Three problems related to ignition switch have 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.
First noticed that hatchback indicator tone would not go off. Then when key is put in ignition it won't turn sometimes. When clutch is engaged rpms will go as high as 4000. Engine stalled while driving at 50 mph. Took to dealership and was told they could find nothing wrong.
At 2600 miles engine check light and airbag light came on, and key in ignition switch wasn't working.
The vehicle has been taken in several times for these ongoing problems. The problems have occurred since the first week of having the vehicle. Arbitration papers were filed but request was denied due to dealership not registering problems as well as indicating a part capable of fixing the problem, however the part did not. Vehicle was taken to a new dealership who registered the compliants. Dealership replaced the ignition switch but problems still remain. Dealership told owners it was an electrical problem that would be to complicated to find. The vehicle is a lease and is used for traveling back and forth for a college student on highways where the vehicle has failed several times.