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???????????
The worst 2002 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 system49
- Engine20
- Transmission10
- Airbags7
- Visibility6
- Acceleration4
- Electrical4
- Seat belts3
- Steering3
- Suspension3
- Body2
- Brakes2
- Lights2
- Tires2
- Driver assistance1
- Locks1
- Seats1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Mercury Cougar
Stalling 23Fuel pump 22Hesitation 22Loss of power 16Check engine light 8No deployment 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 2002 Mercury Cougar 42
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...
- Diagnostic trouble code P1000 (OBD systems readiness test not complete) resetting after it has already cleared
- Streamlined diagnostic procedure for vehicles with malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble...
2002 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 2002 Mercury Cougar owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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).
The car was parked in my driveway. Upon starting the car, at the moment I turned the key the driver seat airbag deployed.
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.
My car was stolen
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.
The federal safety agency 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 federal safety agency 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.
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.
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.
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.
Compare the 2002 Mercury Cougar
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Questions about the 2002 Mercury Cougar
Is the 2002 Mercury Cougar reliable?
Owners have filed 95 complaints about the 2002 Mercury Cougar, close to a typical Cougar model year.
What is the 2002 Mercury Cougar year score?
The 2002 Mercury Cougar scores 75 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 2002 Mercury Cougar?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 49 complaints, typically around 77,000 miles. Next is engine (20).
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercury Cougar have?
1 recall, covering fuel system, gasoline.
Was there a recall on the 2002 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 2002 Mercury Cougar get?
Official estimates for the 2002 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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