1996 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 1996 Mercury Cougar problems
The 1996 Mercury Cougar is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners of this car. These problems are related to the engine, electrical system, fuel system, and steering.
One of the most common problems with the 1996 Mercury Cougar is a battery light due to a damaged alternator wire harness connector. This problem is caused by the alternator wire harness connector getting damaged or corroded, which results in the battery light coming on and the car not charging properly. This problem can be solved by replacing the damaged alternator wire harness connector.
Another common problem with the 1996 Mercury Cougar is engine issues. Owners have reported problems with the engine running roughly and stalling. This problem can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a faulty ignition system, a dirty fuel injector, or a clogged air filter. To solve this problem, it is recommended to perform a comprehensive engine diagnostic test to identify the root cause.
The 1996 Mercury Cougar also has problems with the alternator, with many owners reporting that the alternator keeps failing. This problem can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a faulty voltage regulator, a damaged alternator belt, or a worn-out alternator. To solve this problem, it is recommended to replace the faulty alternator or its components.
Another common problem with the 1996 Mercury Cougar is power steering fluid leaks. This problem can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a damaged power steering hose, a faulty power steering pump, or a leaking power steering reservoir. To solve this problem, it is recommended to replace the damaged power steering component.
The 1996 Mercury Cougar also has problems with the fuel system, with owners reporting issues with the fuel pump and fuel injectors. This problem can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a faulty fuel pump relay, a clogged fuel filter, or a damaged fuel injector. To solve this problem, it is recommended to replace the faulty fuel system component.
Finally, the 1996 Mercury Cougar has problems with the steering, with owners reporting issues with the power steering. This problem can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a low power steering fluid level, a damaged power steering hose, or a faulty power steering pump. To solve this problem, it is recommended to check the power steering fluid level and replace the damaged power steering component.
In conclusion, the 1996 Mercury Cougar has several common problems based on complaints from owners of this car. These problems are related to the engine, electrical system, fuel system, and steering. To solve these problems, it is recommended to perform a comprehensive diagnostic test and replace the faulty components.
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.
How much is a 1995 Mercury Cougar worth?
How much is a 1995 Mercury Cougar worth? The value of a used 1995 Mercury Cougar ranges from $249 to $907, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
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.)
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).
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.
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
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.)
1996 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Visibility problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Mercury Cougar vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1996 Mercury Cougar
The NHTSA has received 75 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Mercury Cougar. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1996 Mercury Cougar vehicles.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-02-01
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLIMATE CONTROL ADJUSTER FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE BLOWER WOULD ONLY FUNCTION ON HIGH AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ADJUST THE DEFROST SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 05/24/12*LJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-12-25
- VIN: 1MELM62W4TH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING ANTI FREEZE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS FRACTURED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED TO REPORT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-19
- VIN: 1MELM62W3TH
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT DOOR AND THE PASSENGERS SIDE FRONT DOOR WOULD OPEN WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. WHEN SHE CLOSED THE DOORS THEY COULD BE PUSHED OPEN WITH LITTLE EFFORT. FORD WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 96V070000, LATCHES, LOCKS, LINKAGES, AND DOOR LATCH WAS, ISSUED FOR HER YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED OF THE 10 YEAR EXPIRATION PERIOD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 114,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-09-12
- VIN: 1MELM62W8TH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING MY 1996 COUGAR THIS PAST SEPTEMBER, WHICH HAS ONLY 40,360 MILES ON IT AND IS STORED MOST OF THE YEAR FOR THE PURPOSES OF COLLECTING AND PRESERVING THE VEHICLE INDEFINITELY, AT LOW SPEEDS I NOTICED THE OBVIOUS SIGN OF COOLANT AND THE SMELL OF COOLANT COMING FROM UP UNDER THE HOOD. I THEN SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN RIGHT AWAY AND DISCOVERED COOLANT RUNNING ONTO THE GROUND BELOW. NOW, BEING OF AN EXPERIENCED NATURE WITH AUTOMOBILES AND USING CLOSE OBSERVATION OF THE PROBLEM IT APPEARED TO BE EMANATING FROM THE FRONT OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. I THEN DISCOVERED AFTER THE FACT THAT THESE 4.6 LITER ENGINES ARE NOTORIOUS FOR THIS INTAKE CRACKING PROBLEM, SO NOW I WILL BE PURCHASING AN UPGRADED AND IMPROVED INTAKE FOR AROUND $223.00 THAT IS DESIGNED AS A REPLACEMENT FOR THIS DEFECTIVE MANIFOLD. I THEN HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO MY PLACE OF RESIDENCE AT THE COST OF AROUND $100.00 QUESTION IS? WHY THEN AM I ONE OF THOSE OWNERS THAT WERE NOT GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET A COVERED REPLACEMENT WHEN IT IS VERY APPARENT THAT MY YEAR 1996 MERCURY COUGAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE 4.6 ENGINES RECALL. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTROUS SITUATION DAMAGING OR SHORTENING THE LIFE OF A WELL CARED FOR ENGINE. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS SIMPLY NOT A COMPONENT THAT SHOULD FAIL, I REALIZE THAT THIS DOESN'T APPLY TO EVERY COMPONENT ON A VEHICLES ENGINE BUT IT DOES AND SHOULD APPLY TO THIS COMPONENT BECAUSE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS PART, SINCE THE POTENTIAL COST INCURRED TO AN OWNER IF IT OVERHEATS THE ENGINE COULD BE QUITE HIGH AND THIS IS COMPLETELY SOLVABLE BY PROPER COMPONENT DESIGN AS IS WELL PROVEN WITH GOOD DESIGNS IN THE MANY AUTOMOBLES PRODUCED IN PAST YEARS. *CN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-10
- VIN: 1MELM6244TH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: MOVEMENT OF THE FUEL LINES CAUSES THE NYLON FUEL LINE JUMPER TO CHAFE AGAINST THE FLOOR PAN. THIS WEAR CAN CAUSE A PIN HOLE IN THE FUEL LINE RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. RECALL # 97V159000 1992-93 MERCURY COUGARS...FORD RECALL LETTER TO YOU DATED 9-17-1997..MY COUGAR BUILT 4-'96...1996 WAS THE LAST YEAR FOR THIS CAR. ALL COUGARS 1992 TO 1996 SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED, FOR THE CONVOLUTE COVERING PREVENTION TO BE INSTALLED AROUND THE FUEL LINES PER FORD RECALL LETTER 573.5 (C) (8) CAMPAIGN # 97S84. PURSUANT TO PART 573 OF TITLE 49 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-05
- VIN: 1MELM6243TH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1996 MERCURY COUGAR V6 3.8 LITER ENGINE. HEAD GASKET FAILURE. THIS ENGINE HAS NEVER OVERHEATED. ROUGHLY 80,000 MILES. $1200-1500 ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-02
- VIN: 1MELM62W7TH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING AND SAW MY LOW COOLANT LIGHT WAS ON. PULLED INTO CAR PARTS COMPANY PARKING LOT. OPENED HOOD SAW COOLANT ON TOP OF MOTOR AND UNDERSIDE OF HOOD. COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM FRONT OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. UPON INSPECTION REALIZED THE MANIFOLD IS MADE OF PLASTIC. I ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE LEAK WITH PLASTIC REPAIR AND A COOLANT SYSTEM REPAIR, NO USE. HAD TO LIMP THE CAR TO ZENDER FORD IN SPRUCE GROVE, ALBERTA. THEY ARE FIXING THE CAR AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $900.00 NO WARRANTY OR RECALL. LEFT ME STRANDED 400 KM'S FROM MY HOME. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-29
- VIN: 1MELM62W5TH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CAMPAIGN 96V007000----ON MY 96 COUGARXR7 PURCHASED IN 2001--HAD TO REPACE MOTOR DUE TO OVERHEATING--NEW MOTOR STARTED TO OVERHEAT/BLOWER CAUSED THIS OVER-HEATING--BECAUSE BLOWER CAME ON ERATICALLY MECHANIC DID NOT FIND IMMEDIATELY//CURRENTLY OUT OF POCKETEXPENSES AROUND 6000.00--DEALER SHOULD OF HAD THIS FIXED BEFORE SELLING TO ME OR AT LEAST NOTIFIED ME OF THIS RECALL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-14
- VIN: 1MELM6240TH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: DT: WITHOUT WARNING WHILE STEPPING ON BRAKE THE CAR WILL ACCELERATE, AND THE ENGINE WILL REV UP. CALLER HAS TO STOMP ON BRAKE HARD TO GET IT TO STAY STILL. CAR CAN BE IN GEAR OR IN PARK WHEN THIS HAPPENS. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. EVERY TIME HE HAS TAPPED THE BRAKE JUST BEFORE THIS HAPPENS.*AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-26
- VIN: 1MELM62W9TH
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DRIVER'S DOOR LATCH MALFUNCTIONED. THEREFORE, THE DOOR DIDN'T CLOSE FULLY, AND COULD FLY OPEN WHILE DRIVING. THE ENTIRE LATCH HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-15
- VIN: 1MELM624XTH
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 96 V 070 000/STRUCTURE DOOR ASSEMBLY LATCHES AND LOCKS: ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER DOOR FLEW OPEN BY ITSELF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER MADE SOME REPAIRS AT NO COST. THE CONSUMER HAS A CONCERN IF THE PROBLEM WILL RECUR. *JB *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-17
- VIN: 1MELM62W1TH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: CHECK FOR COOLANT LEAK AT INTAKE MANIFOLD. REPLACED INTAKE MANIFOLD. THERE WERE REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND TIRE ROTATION. *BF THE ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON, AND THE COOLANT LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND OFF. THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE SENSOR LIGHT AND ADDED A CUP OF WATER. THE CONSUMER'S SON IN LAW WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE, THE RUBBER STRIP ON THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS COMING OFF, THE RIGHT REAR TRIM PANEL COMING LOOSE, THE BRAKES MADE RUBBING NOISE INTERMITTENTLY, GLOVE BOX DOOR WON'T SHUT, THE AIR BAG WOULD RATTLE, THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR RATTLED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, AND THE DOOR SWITCH TRIM PANEL WAS DISCOLORED. *SC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-22
- VIN: 1MELM62W8TH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I PURCHASED MY COUGAR IN 1996 BRAND NEW. I HAVE BEEN IT SOUL OWNER SINCE THE DATE OF PURCHASE. ON NOVEMBER 23, 2004 I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND ABOUT HALF WAY THERE MY LOW COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON. THERE WAS NO OTHER SIGNS THAT MY CAR WAS IN TROUBLE, NO OVERHEATING ON MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE, SO I CONTINUED TO WORK, PARKED THE CAR. BEFORE I STARTED THE CAR I ADDED A GALLON OF ANTIFREEZE AND IT SEEMED TO DRAIN OUT SO I ADDED ANOTHER GALLON, IT DID THE SAME. I IMMEDIATE CALLED MY MECHANIC BEFORE STARTING THE CAR. HE TOLD ME TO START THE CAR AND WHEN I DID I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND ALL THE ANTIFREEZE WAS POURING OUT FAST. I SHUT OFF THE CAR AND HAD IT TOWED DIRECTLY TO MY MECHANIC. HE HAS INFORMED ME THAT THE MANIFOLD HAS CRACKED. I HAVE HAD THIS ITEM PERIODICALLY CHECKED SINCE I RECEIVED THE RECALL INFORMATION IN 1998. EACH CHECK HAS ASSURED ME THAT THIS MANIFOLD WAS IN GOOD SHAPE. NOW I FIND OUT THAT THE RECALL WILL NOT COVER THE REPLACEMENT OF THE MANIFOLD. THIS IS GOING TO COST ME $1100.00 TO FIX. I THINK IT IS VERY UNFAIR THAT FORD WILL NOT CONTINUE TO HONOR THE RECALL SINCE THEY KNOW THAT THIS PLASTIC MANIFOLD WILL NOT HOLD UP FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR. THIS IS MY FIRST MAJOR ISSUE AND I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN FORDS POLICY. I BOUGHT MY COUGAR IN GOOD FAITH AND I LOVE MY CAR VERY MUCH. BECAUSE I TAKE CARE OF MY VEHICLE I MISSED THE CUTOFF TIME BY FOUR MONTHS AND NOW IT WILL COST ME DEARLY. WHY WEREN'T VEHICLE OWNERS INFORMED OF THE CUTOFF TIMES? I WAS GIVEN THE IMPRESSION THIS RECALL WOULD BE HONORED IN GOOD FAITH FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-09
- VIN: 1MELM62W6TH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I JUST PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM USED CAR LOT. DURING MY 3 MILE TRIP HOME THE CAR OVER HEATED AND WATER VAPOR WAS COMING IN THROUGH AIR CONDITIONING VENTS. WHEN I STOPPED AT MY HOME, I COULD SEE STEAM COMING FROM INSIDE ENGINE. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD, I FOUND THAT THERE WAS CRACK IN A PLASTIC PART COMING DIRECTLY OFF OF THE ENGINE BLOCK TO A COOLANT HOSE. I WENT TO SEVERAL AUTO PARTS STORES TO IDENTIFY THE PART AND FOUND IT WAS A CRACK IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WATER CROSS-OVER JACKET CAUSING COOLANT LEAK. THE STORES DID NOT CARRY A REPLACEMENT, SO I CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP. FORD DOES HAVE A REPLACEMENT PART, ACTUALLY THEY REDESIGNED THE WHOLE INTAKE MANIFOLD BECAUSE OF THEIR POOR DESIGN ERROR. THEY ALSO HAD EXTENDED THE CAR WARRANTY TO 7 YEARS TO REPLACE THIS PART IF/WHEN FAILURE OCCURS. THE FORD REPLACEMENT IS AN ASSEMBLY, NOT PART JUST THE PROBLEM PART, IT COSTS $589.17 AND DEALER INSTALLATION OF IT COSTS $450.00. FORD WOULD NOT ASSIST OR GIVE AT ALL ON THE 7 YEAR WARRANTY EXTENSION TO FIX THEIR OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW IN THE PART AND/OR THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY. THROUGH ON-LINE NEWGROUPS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, JUNKYARDS CANNOT KEEP THE OLD PLASTIC PART IN THEIR YARDS. I LOVE THE COUGAR XR7 V8, BUT BEWARE IF THIS PART HASN'T BEEN FIXED WITH THE NEW ONE, THAT YOU WILL AT SOME POINT HAVE TO FIX IT. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-12
- VIN: 1MELM62W4TH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: INTAKE MANIFOLD HAS DEVELOPED A CRACK. AS A RESULT, WATER LEAKED OUT, AND THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-01
- VIN: 1MELM62W9TH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S INTAKE MANIFOLD. *MR ONE WEEK BEFORE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD PROBLEM THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOR A PROBLEM WITH THE BACK UP AND BRAKE LIGHTS, THE FAN BELT, AND THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED AFTER ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY. *SC *JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-24
- VIN: 1MELM6243TH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE HOOD FLEW UP WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. THERE IS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN TO THE HOOD LATCH. *JB *MR
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-08
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: HEADLIGHT SWITCH HAS SHORTED OUT MANY TIMES. LOCAL DELARSHIP KNOWS THE PROBLEM AND I HAVE HAD IT REPLACED BY A LOCAL SHOP THREE TIMES. FOD HAD CHECKED FOR ELECTRICAL SHORTS AND SAID THEY WERE ALL FINE.*AK AUTOMATIC TRANSMISION WENT OUT BECAUSE THE FILTER WASNT GETTING ENOUGH FLUID BECAUSE THE FILTER WASNT CLOSE ENOUGH TO THE BOTTOM OF THE FAN 96 COUGAR 41,000 ORIGINAL MILES
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-15
- VIN: 1MELM62W4TH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I BOUGHT A MECURY COUGAR XR7 FEBURARY 1ST, 2003 AT CARMAX IN DULLES, VA. I HAVE HAD THE CAR APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS. LAST MONDAY FEBRUARY 10, 2003 I TOOK MY CAR TO INSPECTED BY THE STATE OF MARYLAND. I WAS ASSURED THIS CAR WOULD PASS INSPECTION. MY CAR FAILED INSPECTION. I AM NOW HAVING ENGINE PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR WHERE IT JUMPS AND KNOCKS. THE ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF. I HAVE TRIED CALLING CARMAX SEVERAL TIMES THIS WEEK TO GET MY CAR REPAIRED AT THEIR LAUREL DEALERSHIP AND WHERE I BOUGHT MY CAR AT CARMAX IN STERLING/DULLES, VA. NO ONE COULD HELP ME TO BRING MY CAR IN OR SET UP AN EARLIER APPOINTMENT. MY CAR SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO FALL APART. MY GIRLFRIEND CALLED THE SALESPERSON SATURDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2003. THE SALESPERSON CALLED THE OPERATIONS MANAGER AND HE CALLED MY GIRLFRIEND. THEY ARE TRYING TO SET UP A TIME FOR ME TO BRING MY CAR IN ON MONDAY. I HAVE CALLED ALL WEEK AND NO ONE WOULD FORWARD MY CALL TO THE OPERATIONS MANAGER AT CARMAX. MY APPOINTMENT WAS SET UP TO BRING MY CAR IN ON FEBRUARY 24TH. I AM WORRIED THAT I BOUGHT LEMON. I ONLY HAD THE CAR APPROXIMATLEY 3 WEEKS. THERE IS A CERTIFICATE IN MY CAR FROM VIRGINIA STATE CLAIMING THAT THIS CAR PASSED INSPECTION BACK IN DECEMBER OF 2002.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-10
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED. MADE OF A PLASTIC MATERIAL. IS THERE ANY RECALLS OUT THERE FOR THIS? IF NOT, WHY NOT? WHY WOULD YOU PUT PLASTIC MATERIAL IN THE ENGINE? *LA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-31
- VIN: 1MELM62WXTH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: INTAKE MANIFOLD IS MADE OF PLASTIC. THERE WAS A FAILURE IN THE PLASTIC MATERIAL ON THE WATER CROSS-OVER JACKET (PORTION OF THE MANIFOLD). THIS CAUSED ALL THE COOLANT TO FLOOD OUT. I FOUND FORD HAD ISSUED A TSB (97M91) THROGH ITS OWNERS NOTIFICATION PROGRAM (ONP) IDENTIFYING FATIGUE AND FAILURE OF THIS PART. A NEW PART HAD BEEN DESIGNED BY FORD ENGINEERS THAT USED AN ALUMINUM COOLANT CROSS-OVER JACKET RATHER THAN THE PLASTIC. THE ONP TSB WAS RELEASED IN 1999. I CALLED THE SUPPORT PHONE NUMBER, 1-800-392-3673. IS NOW THE CLAIMS NUMBER. HOWEVER, HE INDICATED THE VIN NUMBER STILL SHOWED THE PREVIOUS OWNER. THIS WAS PROMPTLY CHANGED. IT TURNS OUT THE 7 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY ISSUED BY FORD (TO ALL NEW AND SUBSEQUENT OWNERS) HAD EXPIRED IN MAY OF THIS YEAR. HEAR IS MY PROBLEM: 1. I BOUGHT THE CAR(USED) FROM A MAJOR DEALER IN MARCH OF 2002. WHY DID FORD NOT HAVE MY OWNERS INFORMATION? WHAT GOOD IS THE ONP IF IT IS INACCURATE? 2. I HAD TO DO AN EXTENSIVE SEARCH TO FIND THIS TSB 97M91. HAD I KNOWN ABOUT THIS, I WOULD OF HAD IT REPLACED BEFORE IT FAILED, OR HAD IT PERIODICALLY INSPECTED.. I WAS NEVER GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE THAT DESCISION. 3. IT SEEMS THE OWNERS NOTIFICATION PROGRAM ONLY BENEFITS THOSE WHO ARE "IN THE COMPUTER SYSTEM". 4. I FEEL I HAVE NO RECOURSE TO NEGOTIATE WITH FORD. THE CLAIMS PHONE NUMBER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE TO THIS INQUIRY. 5. THIS IS A POORLY DESIGNED PART. SO POOR, FORD ISSED A 7 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY. WHAT MAKES THEM FEEL THEY HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO ITS CONSUMERS EVEN AFTER 7 YEARS? THIS IS A MAJOR SYSTEM COMPONENT. IT SHOULD HAVE A REASONABLE LIFE EXPECTANCY. IT WOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE TO CRACK AN ENGINE BLOCK, HEAD, TRANSMISSION BELLHOUSING. SO WHY IS IT ACCEPTED THAT 7 YEARS IS ACCEPTABLE FOR AN INTAKE MANIFOLD? IT IS NOT NORMAL TO HAVE A 3 INCH FATIGUE CRACK IN AN INTAKE MANIFOLD. I FEEL FORD SHOULD INCLUDE MY VEHICLE IN A MANDATORY RECALL OF THIS PART.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-25
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TEMPERATURE GAUGE WENT UP, CAR OVERHEATED. TOOK VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENT SHOP, AND TECHNICIAN STATED THAT INTAKE PLASTIC MANIFOLD CRACKED.*AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-24
- VIN: 1MELM5243TH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH AND WITH NO WARNING. THE HOOD FLEW OPEN. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK *SCC *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1MCLM6241TH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO SEVERAL PEOPLE AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS SOMETHING INTERNAL AND WILL NEED A NEW ENGINE. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURING. *SCC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-01
- VIN: 1MELM62W9TH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TEAR ALONG FRONT FACE OF UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD. CALLED SEVERAL SALVAGE YARDS TO FIND REPLACEMENT AND WAS TOLD BY ALL THAT THEY CAN'T KEEP THESE IN STOCK. WHEN I DID LOCATE ONE THE MANAGER AT THE SALVAGE YARD ASKED WHAT HAPPENED TO MY INTAKE. I SHOWED HIM WHERE THE INTAKE SPLIT OPEN AND HE INFORMED ME THAT THEY'RE SEEING A LOT OF THESE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND I WAS LUCKY TO FIND THE ONE HE HAD. THIS PLASTIC (COMPOSITE) COMPONENT PROBABLY DOESN'T FAIR WELL IN ARIZONA. DT
1996 Mercury Cougar recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1996 Mercury Cougar.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: WHEN IN THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, THE DRIVER DOOR LATCHES MAY OPEN WHEN SUBJECTED TO TRANSVERSE LOADS LESS THAN THAT SPECIFIED IN FMVSS NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."
- Consequence: THE DRIVER'S DOOR, WHEN CLOSED ONLY TO THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, MAY NOT SUSTAIN A 1,000 POUND TRANSVERSE LOAD.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DRIVER DOOR LATCH.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
- Summary: UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE CLIMATE CONTROL BLOWER DOES NOT OPERATE AS INTENDED. THE BLOWER COULD (1) STICK ON "HIGH;" (2) OPERATE ERRATICALLY WITH BLOWER OUTPUT VARYING BETWEEN NO BLOWER AND MAXIMUM BLOWER; OR (3) NOT OPERATE AT ALL DUE TO MALFUNCTION OF THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL MODULE.
- Consequence: BLOWER MALFUNCTIONS LIMITING OR STOPPING OUTPUT CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEMI-AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL MODULES WITH MODULES CONTAINING REVISED SOFTWARE.
Positive 1996 Mercury Cougar car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Mercury Cougar problems:
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Are you having problems with your 1996 Mercury Cougar?
Jarrell Koepp 2024-11-25
I have the 4.6L with sport suspension. It's a great car, everything the Mustang is and more...
Conor Ernser 2024-11-15
I really love this car! It's incredibly fast (4.6L) and catches people off guard. It's awesome when you tell people, 'I have a Cougar' and they assume you mean the newer models. ;) This car is the perfect sleeper. Unlike other 2-door cars, I have no trouble getting into the rear seats. The quiet idle doesn't give away the V8, but when I hit the gas, it's too late for them. The only thing I wish for is more power, but I'm planning to fix that soon. It would be amazing if it could keep up with Z28's or its brother, the Mark VIII.
Jeffrey Erdman 2024-10-14
Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my new Cougar that I bought last month. I was planning on using it as a backup car, but to my surprise, this eight-year-old car with only 52000 miles drives better than some newer cars I've had! It's been going to work with me every day and everything still works perfectly. I got it for a great price of $4,500.00 dollars, and the V6 has plenty of power and cruises along just fine. It's such a fun car to drive, and I don't even feel like I'm driving an old car. Plus, in Las Vegas, where it gets very hot in the summer, the AC works great. Overall, I'm really happy with my purchase and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great-looking and fun-to-drive car!
Lazaro Hane 2024-10-03
Coming from the snow belt, I also wish that my cougar came with traction control. However, with 100 pounds of sand and studded snow tires, I can go anywhere! Since I bought the cougar used in 2000 with 30,000 miles, not too many folks want rear-wheel drive in NW PA, so it was a dirt-cheap purchase. The only expenses I have had to date are plugs, brakes, and tires. It's an awesome car!
Donny Bailey 2024-10-02
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my car - I have the v6 model with 83,743 miles on it and I used it all summer through rush hour traffic every day. I'm happy to report that the car has never stalled and always starts up promptly. While my car doesn't have the traction control option, I found that putting two 50lb sandbags in the trunk helps a lot in the winter. The seats are super comfortable and there's plenty of legroom, even for someone who is 6'2. In terms of speed, the v6 is plenty powerful as long as you're not trying to race a Mustang. While the v8 would be great, I'm sure, if you don't want to shell out the extra cash, the v6 is definitely not slow at all. Let me know if you have any questions!