2002 Mercury Cougar problems
The Mercury Cougar is a series of automobiles that was sold by Mercury from 1967 to 2002. The model line is a diverse series of vehicles; though the Cougar nameplate is most commonly associated with two-door coupes, at various stages in its production, the model also was offered as a convertible and a hatchback. During its production as the mid-size Mercury line, the Cougar was also offered as a four-door sedan and five-door station wagon.
In production for 34 years across eight generations (skipping the 1998 model year), the Cougar is second only to the Grand Marquis (36 years) in the Mercury line for production longevity. 2,972,784 examples were produced, making it the highest-selling Mercury vehicle. During the 1970s and 1980s, the marketing of the Mercury division was closely associated with the Cougar, with promotional materials advertising Mercury dealers as "The Sign of the Cat" with big cats atop Lincoln-Mercury dealer signs. Cat-related nameplates were adopted by other Mercury lines, including the Bobcat and Lynx.
During its production, the Cougar was assembled at the Dearborn Assembly Plant (part of the Ford River Rouge Complex) in Dearborn, Michigan from 1967 until 1973, San Jose Assembly (Milpitas, California) from 1968 into early 1969, Lorain Assembly (Lorain, Ohio) from 1974 until 1997, and at Flat Rock Assembly (Flat Rock, Michigan) from 1999 through 2002.
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Common 2002 Mercury Cougar problems
The 2002 Mercury Cougar is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners.
Another common problem with the 2002 Mercury Cougar is related to the engine. The engine is known to have issues, with 24 complaints made by owners over 12 model years.
The 2002 Mercury Cougar also has issues with the transmission. Transmission problems have been reported by several owners, with symptoms such as slipping, jerking, and difficulty shifting. Transmission problems can be costly to repair and may require replacement of the entire transmission system.
The 2002 Mercury Cougar also has issues with the brake system. At around 150,000 miles, a brake line blew in one of the cars, causing the owner to replace the entire brake system. Brake system problems can be dangerous and may cause accidents if not addressed promptly.
Finally, the 2002 Mercury Cougar has issues with the body and interior. The body and interior are known to have problems, with the body prone to rusting and the interior prone to wear and tear. The body and interior problems can be costly to repair and may require replacement of the entire body or interior components.
In summary, the 2002 Mercury Cougar is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. These include alternator problems, engine issues, transmission problems, brake system problems, and body and interior problems. These issues can be costly to repair and may require replacement of the entire component or system. It is important for owners to keep up with routine maintenance and address any issues promptly to avoid further damage and costly repairs.
What years of Mercury Cougar should I avoid?
The Cougar has 2 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 8th generation (1999–2002).
How reliable are Mercury Cougars?
Mercury Cougar Ratings Overview
The average rating is a 3.8 out of 5 stars.
What does xr7 mean on a Mercury Cougar?
It's been suggested that "XR-7" is a cipher for "experimental racing," and there was, in fact, a team of Cougars prepared by NASCAR specialist Bud Moore for drivers Dan Gurney and Parnelli Jones to compete in the 1967 Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans-Am road-racing championship.
Is a Mercury Cougar the same as a Mustang?
Internally designated T-7, the first-generation Cougar shared its chassis with the 1967 revision of the Ford Mustang. The Cougar has a longer wheelbase than the Mustang, extended 3 inches to 111 inches. Both vehicles derive their underpinnings from the rear-wheel drive Ford Falcon unibody compact chassis architecture.
What years of Mercury Cougar to avoid?
Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 8th generation (1999–2002).
- 8th Generation Cougar. Years 1999–2002 Reliability 22nd out of 28 PainRank™ 4.77 Complaints 71.
- 7th Generation Cougar. Years 1989–1997 Reliability 3rd out of 28 PainRank™ 0.51 Complaints 17.
Is Ford Cougar reliable?
The Cougar may not have been the most popular car when it was new, but used buyers have been quick to cotton on to its excellent reputation for reliability.
Is the Mercury Cougar a luxury car?
For its first two generations, the Cougar was derived from the Ford Mustang. Initially serving as a pony car, the popularity of the Cougar led it to replace the Cyclone muscle car in the Mercury model line. The second generation moved its market position closer to the personal luxury car segment.
Is the Mercury Cougar a muscle car?
One of the unsung muscle cars of the '60s and '70s that does not get enough credit is the Mercury Cougar. Even though it sold far better than the company could have ever hoped for, it had some big problems to contend with.
2002 Mercury Cougar car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercury Cougar problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Mercury Cougar vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2002 Mercury Cougar
The NHTSA has received 111 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Mercury Cougar. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2002 Mercury Cougar vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-05
- VIN: 1ZWFT61L525
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. NO ACCIDENT, STATIONARY AND IN MOTION. I DO NOT SEE A RECALL REFERENCE AIRBAG? WITH THE COMPLAINTS I READ ON YOUR SITE ABOUT THE AIRBAGS, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL???????????
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-04
- VIN: 1ZWHT61L925
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I AM CURRENTLY HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL PUMP DRIVER MODULE. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO FORD IN OCT 2018. FORD STATED THAT THE 10 YEAR RECALL ENDED AND PER THEIR RECORDS THE ISSUE WAS RESOLVED AS FUEL MODULE WAS REPLACED BY DEALER DON KNOTT FORD, CARSON, CA. DON KNOTT FORD IS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. THE AFOREMENTIONED DEALER I BELIEVE WAS INVOLVED IN UNETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF SUCH A RECALL AND DEALER NEVER CHANGED MODULE, I DO NOT HAVE DOCUMENTATION & WOULD LIKE SUCH FOR MY RECORDS. I AM ORIGINAL OWNER OF VEHICLE AND THE PERIODIC INADVERTENT SURGING OF VEHICLE WHEN STOPPED/STATIONARY AT A STREET LIGHT BEGAN 6 MONTHS AGO. I CANNOT 100% SAFELY DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. FORD HAS NOT PROVIDED ME DOCUMENTATION OF THE ALLEGED REPAIR AND/OR DOCUMENTATION INFORMING ME OF RECALL. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A COPY OF THIS DOCUMENTATION AND/OR HAVE FORD CHANGE THE MODULE SO THE SURGING CAN STOP. YOUR CONSIDERATION AND REVIEW WOULD GREATLY BE APPRECIATED. LASTLY, FORTUNATELY I HAVE A 2ND VEHICLE THAT I HAVE BEEN USING. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ANTICIPATED REVIEW OF THIS MATTER. YOURS TRULY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-28
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: ZWHT61L6256
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE CAR WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. UPON STARTING THE CAR, AT THE MOMENT I TURNED THE KEY THE DRIVER SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED.
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-02-07
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAVE FOUND 3 RECALLS FOR MY CAR, THEY ARE ALL THE EXACT PROBLEMS I AM HAVING, BUT WHEN I SEARCHED FOR OPEN RECALLS IT SAID NONE ARE OPEN FOR MY CAR. I NEED MY CAR REPAIRED AND THE RECALLS COMPLETED.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-09-14
- VIN: 1ZWFT61LX25
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MY CAR WAS STOLEN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-12
- VIN: 1ZWFT61L225
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY COUGAR. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS DIMMED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE PROTECTED WIRING COVER WAS DETERIORATING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-13
- VIN: 1ZWFT61L725
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:04V421000 MANUFACTURER FORD MOTOR COMPANY WAS DRIVING ON A MAIN CITY ST. MY AUTO STOPPED WITH NO POWER IN THE LEFT LANE OF BUSY 4 LANE ST. WOULD NOT START IN NEUTRAL OR PARK, MAN PUSHED IT INTO THE CTR. LANE OUT OF TRAFFIC AREA. POLICEMAN CAME AFTER I CALLED 911, AFTER A FEW MINUTES HE SUGGESTED TAKING KEY OUT STEPPING ON BRAKE THEN INSERTING KEY BACK IN IGNITION, DID THAT AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP, AND HE FOLLOWED ME TO MY ST. AND I GOT SAFELY HOME. PRIOR TO THIS SHUT DOWN INCIDENT IT HAD STALLED GOING DOWN A HILL HOWEVER PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND IT STARTED UP AGAIN. THIS INCIDENT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT IT HAD BEEN CUTTING OUT FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS WHICH I THOUGHT WAS CHEAP GAS, SO CHANGED TO TECTRON. I HAVE CALLED FORD ON 3/15 TWICE AND THEY SAID THEY CAN NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT, I THEN RESEARCHED THIS ONLINE AND FOUND THIS SITE AND WANT TO POST EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO ME AS SHOWN BY THE NHTSA ON RECALL ETC. IT DOES SHOW IT IS FOR THE ORIG OWNER, I AM THE 2ND. OWNER HOWEVER THIS HAS OCCURRED WITHIN THE 15YR. LIMITATION YOU HAVE POSTED FOR COMPLAINTS EXPLAINED TO FORD THAT IT MAY HAVE TAKEN THIS LONG FOR THE FILTER TO REACT IN THIS MANNER.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-01
- VIN: 1ZWFT61L252
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
STRUCTURE,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-16
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1ZWFT61L125
- Components: STRUCTURE,ENGINE
- Summary: DRIVING ON FREEWAY, CAR NEXT TO ME CAME INTO MY LANE TOWARDS MY CAR, I HIT MY BRAKES RESULTING IN MY VEHICLE SWERVING AND HITTING THE MEDIAN HEAD ON AT HIGH SPEED, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-11-24
- VIN: 1ZWFT61L925
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
- Summary: I'M HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH MY 2002 MERCURY COUGAR AS EVERYONE ELSE, BUT WHEN I PUT MY VIN NUMBER INTO THE SEARCH, THERE ARE NO RECALLS LISTED FOR IT. I DON'T THINK THAT ITS RIGHT THAT MY LIFE BE PUT IN SERIOUS DANGER BECAUSE OF AN APPARENT DESIGN ISSUE. THIS CAR IS LOSING ALL POWER AND SHUTTING DOWN. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING, IT HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS. WE THOUGHT THE ALTERNATOR WAS BAD, HAD IT REPLACED AND THE BATTERY AT THE SAME TIME. THE SAME DAY, THE CAR LOST ALL POWER AGAIN AND DIED OUT GOING 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. ALL THE GAUGES START GOING CRAZY AND THE LIGHTS DIM AND EVENTUALLY EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE CAR JUST QUITS. MERCURY/FORD, NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS COFFIN THAT I'M TRYING TO DRIVE AND FIX THE PROBLEM FOR ME AND EVERYONE ELSE FOR FREE. I'VE DONE SOME ONLINE RESEARCH ON THIS, AND IT SEEMS LIKE THERE ARE A TON OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM FROM YEARS 99 TO 02. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-29
- VIN: 1ZWFT61L825
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND JERKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V421000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-23
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1ZWFT61L725
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, SHE WAS NOTIFIED BY ANOTHER DRIVER THAT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CONTACT BEGAN TO COAST ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND REMOVED A CHILD PASSENGER FROM THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A JUNK FACILITY. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04V421000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-01
- VIN: 1ZWHT61L825
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A KNOCKING NOISE AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-02-27
- VIN: 1ZWFT61L725
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK AND ABOUT ONE MILE FROM MY DESTINATION THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED. I LET IT SIT ABOUT TWENTY MINUTES AND IT FINALLY STARTED AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL DAYS OF SHUTTING OFF WHILE I WAS ON THE ROAD DRIVING. LUCKILY I WAS AT A PLACE WHEN I COULD PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND GET OUT OF THE LINE OF TRAFFIC EXCEPT FOR ONE TIME WHEN I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND IT SHUT OFF AND I SAT AND WAIT AND IT FINALLY STARTED AGAIN AND I WAS ABLE DRIVE IT TO A SAFE SPOT. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THE COMPUTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE ONLY PLACE THAT COULD REPLACE THE COMPUTER WAS THE DEALER. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND AFTER BEING AT THE DEALER FOR THREE DAYS THEY SAID THAT THE IGNITION NEED REPLACING. THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION AND AFTER THREE MORE DAYS THERE AND WHILE THEY WERE WORKING ON OTHER REPAIR PARTS THAT THEY SAID I NEEDED DONE THE ENGINE SHUT OFF ABOUT TWO MORE TIMES. ON MARCH 13, 2014 THEY TOLD ME THAT ALL REPAIR WORK HAD BEEN COMPLETED AND THE ENGINE SHUTTING OFF WAS SOLVED. THE TOTAL BILL CAME TO CLOSE TO $3,000.00. I AM PLANNING ON PICKING UP THE VEHICLE ON MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2014 WHEN I WILL HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY THEM. I HEARD ABOUT CARS ENGINES SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE RADIO (WTOP). I JUST WANTED TO REPORT HOW MY VEHICLE WAS HAVING THE SAME OR SIMILAR PROBLEM. I AM A BIT NERVOUS ABOUT DRIVING THIS VEHICLE IF THIS COULD POSSIBLE HAPPEN AGAIN. THE RADIO REPORT WAS ABOUT GM VEHICLES I HAVE A MERCURY AND THIS HAPPENED TO MY CAR. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-10-16
- VIN: 1ZWFT61L125
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
- Summary: MY DAUGHTER HAS A 2002 MERCURY COUGAR AND IS RISKING HER LIFE AS WELL AS OTHERS LIVES EVERY TIME SHE GETS INSIDE THAT CAR. HER COUGAR HER BEEN HAVING ISSUES FOR MONTHS NOW, AND EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TRYING TO MAKE THE CAR SAFER FOR HER, NOTHING IS WORKING. OUR LAST STRAW WAS THREE DAYS AGO, WHEN THE CAR STALLED ON HER ON THE HIGHWAY. SHE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR, WHEN THE CAR STALLED AND SHUT OFF LEAVING HER STRANDED WAITING FOR THE TOW TRUCK. HER CAR, FOR MONTHS, HAS BEEN SURGING WHILE AT COMPLETE STOPS, AND HAS BEEN SHUTTING OFF WHILE AT A STAND STILL. WE'VE TRIED FIXING MANY THINGS, BUT NOTHING SEEMS TO BE FIXING THE ISSUE. AFTER DOING EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, I HAVE COME TO REALIZE THAT MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. CAN SOMEONE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PLEASE?? ITS CLEARLY AN ON-GOING ISSUE AND IS COSTING PEOPLE LOTS OF MONEY. HER CAR IS CURRENTLY BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED THE CAR, AND IS UNDERGOING DIAGNOSTICS. WE WERE ALREADY TOLD THAT HER CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, AND WE WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR EVEN MORE WORK, OUT OF POCKET. PLEASE HELP.. WHY WAS IT NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, SEEING THAT IT IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS?! *TR
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-03
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CAR GETS A STALLING SENSATION WHEN AT A RED LIGHT, OR A COMPLETE STANDSTILL. IT FEELS LIKE ITS STUTTERING AND UNABLE TO KEEP POWER. CHANGED EGR VALVE, 2 IDLE CONTROL CHANGES, ALONG WITH A TRANSMISSION FLUSH WAS DONE. NOTHING SEEMS TO BE FIXING THE ISSUE. THE CAR ACTS UP AND STALLS IN COLD TEMPERATURES. STALLED AT A RED LIGHT TWICE. HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DIFFERENT CAR SHOPS ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. NO ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-09-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1ZWHT61L625
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH IN A DRIVEWAY, THERE WAS A SUDDEN INCREASE IN THE ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DECELERATE EVEN AS THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE FAILURE AND CRASHED INTO A HOUSE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED LEFT WRIST. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A POLICE IMPOUND LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ACCELERATION FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-20
- VIN: 1ZWFT61L925
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE BATTERY, ENGINE, AND OIL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,600.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-23
- VIN: 1ZWFT61L325
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 10/11/12*LJ UPDATED 10/16/2012 *JS
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-07-22
- VIN: 1ZWFT61L625
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 COUGAR AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE FUEL LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE VEHICLE SURGING WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP. I CONTACTED THE SERVICE MANAGER AT MY LOCAL DEALER AND THE ONLY RESOLUTION HE COULD PROVIDE ME WAS TO HAVE A TECHNICIAN DRIVE IT AND SEE IF IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN. EVEN THOUGH I EXPLAINED THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE ISSUE BY OTHER DRIVERS ON LINE, HE SAID THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO. MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL "BATCH" OF VEHICLES. I COULD PAY THE $100 DIAG FEE IN THE EVENT MY VEHICLE DOES NOT REPEAT THE COMPLAINT. EITHER WAY, I WOULD BE PAYING FOR THE REPAIRS OUT OF POCKET. *TR
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-12-07
- VIN: 1ZWHT61L925
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE OPENED THE SUN ROOF AND WAS UNABLE TO GET THE SUN ROOF TO CLOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE SUN ROOF WAS CLOSED. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE MOTOR WAS FINE BUT SHE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE SWITCH. THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED AND ONE WEEK AFTER HAVING IT REPAIRED, THE SUN ROOF WOULD NOT CLOSE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,000. UPDATED 8/24/12 *CN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-22
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECREASED TO 10 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT ALL THREE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS WERE CLOGGED AND THE FDM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE FDM BUT NOT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 72,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-17
- VIN: 1ZWFT61L725
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY COUGAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V421000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,028.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-22
- VIN: 1ZWHT61L025
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE, LOSE POWER AND THEN SURGE ABNORMALLY. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V421000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) BUT THE CONTACTS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO CONFIRMED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL LIST. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-06-28
- VIN: 1ZWFT603625
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL OR SURGE FORWARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V421000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000, AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
2002 Mercury Cougar recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2002 Mercury Cougar.
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
- Manufacturer: BRAKE PARTS, INC.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
- Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- 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 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.
Negative 2002 Mercury Cougar car reviews
Positive 2002 Mercury Cougar car reviews
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I have owned two cougars in my lifetime, a 1999 model which I traded in foolishly with only 46000 miles on it, and a 2002 Ultimate version which I recently purchased. Both of these cars have been exceptional, and I feel a strong connection to them as soon as I get behind the wheel. I have not encountered any issues with either of my cougars.
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Hello! Thank you for considering the 35th Anniversary Edition Skin car. It has a lot of great options and standard features that make it a beautiful car, both inside and out. The sound system is especially impressive and really adds to the overall experience. While it may not be the fastest car out there, it still handles like a sports car and is a great investment for the price of $22K. If you have the means to upgrade the engine, it could be even better. Overall, I've been really happy with my purchase and would definitely recommend it to others!
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I've only had my Cougar for about a year, but I absolutely love it! Although the moon roof and 6-disc CD player don't work, they're minor issues that can be fixed. Overall, it's a great car! I have a 5-speed and it's super fun to drive. Cougars are hot, sleek cars that turn heads when you drive by. The V6 engine really adds to the sporty look. It's a reliable car that you can count on!
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This is my third car and it's definitely the best one I've ever had. It's a V6, 5-speed with a Stage 1 Roush package. For those who don't know, it has really cool ground effects, a rear spoiler, 17-inch wheels with the Roush emblem, Roush floor mats, and an exhaust tip that makes it sound unique. I was hesitant about the leather interior and black color, but I was sold on the Roush package. It's a 2000 model with only 7000 miles on it (it was repossessed and passed around dealerships) when I bought it for $14500. My old car was a Neon, and for $5000 more, it's a great deal! I love it and get compliments all the time!
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You made a great choice buying this car back in '02! It's impressive how well it has held up over the years, with only minor mechanical issues. The 2.5 litre V6 engine provides decent power and impressive fuel efficiency at 27mpg. While there are some challenges with rear visibility and a blind spot, the car handles and rides very well. The seats are comfortable and provide ample head and shoulder room, even for someone who is 6 feet tall and 210 lbs. The only minor issue is that the tachometer has no redline, which can be a bit of a challenge when shifting gears. Overall, this is a great car that Ford did an excellent job designing. It's a shame they discontinued it so quickly!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2002 Mercury Cougar problems:
Mercury Cougar Problems and Complaints - 13 Issues
Top Mercury Cougar Problems · Battery Light Due to Damaged Alternator Wire Harness Connector · Blown/Cracked Head Gasket Can Cause White Smoke From Exhaust · Check ...
Q&A: Common Problems with 2002 Mercury Cougar Engine ...
Jan 5, 2009 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.
2002 Mercury Cougar Problems and Complaints - 2 Issues
Top 2002 Mercury Cougar Problems · Battery Light Due to Damaged Alternator Wire Harness Connector. 64 people have reported this. 20 · Check Engine Light on Due ...
Common 2002 & 2004 Mercury Cougar Problems - Q&A on ...
Dec 29, 2009 ... Yes they should have checked it and made sure it was full. You may have some recourse depending on the length of time since they did it. If it ...
2002 Mercury Cougar Reliability - Consumer Reports
Get reliability information for the 2002 Mercury Cougar from Consumer Reports, which combines extensive survey data and expert technical knowledge.
Other years of Mercury Cougar
Are you having problems with your 2002 Mercury Cougar?
Dallas Price 2024-06-01
After a year of use, I experienced some issues with the car that were covered under warranty. Unfortunately, the CD player had some problems and needed repairs. Additionally, the brakes needed to be replaced sooner than expected due to the front wheel drive system. Although this was not mentioned during the purchase, it was still manageable. Later on, the battery died and the alternator needed to be replaced. Despite these issues, I decided to lease a Mazda.
Jimmie Feil 2024-01-10
You've had your 02 Cougar for a little over a year and it seems like you've had a pretty good experience with it! You haven't had any engine trouble or big problems, which is great to hear. It sounds like you've had a few issues with rear visibility and a huge blind spot, as well as the arm rest and passenger visor mirror missing. However, you've still been getting good mpg, which is a plus. Overall, it sounds like you have a good car!