Mercury Cougar transmission failure problems

Filed Sep 26, 2008 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · KY

I have a 1999 mercury cougar, and have had it about 4 years now. I have had no problems with the car, except having to have the alternator replaced. I work 3rd shift (7p-7a) at a local hospital, and on my way home, my car started slipping in and out of gear. The car would go for a minute, then it would stop, and I would push the gas and the car would just rev up. I had a line of traffic behind me, so I as trying my best to get the car off the road. I finally got it into an empty parking lot and called to get some help. I was very tired from working a 12 hour shift and had to wait 2 hours for someone to come and get me. We got the car to a mechanic, which said that it was the transmission, and he then told me that he would drain the transmission, put new fluid in it, and see if that fixed the problem. To my very unfortunate news, the transmission has went out in my car. I am a full-time student and full-time working trying to make ends meet. Due to the transmission going out in my car, I have missed classes, and it's becoming a headache trying to get to and from work, school, and other places I need to be. I was told that the 1999 cougars had a recall on the transmission and that I needed to find out about it. This is what I am doing now. I can't afford a new transmission, let alone a new car, while I'm trying to go to school. This whole ordeal has thrown me off, because there was nothing wrong with the car, and all of a sudden (in one day) the transmission went out. I hope this problem is resolved, and I get some help with fixing my car. I appreciate your time, and I hope that my problem is looked into. Thanks, gina brook melton

Filed Jan 15, 2008 · Transmission · 85,000 miles · MO

Automatic transmission failure at 85,000 miles under normal operation and maintenance.

Filed May 14, 2007 · Fuel system, Transmission · MN

After all the problems with my 2001 cougar I wish I would have made a better choice in what vehicle I bought. The one recall that they had on the fuel pump I had to have that replaced, but I am not sure they really fixed it because it still hesitated when I accelerating . The low coolant light on the dash went on in the winter time when I first started the car. After I driving a bit the light will just turn off. So how the am I suppose to know when there really was a coolant problem if the light just went on. Then, the transmission went out at 94,000 miles with no signs of it going out. I was driving on the highway at 70 MPH when I pressed on the gas pedal and nothing happened, like the car was in neutral. I tried different gears and nothing. I was able to coast to the shoulder of the road and had to call a tow truck to bring the car home and cost $300.00. I had to find a place to bring the car to get a new transmission which was at a ford dealership. They said it would take about 3 days to have it done, and turned out taking 2 weeks because they didn't know how to put the correct transmission in the box. They sent two wrong transmissions before ford finally got the correct transmission for the car to the shop. This cost me $3,235.00. Transmissions failing at 94,000 miles was ridiculous considering all proper maintenance was done when it was needed. There were still other problems with the car, but I could not fit all the words on this form. I did not believe anything was done at all, and customer service from ford was terrible. The next vehicle I buy most definitely will not be a ford and probably not an american vehicle either. Word of mouth is very powerfully and people that I talk to about cougar problems will never be buying a ford. If only ford would care a little and not be afraid to spend some money to make their customers a little more pleased with their purchase then maybe people wouldn't look down so much on ford products.

Filed Jan 5, 2007 · Transmission · 69,000 miles · PA

Transmission failure, numerous times.

Filed Jul 28, 2006 · Transmission · 82,000 miles · WA

First transmission failed on the highway at 32,000 miles and was replaced under warranty second transmission failed at 82,000.

Filed May 13, 2006 · Transmission · 68,500 miles · OH

I bought a 1994 mercury cougar VIN# [xxx]. I was the second owner and it had only 29k on it back in july 1997. Well my transmission went out before 68k and the cougar is rattling apart. I heard later that there was a recall on the 3.8 motor for the blower by which I'm having now but being over 100k they said it had to be by a certain date and under 100k but I was never told or notified. Found out from a mechanic friend. Don't know what I can do about it. I had to replace the transmission completely because the low end shift plate was faulty on those models too. Engine keeps getting hot and burning off radiator fluid. *jb updated 07/16/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Nov 12, 2005 · Transmission · 48,000 miles · PA

There was no indication that there was a problem with the transmission until one day I went to pull out into an intersection and the car felt like it was in neutral. During that same episode, when at a stop light, the car would not move until it was put in 2 instead of drive. I took it to the dealership and was told that the automatic transmission needed to be replaced. The car only has 48,000 and the cost of the replacement of a new transmission was $3,256 + tax.

Filed Jun 15, 2005 · Transmission · 43,000 miles · PA

Bought car brand new in september 2001. Automatic transmission needs replacement at 43,000 miles (june 2005). No recourse as warranty only covered me for 3 years/36,000 miles. This is too soon for a transmission to fail. Although the car is automatic, I could feel the car lose power as it shifted automatically from 1st gear into 2nd gear. Took the card to ford dealer who told me it would cost $3,000 to fix. I am appalled!

Filed Jan 5, 2005 · Transmission · 39,000 miles · IL

The transmission axle light is on and the dashboard says odometr off then the transmission axle light comes on and the car shifts hard. This happened at 49,000 miles the dealer said I would need a new transmission. I replaced transmission, and now at 75,000 miles the same thing is happening. This seems to be like there is some defective problem going on. I was very upset that the warranty didn't cover this as it happened over 36,000 miles but I refuse to have to again pay thousands of dollars for another transmission.

Filed Sep 14, 2004 · Transmission · 31,000 miles · CA

Bought the car in 12/02 and in 7/04 almost when the warranty is over the transmission failed. I was driving on the street and my car hesitated to go when I pressed on the gas pedal, when it finally grabbed the gear it jerked me twice. The following day it died on me and it would drive or go on reverse. It's been on the dealership 3 times since 7/04 with mileage of 33,000. New car warranty is over in 12/04 or 35,000. Not a good car. It's been discontinued. No wonder.