2000 MERCURY COUGAR — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

283

Owner Complaints

20 Crashes 13 Fires

5

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

26

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2000 MERCURY COUGAR

The 2000 MERCURY COUGAR has received a total of 283 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 5 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SUSPENSION, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. 26 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (25 complaints), Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump (23 complaints), and Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator (20 complaints).

Recalls for the 2000 MERCURY COUGAR

NHTSA has recorded 5 recalls for the 2000 MERCURY COUGAR, potentially affecting up to 659,143 vehicles.

Recall 08E033000 — SUSPENSION

| 6,903 vehicles affected

Defect: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.

Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.

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Recall 06E022000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

| 7,440 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS...

Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.

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Recall 04V421000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

| 88,600 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 01V031000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

| 120,000 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L V6 ENGINES. THE BATTERY CABLE WAS MISROUTED AND ITS ATTACHMENT TO THE ALTERNATOR CABLE WAS UNDER-TORQUED. IF MISROUTED, THE CABLE COULD CONTACT THE POWER STEERING LINE AND THE INSULATION COULD WEAR, RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.

Consequence: THE SHORT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE, STALLING, OR A NO-START CONDITION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BATTERY CABLE TO THE ALTERNATOR FOR DAMAGE AND, IF IT IS DAMAGED, WILL REPLACE THE CABLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE ROUTING OF THE CABLE WILL BE CORRECTED, AS NECESSARY, AND A ROUTING CLIP WILL BE ADDED. ALSO THE...

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Recall 00V075000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

| 436,200 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). A PRESSURE CONSCIOUS REDUCING VALVE (PCRV) IN THE REAR BRAKES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION AND RESULT IN MALFUNCTION, WHEN OPERATED IN AREAS THAT USE SALT COMPOUNDS ON THE ROADWAY FOR DE-ICING OR DUST CONTROL.

Consequence: IF BOTH PCRV'S MALFUNCTION, VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED DURING BRAKING AS A RESULT OF THE REAR WHEELS LOCKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL IMPROVED PCRV'S IN THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS RECALL WAS EXPANDED IN SEPTEMBER 2000 TO INCLUDE 1999 AND 2000 FORD CONTOUR, MERCURY MYSTIQUE AND COUGAR VEHICLES.

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Owner Complaints for the 2000 MERCURY COUGAR

283 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical System
Complaints: 25 5 Fires
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 23
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 20 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 13 1 Fire
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 13 1 Crash
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 12 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 12
Electrical System12v24v48v Batterycables
Complaints: 10 2 Fires
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 10 1 Crash 1 Injury
Air Bags
Complaints: 9 5 Crashes 5 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 8
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 7 6 Crashes 9 Injuries
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 7
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 5
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 5
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Fire
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 3
Equipment
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 3
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 3
Steering
Complaints: 3
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 3
Structurebodybumpers
Complaints: 3
Tires
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 2
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Power Train
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assist
Complaints: 2
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 2
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectrical
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblymounting
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherdeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherdeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seat Beltsintegrated Child Seat
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Structurebody
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 1
Suspension
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1
Wheels
Complaints: 1
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 1
Wheelsrim
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11287532 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 38,600 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY FAILED AND MULTIPLE WARNING INDICATORS, INCLUDING THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR, ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS TO HAVE THE BATTERY REPLACED. AFTER MULTIPLE INCORRECT DIAGNOSTICS, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BATTERY CABLE ROUTING WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V031000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,600.
#10898974 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | N/A miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE WINDOWS AND SUN ROOF INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
#10898974 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | | N/A miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE WINDOWS AND SUN ROOF INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
#10864259 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | 74,000 miles
TAKATA INFLATORSI HAVE A 2000. MERCURY. COGUAR. WHEN. I BOUGHT THE. CAR IT RAN TGOOD, THEN. IN 2014. I HAD TO. PAY 1000. TO GET A. FUEL PUMP PUT IN. AND. THAT ONLY LASTED. 2YRS. NOW THE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT . I DON'T. HAVE. THAT KIND OF MONEY .I LIVE ON AS. WHEN I PAY MY BILLS I'M. BROKE. I LOOKED UP RECALLS. AND ITS THE FUEL SYSTEM ON THE CAR. IT JUST STOPS. EVEN IN TRAFFIC. I DON'T SEE WHAT MY CREDIT. HAS ANYTHING. TO DO WITH GETTING HELP. FIXING MY CAR IF IT HAS A RECALL. ON THE FUEL SYSTEM.
#10863741 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | 71,000 miles
HAVING SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL SYSTEMS. I HAVE PUT FUELPUT A NEW FUEL PUMP IN GAS TANK 2 YES. AGO. PUT FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR THIS YEAR. PUT NEW FUEL REGULATOR THIS YEAR NOW WHEN DRIVING IT WILL JUST STOP. AND WOULDN'T STARTUP

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Safety Rating for the 2000 MERCURY COUGAR

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2000 MERCURY COUGAR in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2000 MERCURY COUGAR

Ford Motor Company has issued 26 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2000 MERCURY COUGAR. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

041514 — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT

04104 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0420 AND/OR P0430/ 2.5L ENGINE ONLY. *TT

15538 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

SUBJECT ON BRAKE FLUID LEAK. *YH

01224 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE THE DEFROSTER GRILLE EDGES LIFT OUT OF THE DASH PAD. *TT

15257 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT THE DEFROSTER VENT EDGES LIFTING OUT OF THE DASH PAD. *TT

0135 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SOME VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIRBAGS MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE THE AIRBAG WARNING LAMP IS ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) U2017 AND / OR U2018. *TT

00265 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR DISC BRAKES MAY EXHIBIT A MOANING / GROANING NOISE ON INITIAL BRAKE APPLICATION (COLD SOAK). *TT

14491 — SUSPENSION

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TT

14376 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM

VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DISC BRAKES MAY EXHIBIT A REAR DISC BRAKE MOAN / GROAN NOISE. *JB

14077 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A ROUGH IDLE OR HESITATION AFTER A HOT SOAK AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES. **MR

Showing 10 of 26 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2000 MERCURY COUGAR

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the MERCURY COUGAR

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Other MERCURY Models

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