2000 Mercury Cougar from North America
Faults:
This car eats fuel pumps if the fuel level is not kept above 1/4 tank. I have replaced 2 and wasn't told about the problem with Cougars until the warranty had expired and I had to pay for the replacement, approximately $400. The reason is, as with most tank,mounted electric fuel pumps the gasoline cools the pump as it runs. Due to the fact that the fuel pump is mounted too high the side of the tank cornering caused the fuel to slosh away from the pump, causing overrun when the pump sucks air and nothing to cool the pump. The window seal on the exterior of the rear hatch have come off repeatedly even after several visits to the dealer. The Mercury service personnel admitted this was a problem due to the wrong adhesive being used at the factory.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 5th November, 2003
11th Feb 2004, 00:02
I just want to say ThankGod! Youre only the second person I've seen who actually made the connection on why the fuel pumps go bad. I've heard of people needing new ones in under 10k miles. Its sad. I keep my cat over a quarter a tank all the time-as any mechanic or car dealer will tell you you should-and I've never had a problem. I'm up to about 50k miles and no problems yet.
30th Nov 2003, 21:20
Our first fuel pump went out at 10,000 miles, we have since replaced the fuel pump 4 times and no one can tell us what the problem is.