Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Mercury Cougar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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* the contact owns a 2001 Mercury Cougar. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and stalled without warning. The contact, with the help of other drivers, had to physically push the vehicle out of traffic to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump motor burned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mercury Cougar. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving 60 MPH. The vehicle restarted after waiting a few moments. The failure recurred on an intermittent basis and occurred more frequently over time. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and was repaired under the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 04V421000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure began to recur approximately three months later. The vehicle had not been taken back for additional repairs. The contact also stated that fuel system failures LED to an alternator failure, which drained the vehicle's battery. In addition, the contact stated that the sunroof was jammed and would not longer open. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Mercury Cougar. While attempting to make a turn and/or when driving forward, the vehicle shuts off. The failure occurs intermittently and at various speeds. The vehicle must be restarted and operates normally until the next occurrence. No warning lights are illuminated prior to the failure. The failure was included in a recall for the fuel system, gasoline, but the contact had the recall repair performed two years ago. The manufacturer informed her that since the repairs were made under the recall, she would be responsible for the cost of the new repairs. The recall number was unknown. The failure mileage was 102,000 and current mileage was 109,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mercury Cougar. The contact stated that she received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 04V421000 (fuel system, gasoline) and took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The technicians stated that they could not complete the repair because she had not experienced the failure. The contact stated that the fuel system failed and she attempted to have the vehicle repaired but the parts needed for the recall repairs were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that she would have to wait until the parts had become available. The failure mileage was 111,000. Updated 12/06/12 updated 12/07/2012
2001 Mercury Cougar has stalled 5 times within a month and a half. Twice on the highway and 3 times idle. Car was completely shutting off without restarting and 2 computer chips were replaced due to Ford putting in a bad chip. Car is now stalling when going at slow speeds or stopped and has been in an independent shop 3 times within a 3 week period so the car is now stalling once a week. Brand new wires, throttle body, idle censor was replaced and it's still stalling. Spent a small fortune on rental cars, tow trucks and repairs. Ford's customer service said there was nothing that could be done. Will never ever buy an American car again!
I have experienced loss of power as if my car was not getting gas several times in the past 1 1/2 years. Dealer replaced the dpfe unit. Good for 4 months. Stalled out. We replaced the fuel filter. Did not work, still experienced the problem. Stalled out on the road again, had to be towed. Took to dealer again. They replaced the dpfe unit again. Still experiencing the problem. Also, experienced a problem with the fuel registering after filling the car up, it still read empty. Still having the problem with hesitation and stalling out. The dealer is going to replace the fuel pump. Since I received the letter of recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mercury Cougar. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly started to hesitate and stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in recall NHTSA campaign number: 04V421000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was 151,645.
Related recalls
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…
Fuel System complaints in other Cougar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2001 Mercury Cougar?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2001 Mercury Cougar, 32% of the model year's 82 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › fuel pump (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Mercury Cougar fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-421 (fuel system, gasoline, Aug 30, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Mercury Cougar fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 102,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.