Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Since purchasing 2002 Mercury Cougar in January 2010 the vehicle hesitates, surges, and stalls at any rate of speed. Initially the problem was rare, then gradually occurred more frequently. This now happens at least weekly, sometimes several times per day. This issue has endangered me more times than I can currently recall. Replaced alternator, battery, EGR valve and sensor, iac valve, and catalytic converter. The issue persists.
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.
The vehicle, 2000 Mercury Cougar, begins jerking as it is being driven at any speed, and results in complete shut down of engine. Sometimes the engine will restart after waiting several minutes, and will not restart at times; requiring towing. I took the vehicle to the local dealer, and an employee stated that it was known by the manufacturer to be a design flaw in that year vehicle. Another employee took him to the side and scoulded him for the disclosure. They would not discuss it further, even though I continued to question what they were doing to correct this known defect in workmanship. To this day the vehicle continued to repeat the same failure. I had the fuel filter replaced twice. Finally a mechanic replaced the cam shaft sensor (he stated that he had seen this problem with the car many times) and knew that was the problem. …
I have a 2000 Mercury Cougar that once warmed up accelerates 3000 to 3500 RPM and will not slow down until I come to a dead stop. I had it in for this problem at least 6 times and they can't fix it. I called the Ford/Mercury service hot line to see if something could be done about this. When I called about this I thought that a Mercury rep. Would get a hold of the car dealership were I got the car (johnson Ford Lincoln/ Mercury in pittsfield, ma) and then get a hold of me. I called in jan. Thats not what happened, when I called I found out that johnson Ford told them, they did not experience the problem. That's an out right lie. Dom kellog head of johnson service drove it and experienced it and on another time one of the mechanics riding with me also experienced it. What can I do about this. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Mercury Cougar. While driving approximately 5 MPH approaching a stop, the vehicle idled and stalled without warning. In addition, the speedometer fluctuated. The failure recurred, especially when the heater was activated. The contact would have to turn the ignition key in order for the vehicle to turn back on and be able to be driven again. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
1999 Mercury Cougar seat back failure during rear-end collision. Cougar stalled on busy freeway ending in rear totaled car collision. The driver's seat went completely down and upon seats in the backseat. This was two defects. Injuries were neck and back pains, three bumps to the head resulting in two black eyes. My advice to all 1999 Cougar owners-get rid of the car, by way of junkyard-this is an extremely dangerous vehicle and one will not know until an accident happens.
For no reason at all antifreeze started leaking from the plastic intake manifold in my 1997 Cougar with a 4.6l motor. I searched the web and learned that this is a common problem and Ford extended the warranty on some plastic intake manifolds. Found all info I could and copied it for the local Mercury dealer to repair under warranty. Dropped it off for service, only to get a call that my VIN was not one that was awarded the extended 7 year warranty, even though the length of time we owned this Cougar fit the time criteria. Im really disappointed in Ford that they are not covering all of their plastic junk manifolds. I called the 800 number for complaints, but the man said I am sorry I can not help you, but I will type your info in our database. So I am no spending $900.00 to repair a car with 82K miles on it for something I would not have expected to have trouble with. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercury Cougar years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (70), 1997 (31), 2000 (26), 1996 (21) and 1995 (20) model years. Engine complaints make up 15% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Mercury Cougar engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Mercury Cougar model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mercury Cougar engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles; 24% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (62 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (38).
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.