
Battery light IS on and has for awhile. Lights keep blowing fuses. And today I had to rip out a headlight or the car would have set on fire. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Service brakes
Well headlight wiring harness IS dry rotted like crazy the car looses power while excelerating when below 3/4 of a tank brake fluid/clutch fluid IS leaking don't know why and the battery light IS on
- Structure › Body
The sunroof just released from the car in the middle of I71 doing 65mph and I am not the only person who has had this problem with this model of cougar
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. In addition, while driving, the vehicle stalled, the battery warning indicator illuminated, and the instrument panel gauges flickered. The battery was replaced, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle decelerated and stalled without warning. The contact, with the help of other drivers, had to physically push the vehicle out of traffic to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle decelerated and stalled without warning. The contact, with the help of other drivers, had to physically push the vehicle out of traffic to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump motor burned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.
- Vehicle speed control
Over past few weeks loosing acceleration especially on inclines and highway entrance ramps causing near collission as I can't speed up to highway speed and car behind me must brake at fast speeds. Engine light on. mechanic says can't fix and contact ford. My vin # does not bring up recall but it…
Over past few weeks loosing acceleration especially on inclines and highway entrance ramps causing near collission as I can't speed up to highway speed and car behind me must brake at fast speeds. Engine light on. mechanic says can't fix and contact ford. My vin # does not bring up recall but it matches recall notice summary stating contamination of filter in fuel delivery module (fdm) thi recall state 1999-2002 cougars.mine IS 2001 bought new, under 70,000 mi with new fuel pump. This has been going on for weeks and scared to drive my only car. please help.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. While driving 45 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The engine check warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel delivery module failed and…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. While driving 45 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The engine check warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel delivery module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v421000(fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,800.
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel/propulsion system
Car started hesitating and lost power then stalled out causing traffic to get backed up. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly started to hesitate and stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in recall nhtsa campaign number: 04v421000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was 151,645.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Key sticks in ignition switch. sometimes halfway in or out. afraid to drive as it will probably make car unable to start or take out ignition key. I am also wondering if this could happen while driving, such as shutting itself off. *tr
- Tires
Cooper trendsetter se,p205/55/r16,inside one tire IS a pile of powdered rubber/inside wall of tire,rubber has came off and you can see what looks like bands. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. The contact stated that she received notification of nhtsa campaign ID number: 04v421000 (fuel system, gasoline) and took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The technicians stated that they could not complete the repair because she had not…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. The contact stated that she received notification of nhtsa campaign ID number: 04v421000 (fuel system, gasoline) and took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The technicians stated that they could not complete the repair because she had not experienced the failure. The contact stated that the fuel system failed and she attempted to have the vehicle repaired but the parts needed for the recall repairs were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that she would have to wait until the parts had become available. The failure mileage was 111,000. updated 12/06/12*lj updated 12/07/2012 *js
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. The vehicle was included in the recall under nhtsa campaign ID number: 04v421000 (fuel system, gasoline) and was repaired. After sometime the vehicle would not start or would stall intermittently. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 250,000.
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline · Visibility
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving 60 mph. The vehicle restarted after waiting a few moments. The failure recurred on an intermittent basis and occurred more frequently over time. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving 60 mph. The vehicle restarted after waiting a few moments. The failure recurred on an intermittent basis and occurred more frequently over time. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and was repaired under the recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number 04v421000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure began to recur approximately three months later. The vehicle had not been taken back for additional repairs. The contact also stated that fuel system failures led to an alternator failure, which drained the vehicle's battery. In addition, the contact stated that the sunroof was jammed and would not longer open. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being inspected by a local mechanic for a fuel odor, the mechanic found that the fuel tank and both fuel straps were corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 99,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. The contact stated that after having routine maintenance performed, the mechanic advised that the fuel tank and straps were rusted and corroded. The dealer was notified who stated there were no recalls for the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 200,000.
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › Cables
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. While driving, the contact stated that the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. after inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that a piece of the metal battery connector had melted. The metal connector was replaced. approximately one week later, the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. While driving, the contact stated that the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. after inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that a piece of the metal battery connector had melted. The metal connector was replaced. approximately one week later, the contact stated that the vehicle suddenly stalled again without warning causing her to lose all power similar to nhtsa campaign ID number 01v031000 (electrical system:battery:cables). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the battery cable was burning and smoking. The dealer informed the contact that her vehicle was not included in the previous recall. The vehicle was not repaired the second time. The current and failure mileage was unknown.
- Air bags
Driving car to class last week, recently bought it within the past year. Was pulling into a parking spot in a parking garage going maybe 5 mph. Was creeping up into the spot and the airbags deployed out of nowhere, cracking my windshield and getting smoke and an awful smell into my car. I also will be wearing a wrist brace for the next 6 weeks due to an injury that the airbags caused. *tr
- Equipment · Fuel system, other · Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering
Vehicle quitting in intersection and car losing all power entering garage. Vibration and pulling to right at highway speeds. Egr valve replaced twice. *Tr
- Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. on june 20, 2009, a piece of the sun roof fell off track and caused the sun roof to become inoperable. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer to have the part replaced, but was informed that the entire sun roof needed to be replaced. she feels that this IS a safety related defect that should be investigated. the failure mileage was 124,000.
- Visibility
Went to open sun roof didn't work . I went to find out how much it would cost was told over 1000.00 and this a really common with this year and model of car even went to salvage yards no sunroofs there they even said good luck that ford did not make this any good the have so many people looking…
Went to open sun roof didn't work . I went to find out how much it would cost was told over 1000.00 and this a really common with this year and model of car even went to salvage yards no sunroofs there they even said good luck that ford did not make this any good the have so many people looking for the same thing they cant get one in fast enough and when they do its gone that quick if it IS any good most aren't. *tr
- Electrical system
I am not sure who to contact with this, but I have already gone through my insurance company, and I am still a little upset about what happened. I owned a mercury cougar 2DR coupe 2001. One night I was alerted by a neighbor that my car was on fire. My father started putting water on the car, and I…
I am not sure who to contact with this, but I have already gone through my insurance company, and I am still a little upset about what happened. I owned a mercury cougar 2DR coupe 2001. One night I was alerted by a neighbor that my car was on fire. My father started putting water on the car, and I used a fire extinguisher to put the fire out. My insurance company had a claims representative come out and check the vehicle. They already sent me a check for what they say the vehicle was worth, and I am just not happy about it. I know that ford had issues with cars catching on fire. I just don't see how the insurance company can cut me a check for the vehicle, and determine a cause, with only pictures. My car still sits in my driveway 2 weeks after the accident. The car was sitting parked in the driveway for roughly 8 hours before it caught on fire. I just hate the fact that I am having to take a car I spent 13,000$ for, and now I get to buy something worth 6,700$. I was searching online to find more information about the vehicle fires, and also saw where it should be reported and that why I decided to write this. thank you, seth goodowens *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. while attempting to make a turn and/or when driving forward, the vehicle shuts off. the failure occurs intermittently and at various speeds. the vehicle must be restarted and operates normally until the next occurrence. no warning lights are…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercury cougar. while attempting to make a turn and/or when driving forward, the vehicle shuts off. the failure occurs intermittently and at various speeds. the vehicle must be restarted and operates normally until the next occurrence. no warning lights are illuminated prior to the failure. the failure was included in a recall for the fuel system, gasoline, but the contact had the recall repair performed two years ago. the manufacturer informed her that since the repairs were made under the recall, she would be responsible for the cost of the new repairs. the recall number was unknown. the failure mileage was 102,000 and current mileage was 109,000.
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.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008252Streamlined diagnostic procedure for vehicles with malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0401, p0402, p1400 or p1401. Additional symptoms may include runs rough, lacks power, surge, poor fuel economy.
- 10007360Streamlined diagnostic procedure for vehicles with malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0401, p0402, p1400 or p1401. Additional symptoms may include runs rough, lacks power, surge, poor fuel economy.
- 10007207Customer satisfaction program 02m01 supplement #4. Certain ford 2000 through 2003 vehicles equipped with a tube-mounted egr pressure sensor - additional egr pressure sensor warranty coverage. Supplement #3. Supplement #6.
- 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).
- 10005090Hesitation/surge during acceleration between 3000-4000 rpm. Oasis.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10002668Hesitation / surge on steady acceleration between 3000 and 4000 rpm.
- 10002472Streamlined diagnostic procedure for vehicles with malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0401, p0402, p1400 or p1401, or runs rough, lacks power, surge, poor fuel economy, and the above listed dtcs without mil.
- 10001855Malfunction indicator lamp on with or without rough running, lack of power, surge or poor fuel economy with diagnostic trouble codes p0401, p0402, p1400, p1401.
- 637575Battery lamp on, however the charging system IS functioning properly.
- 637571Some vehicles may exhibit diagnostic trouble code b1213, b1342, b1601, b2431.
- 637515Some vehicles may exhibit a buzzing noise coming from the dash near the climate control system with less than 6 months of service.
- 636219Some vehicles equipped with a 2.5L engine may exhibit multiple misfire diagnostic trouble codes with no driveability concerns noted.
- 636065Information regarding discharged battery charging service tips and guidelines.
- 630685Concern with headlamps and/or instrument panel lamps dimming slightly at idle.
- 630631Some vehicles equipped with the CD4E transaxle may exhibit harsh and delayed 1-2/2-3 upshifts after transaxle or turbine shaft speed sensor replacement, possible diagnostic trouble codes 628, 642, 645, 646, 647, 648, p0731, p0732, p0734, p0741 and p01744.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 630327Some vehicles may exhibit a condition where the defroster grille edges lift out of the dash pad.
- 630070Subject on brake fluid leak.
- 630024Some vehicles may exhibit a noise that appears to come from the front wheel bearings.
- 630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area.
- 627927Some vehicles may exhibit vacuum or air leaks in the intake manifold and / or engine system causing diagnostic trouble codes p0171 and or p0174.
- 627754Some vehicles may exhibit condensation in the headlamps.
- 625783Some vehicles may exhibit a noise that appears to come from the front wheel bearings.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 624978Some vehicles may exhibit a concern of backlite/hatchback moldings becoming loose.
- 624606Some vehicles may exhibit a steering drift/pull to the right. *Slc
- 624084Some vehicles built prior to 22-sep-2000, may exhibit the brake lamps staying on. *Slc
Every Mercury Cougar model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.