1997 Mercury Cougar problems
Owners have filed 112 complaints about the 1997 Mercury Cougar with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 28.6% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of power train at 9.8%.
Complaints112
Crashes2
Fires2
Injuries2
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 28.6% · 32
Power train 9.8% · 11
Service brakes, hydraulic 8.9% · 10
Fuel system, gasoline 7.1% · 8
Suspension 5.4% · 6
Visibility 5.4% · 6
Electrical system 4.5% · 5
Tires 4.5% · 5
Severity
Of those complaints, 2 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 2 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 10 model years of the Mercury Cougar in this data, 1997 draws comparatively few complaints; 1999 is the outlier year.
Filing volume has held steady, 4 in the last three years against 4 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 65,850 miles.
In owners' own words
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...... Engine and engine cooling · reported at 33,212 miles
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. Engine and engine cooling
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. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 138,434 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…