What are the most common Mercury Cougar problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2001 Mercury Cougar has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CD4E Automatic Transmission Failure (8th Gen), Fuel Delivery Module Contamination Causing Stalling (Recall 04V421000), Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) Failure - 2.5L V6. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Mercury Cougar reliable?
The 2001 Mercury Cougar has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: CD4E Automatic Transmission Failure (8th Gen) and Fuel Delivery Module Contamination Causing Stalling (Recall 04V421000). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Mercury Cougar problems?
Repair costs for known Mercury Cougar issues range from $120 to $850, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar CD4E Automatic Transmission Failure (8th Gen)?
NHTSA communications establish several distinct CD4E conditions on 1999-2002 Cougar vehicles: no-forward engagement in 605229 and 6091763, 1999 ring-gear side loading of the forward-clutch snap-ring retainer in 607645, intermittent loss of first and second gears with P0758 or P07… Severity: high.
What is the 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar Fuel Delivery Module Contamination Causing Stalling (Recall 04V421000)?
Ford recalled all 1999-2002 Cougars (NHTSA campaign 04V421000) because contamination of the filter inside the in-tank fuel delivery module can progressively restrict and eventually block fuel flow to the engine. NHTSA's stated consequence is engine hesitation, surging, power loss… Repairs typically run $350-$750. Severity: high.
What is the 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) Failure - 2.5L V6?
The 2.5L Duratec V6's IMRC system uses an electric actuator with plastic gears and plastic linkage bushings to open the secondary intake runners at higher rpm. The plastic linkage bushings break and the actuator's gears jam or strip — a failure common to all Fords with this IMRC… Repairs typically run $120-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar Premature Alternator Failure and Buried Alternator Location - 2.5L V6?
On the 1999-2002 Cougar's 2.5L Duratec V6 the alternator is mounted low at the rear of the engine directly beneath the exhaust manifold, where constant heat soak shortens its life — owners report going through multiple alternators, with one documented case of five in three years. Repairs typically run $400-$850. Severity: medium.
What is the 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar Power Window Regulator and Relay Failures (8th Gen)?
The 1999-2002 Cougar's cable-type window regulators are a recurring failure point: the cable frays or snaps and the glass drops into the door or sticks partway, often with a clicking or grinding noise from the motor spinning a broken mechanism. A second, related failure is the po… Repairs typically run $150-$400. Severity: low.
