2001 Mercury Cougar Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 13%of 82 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Mercury Cougar, 13% of the 82 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,000 miles. 3 a fire, 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.
“2001 Mercury Cougar. Since I have owned this car I have replace the engine at 65,000 miles, left front wheel bearing at 70,000 miles, right front wheel bearing is on its way out at 100,000 miles along with a plugged catalytic converter, and transmission slippage. A/c also failed at 115,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10112067, filed 2005-02, 67,000 miles“While driving 15 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate and then it stalled, the consumer was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer was unable to duplicate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10105520, filed 2004-12, 23,144 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Mercury Cougar. While driving 55 MPH, the engine began making a knocking sound and eventually failed. No warning lights illuminated and the temperature gauge did not indicate anything abnormal. The vehicle began smoking once the contact pulled over and she noticed radiator fluid leaking. After restarting the vehicle, all of the instrument panel warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and they stated that a new engine was needed. She took the vehicle to midas for a second opinion and was informed again that her vehicle needed a new engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10197835, filed 2007-07, 75,000 miles“While driving at 25 MPH and without warning vehicle shut off. Consumer attempted to restart the vehicle, but vehicle would not restart. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership for inspection, but mechanic could not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10059864, filed 2004-02“Going 70 MPH on 75 south car just caught on fire in middle lane on the highway. Car just stopped in the middle lane fire started from the engine and shot to the rear of the car. ****dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****761083.”
NHTSA complaint #10008768, filed 2002-04Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 11 | 12% |
| 2001 | 11 | 13% |
| 2000 | 26 | 12% |
| 1999 | 67 | 15% |
| 1997 | 30 | 39% |
| 1996 | 21 | 34% |
| 1995 | 19 | 17% |
| 1994 | 32 | 23% |
| 1993 | 105 | 54% |
| 1992 | 18 | 20% |
| 1991 | 17 | 23% |
| 1990 | 9 | 10% |
| 1989 | 9 | 11% |
| 1988 | 6 | 11% |
| 1987 | 5 | 15% |
| 1986 | 1 | 8% |
| 1985 | 1 | 10% |
| 1984 | 4 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2001 Mercury Cougar
26 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Mercury Cougar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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