2000 Mercury Cougar Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 211 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 26,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2000 Mercury Cougar, 4% of the 211 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 26,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Headlamps flicker- when my headlamps , flicker , they get so dim that I am concerned I will not see items in the path of my moving vehicle. I have had two near misses; one with an animal at large, the other much more serious, and a pedestrian in a crosswalk. The alternator replacement was done 2 times, battery replacement done once. When I brought it to the attention of my service advisor at ford he stated that this is only a bulletin because it is not considered to be a safety issue since the lights do not go completely out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10145669, filed 2005-12, 26,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #862000, filed 2000-05“The contact owns a 2000 Mercury Cougar. While driving 15 MPH, the headlights failed without warning. In addition, the windows and sun roof independently rolled down. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #10898974, filed 2016-08“While turning on the turn signal it failed to turn on. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic replaced the turn signal switch unit due to a burnt wire.”
NHTSA complaint #10073710, filed 2004-05“Vehicle interior and headlights constantly brighten and dim when brake or gas pedal is applied. Brought it in to dealer on 11/26/04, alternator was replaced (100 dollars spent). Alternator had previously been replaced due to complete failure on christmas eve 2001. Now on third alternator. On monday november 29, car began exhibited the same brightening and dimming effects. Brought to dealer and was informed that the wire between the battery and alternator could potentially have a problem. Dealer was nice enough to fix it for free. …”
NHTSA complaint #10100955, filed 2004-12Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 2% |
| 2000 | 8 | 4% |
| 1999 | 34 | 7% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 3 | 2% |
| 1993 | 24 | 12% |
| 1992 | 27 | 29% |
| 1991 | 8 | 11% |
| 1990 | 5 | 6% |
| 1989 | 3 | 4% |
| 1988 | 3 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2000 Mercury Cougar
63 complaintsFuel system
46 complaintsEngine cooling
26 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
18 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsEquipment
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Mercury Cougar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology