1982 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 1982 Mercury Cougar problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1982 Mercury Cougar, several common problems have been reported:
- Electrical System Problems: The Mercury Cougar LS variant, part of the eighth generation, has been reported to have issues with its electrical system. Problems include malfunctioning dashboard clusters, power window failures, lighting system issues, and alternator failures. These issues can lead to inaccurate readings on gauges, slow or non-functional power windows, frequent bulb burnouts, and battery charging problems.
- Engine-Specific Issues: Depending on the engine type, various problems have been noted. V8 engines may experience oil consumption, overheating, and timing chain failures. V6 engines could have issues like misfiring, stalling, and fuel injection problems. Four-cylinder engines might exhibit poor acceleration, valve train issues, and oil leaks.
- Transmission Problems: Across different generations, transmission issues have been reported, including problems with shifting, slipping, or complete failure. These issues can lead to drivability concerns and the need for transmission repairs or replacements.
- Fuel System Problems: Complaints have highlighted fuel system issues in the fourth generation of the Mercury Cougar (1977-1979). These problems could affect the car's performance and fuel efficiency, requiring attention to ensure proper functioning.
- Exhaust System Issues: The fourth generation of the Mercury Cougar also faced exhaust manifold issues. These problems could impact emissions, engine performance, and overall vehicle operation, necessitating repairs to address the exhaust system concerns.
- Cooling System Malfunctions: Cooling system problems have been noted in various generations of the Mercury Cougar. Issues such as overheating, coolant leaks, or radiator failures can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly. Proper maintenance and repairs are essential to prevent cooling system issues.
By addressing these common problems with the 1982 Mercury Cougar, owners can better understand potential issues they may encounter and take proactive measures to maintain and repair their vehicles effectively.
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 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
How fast does a Mercury Cougar go?
The Cougar does SURPRISINGLY well at high speeds, as I found out while blazing towards Phoenix on I-10 out of LA at 140+ mph.
What years of Mercury Cougar to avoid?
Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 8th generation (1999–2002).
- 8th Generation Cougar. Years 1999–2002 Reliability 22nd out of 28 PainRank™ 4.77 Complaints 71.
- 7th Generation Cougar. Years 1989–1997 Reliability 3rd out of 28 PainRank™ 0.51 Complaints 17.
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 1982 Mercury Cougar have?
The 1982 Cougar had no four-cylinder engine available; instead, buyers could choose between a 200-cubic-inch (3.3-liter) straight-six rated at 87 horsepower or a 3.8-liter V6 good for 112 horses.
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.
1982 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Seats problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1982 Mercury Cougar vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1982 Mercury Cougar complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1982 Mercury Cougar.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-20
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION MODULE FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. NLM
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-01
- Fire: 1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT STARTED TO SMOKE . TT
1982 Mercury Cougar recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1982 Mercury Cougar.
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
- Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
- Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
- Summary: SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH IMPROPERLY WELDED FUEL TANK SUPPORT STRAPS. UNDER CERTAIN COLLISION CONDITIONS, THESE STRAPS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SUPPORT THE FUEL TANK AND LEAKS COULD DEVELOP.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK RETAINING STRAPS FOR TYPE OF WELDS AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: SOME OF THE SUSPECT VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED PROPANE FUEL SYSTEM FITTINGS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT; FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT, REPLACE, AND SEAL CERTAIN FUEL SYSTEM CONNECTIONS AT NO COST TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: INCORRECT INFORMATION ON TIRE PLACARDS CONSTITUTES A FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS". THE INFORMATION CONCERNING TIRE SIZES AND INFLATION PRESSURES IS APPLICABLE TO BOTH TWO AND FOUR DOOR SEDANS. THE STATEMENT COVERS FOUR DOOR BUT FAILS TO SPECIFY TWO DOOR SEDANS.
- Remedy: REVISED PLACARDS WILL BE INSTALLED BY OWNERS, OR BY DEALERS WITHOUT CHARGE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1982 Mercury Cougar problems:
Curbside Classic: 1987 or 1988 Mercury Cougar - Picking At An ...
Oct 28, 2019 ... For a weird perspective, Mercury sold 19,300 Granada based Cougar wagons in 1982. This should certainly be proof the personal luxury coupe ...
Cluster problems...needs help. - Third Generation F-Body Message ...
Apr 9, 2012 ... ... Mercury Capri. At last, my daily driver, an 1982 Mercury Cougar Sedan. The 3rd Gen Camaro Convertible was my father's dream car since years ...
Mercury Cougar XR-7: I am havening serious electrical
Dec 6, 2014 ... I am haveing serious electrical problems. Okay the ignition switch up, literally, wires in back melted, I believe - Answered by a verified ...
95 Cougar 4.6 Shutting off.. Help!!! | TCCoA Forums
Jan 3, 2009 ... If you start the car and just let it run it will not shut off. It went in to the Mercury dealer here in Milwaukee, and the EGR valve was cleaned ...
Why haven't the 1983-1997 Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar ...
Nov 9, 2022 ... Door sag and the automatic seat belts were also common issues. Comfy seats, great long-distance cruisers, adjustable suspension, and enough ...
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