31st Mar 2004, 12:25

Thankfully I have not had a fuel pump problem (not yet anyway) but my transmission went up the first week I purchased my cat. Lets see what else, timing belt at 60,000 miles, trunk release is broken, front hood latch is broken, O2 sensor went up, and the biggie that I hope none of you will get is my Catalytic Converter went up. Please let me get rid of this car.

19th Apr 2004, 11:26

We just had a problem with the fuel pump for the first time this weekend, when the car wouldn't start. I called the number in the owners manual for customer assistance. They told me that there is a program number for that and it was supposed to be covered by some warranty because so many people have been having problems with it. The car only has about 50,000 miles on it so I was surprised that it would have a problem like this, it just happened out of the blue. Our gas was below a 1/4 tank, we added some more gas and a fuel cleaner and it started up just fine. I also had a problem with the back window seal, like the other message. I went through a car wash and it took it right off. About the fuel pump, if you are having problems I would call customer service.

5th Feb 2005, 09:31

I also have a 2000 Mercury Cougar. The fuel pump didn't decide to break until I hit 99,980 miles. I purchased the ESP about six months after I purchased the car. It was supposed to be for 5 years or 100,000 miles whichever comes first. Neither has happended yet--getting close. The dealer told me that the warranty expired last April 1st. Don't understand this one, like I said 5 years or 100,000 miles neither has hit yet.

When I called Detroit the lady never answered my question about why the ESP already expired, but I did find out about the recall on them. I contacted the Ford dealer that I took the car too and told him about it. Detroit faxed the paper work to the dealer and the service manager called back to say I saved myself $600.00.

Just to add another point about problem with the Cougar, at 10,000 miles the flywheel and starter needed to be replaced along with the battery. I have since had two batteries, one alternator, and numerous break jobs done on this car. It's a great car, but very high maintenence.

27th May 2005, 20:20

I have read all your comments, I have been warned. But I'm gonna buy one anyway cause they look so cool! Wish me luck!

16th Jun 2005, 11:06

I want to get a 2000 cat. It seems to me that it is a good car, but needs to always stay over 1/4 tank at all times! I hope if I can just keep to that then I should have a good car. Thank for the heads up.

21st Nov 2005, 10:26

I can't believe all the problems you've all had with fuel pumps. I've had my 99 cougar from 65k to 88K miles and I always run it right to empty, and have had no problems. Today it is in the shop for a catalytic converter for about 250. I'm very pleased with the car. Another guy said he was getting 18-21mpg. Mine is stock and get 33 on the highway and 26 in town with a 2.5 V6. Maybe it's just the 2000's with the problems.

22nd Nov 2005, 18:45

I've had problem after problem after problem with this car. Aside from the fuel pump recall, my 2000 Cougar had problems with the coils and electrical system. This week, my car won't start. It's not the battery or starter. The mechanic said the problem is, what else, electrical.

6th Dec 2005, 23:27

I do agree, although it was my post : (I edited the post and I guess it didn't go threw err, sorry for the confusion!!! my email is tripple_accessing_your_pc@yahoo.com, I will be looking forward to seek more help, therefor my wheels still don't roll : (

12th Dec 2005, 10:39

Hey everyone, I have a 99 Cougar with about 99,500 miles on it. Have gone through 3 alternators, 1 fuel pump, and 2 sunroofs. But those are just fun facts.

My reason for writing is cause my car will not stay on when first cranked, I have to restart it about 3 times a morning to keep it going. Full tank of gas in it and replaced the fuel pump 2 years ago. When I do sit and idle other times it will murmur/sputter. Accelerates fine and drives fine, but just that idle issue. Any ideas?

Oh and does anyone else have the oh so annoying issue or their defrost vent getting cold and popping out of the slot? This has been my major annoyance for 3 years now with this beauty. The vent pops out and all the hot air gets redirected to the middle of the cockpit instead of the windshield. In the morning it makes me mad, telling the story makes me laugh tho.

Thanks in advance.

Shawn.

12th Dec 2005, 12:31

I also have a Mercury Cougar 2000. About a week ago the engine light came one. I noticed the engine struggling when idle, especially in below freezing temperatures.

I am thinking the FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) might be causing this. Does this make sense?

Other problems:

- I had to replace the front and rear rotors

- Some AC switch broke, causing the AC not to function.

- When car is less than 1/4 tank, engined stalled when taking a corner sharply.

- Hatchback latch does not keep the hatch open for longer than a few seconds.

13th Dec 2005, 20:12

For the guy on December 13th with the starting problem: Try the simplest thing first. Try taking the battery cable clamps off the battery and using a wire brush to clean the battery posts and cable clamps. If you have corrosion on your battery terminals, which may not even be obvious, it can prevent the starter from turning over, even if the lights still work.

19th Dec 2005, 20:57

I have a 2000 cougar that has not been starting right for about 2 months (in cold weather). I took the battery cables off, cleaned them, and it started fine for 2 weeks, now... same problem, but it's a new battery and that won't even work now. After about 6 hours today, the car finally started- and then about an hour later it wouldn't start again. (I've already replaced the alternator, battery and fuel pump)

3rd Jul 2006, 10:26

I am the proud owner of a 2000 Cougar (Bright Yellow, Limited Edition, V6), and though I have experienced the fuel pump issue (>2 years ago), my dealer replaced it under my ESP. I also experienced an issue with the sunroof (steel bearings) coming off-track, but again my ESP kicked in. Without ANY warning, the latest issue was with the engine, resulting in a neighborhood repair shop wanting us to pay $5600 for a new motor - "no compression in 2 cylinders." Fortunately, my husband has the skills/knowledge to know that what the repair shop was stating, questioning of what led them to such a conclusion (only a compression test), that there was a good possibility that the engine may NOT be as bad as they had stated. After we brought it home, my husband took the valve covers off and could immediately see that a cam-shaft bearing cap broke. After finding a reputable engine repair shop, parts were repaired/replaced (<$1000), and we put the motor back in the vehicle. I have my car back and it is running as good now (89,300 miles) as it did when I bought it when the odometer read 7 miles. I have to admit I did entertain the idea of purchasing a new car (one with the 100,000 warranty), when this all began, but I am glad that I waited. My car has become my "signature piece" and I cannot imagine being without it! (Beware of non-reputable repair places and try to acquire second opinions, even though it may cost $100-200 to have it towed to another shop, you could also save $$$$.)