Mercury Recall 04V-421: Fuel system, gasoline

Affected: 1999–2002 Mercury Cougar. Filed with NHTSA on August 30, 2004, covering about 88,600 vehicles.

The problem

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.

The risk

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.

The fix

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 owner reports that the vehicle exhibits any of the identified symptoms. The free replacement will be available for a period of 10 years following the original purchase of the vehicle, with no mileage limit. The campaign began on April 16, 2004. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign04V-421 (04V421000)
Manufacturer number04N02
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
ComponentFuel system, gasoline
Report dateAugust 30, 2004
Owners notifiedApril 16, 2004
Vehicles affected88,600
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the fuel & propulsion system

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 04V-421 repair free?

Yes. Mercury dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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 owner reports that the vehicle exhibits any…

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 88,600 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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.