Comments: 1-15, 16-17
The fist problem I experienced with the car was an electrical shortage, causing my interior lights to flicker and my cd/radio display to appear scrambled.
The truck release also is extremely temperamental. Sometimes it works other times I have had to turn off the car and manually open the trunk.
The worst problem with the car is that it has begun to jerk upon acceleration. The car also has a tendency to loose power or begin rolling backward while on an incline. This was first diagnosed as a transmission problem by the dealer. I did not get it fixed at that time because I failed to believe that a brand new car was experincing transmission problems. Ford then released a recall on the fuel pump of the vehicle which listed the problems I was experiencing. I had the pump replaced, but the problems remained. Other mechanics are puzzled as to what is causing this engine stalling and loss of power, and surges. These cars are very unreliable.
I enjoyed the car until it began to have problems that could not get a clear diagnosis.
I too own a Cougar, but I really haven't had any problems with it. I did exp. problems when I would try to accelerate on to the freeway, when I asked the dealership they really didn't give me a definite answer for what was happening. I personally work for an Insurance company. I deal with a lot of cars. This one customer that I have has a cougar she told me that there are 3 sensors near the engine that you need to change. Once you changed the sensors you won't have those problems. She also told me that they are easy to change. Look in your manual it should show you were they are located.
I also have the same problems with the trunk, it shorted out once on the highway and just shut off completely while driving 80mph, I almost died. But most of all when I go up hills it begins to stall especially if I have under a half tank of gas, so basically now I always keep it full. It also has a problem accelerating and I can no longer reach over 80mph without it kicking back or having trouble. When I first got the car about 4 years ago I was in love with it, but now it has become nothing, but a burden.
Very unreliable car. I have a 2000 V6 Cougar, and I have gone through 4 alternators and recently, my transmission went out. I too have experienced problems with the trunk release. The moonroof, another common problem, also was busted. This car has seen too much shop time. Time for the cougar to go bye bye.
The problem is the molded plastic gas tank in Cougar/Contour/Mystique is prone to warping. The bottom of the tank distorts downward, which lowers the level of the gas away from the pickup. I have a 2k Cougar and Contour and it happened to both; the Cougar at 25k (fixed under warranty) and now the Contour at 53k. As soon as they put the car up on the lift they immediately saw the "visible distortion". I called the Ford 800# and yelled & screamed - the rep said they "have no knowledge of such a problem" - but the job was done for 30% of the total cost ($968).
I have a 2000 cougar I had problems with the fuel pump that I replaced and also the locking system. I couldn't get my driver side door open or the trunk. those are the only major problems that I have had with it I think that it is a pretty good car. no matter what kind of car you get you are going to have to fix something so I am cool with what I have got.
I have a 2000 v6 cougar, and I also have a flickering problem in the lights. The trunk also does not open without having to take the key and manualy unlocking it. There needs to be more recalls to fix these problems. These cougars seem to all be flawed in the same area.
I love my Cougar. The only problem I've had is twice I could not get it unlocked the first time I touched the remote. It is a minor problem now. If it happens again and I can't get it open it will then become a major problem!
My 2000 Cougar has had the flickering problem for awhile. The instrument panel, headlights, and interior lights flicker about 75% of the time regardless of whether I am idling, breaking or stepping on the gas pedal. I've had a very trustworthy mechanic look at it and after days of looking were not able to find the problem. I discussed with another mechanic friend and he replaced the PCM on a cougar with the same problem. According to him, it kind of fixed the problem. It would sometimes still flicker. So I bought the PCM and brought it to a Ford dealership to be programmed and installed. I was told by the technician he was absolutely positive it was not the PCM and I should return it.
They left a print out in my car from a website only dealers are allowed to access. Here is what it states, "Some 1995-2000 Contour/Mystique and 1999-2000 Cougars may exhibit the headlamps and/or instrument panel lamps dimming slightly at idle. If normal diagnostics do not identify a root cause for this condition, no repairs are recommended. This condition is considered a normal operation characteristic and is typically noticed when applying the brake pedal, when releasing the break pedal or raising the engine rpm, just off idle, the lights will brighten."
Problem explained I guess, no resolution. If any one has had this problem and has been able to have it ixed I would greatly appreciate the answer to this problem because it is a huge annoyance.
This car has given me nothing but problems since I purchased it in 2002. I couldn't begin to name everything that has gone wrong. I would never recommend anyone buy a Mercury Cougar. I have put way more money into to this car than it is even worth. I would guess I have spent about 8 thousand dollars by now, and I still have over 6 thousand to pay on it. As soon as I can pay off these repairs the car will be sold. See you later Cougar!
I too have the trunk problem and the dimming or flicking of the interior and exterior lights- usually when braking, but not always. These are annoying problems, but I could live with these. The main problem I have just begun to have is that the car has started stalling when going up hills if my gas tank is below a half a tank. The car has just rolled over to 70k miles and has been pretty good for the most part until now. The stalling is very scary around here as we have mountains regions with very narrow and curvy roads. I don't think I can afford the cost to have the tank fixed!
I added four new tires and replaced the battery before it ever hit 50k. I also have a problem with the coolant light coming on if it goes onto the slightest incline. I have had the coolant checked repeatedly, but it is always fine. I have really loved the car though- it looks great and handles well- take off is slow and jerky with the air conditioner on though. My daughters Ford Escort 4 cylinder takes off better than the cougar!
I have never received any recall notices on this car. This concerns me since you all have. I am wondering if it is going to start having a lot of problems now with the mileage on it.
I own a 2000 Cougar, I love the way it drives and looks.
I too have had so many problems. My trunk is very touchy. Sometimes it works and sometimes not.
My stereo turns off and on by itself.
I had my daughter in the back seat, and got out of the car for a second, and the door shut and locked.
I have had it pop out of gear and hit another car when no one was in it.
I have had the sun roof replaced.
My current problem is that it is getting hot when I drive it.
I also have a cougar a 2000 manual inline 4 I was experiencing jerking, but luckily it was under warranty my trunk won't open without a key and just the other day my car started jerking then it just wouldn't start it's at the shop and I have to pay 800$ and they couldn't find out the problem it still won't start. I thought it was a great car until the warranty was up now all the problems are starting I need to get rid of it.
I also own a 2000 Mercury Cougar 2.5L V6. I've bought it with 65 000km on it. It's now at about 125 000. I've had a lot of the same problems that are mentioned in this column.
The hesitation/jerking/stalling while cornering was my fuel pump and it was covered under recall.
The dimming/flickering of the lights is the cable that runs from the alternator to the battery. It was routed wrong on assembly causing it to rub on some of the power steering components which in turn caused corrosion and an electrical short. The nut that secures the cable was also under-torqued. This was a Technical Service Bulletin issued by Ford (not a recall). I believe it's about $30 for the part, but as I haven't fixed it yet, I'm not certain on the labour times. My car has been doing it for 2 years and it hasn't gotten any worse, but I've heard of cases where this issue was left alone and the owner ended up having to replace the cable AND the PCM. $$$$
The coolant light coming on is because the coolant pressure sensor in very sensitive in these cars. Sometimes the fix can be as simple as filling the coolant reservoir up to just above the "max" line, if that doesn't work you would have to remove the sensor and clean it off and reinstall.
My trunk latch is also broken and almost never works without the key... minor.
From my experience, when people complain about the blower only working on high speed, it means the blower motor needs to be replaced. This is sometimes caused by technicians not replacing the cabin air filter when you take your car in for service. It is the most commonly forgotten item when it comes to routine maintenance.
I have a lot of the recall/TSB info for this car. If you have any problems or questions about this information you can email me at mackenziesamantha@hotmail.com.
I too own a 2000 Cougar. I purchased it used 5 years ago. Currently, it has a little over 100,000 miles. Overall, not too many problems but a few. I, like others, have problems with the trunk (I just open it with the key nowadays) and with my stereo system... it comes on and off when it wants and everything gets dark when it goes off. Usually, if I keep hitting the buttons, the music will come back on.
Two major problems though: 1) my car makes a "hissing" sound sometimes! It usually depends upon the weather! When it is cold outside, when I start the car, it makes the sound. I have a joke with my friends that I have a "hummer". The sound lasts a few minutes, and usually, when I put it in "drive" all is fine. Sometimes, as I am driving, the car makes the sound briefly. And, 2) my sunroof... my dealer tells me I need to replace the whole thing because it will not open! One day the sunroof was working and the next day it was not!
Does anyone's Cougar "hiss"... if so, tell me what you did to fix it. Thanks.
I have also had a few problems with a 2000 Mercury Cougar.
It now has around 105,000 miles on it.
Recently I had to replace the alternator, which I thought would fix the pulsating light problem, but it did not.
Also most recently the sunroof has went out, of course it happened when it was all the way out. I was able to slam it back down, but it is still cracked and it is winter in Portland Oregon, which means rain so I am going to try and manually get it down because I can't afford the 1,200 to get it fixed. If there is another way, please post it here.
Also I had a problem with the trunk not opening without using the key, but that now has fixed itself. I guess I got lucky with one.
I have 99 Cougar... for some strange reason it leaks the antifreeze thru the reservoir.. I've already changed the radiator, water pump, and thermostat. If any body knows what it could be, please add a comment.