My 2002 mercury cougar has lost power, shuttered, misfired, and essentially broke down the same week I paid it off! My 2002 mercury cougar was included in the recall so I took it to a local dealership and they said my VIN number was not part of the recall? Hundreds of people have complained about this problem and ford is refusing to fix certain VIN number that they claim are not affected, how is this possible? There are away to many 2002 cougars with the same problem. Ford is refusing to fix the problem and now I have a car that does not run. This car has had a problem with stalling and shuttering since day 8 of purchase.
Mercury Cougar misfire problems
10 of the 1,673 owner complaints about the Mercury Cougar describe misfire or rough idle, most of them for the 1999 model year.
- owner complaints
- 10
- worst model year
- 1999
- typical mileage
- 78,000
By model year
- 20022
- 20001
- 19995
- 19932
Often reported together
Stalling 3Won't start 1Overheating 1Loss of power 1Hesitation 1Fire or smoke 1Check engine light 1
What owners say
I have a 2002 mercury cougar that has severe stalling, rough idle and extreme surging while driving of at idle. The vehicle has stalled while my daughter was driving many times. I did a search and found campaign #04v421000 on your website and this car exhibits all the signs detailed out in the campaign. I called my dealer (dave knapp ford) and the service manager did a VIN search and said this vehicle wasn't included in this campaign. My complaint is that my vehicle fits these symptoms to a "t" and that, I believe that is should be covered, especially if it's a known problem! By the way, this has been occurring for several months now and I am fearing for my daughters safety. Thank you.
I am the original owner of a 1999 mercury cougar automatic v6. I have never been in an accident with the vehicle, but continue to have mechanical problems. Like other 1999 ' 2000 mercury cougar owners I worry about the safety of driving a vehicle with more problems than can cost effectively be fixed. My list of broken items include the radio, power window regulator, o2 sensors, transmission at 59,000 miles, dashboard lights (low coolant and check engine), door/window leaky seal issues, engine misfire (decreased acceleration) and now my cruise control and turn signals do not work. Upon researching the recall for cruise control fires dealing with ford products I found that I am among other disgruntled cougar owners. Ford/mercury or ford technicians have not done a satisfactory job letting owners know of recalls that need attention. My latest concern is that my cougar might start on fire, per my complaint with ford; they see no threat with my cruise control issues and suggested I contact the federal safety agency with my complaint.
Dt*: the contact stated the exterior brake lights did not illuminate at all, causing the vehicle to nearly get rear-ended while braking from traveling 70 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, who determined that the wiring harness needed replacement due to a short circuit. There was a the federal safety agency recall #01v032000 pertaining to the brake light switch. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. Secondly, the engine hesitated while warming up, accompanied by a rough idle. The vehicle was not seen by a mechanic.
Mechanical problems with 1999 mercury cougar. *mr the vehicle died in the middle of traffic on three occasions. There were alternator and fuel problems. The consumer requested a credited amount of funds and reimbursement for the battery, brakes and additional expenses. Other problem are as followed: the new wheels were defective (corroded and frozen), the brake sensor snapped off of the wheel, the cd player was skipping, the hatch would not release properly, the steering wheel would shake, the keyless entry with anti-theft was inoperative, there was rough idle, the transmission shifter would stick, the cup holder did not shut, the hood would not open, and the lights would dim and or brighten while the vehicle was in motion. *sc
Car experiences engine misfire and will not start after driving thru a one inch deep puddle of rain water. Possible timing chain failure due to engine misfire caused by malfunction. Auto has 43,000 miles on it.
When making a left hand turn and a half a tank of fuel or below, the engine misfires and almost stalls out, this presents a hazard when making a left-hand turn with oncoming traffic coming. The fuel system has been checked and seems to be operating fine.
In fall of 1999, took car to two different local mechanics with tempterature gauge getting hot, leaking antifreeze, rough idling, white smoke. Spent over $800 for tune up, new parts, winterizing and so forth. In january, 2000 symptons reoccured until engine locked up - took to crossroads lincoln mercury - charged $1200 for head gasket repair. Dealer informed me many cougars have been coming in with same problem but no recall has been issued. I was given a 12 month, 12,000 mile warranty (whichever comes first) and now on january 30th, 2001 noticed the same symptons again. Have only driven car approx 5,000 miles since first repair but my 12 months expired by a week. Now car has same symtpons and again will cost me $1200 to have same problem remedied. Have tried to see if recall is in effect but can not find any info on it. I feel ford should be held responsible for a recall considering the number of complaints listed in this complaint database concerning blown head gaskets.
Electrical system problems, radiator light on, the air bag light blinking, engine misfire light blinking, alarm system going off and not being able to stop it, just having to let time end the system, the problem with the system is intermittent and the dealership in not able to correct problem.
Vehicle's temperature reads hot. Thermostat changes intermittently. Was out for summer, but vehicle still ran hot. Been losing coolant. Would run rough when starts up. White smoke from exhaust. Told coolant leaking into engine due to faulty head gasket. Had to replace head gasket.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Mercury Cougar misfire
Which Mercury Cougar years have misfire or rough idle problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1999 (5 complaints), 1993 (2 complaints) and 2002 (2 complaints).
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