Most common 2001 Mercury Cougar problems
Share of the 82 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mercury Cougar complaints by model year
Best Cougar years: 1996, 2001, 1997. Years to avoid: 1999, 2000, 1995. Compare all years →
2001 Mercury Cougar recalls (1)
Fuel system, gasoline
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.
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…
What 2001 Mercury Cougar owners say
Fuel & propulsion system all 26 →
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 NHTSA 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.
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.
Electrical system
I am not sure who to contact with this, but I have already gone through my insurance company, and I am still a little upset about what happened. I owned a Mercury Cougar 2dr coupe 2001. One night I was alerted by a neighbor that my car was on fire. My father started putting water on the car, and I used a fire extinguisher to put the fire out. My insurance company had a claims representative come out and check the vehicle. They already sent me a check for what they say the vehicle was worth, and I am just not happy about it. I know that Ford had issues with cars catching on fire. I just don't see how the insurance company can cut me a check for the vehicle, and determine a cause, with only pictures. My car still sits in my driveway 2 weeks after the accident. The car was sitting parked in the driveway for roughly 8 hours before it caught on fire. …
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.
Engine & cooling
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 NHTSA campaign number: 04V421000(fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,800.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Mercury Cougar. While driving 55 MPH, the engine began making a knocking sound and eventually failed. No warning lights illuminated and the temperature gauge did not indicate anything abnormal. The vehicle began smoking once the contact pulled over and she noticed radiator fluid leaking. After restarting the vehicle, all of the instrument panel warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and they stated that a new engine was needed. She took the vehicle to midas for a second opinion and was informed again that her vehicle needed a new engine. The current and failure mileages were 75,000. Updated 02/01/08. The head gaskets were leaking which allowed radiator fluid to mix with the oil.
2001 Mercury Cougar engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 21 / 31 / 24 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Mercury Cougar a good car?
Based on 82 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Cougar rates average: 28% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Cougar at the same age. It is one of the best Cougar years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Mercury Cougar?
The fuel & propulsion system — 26 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about delivery › fuel pump. Next are the electrical system (12) and engine & cooling (12).
How many recalls does the 2001 Mercury Cougar have?
There is 1 recall for the 2001 Mercury Cougar, the most recent from August 30, 2004 (fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mercury Cougar?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1996, 2001 and 1997. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999, 2000 and 1995. See the full Mercury Cougar years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Mercury Cougar problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.