Faults:

Strangely, the passenger door has fallen off about two times since I've gotten the car. One of the pins comes out easily. It doesn't actually come off completely as the other pin holds it on and it just hangs there.

The fuel pump blew a few months ago and because of the seal on the gas tank from the filler tube, no one could figure out how to fix it. Finally, someone figured out that the seal's not reusable and ordered one from a dealer - ruined that one trying to put it in, and then ordered another one from the dealer and made me tow it from the shop to a dealership after them spending a week trying to figure out how to fix it. In the process, they butchered my filler pipe, so that now scrapes against my rear tire when I make left turns.

I have noticed that my seats don't wear very well.

I have also noticed that my trunk latch sticks a little.

When I first opened the trunk, the strings that hold it down to the rear dash both snapped.

It is quite a gas-guzzler though.

It is too bad that it is now worth much less than what I owe on it.

Also, I live in Minnesota, and legally here you have to have a license plate on the front and rear bumpers...well, I'd have to drill holes in the front of my car to put a license plate up there.

General Comments:

I like the speed and power of the car.

It could corner a little better though.

I love the looks of the exterior.

Faults:

This is a continuation of post

www.carsurvey.org/review_46100.html

So far the Will Not Start has cost us over $600, and it still doesn't start.

2 wrecker tow and one trip on a trailer.

Dealer was not able to find any problem, and had no idea or suggestions on what to do.

The dealer has replaced the ignition coil and the wire connector that goes into the coil. $360, and thank you very much.

Well I checked the wire connector, and there is nothing wrong with it. I will test the coil this weekend, and I hope for Ford's sake it is bad, or we might be looking at small claims court for replacing good parts when not needed.

General Comments:

You really have to wonder just what Ford was thinking when it designed this car. Many of the problems are safety related design defects.

I will deliver it to the dealer again, and this time drop it in front of the new car sales lobby. I will let them push it to the "service dept" and see if they can do a better job of guessing what is still wrong with it.

The instant I get it running, I will have it evaluated for trade on a different brand vehicle. They better not mark it down because it has had problems, because the problems are all intentional defects from Ford.

Faults:

Our Cougar, in addition to having to have it in for numerous recall items has had the following things go wrong.

Both front wheel bearings failed. One at 43k miles the 2nd at 51k. $135 & $175 to replace.

Front brake pad friction surface separated from backing plate. $372 job because of expensive rotors.

Rest of the brakes were worn out at 43k - Note Non Ford replacement brakes are only 25% worn according to ford dealer 25k later so it isn't the driver.

51k Speedo gear internal to trans failed destroying the electronic speed sensor.

58k fuel level gage failed had to replace entire instrument cluster.

Radio failed at 60k.

Both catalysts and O2 Sensor failed at 72k.

76k Transmission shifter retaining bolts fell out could not shift into 1st or 2nd.

Will not start - intermittent at 76k. Dealer can't fix.

Anyone want this car for scrap metal?

Rwmarble@yahoo.com.

General Comments:

Nice looking while it is sitting still, which it does a lot while waiting for repair.