2001 Mercury Cougar

82 federal complaints (103 component records) · 1 recall campaigns on file · 61 service bulletins
See all 21 model years of the Mercury Cougar →
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
21 city / 31 hwy
Federal complaints
82
Recall campaigns
1
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Fuel system
27
Engine & cooling
13
Electrical system
12
Power train
10
Glass & wipers
7
Air bags
6
Tires
5
Body & structure
5
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 8 complaints01 years old: 10 complaints2 years old: 6 complaints3 years old: 15 complaints4 years old: 9 complaints5 years old: 1 complaints56 years old: 4 complaints7 years old: 3 complaints8 years old: 3 complaints9 years old: 0 complaints10 years old: 4 complaints1011 years old: 3 complaints12 years old: 1 complaints13 years old: 1 complaints14 years old: 2 complaints15 years old: 2 complaints1516 years old: 2 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 2 complaints19 years old: 2 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 78 of 82 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 2 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 11 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 8 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 9 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 4 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 4 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 4 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 5 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 2 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 2 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 51 of 82 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Fuel system

27 complaint records1 fire report
"CONSUMER COULD SMELL GAS COMING THROUGH VENTS. FUEL WAS ALSO LEAKING ON GROUND. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT DEALER, BEING INSPECTED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

13 complaint records3 fire reports
"CAR PARKED AND ENGINE SHUT OFF. WITHIN 5 MINUTES ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. *TS ***DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12-12-02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS***761829..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Electrical system

12 complaint records3 fire reports
"BATTERY LIGHT IS ON AND HAS FOR AWHILE. LIGHTS KEEP BLOWING FUSES. AND TODAY I HAD TO RIP OUT A HEADLIGHT OR THE CAR WOULD HAVE SET ON FIRE. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
04V421000Fuel System, GasolineON 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.Normally free

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
042107
Dec 2004
Power TrainGENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
04217
Nov 2004
Power TrainGENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
04174
Sep 2004
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT
041514
Aug 2004
VisibilityREAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT
031501
Jul 2004
VisibilityINOPERATIVE ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (HEATED BACKLITE) GRID LINES, INTEGRAL ANTENNA CONCERNS. *TT
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
04111
Jun 2004
Electrical SystemSTREAMLINED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR VEHICLES WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0401, P0402, P1400 OR P1401. ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE RUNS ROUGH, LACKS POWER, SURGE, POOR FUEL ECONOMY. *TT
02M01
Jun 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingCUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 02M01 SUPPLEMENT #4. CERTAIN FORD 2000 THROUGH 2003 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TUBE-MOUNTED EGR PRESSURE SENSOR - ADDITIONAL EGR PRESSURE SENSOR WARRANTY COVERAGE. *TT SUPPLEMENT #3. *MJ SUPPLEMENT #6. *TT
04N02
May 2004
Fuel SystemENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER, SURGING, AND OTHER SIMILAR SYMPTOMS AS A RESULT OF CONTAMINATION OF THE FUEL PUMP. THIS PROGRAM EXTENDS THE COVERAGE OF THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM). *TT *MJ
03223
Jan 2004
Electrical SystemSTREAMLINED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR VEHICLES WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0401, P0402, P1400 OR P1401. ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE RUNS ROUGH, LACKS POWER, SURGE, POOR FUEL ECONOMY. *TT
041814
Jan 2004
SteeringSTEERING COLUMN SHIPPED WITHOUT CRUSH PAD - REUSE ORIGINAL CRUSH PAD IF NOT DAMAGED. *TT
03203
Oct 2003
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457 OR P1442 OR A CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DTC P0457 FOR THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM. *TT
03181
Sep 2003
Electrical SystemREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT
031514
Aug 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingTHE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) MAY BE ILLUMINATED AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P1380, P1381, P1383, AND/OR P0340 MAY BE STORED IN MEMORY. *TT
03148
Jul 2003
Power TrainNEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT
0398
May 2003
Fuel SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT
16794
Apr 2003
Vehicle Speed ControlHESITATION / SURGE ON STEADY ACCELERATION BETWEEN 3000 AND 4000 RPM. *TT
0361
Mar 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH OR WITHOUT ROUGH RUNNING, LACK OF POWER, SURGE OR POOR FUEL ECONOMY WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0401, P0402, P1400, P1401. *TT *JB
0322
Feb 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingSTREAMLINED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR VEHICLES WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0401, P0402, P1400 OR P1401, OR RUNS ROUGH, LACKS POWER, SURGE, POOR FUEL ECONOMY, AND THE ABOVE LISTED DTCS WITHOUT MIL. *TT
16528
Jan 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingHESITATION/SURGE DURING ACCELERATION BETWEEN 3000-4000 RPM. OASIS. *TT
02208
Oct 2002
EquipmentCLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH
02176
Sep 2002
Exterior LightingLAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ
16028
Jul 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT MULTIPLE MISFIRE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES WITH NO DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS NOTED. *TT
15797
Apr 2002
StructureSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A BUZZING NOISE COMING FROM THE DASH NEAR THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH LESS THAN 6 MONTHS OF SERVICE. *TT
15828
Apr 2002
Electrical SystemSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B1213, B1342, B1601, B2431. *TT
15830
Apr 2002
Electrical SystemBATTERY LAMP ON, HOWEVER THE CHARGING SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. *TT
0245
Mar 2002
Electrical SystemINFORMATION REGARDING DISCHARGED BATTERY CHARGING SERVICE TIPS AND GUIDELINES. *TT
0224
Feb 2002
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE CD4E TRANSAXLE MAY EXHIBIT HARSH AND DELAYED 1-2/2-3 UPSHIFTS AFTER TRANSAXLE OR TURBINE SHAFT SPEED SENSOR REPLACEMENT, POSSIBLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES 628, 642, 645, 646, 647, 648, P0731, P0732, P0734, P0741 AND P01744. *TT
15636
Feb 2002
Exterior LightingCONCERN WITH HEADLAMPS AND/OR INSTRUMENT PANEL LAMPS DIMMING SLIGHTLY AT IDLE. *TT
0214
Jan 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT
15241
Jan 2002
SuspensionSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A NOISE THAT APPEARS TO COME FROM THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. *TT
15538
Jan 2002
Service BrakesSUBJECT ON BRAKE FLUID LEAK. *YH
01246
Dec 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT
01224
Nov 2001
Unknown Or OtherSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE THE DEFROSTER GRILLE EDGES LIFT OUT OF THE DASH PAD. *TT
01211
Oct 2001
Exterior LightingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT CONDENSATION IN THE HEADLAMPS. *TT
01205
Oct 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VACUUM OR AIR LEAKS IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND / OR ENGINE SYSTEM CAUSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171 AND OR P0174. *TT
01181
Sep 2001
Power TrainBRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB
15241
Sep 2001
SuspensionSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A NOISE THAT APPEARS TO COME FROM THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. *TT
01162
Aug 2001
Exterior LightingSOME VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 22-SEP-2000, MAY EXHIBIT THE BRAKE LAMPS STAYING ON. *SLC
01156
Aug 2001
VisibilitySOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC
01157
Aug 2001
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
15118
Aug 2001
SuspensionSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A STEERING DRIFT/PULL TO THE RIGHT. *SLC
15197
Aug 2001
StructureSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONCERN OF BACKLITE/HATCHBACK MOLDINGS BECOMING LOOSE. *JG
15065
Jul 2001
VisibilitySOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A/C DISCHARGE AIR TEMPERATURES DIFFERENCES OF GREATER THAN 10 DEGREES F FROM REGISTERS ON LEFT SIDE OF DASH THAN ON RIGHT. *TT
14971
Jun 2001
Fuel SystemSOME VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 02-01-2001 MAY EXHIBIT THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR INTERMITTENTLY DROPPING TO EMPTY WITHFUEL IN THE TANK. *TT
15020
Jun 2001
Electrical SystemSOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT MULTIPLE MISFIRE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES WITH NO DRIVEABILITY CONCERN NOTED. *TT
0162
Apr 2001
Electrical SystemVEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) MAY NOT START OR CRANK. *TT
14837
Apr 2001
Fuel SystemINFORMATION ON VEHICLES EXHIBITING A FUEL LEVEL INDICATION INTERMITTENTLY DROPPING TO EMPTY WITH FUEL IN THE FUEL TANK. *TT
14838
Apr 2001
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES WITH CD4E TRANSMISSIONS BUILT 7/1/2000 THRU 12/20/200 MAY EXHIBIT INTERMITTENT LOSS OF BOTH FIRST AND SECOND GEAR, (REPORTED AS A LOSS OF POWER) TCIL LAMP FLASH, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP MAY ILLUMINATE, WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0758 (SHIFT SOLENOID) OR P0740...
14839
Apr 2001
SteeringTHIS BULLETIN ADDRESSES CONCERNS OF A STEERING SYSTEM LEAK CONDITION. 8TT
0147
Mar 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE IN 2001 VEHICLES - SAE 5W-20 MOTOR OIL. *TT
0135
Feb 2001
Electrical SystemSOME 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
14567
Jan 2001
SuspensionVEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE REAR SPRING/BODY INTERFERENCE. *JB
14624
Jan 2001
StructureCONCERNS WITH VEHICLES EXHIBITING A WATER LEAK AROUND THE WINDSHIELD OR THE REAR WINDOW. *JB
00265
Dec 2000
Service BrakesSOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR DISC BRAKES MAY EXHIBIT A MOANING / GROANING NOISE ON INITIAL BRAKE APPLICATION (COLD SOAK). *TT
003E13
Dec 2000
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE THAT CONTAINS ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC II (OBDII) SYSTEM STRATEGY THAT DOES NOT MEET CERTAIN MISFIRE MONITORING REQUIREMENTS. *TT
00236
Nov 2000
Exterior LightingEXPERIENCING VISIBLE MOISTURE / CONDENSATION IN THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY OUTER EDGE AREAS AFTER WASHING OR RAINFALL. *TT
14491
Nov 2000
SuspensionSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TT
14472
Nov 2000
Service BrakesSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SQUEAK OR SQUEAL IN THE FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM. *TT
00182
Sep 2000
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT NO FORWARD GEAR RANGES DUE TO THE MISALIGNMENT OF THE FORWARD / COAST CLUTCH CYLINDER SNAP RING WITH RESPECT TO THE LEGS OF THE FORWARD CLUTCH PISTON. *JB
14401
Jan 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT MULTIPLE MISFIRE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) WITH NO DRIVEABILITY CONCERN NOTED. *TT

Showing 60 of 61 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Mercury Cougar →