2002 Mercury Cougar Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 49about this part
- Share
- 52%of 95 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 49 complaints about the fuel system of the 2002 Mercury Cougar, 52% of the 95 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Since purchasing 2002 Mercury Cougar in january 2010 the vehicle hesitates, surges, and stalls at any rate of speed. Initially the problem was rare, then gradually occurred more frequently. This now happens at least weekly, sometimes several times per day. This issue has endangered me more times than I can currently recall. Replaced alternator, battery, EGR valve and sensor, iac valve, and catalytic converter. The issue persists.”
NHTSA complaint #10724633, filed 2015-06, 92,000 miles“I am currently having problems with the fuel pump driver module. I reported the problem to ford in oct 2018. Ford stated that the 10 year recall ended and per their records the issue was resolved as fuel module was replaced by dealer don knott ford, carson, ca. Don knott ford is no longer in business. The aforementioned dealer I believe was involved in unethical business practices. I was never informed of such a recall and dealer never changed module, I do not have documentation & would like such for my records. …”
NHTSA complaint #11152377, filed 2018-11, 14,308 miles“My car is hesitating, with surging and loss of power, just as the recall states. However, upon calling ford and dealerships, I find out that although the recall that has been issued is for my car and has the exact problems that are stated, according to ford there is no recall and it will not be fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10199412, filed 2007-08, 80,000 miles“Loss of power, surging, so I took to dealer they changed fuel pump supposedly and filter and transmission fluid. One week later I took it back because it continued to do the same, they said they checked a wire to fuel pump and changed a spark plug, and here it is another week with the same symptoms.”
NHTSA complaint #10206826, filed 2007-10, 74,500 miles“Nhtsa campaign number:04v421000 manufacturer ford motor company was driving on a main city st. My auto stopped with no power in the left lane of busy 4 lane st. Would not start in neutral or park, man pushed it into the ctr. Lane out of traffic area. Policeman came after I called 911, after a few minutes he suggested taking key out stepping on brake then inserting key back in ignition, did that and it started right up, and he followed me to my st. And I got safely home. Prior to this shut down incident it had stalled going down a hill however put it in neutral and it started up again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10966151, filed 2017-03, 92,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V421000Aug 30, 2004On certain passenger vehicles, contamination of the filter in the fuel delivery module (fdm) can reduce, and eventually block, the flow of fuel to the engine.Covers: Mercury Cougar 1999–2002
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 49 | 52% |
| 2001 | 26 | 32% |
| 2000 | 46 | 22% |
| 1999 | 46 | 10% |
| 1997 | 8 | 11% |
| 1996 | 3 | 5% |
| 1995 | 9 | 8% |
| 1994 | 5 | 4% |
| 1993 | 10 | 5% |
| 1992 | 9 | 10% |
| 1991 | 6 | 8% |
| 1990 | 5 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 1% |
| 1987 | 2 | 6% |
| 1986 | 1 | 8% |
| 1984 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2002 Mercury Cougar
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Mercury Cougar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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