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 the federal safety agency 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.
The worst 2001 Mercury Cougar problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system26
- Electrical12
- Engine12
- Transmission10
- Visibility7
- Airbags6
- Body5
- Tires5
- Brakes4
- Acceleration3
- Suspension3
- Lights2
- Wheels2
- Steering1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 Mercury Cougar
Stalling 18Fuel pump 9Hesitation 7No deployment 5Fire or smoke 5Loss of power 5
Recalls 1
Fuel system, gasoline
- What is wrong
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 04V421000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Mercury Cougar 61
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- General (PCM) power train control module programming procedures
- General power train control module (PCM) programming procedures
- Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips
- Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair
- Inoperative electric rear window defroster (heated backlite) grid lines, integral antenna concerns
- Streamlined diagnostic procedure for vehicles with malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on and diagnostic...
- Customer satisfaction program 02M01 supplement #4
- Engine hesitation, loss of power, surging, and other similar symptoms as a result of contamination of the...
- Streamlined diagnostic procedure for vehicles with malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble...
- Steering column shipped without crush pad - reuse original crush pad if not damaged
2001 Mercury Cougar fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 21 | 31 | 24 |
| 2.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 26-27 | 21 |
What 2001 Mercury Cougar owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v421000(fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,800.
Car started hesitating and lost power then stalled out causing traffic to get backed up.
Compare the 2001 Mercury Cougar
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Questions about the 2001 Mercury Cougar
Is the 2001 Mercury Cougar reliable?
Owners have filed 82 complaints about the 2001 Mercury Cougar, close to a typical Cougar model year.
What is the 2001 Mercury Cougar year score?
The 2001 Mercury Cougar scores 78 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercury Cougar: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Mercury Cougar?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 26 complaints, typically around 102,000 miles. Next is electrical (12).
How many recalls does the 2001 Mercury Cougar have?
1 recall, covering fuel system, gasoline.
Was there a recall on the 2001 Mercury Cougar fuel system?
Yes, 1 recall: 04V421000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Mercury Cougar have the most fuel system problems?
The Mercury Cougar model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2002 (49 complaints), 1999 (46 complaints) and 2000 (46 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Mercury Cougar get?
Official estimates for the 2001 Mercury Cougar range from 21 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21 city and 31 highway.
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