1973 Mercury Cougar problems
The Mercury Cougar is a series of automobiles that was sold by Mercury from 1967 to 2002. The model line is a diverse series of vehicles; though the Cougar nameplate is most commonly associated with two-door coupes, at various stages in its production, the model also was offered as a convertible and a hatchback. During its production as the mid-size Mercury line, the Cougar was also offered as a four-door sedan and five-door station wagon.
In production for 34 years across eight generations (skipping the 1998 model year), the Cougar is second only to the Grand Marquis (36 years) in the Mercury line for production longevity. 2,972,784 examples were produced, making it the highest-selling Mercury vehicle. During the 1970s and 1980s, the marketing of the Mercury division was closely associated with the Cougar, with promotional materials advertising Mercury dealers as "The Sign of the Cat" with big cats atop Lincoln-Mercury dealer signs. Cat-related nameplates were adopted by other Mercury lines, including the Bobcat and Lynx.
During its production, the Cougar was assembled at the Dearborn Assembly Plant (part of the Ford River Rouge Complex) in Dearborn, Michigan from 1967 until 1973, San Jose Assembly (Milpitas, California) from 1968 into early 1969, Lorain Assembly (Lorain, Ohio) from 1974 until 1997, and at Flat Rock Assembly (Flat Rock, Michigan) from 1999 through 2002.
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Common 1973 Mercury Cougar problems
The 1973 Mercury Cougar, like many cars of its era, is known for several common problems that have been reported by owners. One of the most frequently mentioned issues is related to the battery light, which can be caused by a damaged alternator wire harness connector. This problem can lead to a range of electrical issues, including difficulty starting the car or even causing the battery to drain completely.
Another common problem with the 1973 Mercury Cougar is related to the engine. Many owners have reported issues with starting the car after it has been sitting for a long period of time. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including rust and scarring in the cylinder bores, damaged valves, or issues with the timing. To address this issue, it is recommended to flush the coolant system, examine the pistons and valves, and ensure that the timing is set correctly.
The 1973 Mercury Cougar is also known for having issues with the sequential turn signals. This problem is related to the turn signal system, which has four main components: the turn signal switch, the turn signal flasher can, the emergency flasher, and the turn signal sequential flasher. When the directional lever on the turn signal switch is depressed, it completes circuits that select and feed power to the corresponding bank of lights. However, if any of these components are damaged or not functioning properly, it can cause the turn signals to malfunction or not work at all.
In addition to these specific issues, the 1973 Mercury Cougar is also known for having some of the same problems as its Mustang counterpart, such as bloat and reduced performance. This is due in part to the fact that the Cougar shared many of the same components and design elements as the Mustang, including the same chassis and suspension system.
Overall, the 1973 Mercury Cougar is a classic car that is known for its unique style and design. However, like many cars of its era, it is also known for several common problems that can be frustrating for owners. By addressing these issues and taking proper care of the car, however, it is possible to keep the Cougar running smoothly and reliably for many years to come.
What years of Mercury Cougar should I avoid?
The Cougar has 2 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 8th generation (1999–2002).
What year Cougar is the most desirable?
And you'll have a luxury sports car. . . . With all of the flair of the finest European sports touring machines, Cougar for 1971 is more desirable than ever. It's dramatically new from bumper to bumper — longer, lower, wider with an increased tread for road-gripping stability.”
What engine was in a 1973 Mercury Cougar?
Second generation (1971–1973)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 351 cu in (5.8 L) Windsor V8 351 cu in (5.8 L) Cleveland V8 429 cu in (7.0 L) Super Cobra Jet V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual 4-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 112.1 in (2,847 mm) |
How many miles per gallon does a Mercury Cougar get?
1999 Mercury Cougar
| EPA MPG | Owner MPG Estimates |
|---|---|
| 1999 Mercury Cougar 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Automatic 4-spd | |
| 23 combined city/highway MPG 20 city 28 highway 4.3 gals/ 100 miles | View Estimates How can I share my MPG? |
| 1999 Mercury Cougar 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Manual 5-spd | |
| Regular Gasoline | View Estimates How can I share my MPG? |
What years of Mercury Cougar should I avoid?
The Cougar has 2 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 8th generation (1999–2002).
What engine was in a 1973 Mercury Cougar?
Second generation (1971–1973)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 351 cu in (5.8 L) Windsor V8 351 cu in (5.8 L) Cleveland V8 429 cu in (7.0 L) Super Cobra Jet V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual 4-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 112.1 in (2,847 mm) |
What engine did the Mercury Cougar have?
The 67 cougar shared most of its engine lineup with the Mustang. However Mercury solely offered V8 engines. Standard was the 200 horsepower 289 cubic inch two barrel carbureted V8 options included a
Are Mercury cougars fast?
The Mercury Cougar is a rear-wheel drive vehicle with manual and automatic transmission options. The 1967 Mercury Cougar is fast and is pretty much on par with the speeds of the Ford Mustang. The car accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.0 seconds.
1973 Mercury Cougar car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercury Cougar problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1973 Mercury Cougar vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1973 Mercury Cougar complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1973 Mercury Cougar.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-01
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CARLTON, P205/75R15, DOT REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT WITH 1000 MILES ON A 1973, MERCURY, COUGAR. PASSENGER'S FRONT TIRE HAD TREAD SEPARATION AT 45-50 MPH, CAUSING 1100.00 DOLLARS IN DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.*AK DOT CKUL IMC 115. WHILE IN MOTION THE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED CAUSING A BLOWOUT AND DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. AN EXPERT OF PIRELLI TIRES STATED THE REASON FOR THE BLOWOUT WAS DUE TO TIRE UNDER INFLATION. CONSUMER EXPLAINS TEH TIRE PRESSURE WAS AT THE SPECIFIED PSI. *JG
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-15
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE ON THE VEHICLE HAD BULGES ON THE TREAD. CONTACTED DEALER. FIRESTONE FR721 205/75R15 (DOT UNKNOWN), REPLACEMENT TIRES, 8OOO MILES, MOUNTED ON A 1973 ,MERCURY, COUGAR.*AK WHILE DRIVING STEERING WAS WOBBLY AND SHAKY. UPON INSPECTION FOUND FRONT RIGHT AND LEFT REAR TIRES WERE OUT OF ROUND AND STEEL BELTS HAD SHIFTED. *TT
Additional sources
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