2002 Mercury Cougar
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 17 |
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 13 |
| 1987 | 33 |
| 1988 | 55 |
| 1989 | 81 |
| 1990 | 86 |
| 1991 | 73 |
| 1992 | 92 |
| 1993 | 195 |
| 1994 | 137 |
| 1995 | 109 |
| 1996 | 62 |
| 1997 | 76 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 454 |
| 2000 | 211 |
| 2001 | 82 |
| 2002 | 95 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
23% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 22 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, SHE WAS NOTIFIED BY ANOTHER DRIVER THAT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140724
17% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 16 distinct reports on file.
INJURY9% of complaints: engine — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASH7% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON 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.
Remedy: THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT. ALL OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FDM WITH A NEW DESIGN AT
Campaign 04V421000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAN
Remedy: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-32
Campaign 06E022000 — check if this car was fixed
FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WIT
Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
Campaign 08E033000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Mercury Cougar — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V421000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E022000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E033000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Mercury Cougar reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Mercury Cougar is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mercury Cougar?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercury Cougar have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.