Mercury Xr7 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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Mercury Xr7 model years
Common Mercury Xr7 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Mercury XR7 cars, several common problems have been identified:
- Electrical Problems: Complaints include issues with the alternator wire harness connector, leading to the battery light coming on due to damaged wiring. This can result in charging system problems and potential battery drain issues.
- Lack of Reproduction Parts: The first-generation Mercury Cougar XR7, particularly the 1967-1970 models, faces challenges due to a limited availability of reproduction parts. This scarcity makes restoring these early Cougars more difficult and expensive compared to the Ford Mustang, which has better aftermarket support.
- Transmission and Brake Problems: Some owners have highlighted issues with the transmissions and brakes in the 1993-1997 Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar XR7 models. Earlier models, especially pre-1997 V8 versions, are noted to have particularly problematic transmissions and brake systems.
- Cooling System Concerns: When restarting an old engine, it is crucial to address potential cooling system issues like hose integrity and coolant levels. Neglecting these components can lead to overheating problems and even hazardous situations like hose explosions, causing burns and engine damage.
These problems highlight a range of issues faced by owners of Mercury Cougar XR7 cars, from engine performance and electrical issues to challenges related to parts availability and cooling system maintenance. Addressing these concerns promptly and with the help of experienced mechanics can help maintain the performance and longevity of these classic vehicles.
What years of Mercury Cougar should I 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 does XR7 stand for on 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.
How many Mercury Cougar XR7 were made?
1970 Model Year
| MODEL OR OPTION | # PRODUCED |
|---|---|
| XR-7 | 18,567 |
| XR-7 CONVERTIBLE | 1,997 |
| ELIMINATOR | 2,267 |
| BOSS 302 | 469 |
What is the top speed of the 1967 Mercury Cougar XR7?
At the test track in GT2, the Cougar got up to about 140 mph, then struggled to make its 153.46 mph top speed.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mercury Xr7 years
We have researched Mercury problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mercury Xr7 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Mercury Xr7 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mercury Xr7 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mercury Xr7 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Mercury Xr7 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mercury Xr7 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Wheels problems
- Seat belts problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mercury Xr7 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mercury Xr7 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mercury Xr7 vehicles.
List of Mercury Xr7 complaints
Mercury Xr7 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-16
- Date Complaint: 2003-04-22
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 93 MERCURY COUGAR XR7, 3.8L V6, FAILED HEAD GASKET ON ENGINE WITH 60,000 MILES, WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM ISSUE WITH THESE ENGINES, FORD REFUSED MY CLAIM STATING THEY HAD NO RECALLS ON 93 MODEL YEAR, THE LAST FORD ME OR ANYONE I KNOW WILL EVER BUY, AND I CURRENTLY OWN 3 OF THEM, I WON'T MAKE THAT MISTAKE AGAIN. *NLM
Mercury Xr7 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-04
- Date Complaint: 2003-02-22
- VIN: 1MEBM62F2JH
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FAILURE OF DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR
Mercury Xr7 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2001-07-10
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED FRONT WHEELS SHAKE VERY HARD, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL DUE TO UNKNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE ROTORS. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Mercury Xr7 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1999-10-09
- VIN: IMEPM62T4MH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: LOCAL DEALER ADAMANTLY DENIES THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH 302 V8. MY WIFE WILL NOT DRIVE THE
Mercury Xr7 1993
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-30
- Date Complaint: 1998-11-10
- VIN: 1MEPM624XPH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE HEAD GASKETS ARE BLOWN AT 58000 MILES PREMATURELY WHILE DRIVING AT 60-65 MILES. THIS CAUSES THE MOTOR TO WARP, DEALER CONTACTED AND WITH NO WARRANTY, REPAIRS DONE AT OWNER EXPENSE. *AK
Mercury Xr7 1979
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-03-24
- VIN: 1MELM62W2VH
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHILE PULLING OUT BACK WHEELS SPIN.
Recalls Mercury Xr7
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the Mercury Xr7.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Mercury Xr7 1979
- Report Received Date: 1979-05-15
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
- Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH BRAKE PUSH-ROD TO BRAKE PEDAL RETAINING PINS WHICH WERE NOT HEAT-TREATED AS SPECIFIED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE PUSH-ROD.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT BRAKE RETAINING PIN.
- Model: Mercury Xr7 1979
- Report Received Date: 1979-01-09
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INCORRECT WELD NUTS THAT ATTACH THE REAR PORTION OF THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT TRACK TO THE FLOOR PAN. THE INCORRECT NUTS HAVE AN OVERSIZE DIAMETER AND THREAD, AND UPON FRONT SEAT TRACK ANCHOR BOLT INSTALLATION, THE THREADS MAY HAVE BEEN STRIPPED.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIR ANY STRIPPED WELD NUTS AND INSTALL LARGER SIZE BOLTS TO ANCHOR THE SEAT TRACK TO THE FLOOR AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Are you having problems with your Mercury Xr7?
