Three problems related to transmission failure have been reported for the 2002 Mercury Cougar. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Mercury Cougar based on all problems reported for the 2002 Cougar.
Automatic transmission failure at 85,000 miles under normal operation and maintenance.
Bought the car in 12/02 and in 7/04 almost when the warranty is over the transmission failed. I was driving on the street and my car hesitated to go when I pressed on the gas pedal, when it finally grabbed the gear it jerked me twice. The following day it died on me and it would drive or go on reverse. It's been on the dealership 3 times since 7/04 with mileage of 33,000. New car warranty is over in 12/04 or 35,000. Not a good car. It's been discontinued. No wonder.
While driving, the automatic transmission failed to shift properly.