2000 Mercury Cougar V 6 auto -55000 mi - steady state cruising after 10 mi 'warm up' - a frequent, problem - like ok for 3 or 4 mile, then 2 or 3 times will jerk or shudder, then ok for 3 or 4 mi - hard jerk, engine tach jumps from 2800 > 4000 RPM, back to 2800. Seems mostly at steady 70 mph or so, does do it sometimes at 40. Seems hardly ever on short drive, like 8 mi to work in morning. Trans can't find correct gear " computer " dealer, aftermarket shop couldn't find anything. New fuel filter, trans oil.

- Plainsboro, NJ, USA

I have a 2000 Mercury Cougar with the terrible cd4E transmission with 66,000 miles and the transmission went bad. There are a lot of people with the same problems and the same trannys.

- Otisville, NY, USA

Recently, I took my 2000 Cougar to the shop to have a leak checked out. Also, I noticed when I used the heat, I smelled a burned rubber scent. I learned that the transmission seal broke and I needed new gaskets. It cost $1,600. What is really strange is there was a 1999 Cougar at the shop too. The mechanic told me that both of our cars has the same exact problem. Is it possible that there is a recall on certain Cougar?

- Elgin, IL, USA

2000 merc Cougar, V6, auto transmission. Tranaxle light or O/D off light blinks, shifting of gear becomes violent. First started in Sept/Oct of 2002, problem still occurs in Feb 2004. Numerous trips to repair shop. No fixes work.

- Pleasant Prairie, WI, USA

Transmission failure at 14000 miles transmimssion was replaced. Fuel pump replaced at 14500 miles. Transmisson replaced second time at 21000 miles. Lcd dashboard features never worked properly, serviced twice for the problem never resolved.

- Dearborn Heights, MI, USA

Rpms on engine do not drop when clutch pressed. Rpms go up sometime 1500 rpms. Car lurches when downshifting into 2nd unless waiting 5-20 seconds for rpms to finally drop. Happens every day if vehicle is warm (driven over 25 miles). Ford says it is designed this way. Problem didn't show up for at least 12,000 miles. Problem disappeared after 800 mile drive, but reoccurred after 1 week. Car has accelerated in 2nd gear without my intervention once. That is enough to cause me great concern for my safety. I cannot drive this car with normal driving habits, I could orginally, not now. The problem is getting progressively worse. The dealer says I have no recorse and it is not a problem according to Ford. It is a problem. I feel unsafe, and it could endanger other people.

- Yorktown, VA, USA

Consumer was driving E when vehicle stalled in front of a semi-ractor trailer. Also, steering had locked up. Had no warning prior to stalling. Finally took vehicle to dealership & left it there. Lights go dim and car wants to die/ doesn't want to go into second gear when starting off, and same thing is happening when trying to sift into fifth gear/passenger's tail light is coming loose/interior lights coming on.

- Ashland, OH, USA