Model year
2002 Mercury Cougar
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 95 complaints for the 2002 Mercury Cougar (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (22), FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP (16), ENGINE (9). NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 21–24 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,800–$3,200, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
Recalls
04V421000 · Aug 30, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Complaints
95 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 9, fire flag on 1, injury field 12, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cougar · 2L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 21 | 31 | 24 | — | — | $2,800 |
| Cougar · 2.5L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 18 | 26 | 21 | — | — | $3,200 |
| Cougar · 2.5L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 18 | 27 | 21 | — | — | $3,200 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2002 Mercury Cougar at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.