1977 Mercury Bobcat problems

Common 1977 Mercury Bobcat problems

The 1977 Mercury Bobcat, a subcompact car developed by Ford and marketed under the Mercury brand, faced several common problems that affected its performance and safety. These issues were reported by owners and documented in various sources, including recalls and consumer complaints.

• Fuel pump leakage: A recall was issued for the 1977 Mercury Bobcat due to a leaking fuel pump, which posed a risk of vehicle fires. This issue was addressed in recall 72065, which affected vehicles equipped with 2.8-liter engines and optional air conditioning.

• Engine oiling problems: Some owners reported engine oiling issues, which required a change in engine oil to address the problem. This issue was severe enough to earn the Bobcat the title of the "worst car I ever owned" by some owners.

• Flexible five-blade engine cooling fan: Another recall, 1983021, was issued for the 1977 Mercury Bobcat due to the risk of the flexible five-blade engine cooling fan fatigue cracking and separating. This could potentially damage underhood components, posing a hazard to both the vehicle and its occupants.

• Rusting: As with many cars of the era, the 1977 Mercury Bobcat was susceptible to rusting, particularly in California, where cars were exposed to the elements for extended periods. This could lead to various mechanical issues and a decrease in the vehicle's overall structural integrity.

• Fuel system fires and recalls: The placement of the fuel tank in the Pinto, the Bobcat's twin model, was the subject of controversy due to the risk of fuel system fires in rear-end collisions. While the Mercury Bobcat was not directly implicated in the same way as the Pinto, it shared the same basic design and engineering, making it a potential concern for owners.

These common problems with the 1977 Mercury Bobcat highlight the importance of regular maintenance, safety inspections, and recalls to ensure the vehicle's safe and reliable operation.

What was the difference between the Ford Pinto and the Mercury Bobcat?

The Bobcat was essentially a Ford Pinto with a different grille and hood; however, it also offered a more stylish interior. The first Bobcat models were manufactured in two body styles. One offered an optional glass third door.

What was the last year they made the Mercury Bobcat?

1980

Production of the Bobcat ended in 1980 to make way for its replacement, the Mercury Lynx. In total, 224,026 Bobcats were produced from 1975 until 1980.

What engine was in the Mercury Bobcat?

Mercury Bobcat
Mercury
Engine	2.3L (140 cid) I4 (1975-1980) 2.8L (171 cid) V6 (1975-1979)
Power	88-98 hp
Similar	Ford Pinto

What is the scandal about the Pinto gas tank?

The Pinto, a subcompact car made by Ford Motor Company, became infamous in the 1970s for bursting into flames if its gas tank was ruptured in a collision. The lawsuits brought by injured people and their survivors uncovered how the company rushed the Pinto through production and onto the market.

Why did the Pinto fail?

Fighting strong competition from Volkswagen for the lucrative small-car market, the Ford Motor Company rushed the Pinto into production in much less than the usual time. Ford engineers discovered in pre-production crash tests that rear-end collisions would rupture the Pinto's fuel system extremely easily.

What engine was in the Mercury Bobcat?

Mercury Bobcat
Mercury
Engine	2.3L (140 cid) I4 (1975-1980) 2.8L (171 cid) V6 (1975-1979)
Power	88-98 hp
Similar	Ford Pinto

Is the Mercury Bobcat the same as a Ford Pinto?

Mercury offered rebadged versions of the Pinto as the Mercury Bobcat from 1975 until 1980 (1974–1980 in Canada).

What was the controversy with the Ford Pinto fire?

The Pinto, a subcompact car made by Ford Motor Company, became infamous in the 1970s for bursting into flames if its gas tank was ruptured in a collision. The lawsuits brought by injured people and their survivors uncovered how the company rushed the Pinto through production and onto the market.

1977 Mercury Bobcat car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercury Bobcat problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Fuel system problems
• Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1977 Mercury Bobcat vehicle components and the number of complaints received.