1997 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 1997 Mercury Cougar problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1997 Mercury Cougar, several common problems have been reported:
- Brake Problems: Another common complaint involves brake-related issues. Owners have reported problems with the brakes, which can affect the car's stopping power and overall safety. Addressing brake problems promptly is crucial to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and safety.
- Miscellaneous Problems: The 1997 Mercury Cougar has also been associated with miscellaneous problems, as reported by owners. While the specifics of these issues may vary, addressing miscellaneous problems promptly is essential to maintain the car's reliability and performance.
These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues that arise with the 1997 Mercury Cougar. Regular inspections, timely repairs, and adherence to recommended maintenance schedules can help mitigate these common problems and ensure the longevity and performance of the vehicle.
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.”
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.
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 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.)
1997 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
- Service brakes problems
- Power train problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Mercury Cougar vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1997 Mercury Cougar
The NHTSA has received 103 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Mercury Cougar. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1997 Mercury Cougar vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-06-19
- VIN: IMELM62W2VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY VEHICLES BECAME TOTALLY DISABLED ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY WITH HEAVY AFTER HOURS RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE MANIFOLD WHICH IS MADE OF PLASTIC BROKE WERE THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR WAS BUILT IN, I ALSO NOTICED THAT A FEW SPARKPLUGS WERE FLOODED WITH COOLANT. I FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A LAWSUIT ON THESE VEHICLES BUT NO ONE KNEW ABOUT IT AND ONLY FLEET VEHICLES WERE COVERED AND NOT CIVILIAN VEHICLES. I WONDER IF THERE IS ANY CHANCE FOR ME TO SEEK A DEALERSHIP AND GET REIMBURSED FOR THESE DAMAGES. *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-19
- VIN: 1MELM62W6VH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: ON 5/19/2004 I HAD TO HAVE TOWED AND REPLACE DEFECTIVE CRACKED PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD ON A 1997 MERCURY XR7 COUGAR AND HADN'T BEEN PREVIOUSLY INFORMED OF ANY RECALLS THEN RECENTLY I HAD TO REPLACE YET ANOTHER DEFECTIVE MANIFOLD (2ND CAR ) THIS SHOP INFORMED ME OF A CLASS ACTION THAT I SHOULD HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF PREVIOUSLY THAT SHOULD HAVE TAKEN CARE OF THE AUTO ABOVE HOWEVER AS THE NOTIFICATION PROGRAM NEVER NOTIFIED ME ON EITHER CAR. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-06
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL WAS NOTED LEAKING FROM FUEL LINES JUST AFT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, FUEL WAS SEEM RUNNING DOWN THE FUEL LINES AND SIDE OF FUEL TANK. LEAK WAS CAUSED BY FUEL LINES CHAFFING THROUGH ON TOP OF TANK. CAR HAD 51,000 MILES ON IT. *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-12-15
- VIN: 1MELM62W6VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I UNDERSTAND THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION SUIT DUE TO A FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD ON MANY FORD CARS WITH A 4.6 LITER ENGINE. I OR MY KIDS HAVE OWNED A 1997 MERCURY COUGAR SINCE NEW. RECENTLY THIS CAR WHICH HAD BEEN IN STORAGE FOR SEVERAL YEARS WAS GIVEN TO MY SON WHO IS LAID OFF AND ATTEMPTING TO COMPLETE HIS BACHELORS DEGREE. I SPENT MONEY TO REPAIR SENSOR, FREEZEPLUG AND HE PUT NEW TIRES ON THIS CAR. I AM WRITING BECAUSE I CONTACTED FORD ABOUT THIS DEFECTIVE INTAKE MANIFOLD PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD I WAS TOO LATE BECAUSE THE CLASS ACTION INVOLVING THE FAULTY PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD EXPIRED IN 2007 OR AT 75,000 MILES. THE CAR IN QUESTION HAS SLIGHTLY MORE THAN 75,000 MILES. HOW COULD I HAVE TAKEN PART IN REPAIRING OR REIMBURSEMENT OF OVER $800 I HAD TO PAY TO GET THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD REPLACED. I THEN FOUND ON THE INTERNET THAT MANY INDIVIDUALS ARE IN THE SAME POSITION I AM IN. I FOUND THE FOLLOWING LINK ON THE INTERNET VERY INFORMATIVE AND GIVES SEVERAL EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM AND EXPLAINS SOME SAFETY ISSUES CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE STILL DRIVING THESE CARS POSSIBLY NOT KNOWING THE ENGINE COULD BLOW UP AT ANY TIME IN ANY PLACE INCLUDING TRAFFIC. SEE LINK BELOW HTTP://PUBLIC.FOTKI.COM/TRSI/FORD_SUCKS/FORD_INTAKE_RECALL/MANIFOLD2.HTML CAN OR WILL YOU HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM. AT THE LEAST PEOPLE SHOULD BE MADE AWARE THAT THEIR CAR WITH THIS PLASTIC MANIFOLD COULD LEAVE THEM STRANDED IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE LINK I INCLUDED DOES GIVE EXAMPLES OF WHY THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS AND INDICATES MANY PEOPLE MAY STILL BE UNAWARE THAT THIS PLASTIC MANIFOLD PROBLEM EVEN EXIST. THIS IS IMPORTANT AS AN OWNER AND TO PROSPECTIVE BUYERS OF THESE CARS AS WELL. PLEASE HELP! I JUST THINK IT IS OBVIOUS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS AND WAS FAULTY AND WRONG THAT THE ACTIONS WAS SETTLED AND I DID NOT EVEN KNOW ABOUT IT. I DO HAVE THE DEFECTIVE INTAKE MANIFOLD WHICH IS CRACKED AT BOTH ENDS OF THE MANIFOLD. WATER IN ENGINE BOOM! SAFETY DANGER! *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-10
- VIN: 1MELM62W6VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACK AND ANTI-FREEZE SPILLING OUT AND A LOT OF STEAM SMOKE WHILE I WAS DRIVING,CAR IN SHOP NOW A IT WILL COST ME $600.00 TO FIX. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-03-04
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION FAILED TO TURN WITH KEY. PUT LUBRICANT (WD-40) IN HOLE AND TAPPED WITH HAMMER UNTIL KEY TURNED.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-02-22
- VIN: 1MELM62W5VH
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: FORD HEADLIGHTS: CLOUDY LENSES: FORD MADE AUTOS HAVE PLASTIC LENSES/HEADLIGHTS THAT CLOUD UP OVER TIME, WITHIN 5 YEARS TO 10 YEARS, THAT LIMIT EFFECTIVENESS OF THE HEADLIGHTS AT NIGHT. I PERSONALLY HAVE HIT CURBS AND NARROWLY MISSED PEDESTRIANS ETC DUE TO INABILITY TO SEE THEM AT NIGHT DUE TO LOW HEADLIGHT BRIGHTNESS. THE FORD/MERCURY DEALER INFORMS ME THAT TO REPLACE THE FOGGED LENSES, I WILL HAVE TO PAY HIM $350.00 PER HEADLIGHT FOR A WHOLE NEW ASSEMBLY. LENSES ARE NOT SOLD SEPARATELY, HE SAYS. CANNOT BE CLEANED, HE SAYS. WHY, WHY, WHY DO YOU LET FORD GET BY WITH SELLING CARS THAT HAVE THESE DEFECTIVE, PRONE TO FAILURE HEADLIGHT LENSES? PEOPLE CAN'T SEE WHERE THEY ARE GOING AT NIGHT! DOESN'T THAT CONCERN YOU? LOOK THROUGH ANY PARKING LOT, SEE THE FORD PRODUCTS WITH DARKENED, RUINED LENSES. THESE ARE ACCIDENTS WAITING TO HAPPEN TO 1000'S OF DRIVERS WHO CAN'T AFFORD $350 PER HEADLIGHT EVERY 5 YEARS OR SO! FORD SHOULD RECALL THESE CARS AND/OR OFFER REASONABLE COST REPLACEMENTS. $350 PER LENS IS NOT REASONABLE! *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-25
- VIN: 1MELM62WXVH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-28
- VIN: 1MELM62W9VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MAKE: MERCURY MODEL: COUGAR YEAR: 1997 TYPE: PASSENGER CAR SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 05N04 NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 10018959 SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: EXTENDED COVERAGE PROGRAM 05N04 - EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS PROGRAM IS BEING PROVIDED AS A SETTLEMENT TO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. THE TERMS OF THE SETTLEMENT EXTEND THE COVERAGE OF THE ALL-COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLD TO 7 YEARS FROM THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY START DATE OF THE VEHICLE, WITH NO LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF MILES THAT THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN. *TT ON MARCH 2, 2004, I SENT A LETTER TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY DESCRIBING HOW THE INTAKE MANIFOLD ON MY 1997 MERCURY COUGAR HAD RUPTURED ON FEB. 28, 2004. AFTER WAITING A MONTH AND RECEIVING NO REPLY, I CALLED THEIR CUSTOMER COMPLAINT LINE AND DESCRIBED THE PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME THAT MY VEHICLE DID NOT QUALIFY FOR A RECALL REIMBURSEMENT, BUT GAVE NO REASON WHY. SINCE MY DAUGHTER ALSO OWNS A 1997 MERCURY COUGAR, I TOLD HER TO HAVE A MECHANIC CHECK HER INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE MECHANIC REPLACED HER INTAKE MANIFOLD AT NO CHARGE SINCE IT HAD BEEN RECALLED AS PER THE ABOVE QUOTED STATEMENT. I CALLED FORD BACK WITH THIS INFORMATION AND THEY GAVE ME THE SAME REPLY. I WROTE THEM A LETTER AND THEY DID NOT REPLY. I VISITED MY LOCAL MERCURY DEALER, FROM WHOM I HAD RECENTLY PURCHASED A NEW VEHICLE AND AGAIN WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS CASE WENT TO COURT AND THE RULING WAS THAT FORD HAD TO PAY EVERY OWNER OF VEHICLES WITH THIS DEFECT A SUM OF $750. I HAVE NOT BEEN PAID ANYTHING AND FORD REFUSES TO GIVE ME ANY ANSWER OTHER THAN WHAT THEY HAVE ALREADY GIVEN. I STILL HAVE THE DEFECTIVE INTAKE MANIFOLD IN MY POSSESSION AND THE REPAIR BILL FOR $1455.28. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-24
- VIN: 1MELM62WXVH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1 .HEAVY LOSS OF COOLANT,SPRAYING ALL OVER ENGINE AREA CONTINUOUSLY AND WOULD NOT MAINTAIN PROPER LEVELS. 2. CAR OVERHEATING AND RISK OF BURNING UP THE ENGINE. 3. REPLACED "PLASTIC" MANIFOLD,COOLANT,THERMOSTAT AND GASKET. THIS MANIFOLD WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY THAT I CONTACTED AFTER THE INCIDENT AND WAS TOLD MY VIN DID NOT FALL INTO THE CATEGORY. I NOW LOOKED IT UP AND IT CERTAINLY DOES. THE OUTCOME OF THE LAWSUIT HAD DATES INVOLVED AND MY INCIDENT HAPPENED SEVEN MONTHS AFTER THE JUDGES DECISION OF SEVEN YEARS AFTER THE WARRANTY. AFTER CALLING FORD AND SPEAKING WITH 3 "CUSTOMER SERVICE" PEOPLE THEIR SCRIPT WAS THE LEGAL DECISION AND THEY (FORD) WAS NOT GOING TO DO A THING FOR ME. HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE OUT THERE THAT HAD THIS HAPPEN AND HAVE NO IDEA OF THIS "PLASTIC MANIFOLD" THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN IN THE CAR AND PAID GOOD MONEY FOR SOMETHING THAT FORD CAUSED AND NOW WILL NOT STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-19
- VIN: 1MELM62W0VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I HAVE A 1997 MERCURY COUGAR XR7 THAT HAS 42,000 MILES ON IT. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED IN MY GARAGE AND LIQUIDS LEAKED ALL OVER GARAGE. MY CAR WAS ONE OF THE EXCLUDED VEHICLES IN FORDS CLASS ACTION AND RECALL OF CRACKED MANIFOLDS. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-17
- VIN: 1MELM62W8VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASHBOARD .THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP. THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED CAUSING THE LOSS OF ANTIFREEZE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.*AK UPDATED 12/27/2005 - THE CONSUMER DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD RECALL THIS PART BUT NOT FOR CIVILIAN VEHICLES. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-12
- VIN: 1MELM62W6VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER'S REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT BUT WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE PLASTIC MANIFOLD REPLACEMENT IN HIS 1997 MERCURY COUGAR .***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE CONSUEMR WAS NOT REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE REPAIRS WERE NOT MADE AT A FORD/MERCURY DEALER. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-16
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MELM6241VH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I PARKED OUR 1997 COUGAR IN THE DRIVEWAY AROUND 5:00P.M. ON 07/15/05. I HAVE NOT BEEN HAVING ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. ABOUT 1:00A.M. ON 07/16/05, WE WERE AWAKEN BY NEIGHBORS WHO HAD SPOTTED THE CAR ON FIRE. THE FIREMEN SAID IT APPEARED TO BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM STARTING ON THE RIGHT SIDE. SINCE IT WAS TOTALLY BURNED, WE DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED. I E-MAILED THE FORD CORPORATE & FILLED OUT THE INFORMATION INCLUDING THE VIN ASKING ABOUT A RECALL, BUT I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANYTHING FROM THEM EXCEPT THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIVING MY E-MAIL.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-21
- VIN: 1MELM62W6VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1997 MERCURY COUGAR DEVELOPED A CRACKED MANIFOLD.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR 1996 AND 1997 MERCURY COUGARS BUT THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MELM62W9VH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE VEHICLE PARKED FOR 15 MIN,UTES A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK *BF
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-24
- VIN: 1MELM62W3VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED, CAUSING THE COOLANT TO LEAK OUT. COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-05
- VIN: 1MELM62W1VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL WELL OVER SEVEN YEARS AGO, AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL THE CONSUMER WAS NOT EXPERIENCING ANY PROBLEM WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD MENTIONED IN THE LETTER. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE RADIATOR LEAKED ANTIFREEZE ONTO THE STREET. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND ACCORDING TO THE RECALL LETTER THE MANIFOLD IS CRACKED. *NM......*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-01
- VIN: 1MELM62W9VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE MANIFOLD CRACKED IN THE SAME LOCATION, OVERHEATING THE CAR FOR THE SECOND TIME. *BF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS MADE OF PLASTIC AND WAS RECALLED. THE NEW MANIFOLD WAS ALSO MADE OF PLASTIC AND OVER TIME IT ALSO FAILED. THE CONSUMER FEELS THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE INSTALLED THE NEW RE-DESIGNED TWO PIECE, HALF PLASTIC HALF METAL MANIFOLD. *NM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-01
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: INTAKE MANIFOLD 1997 COUGAR, ENGINE FAILURE. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE HAD TO PAY 900.00 TO REPLACE A PLASTIC PART IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND WANTS THE PART TO BE RECALLED. *TC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-01
- VIN: 1MELM62W9VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: PROBLEMS WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD.*MR THE MANIFOLD WHICH WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL CRACKED IN THE SAME LOCATION AS THE PREVIOUS FAULTY MANIFOLD WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-14
- VIN: 1MELM62W3VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A DEFECTIVE PART IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, WHICH AT ONE TIME WAS ON RECALL. NO NOTIFICATION WAS EVER RECEIVED. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, AND THEY DID NOT HAVE TO HONOR THE RECALL. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-10
- VIN: 1MELM62W7VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: HAD CATASTROPHIC INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE WHILE ON VACATION. FOMOCO HAS A RECALL ON THIS COMPONENT (97M91) BUT REFUSED TO PROVIDE RELIEF. AS I UNDERSTAND THE RECALL OF THIS KNOWN PROBLEM, FORD WILL ONLY REPLACE WHEN IT FAILS, BUT IT MUST FAIL IN A SPECIFIC TIME FRAME. THIS WAS A SILENT RECALL AS FORD NEVER PUBLICIZED IT. I HAD ATTEMPTED A PREVENTATIVE REPLACEMENT AS I WAS AWARE OF THE INHERENT PROBLEM -- AGAIN MY LOCAL MERCURY DEALER (KING - GAITHERSBURG, MD) WOULD ONLY REPLACE WHEN THE MANIFOLD FAILED. WELL IT DID WHILE I WAS ON VACATION HUNDREDS OF MILES FROM HOME. AS THIS WAS A KNOWN MANUFACTOR'S PROBLEM FROM THE DATE OF INSTALLATION, REPLACE MUST BE DONE WHEN THE PROBLEM FIRST COMES TO FORD'S KNOWLEDGE. INSTEAD, WHEN ISSUING THE RECALL (MARCH 1999) FORD CHOSE TO IGNORE THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE CONSUMER BRINGS IT TO THE DEALERSHIP'S ATTENTION. ONLY THEN WOULD THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGE THE RECALL EXISTED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-13
- VIN: 1MELM62W3VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD ON MY 1997 MERCURY COUGAR FAILED ON 7/13/2004. THE COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE SPARK PLUG SOCKET AND GROUNDED THE NUMBER 2 SPARK PLUG, LEAKED COOLANT OVER ENGINE. LEFT MY WIFE STRANDED WITH UNDRIVEABLE CAR. SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE BY AN ASE MECHANIC REVEALED A FATIGUE CRACK IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD NEAR THE CROSS-OVER TUBE. THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW. IT WILL COST OVER $900 TO REMOVE AND REPLACE THE FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE OLD PART WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER REPAIRS ARE AFFECTED. *LA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-19
- VIN: 1MELM62W7VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NO WARNING, DRIVING TO WORK UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS WHEN STEAM AND COOLANT (WHICH COULD BE SMELLED) CAME OUT FROM UNDER HOOD, LIMITING MY VISION. I HAD TO STOP AND LOW COOLANT LEVEL LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED HOME. TOOK CAR TO A CORNER MECHANIC WHO INFORMED US THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD CRACKED AND IT WOULD COST US $1,200. WE WERE SKEPTICAL BECAUSE ON OTHER VEHICLES WE HAVE, THIS PART IS CAST SO IT DOESN'T BREAK. WE THEN HAD THE CAR TOWED AGAIN TO A REPUTABLE MECHANIC THAT WE HAVE USED BEFORE AND HE ALSO SAID THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS BROKEN. HE THEN HAD TO ORDER A NEW FORD PART THAT COST US $589.17 PLUS LABOR OF $249.60 AND WRECKER RUN OF $38.40, FOR A GRAND TOTAL OF $923.12. UPON CHECKING WITH FORD.COM, WE FOUND OUT THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL OTHERS AND UPON SPEAKING WITH SOMEONE OVER THE PHONE WE WERE INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A "CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM, SERVICE BULLETIN 97M91" THAT WOULD HAVE REPLACED THIS DEFECTIVE PART AT NO COST TO US, IF THE PART WOULD HAVE BROKEN IN THE MONTH OF MAY, INSTEAD OF JUNE 19, WHEN IT OCCURRED. WE WERE NEVER AWARE OF SUCH A PROGRAM AND ARE EXTREMELY DISTRESSED THAT SUCH A REPUTABLE COMPANY AS FORD WOULD NOT MAKE THIS AN UNLIMITED WARRANTY KNOWING THAT THE PART WILL FAIL AND THAT THE REPLACEMENT PART IS MADE OF ALUMINUM WHICH IS DEPENDABLE. WHY WAS THIS NOT USED DURING MANUFACTURING OF THE AUTOMOBILE? SURELY, THE COST THEN WOULD HAVE BEEN MINIMAL TO FORD. COULD THIS POSSIBLY BE REASON WHY IT WAS NOT MADE A VOLUNTARY RECALL? WE WANT TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THIS PART, CONSIDERING WE WERE ONLY 3 WEEKS OUT OF "97M91."*AK
Negative 1997 Mercury Cougar car reviews
Positive 1997 Mercury Cougar car reviews
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This rare 30th Anniversary Mercury Cougar is a fantastic deal! It comes fully loaded with leather, power seats, one-touch sunroof, climate control, autoheadlamps and many other options. Although it has had some issues in the past, it is still a great car for the money. At 60,000 miles, the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced, which caused the service engine light to come on. Then, at 63,000 miles, the ABS module went out, which was a bit expensive to repair. At 65,000 miles, the service engine light came on again, but this time it was the ignition coils. Finally, at 68,000 miles, the intake manifold gasket cracked, causing coolant to leak all over once pressure was built up in the lines. However, with proper maintenance, this car can still provide many more miles of enjoyable driving.
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Super Car X-Ride is roomy and comfortable to drive.
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This is my 4th Coogrr, and although it has had some issues, I still enjoy driving it. We have had to bring it in for a few repairs, such as the dash light showing through on the windshield at night and the sunroof deflector breaking early on. We also had some A/C problems that resulted in the car interior being taken apart at 22K miles, and although the A/C still isn't perfect at 65K, we are hopeful that it will be resolved soon. We did have to replace the transmission at 64K, but overall we still find the car fun to drive. While we have had some issues with Ford service, we remain optimistic that they will improve. 'Nuff said. It's too bad that we have had some problems, as I have always loved these cars, but we still appreciate our Coogrr despite its challenges.
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This is definitely the best and most reliable car I have ever owned. I bought it brand new back in 1996 and it has been running strong ever since. I'm at 426k miles with no end in sight. The 4.6L V8 engine has never had any major repairs and the transmission was only rebuilt once at about 300k miles. The main computer had to be replaced about 7 years ago and when the new one was installed the only program it would take was one for a Mustang since they share the same engine. It's definitely a wolf in sheep's clothing. I'm trying to drive it until the wheels fall off, but they just won't. Of course, I have kept up with all recommended maintenance since it was new and am reaping the benefits. If only every car ran this well!!!
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Best car I've ever owned! It has excellent fuel economy for a V-8, getting 19-21 mpg around town and 25 mpg on the highway. Although there was an intake manifold recall, I haven't had any other mechanical problems.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Mercury Cougar problems:
1997 Mercury Cougar Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
Top 1997 Mercury Cougar Problems · Battery Light Due to Damaged Alternator Wire Harness Connector. 64 people have reported this · Blown/Cracked Head Gasket Can ...
97 Cougar Transmission shifting problem fixed | TCCoA Forums
Jan 24, 2013 ... I had a shifting problem with my 97 Cougar for more than a year. After having the transmission in reverse, when I put the range selector in ...
Mercury Cougar Problems and Complaints - 13 Issues
Top Mercury Cougar Problems · Battery Light Due to Damaged Alternator Wire Harness Connector · Blown/Cracked Head Gasket Can Cause White Smoke From Exhaust · Check ...
Q&A: 1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 - Inetia, 0-60, Fuel Pump Switch ...
Oct 25, 2007 ... It is located under the hood. This is a common problem. Assuming that the inertia switch is good then the relay would be the only other thing ...
Newbie question - what issues to look for on Cougars? | Mercury ...
Aug 21, 2006 ... Plus, I imagine a lot of the issues are similar to Mustangs of the period. Any Cougar-specific issues that come to mind as caution areas? I've ...
Other years of Mercury Cougar
Are you having problems with your 1997 Mercury Cougar?
Maximus Jakubowski 2024-04-23
This car ran beautifully until its warranty expired. Although we had some issues with the radiator, freeze plug, and cracked manifold (we received the recall too late), the car has been a joy to ride. We have had to make some repairs to the front end and doors, but it still handles well, never breaks down, and speeds like a bat out of hell. The cougar cleans up beautifully and leaves others in its dust.
Jayde Stiedemann 2024-01-01
This car is a cruiser. You'll love taking it on vacation or any time you hit the interstate. It's too bad Detroit didn't start building solid RWD cars again until 2005, but we're glad we had this Cougar to weather the void.