1978 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 1978 Mercury Cougar problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here are common problems with the Mercury Cougar 1978 based on complaints from owners:
- Serpentine Belt Breakage: Owners reported issues with the serpentine belt breaking on the 351 engine. This problem can lead to loss of power steering, electrical charging, and air conditioning, affecting the overall performance of the vehicle.
- Polycast Wheel Center Caps: Another common problem was the polycast wheel center caps flying off. Owners resorted to gluing them in place with silicone to prevent them from detaching. This issue not only affects the aesthetics of the car but can also lead to potential safety hazards if the caps come off while driving.
- Speeding Tickets: Due to the limited speed on interstates being strictly enforced, some owners mentioned receiving speeding tickets while driving the 1978 Mercury Cougar. This highlights a challenge faced by drivers of this model in adhering to speed limits and avoiding fines.
- Trunk Inspection: Owners, especially younger drivers, mentioned the inconvenience of having to open their trunk for inspection at the US/Canada border due to profiling concerns. This issue may not be a mechanical problem but adds to the overall experience of owning and driving the car.
These common problems with the 1978 Mercury Cougar reflect a mix of mechanical issues and practical inconveniences that owners faced during their ownership. Addressing these issues would have improved the overall satisfaction and performance of this classic car.
What years of Mercury Cougar to 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.”
How much horsepower does a 1978 Mercury Cougar xr7 have?
Mercury Cougar XR-7 6.6 V8 SelectShift, 169hp, 1978.
What does xr7 mean on a Mercury Cougar?
It's been suggested that "XR-7" is a cipher for "experimental racing," and there was, in fact, a team of Cougars prepared by NASCAR specialist Bud Moore for drivers Dan Gurney and Parnelli Jones to compete in the 1967 Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans-Am road-racing championship.
What years of Mercury Cougar to 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).
How much horsepower does a 1978 Mercury Cougar xr7 have?
Mercury Cougar XR-7 6.6 V8 SelectShift, 169hp, 1978.
Was the Mercury Cougar a muscle car?
For its first two generations, the Cougar was derived from the Ford Mustang. Initially serving as a pony car, the popularity of the Cougar led it to replace the Cyclone muscle car in the Mercury model line. The second generation moved its market position closer to the personal luxury car segment.
Is a Mercury Cougar the same as a Mustang?
The Mercury Cougar was based on the Mustang, but it took a different approach than General Motors did with its Camaro and Firebird siblings by giving the Cougar entirely different sheet metal and a longer wheelbase. (Chrysler adopted the same method with the E-body Challenger and Barracuda in 1970.)
1978 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:
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1978 Mercury Cougar vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1978 Mercury Cougar complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1978 Mercury Cougar.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-26
- VIN: 8H93H579013
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1978 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELTS FAIL TO OPERATE PROPERLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 78V108000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR) BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD. THE VIN WAS INACCURATE AND THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 42,267.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DIDN'T RESTRAIN PERSON HIT HER HEAD WAS TOTALED. TT
1978 Mercury Cougar recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1978 Mercury Cougar.
- Manufacturer: INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS IS RECALLING 1,937 FUEL FILTERS, P/NOS ALG 44/1 AND PUROLATOR F10024, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 14 AND FEBRUARY 13, 2008, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILTER'S OUTLET CAP MAY NOT BE SECURELY CRIMPED TO THE HOUSING. THIS COULD RESULT IN A SEPARATION OF FILTER'S OUTLET CAP FROM THE HOUSING.
- Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, A NO START CONDITION MAY RESULT AND FUEL MAY BE PUMPED ONTO THE GROUND. IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP DUE TO INADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: INTERCONTINENTAL WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING MARCH 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INTERCONTINENTAL AT 800-451-2593.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
- Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH SHOULDER HARNESS RETRACTORS THAT MAY NOT LOCK. SHOULD THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN DECELERATION OR IMPACT, THE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE RESTRAINED BY THE SHOULDER HARNESS PORTION OF THE THREE-POINT SEAT BELT SYSTEM. FURTHERMORE, THE SHOULDER HARNESS RETRACTORS MAY NOT ALLOW EXTRACTION OF THE SHOULDER BELT WEBBING DUE TO A PRE-LOCKED CONDITION. THIS IS A NON-COMPLIANCE TO THE EMERGENCY LOCKING RETRACTOR PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES".
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES IF NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1978 Mercury Cougar problems:
Junkyard Find: 1978 Mercury Cougar | The Truth About Cars
Feb 8, 2011 ... The Cougar name has been slapped on so many different Mercurized (Mercurated?) Fords that it gets hard to keep them straight.
1978 Mercury Cougar Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Faults: Usual electrical connection corrosion. Rust electrolises on doors. General Comments: Great highway car; King of the road. Rides great.
I own a 1978 Mercury Cougar XR-7 coupe....2 door....63000
Feb 11, 2012 ... I own a 1978 Mercury Cougar XR-7 coupe....2 door....63000 original miles. AM/FM radio leather upholstery.... - Answered by a verified ...
Curbside Classic: 1987 or 1988 Mercury Cougar - Picking At An ...
Oct 28, 2019 ... Well, maybe just the full-sized Mercury through about 1978. ... The FWD Cougar's biggest problem was that it was a Mercury. ... The Cougar's engine ...
Weird noise and idle problems on cold morning starts | New Cougar ...
Dec 21, 2004 ... 1978 Trans AM, 400, Hurst 4-speed, W72 "being restored" 1999 Mercury Cougar, V6, 5-speed. Save Share. Like. Sort by Oldest first. Oldest ...
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