2000 Mercury Cougar

The 2000 Mercury Cougar was a sporty coupe aiming to recapture the spirit of earlier, more performance-oriented Cougars. It was available with two engine options: a 2.0L Zetec inline-4 producing 125 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5L Duratec V6 producing 170 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. Both engines could be paired with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Many liked the Cougar for its distinctive styling and relatively affordable price point, but some disliked its limited rear seat space, and some found the base engine underpowered.

Engine

2.0L Zetec I4

• Rough Idle/Stalling
  • Description/Symptoms: The engine may idle roughly, stall frequently, or hesitate upon acceleration.
  • Solution: Clean or replace the idle air control (IAC) valve. Check for vacuum leaks and repair as needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from various points in the cooling system, leading to overheating.
  • Solution: Inspect and replace leaking hoses, water pump, thermostat housing, and radiator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5L Duratec V6

• Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, especially at lower RPMs, due to the IMRC system failing to properly actuate.
  • Solution: Replace the IMRC actuator or the entire intake manifold assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from valve cover gaskets and other engine seals, leading to oil consumption and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets and other leaking seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Both Transmissions

• Shifting Problems/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping during acceleration, or harsh shifting.
  • Solution: Check and replace transmission fluid. If the problem persists, rebuild or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (fluid change) - $2000+ (rebuild/replace)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Ball Joints/Tie Rod Ends
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, loose steering, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace worn ball joints and tie rod ends.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The strut mounts are known to fail on these vehicles. A sign they have failed is clunking noises from the struts when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery warning light on, dimming headlights, and eventual loss of electrical power.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not going up or down, or the window motor making a loud noise
  • Solution: Replace the window motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Spoiler Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The factory spoiler is known to crack over time.
  • Solution: Replace the spoiler or repair it with body filler and paint
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof is stuck open or closed, the motor makes grinding noises.
  • Solution: Replace the sunroof motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2000 Mercury Cougar, while stylish, has a range of potential issues, mostly related to wear and tear as it ages. Engine issues with both the 2.0L and 2.5L, along with transmission problems, are common and can range from relatively inexpensive fixes to costly replacements. Suspension and electrical problems are also present. While none of the issues are catastrophic, they can add up, potentially making ownership more expensive as the vehicle ages.