10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
2,782 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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problem #16

Jul 011999

Cougar 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,520 miles
Purchased car new, in 57000 miles we have had to replace, 2 alternators, 1 starter, 2 batteries, entire rack and pinion, power steering pump, transmission torque converter, 4 set of brakes, 4 sets of tires plus two individual tires all with sidewall blow outs except one puncture and 2 headlight switches, 2 cig lighters. The entire upper engine gasket set had to be replaced to get to an intake leak. The head lights and foglights work itermittantly, engine warning lights are constantly going on and off. Currently one headlight is out (lamp is good) fog lights are not working (today) and an engine warning light is indicating a problem again.

- Ofallon, MO, USA

problem #15

Jan 132003

(reported on)

Cougar 8-cyl

  • 36,000 miles
While traveling at 45 mph vehicle suddenly came to a sudden stop on its own. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, where dealer indicated theat bolts fell out which caused brakes to lock up..

- Blue Ridge, GA, USA

problem #14

Mar 292002

(reported on)

Cougar

  • miles
Vehicle only has ABS on driver's side and standard brakes on passenger's side. Please provide any further information, and vehicle identification number.

- Pinebluff, AK, USA

problem #13

Jan 012002

Cougar

  • miles
While traveling on highway and applying brakes anti-lock brake system will lock up. Dealership is aware of problem.

- Pine Bluff, AK, USA

problem #12

Jan 192001

Cougar

  • miles
Shortly after owning the car, I noticed that brakes seemed insufficient for the vehicle. I took it to the dealer a few times to get checked, but they denied any thing being wrong. While driving when the brakes are applied, the vehicle does not stop at a sufficient time. I also had to buy several tires since the purchase date, because the tires would get leaks by simple road debris such as glass and metal pieces. I reported my problems in person and by phone to the dealer I bought from, but they would not give me any information about the car's history. They only stated that all necessary changes were made in December the month before I bought the car. I also told them about the shifting in the steering wheel when driving, but they disregarded the complaint about the steering and the inappropriate stopping of the vehicle. (dot number: W2B0irb tiresize: P215/50R16)

- Wildwood, NJ, USA

problem #11

Feb 202001

(reported on)

Cougar

  • miles
While traveling, slowed down, and when depressing brake pedal vehicle would not gain speed. Technician stated that right caliper malfunctioned. Please provide furhter information.

- Anguilla, MS, USA

problem #10

Jan 062001

Cougar

  • miles
Reporting this as it is a us manaufactured car and is sold in the us and can't find evidence that Ford/Mercury are taking action. No safety defect listed in summary.

- Stevenson Ranch, CA, USA

problem #9

Dec 012000

Cougar

  • miles
Panic button went off on my mistake but alarm would'nt shut off had to get replaced, hatch wouldn't open properly, I had my brakes replaced 3 times because of squealing noise. And these windshield wipers for the fourth time now.

- Marine City, MI, USA

problem #8

Oct 042000

(reported on)

Cougar

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Brake pedal is normal when applied, but there is a vibrating and pulsating feeling in front end when the brakes are applied. Also, extended stopping distance. Dealer has been contacted.

- Nampa, ID, USA

problem #7

Aug 142000

Cougar

  • miles
Complete loss of all brakes due to "never before seen" explosion of ABS master cylinder

- Franklin Park, NJ, USA

problem #6

Jul 032000

Cougar

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
While driving on a 4-lane highway, lights on the dashboard lit up and engine died. Then, consumer lost control of the vehicle. With no brakes or steering vehicle started to spin out of control and hit a guardrail at about 55mph. Consumer said it was a engine problem. Airbags did not deploy.

- Weston, FL, USA

problem #5

Jan 172000

Cougar

  • miles
When applying brakes there was a grinding sound, and vehicle would vibrate while stopping. Vehicle has been in dealer's shop on several occasions, and problem was still occurring. Dealer informed consumer that nothing else could be done. Feel free to provide further details.

- Midlothian, TX, USA

problem #4

Mar 052000

(reported on)

Cougar

  • miles
It has been in the shop four times for brake problems. The car shakes after 3,000 miles and the rotors need turning which costs $300 each time.

- Bristol, VA, USA

problem #3

Nov 301999

Cougar

  • miles
Car sounds like it is falling apart when brakes are applied, steering makes loud sound when backing out of parking space, trunk won't open unless hit numerous times from remote or inside.

- Springfield, VA, USA

problem #2

Feb 031999

Cougar

  • miles
Vehicle been experiencing ongoing problem with unnecessary noise. Whenever brakes were applied in a sudden stop, it resulted in extended stopping distance. Vehicle been in/out of dealer shop on seven occasions. This almost caused several vehicle collisions.

- Suitland, MD, USA

problem #1

Jan 021999

Cougar

  • miles
ABS brakes light is on and vehicle jerks at a slow stop and at fast stop. Also, there is a grinding noise coming from the brakes, and the back brakes aren't stopping the vehicle.

- Romulus, MI, USA