2002 Mercury Cougar
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Cougar › 2002
These records cover every 2002 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 2002 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
95 complaints9 involved a crash1 involved a fire12 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Airbag warning light comes on. No accident, stationary and in motion. I do not see a recall reference airbag? With the complaints I read on your site about the airbags, there should be a recall???????????
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
I am currently having problems with the fuel pump driver module. I reported the problem to ford in oct 2018. ford stated that the 10 year recall ended and per their records the issue was resolved as fuel module was replaced by dealer don knott ford, carson, ca. don knott ford IS no longer in…
I am currently having problems with the fuel pump driver module. I reported the problem to ford in oct 2018. ford stated that the 10 year recall ended and per their records the issue was resolved as fuel module was replaced by dealer don knott ford, carson, ca. don knott ford IS no longer in business. the aforementioned dealer I believe was involved in unethical business practices. I was never informed of such a recall and dealer never changed module, I do not have documentation & would like such for my records. I am original owner of vehicle and the periodic inadvertent surging of vehicle when stopped/stationary at a street light began 6 months ago. I cannot 100% safely drive this vehicle at this time. ford has not provided me documentation of the alleged repair and/or documentation informing me of recall. I would like to have a copy of this documentation and/or have ford change the module so the surging can stop. your consideration and review would greatly be appreciated. lastly, fortunately I have a 2ND vehicle that I have been using. thank you for your anticipated review of this matter. yours truly, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Air bags
The car was parked in my driveway. upon starting the car, at the moment I turned the key the driver seat airbag deployed.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Power train · Suspension
I have found 3 recalls for my car, they are all the exact problems I am having, but when I searched for open recalls it said none are open for my car. I need my car repaired and the recalls completed.
- Unknown or other
My car was stolen
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercury cougar. While driving unknown speeds, the headlights dimmed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the protected wiring cover was deteriorating. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 165,000.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
Nhtsa campaign number:04v421000 manufacturer ford motor company was driving on a main city st. My auto stopped with no power in the left lane of busy 4 lane st. Would not start in neutral or park, man pushed it into the ctr. Lane out of traffic area. Policeman came after I called 911, after a…
Nhtsa campaign number:04v421000 manufacturer ford motor company was driving on a main city st. My auto stopped with no power in the left lane of busy 4 lane st. Would not start in neutral or park, man pushed it into the ctr. Lane out of traffic area. Policeman came after I called 911, after a few minutes he suggested taking key out stepping on brake then inserting key back in ignition, did that and it started right up, and he followed me to my st. And I got safely home. prior to this shut down incident it had stalled going down a hill however put it in neutral and it started up again. this incident could have caused a serious accident, prior to this incident it had been cutting out for a couple of months which I thought was cheap gas, so changed to tectron. I have called ford on 3/15 twice and they said they can not do anything about it, I then researched this online and found this site and want to post exactly what happened to me as shown by the nhtsa on recall etc. it does show it IS for the orig owner, I am the 2ND. Owner however this has occurred within the 15YR. Limitation you have posted for complaints explained to ford that it may have taken this long for the filter to react in this manner.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
Since purchasing 2002 mercury cougar in january 2010 the vehicle hesitates, surges, and stalls at any rate of speed. Initially the problem was rare, then gradually occurred more frequently. This now happens at least weekly, sometimes several times per day. This issue has endangered me more times…
Since purchasing 2002 mercury cougar in january 2010 the vehicle hesitates, surges, and stalls at any rate of speed. Initially the problem was rare, then gradually occurred more frequently. This now happens at least weekly, sometimes several times per day. This issue has endangered me more times than I can currently recall. Replaced alternator, battery, egr valve and sensor, iac valve, and catalytic converter. The issue persists.
- Engine · Structure › Body
Driving on freeway, car next to me came into my lane towards my car, I hit my brakes resulting in my vehicle swerving and hitting the median head on at high speed, air bags did not deploy upon impact. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine · Exterior lighting
I'm having the same issue with my 2002 mercury cougar as everyone else, but when I put my vin number into the search, there are no recalls listed for it. I don't think that its right that my life be put in serious danger because of an apparent design issue. this car IS losing all power and…
I'm having the same issue with my 2002 mercury cougar as everyone else, but when I put my vin number into the search, there are no recalls listed for it. I don't think that its right that my life be put in serious danger because of an apparent design issue. this car IS losing all power and shutting down. It doesn't matter how fast you are going, it happens at all speeds. We thought the alternator was bad, had it replaced and the battery at the same time. the same day, the car lost all power again and died out going 60 mph on the highway. All the gauges start going crazy and the lights dim and eventually everything including the car just quits. mercury/ford, needs to be responsible for this coffin that I'm trying to drive and fix the problem for me and everyone else for free. I've done some online research on this, and it seems like there are a ton of people with the same problem from years 99 to 02. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercury cougar. The contact stated that while she driving at 30 mph, the vehicle hesitated and jerked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the fuel pump. However, the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer advised that the vehicle was not included in recall nhtsa campaign number 04v421000 (fuel system, gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 29,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercury cougar. the contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph, she was notified by another driver that the front of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The contact began to coast onto the emergency lane and removed a child passenger from the vehicle however, the…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercury cougar. the contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph, she was notified by another driver that the front of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The contact began to coast onto the emergency lane and removed a child passenger from the vehicle however, the vehicle stalled. There were no injuries due to the failure. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. the vehicle was towed to a junk facility. The failure was not diagnosed to determine the cause of the failure. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign 04v421000 (fuel system, gasoline). the approximate failure mileage was 142,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercury cougar. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 mph, the vehicle made a knocking noise and stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic was unable to diagnose the problem. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
- Engine
I was on my way to work and about one mile from my destination the engine just stopped. I let it sit about twenty minutes and it finally started again. this happened several days of shutting off while I was on the road driving. luckily I was at a place when I could pull over on the side of the…
I was on my way to work and about one mile from my destination the engine just stopped. I let it sit about twenty minutes and it finally started again. this happened several days of shutting off while I was on the road driving. luckily I was at a place when I could pull over on the side of the road and get out of the line of traffic except for one time when I was at a stop light and it shut off and I sat and wait and it finally started again and I was able drive it to a safe spot. I took it to a mechanic and he told me the computer needs to be replaced. the only place that could replace the computer was the dealer. I took it to the dealer and after being at the dealer for three days they said that the ignition need replacing. They replaced the ignition and after three more days there and while they were working on other repair parts that they said I needed done the engine shut off about two more times. on march 13, 2014 they told me that all repair work had been completed and the engine shutting off was solved. the total bill came to close to $3,000.00. I am planning on picking up the vehicle on monday, march 17, 2014 when I will have the money to pay them. I heard about cars engines shutting off while driving on the radio (wtop). I just wanted to report how my vehicle was having the same or similar problem. I am a bit nervous about driving this vehicle if this could possible happen again. the radio report was about gm vehicles I have a mercury and this happened to my car. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Fuel system, gasoline
My daughter has a 2002 mercury cougar and IS risking her life as well as others lives every time she gets inside that car. Her cougar her been having issues for months now, and even though we have spent hundreds of dollars trying to make the car safer for her, nothing IS working. Our last straw was…
My daughter has a 2002 mercury cougar and IS risking her life as well as others lives every time she gets inside that car. Her cougar her been having issues for months now, and even though we have spent hundreds of dollars trying to make the car safer for her, nothing IS working. Our last straw was three days ago, when the car stalled on her on the highway. She was traveling about 45 miles per hour, when the car stalled and shut off leaving her stranded waiting for the tow truck. Her car, for months, has been surging while at complete stops, and has been shutting off while at a stand still. We've tried fixing many things, but nothing seems to be fixing the issue. After doing extensive research, I have come to realize that many others are having the same issues. Can someone do something about this please?? Its clearly an on-going issue and IS costing people lots of money. Her car IS currently back at the dealership where we purchased the car, and IS undergoing diagnostics. We were already told that her car was not included in the recall, and we will have to pay for even more work, out of pocket. please help.. Why was it not included in the recall, seeing that it IS having the same problems?! *tr
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
The car gets a stalling sensation when at a red light, or a complete standstill. It feels like its stuttering and unable to keep power. Changed egr valve, 2 idle control changes, along with a transmission flush was done. Nothing seems to be fixing the issue. The car acts up and stalls in cold…
The car gets a stalling sensation when at a red light, or a complete standstill. It feels like its stuttering and unable to keep power. Changed egr valve, 2 idle control changes, along with a transmission flush was done. Nothing seems to be fixing the issue. The car acts up and stalls in cold temperatures. Stalled at a red light twice. Has been taken to different car shops on numerous occasions. No engine light comes on. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercury cougar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph in a driveway, there was a sudden increase in the acceleration. The vehicle failed to decelerate even as the contact applied the brakes. The contact was unable to control the failure and crashed…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercury cougar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph in a driveway, there was a sudden increase in the acceleration. The vehicle failed to decelerate even as the contact applied the brakes. The contact was unable to control the failure and crashed into a house. The contact sustained a fractured left wrist. A police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle sustained severe front end damages. The vehicle was towed to a police impound lot. The manufacturer was not notified of the acceleration failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercury cougar. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the vehicle stalled as the battery, engine, and oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,600.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercury cougar. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact had the vehicle towed to a repair shop for inspection where they stated that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercury cougar. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact had the vehicle towed to a repair shop for inspection where they stated that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified and they stated that the vehicle was not included in any recall. The failure mileage was unknown. updated 10/11/12*lj updated 10/16/2012 *js
- Engine
I was driving my 2002 cougar and the vehicle began to lose power, the check engine light and the fuel light came on. The vehicle came to a complete stop in the middle of the road. I have also experienced the vehicle surging while at a complete stop. I contacted the service manager at my local…
I was driving my 2002 cougar and the vehicle began to lose power, the check engine light and the fuel light came on. The vehicle came to a complete stop in the middle of the road. I have also experienced the vehicle surging while at a complete stop. I contacted the service manager at my local dealer and the only resolution he could provide me was to have a technician drive it and see if it would happen again. Even though I explained there have been numerous complaints about the issue by other drivers on line, he said there was nothing he could do. My vin number IS not included in the recall "batch" of vehicles. I could pay the $100 diag fee in the event my vehicle does not repeat the complaint. Either way, I would be paying for the repairs out of pocket. *tr
- Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercury cougar. The contact stated that she opened the sun roof and was unable to get the sun roof to close. The vehicle was taken to a personal mechanic for diagnosis and the sun roof was closed. The contact was told by the mechanic that the motor was fine but she…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercury cougar. The contact stated that she opened the sun roof and was unable to get the sun roof to close. The vehicle was taken to a personal mechanic for diagnosis and the sun roof was closed. The contact was told by the mechanic that the motor was fine but she needed to replace the switch. The switch was replaced and one week after having it repaired, the sun roof would not close. The dealer was notified but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 59,000 and the current mileage was 63,000. updated 8/24/12 *cn
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercury cougar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle suddenly decreased to 10 mph. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and they advised her that all three catalytic converters were clogged and the fdm needed to be replaced. The vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercury cougar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle suddenly decreased to 10 mph. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and they advised her that all three catalytic converters were clogged and the fdm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired for the fdm but not the catalytic converters. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 72,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercury cougar. While driving at approximately 20 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic stated the fuel delivery module needed to be replaced. There was a recall under nhtsa campaign ID number: 04v421000 (fuel…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercury cougar. While driving at approximately 20 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic stated the fuel delivery module needed to be replaced. There was a recall under nhtsa campaign ID number: 04v421000 (fuel system, gasoline) that may be related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vin was not included in the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 30,028.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercury cougar. The contact stated that when applying the accelerator, the vehicle would hesitate, lose power and then surge abnormally. The dealer was contacted and advised that there was a recall under nhtsa campaign ID number: 04v421000 (fuel system, gasoline) but the…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercury cougar. The contact stated that when applying the accelerator, the vehicle would hesitate, lose power and then surge abnormally. The dealer was contacted and advised that there was a recall under nhtsa campaign ID number: 04v421000 (fuel system, gasoline) but the contacts vin was not included. The manufacturer was contacted who confirmed that her vin was not included in the recall list. No further assistance was offered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 116,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercury cougar. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall or surge forward. The manufacturer was notified, and the contact was informed that vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number 04v421000…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 mercury cougar. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall or surge forward. The manufacturer was notified, and the contact was informed that vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number 04v421000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 110,000, and the current mileage was 115,000.
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.
- 10013076Coolant lamp illuminated after cluster replacement.
- 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.
- 10008141Diagnostic trouble code p1000 (obd systems readiness test not complete) resetting after it has already cleared.
- 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.
- 637798Subject regarding wiper blade edge guard protectors.
- 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.
- 636386Some cougars may exhibit higher than normal steering efforts and / or steering system leaks.
- 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.
- 636049This bulletin involves proper procedures for preparation of service sheet metal parts coated with electro deposition primer (e-coat).
- 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.
- 630589Some vehicles equipped with a duratec engine may experience engine damage as a result of microscopic internal cracks in a batch of intake valves.
- 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.
- 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.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
Every Mercury Cougar model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.