2000 Mercury Cougar Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 211 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,726miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the steering of the 2000 Mercury Cougar, 4% of the 211 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,726 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“My 2000 Mercury Cougar starting leaking power steering fluid rapidly at approximately 54,000 miles. Two mechanics stated that the entire rack and pinon assembly would need to be replaced due to failure of an internal seal. The car has never been in an accident. It has been properly maintained with all manufacturer-recommeded services, oil changes, tire rotation, etc.”
NHTSA complaint #10058742, filed 2004-02, 54,000 miles“The consumer wishes to acknowledge that nut fell from an area which turns the front wheels from the passenger side. Prior to this, the vehicle was being worked on for the alternator. This failure occured when coming to a stop with the passenger side front wheel turned outward and drivers side still straight. Please describe details. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #8023874, filed 2002-12“Driving the car, and noticed the steering wheel was very lose. Could easily move the steering wheel up and down. Took to ford dealership and was told the main bolt that connects to steering column broke, unable to drive car, was classified as totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #10088990, filed 2004-09“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 2000-05Related service bulletins
- 10013115Jan 1, 2004Steering column shipped without crush pad - reuse original crush pad if not damaged.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 8 | 4% |
| 1999 | 20 | 4% |
| 1997 | 2 | 3% |
| 1996 | 2 | 3% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 1% |
| 1992 | 5 | 5% |
| 1990 | 4 | 5% |
| 1989 | 4 | 5% |
| 1988 | 2 | 4% |
| 1984 | 2 | 12% |
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 complaintsExterior lighting
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 29, 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