One problem related to gas tank strap has been reported for the 2000 Mercury Cougar. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2000 Mercury Cougar based on all problems reported for the 2000 Cougar.
During periodic maintenance the dealer discovered the passenger side fuel tank strap had corroded and broke. Likely cause was the salt and chemicals applied to the roads during the winter. The driver side strap was intact but would likely fail in the future. I was informed the fuel tank straps were special order since they do not normally fail. Returned the next day to have both straps replaced. Fortunately the issue was discovered before the tank separated from the vehicle. This is the same issue with Ford trucks of the same vintage.