2000 Mercury Cougar acceleration problems

Filed Sep 6, 2005 · Acceleration · 33,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed May 17, 2004 · Acceleration · 39,000 miles · FL · crash

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.

Filed Aug 19, 2003 · Acceleration · 32,000 miles · IL

When traveling to visit my sister at college I was driving appox. 85mph but after stopping to stretch my legs at a rest stop I continued to try to reach my previous speed and when I tried to go over 80mph the car started to buck. I took it back to the dealership and I was told that the rpms could not go over a certain level so that basically they said that a 2000 mercury cougar is not able to reach speeds over 80mph.

Filed Aug 1, 2003 · Acceleration, Brakes · NJ

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.

Filed Jul 8, 2002 · Acceleration · AK

While driving at 30 MPH gas pedal got stuck and vehicle started to accelerate to 100 MPH before slowing down,. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.

Filed Mar 25, 2002 · Acceleration · IL · crash

The car has stalled on me 3 times while driving. The first time the vehicle stalled going up a driveway with the gas pedal pushed in. The second time the car was taveling at 20 MPH turning a corner when vehicle stalled. 3rd time vehicle stalled at 5 MPH with foot pressed on gas pedal. The car stalled and would not start up, causing it to hit a curb. The vehicle has been in to the dealership over 12 times, each time customer stating the same problem, however they do not have a solution. Vehicle also has a faulty coolant tank as the coolant light is always on, with no problems. The cars brakes make a strange noise with new brakes replaced from a recall. Many other small defects such as the leather chipping and seat covers coming off in the first 6 months of ownership. Still nothing wrong. This is no longer a matter of wanting a new car, it's a matter of my safety, which is compromised everytime I turn on the ignition of this car. This has to be fixed before my life is taken.

Filed Oct 12, 2001 · Acceleration · VA

Car died at 50mph. Turned car off and back on while still rolling on the way home last night. Also on the way home last night the car accelerated, on it's own, my foot was not on the accelerator, increased from 15mph to ~20mph and rpms went up. This is the second time it has happened in the last few months. I believe it is related to the "RPM" issue that the ford technical rep said was "normal". There is no way rpms increasing 300-1500rpm when pushing in the clutch is normal. I am concerned this is the second time the rpms/speed has increased on it's own. This is also the second time the car has died running down the road.

Filed Oct 9, 2001 · Acceleration, Transmission · VA

Rpms on engine do not drop when clutch pressed. Rpms go up sometime 1500 rpms. Car lurches when downshifting into 2nd unless waiting 5-20 seconds for rpms to finally drop. Happens every day if vehicle is warm (driven over 25 miles). Ford says it is designed this way. Problem didn't show up for at least 12,000 miles. Problem disappeared after 800 mile drive, but reoccurred after 1 week. Car has accelerated in 2nd gear without my intervention once. That is enough to cause me great concern for my safety. I cannot drive this car with normal driving habits, I could orginally, not now. The problem is getting progressively worse. The dealer says I have no recorse and it is not a problem according to ford. It is a problem. I feel unsafe, and it could endanger other people.

Filed Aug 2, 2001 · Acceleration · VA

Rpm's remain high or increase when clutch is engaged-very unsafe! You never know if you are going to slow down or if the car will continue to go even though you are not touch the gas, clutch or brake.

Filed Feb 9, 2001 · Acceleration · OH

Intrmittently vehicle suddenly surged forward. Dealer notified, and was unable to locate cause. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.