1994 Mercury Cougar
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Mercury › Cougar › 1994
These records cover every 1994 Mercury Cougar. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
137 complaints12 involved a crash2 involved a fire13 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Seats · Suspension
Takata recall.... Just looking for any recalls on my car,,,,whole front end fell out..
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission failure, numerous times. *Jb
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights
3RD brake light/high mount stop lamp in the rear window. the excessive heat from the bulbs that are used caused the plastic housing that the bulbs are in to melt around the bulb along with the actual harness that the bulb IS plugged into. since I am not the first owner of my car, I'm sure the incident date IS not today but has been an ongoing problem. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I bought a 1994 mercury cougar vin# [xxx]. I was the second owner and it had only 29K on it back in july 1997. Well my transmission went out before 68K and the cougar IS rattling apart. I heard later that there was a recall on the 3.8 motor for the blower by which I'm having now but being over 100K…
I bought a 1994 mercury cougar vin# [xxx]. I was the second owner and it had only 29K on it back in july 1997. Well my transmission went out before 68K and the cougar IS rattling apart. I heard later that there was a recall on the 3.8 motor for the blower by which I'm having now but being over 100K they said it had to be by a certain date and under 100K but I was never told or notified. Found out from a mechanic friend. Don't know what I can do about it. I had to replace the transmission completely because the low end shift plate was faulty on those models too. Engine keeps getting hot and burning off radiator fluid. *jb updated 07/16/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Dt: on 6/21/2005 while driving at night in clear conditions on dry pavement the vehicle stalled and caught on fire. The speed was about 5-7 mph. There were no brakes, no electrical system, no power steering, no engine sound, no life in the vehilce at all. There was no warning lights that came on.…
Dt: on 6/21/2005 while driving at night in clear conditions on dry pavement the vehicle stalled and caught on fire. The speed was about 5-7 mph. There were no brakes, no electrical system, no power steering, no engine sound, no life in the vehilce at all. There was no warning lights that came on. The vehilcle had been driven for about 45 minutes and 40 miles before this occurred. Then, the vehicle sat for about 2 hours.the vehicle was driving fine, and was serviced a a week prior to the incident. The vehicle was put on the diagnostic that day and everything looked fine, besides the brake lights had to be repaired, but it was not the fuse that had to be repaired, owner was unsure what component caused the brake lights tto fail. There were also no tail lights .either.the back lights were completely out. after repair everything was fine until fire. When the car stalled on 6/21/05, the vehicle stopped on the side of the road. There was smoke coming from hood, then there was a man who came to help and sprayed the fire with extinguisher. .*Ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
The vehicle failed to start due to a failure in the ignition starter system. The starter was removed and inspected by a starter specialist, however no problem was found. The starter was reinstalled. The vehicle still failed to start. The ignition cylinder turns all the way around also. the vehicle has been sitting in the garage for a year due to this problem because the cause couldn't be found. *jb
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
The front coil springs broke without warning. As a result when driving at any speed the vehicle veered to the right. *Jb
- Air bags
After starting the vehicle the consumer heard a loud beeping noise coming from the passenger side air bag compartment. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *Ak *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Car overheats due to a bad head gasket. per ford's tsb 00m10, this IS a known design issue that they fixed only if there was a proble during the first 7 years after the warranty inception date for 1994 and 1995 vehicles with a 3.8L engine. this defect can easily result in a safety concern due to the possibility of an engine fire due to the extreme heat if oil leaks on the engine when the gasket fails. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The transmission on my vehicle was rebuilt in october 2001 @ 120000 miles because it jumped out of gear during acceleration and would not engage. since the rebuild, the car has continued to have transmission problems such as self-acceleration when curse control IS engaged, slipping out of gear and…
The transmission on my vehicle was rebuilt in october 2001 @ 120000 miles because it jumped out of gear during acceleration and would not engage. since the rebuild, the car has continued to have transmission problems such as self-acceleration when curse control IS engaged, slipping out of gear and not reengaging, or downshifting during acceleration. the car has been taken into three different transmission shops each being unable to duplicate or correct the problem. the car has not been to a ford dealership but, has been well maintained. I would like to keep the car as a work vehicle, now @ 137K miles, but refuse to continue to deal with the transmission slippage.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling
We bought a mercury cougar 1994 and discovered we have a blown head gasket. We just found out that it IS virtually impossible to find an engine for the V6 model at a reasonable price. We also found out that this 1994 model IS famous for blown head gaskets. *la
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Equipment
Engine was replaced at 87,000 miles under recall for head gasket failure. 30,000 miles later engine head blew up again due to the placement of a helicoil in the re-manufactured engine. This helicoil was present in the re-manufactured engine from the factory. I consider this to be a defect in the…
Engine was replaced at 87,000 miles under recall for head gasket failure. 30,000 miles later engine head blew up again due to the placement of a helicoil in the re-manufactured engine. This helicoil was present in the re-manufactured engine from the factory. I consider this to be a defect in the re-manufactured engine, as the head should have been machined by the factory not just have a helicoil stuffed in. This iis the cause of the new failure and for refuses to repair. *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine was replaced at 87,000 miles under a recall. due to a spark plug that busted through the engine. 30,000 miles later, engine needed replacement again. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The engine had major problems with head gasket. this problem was the subject of a recall and the warranty was extended. the consumer never received any information about the recall. *cb *nlm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission repaired three times & needs to be repaired again. Help p.s no one takes better care of a car then me. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
The vehicles ignition switch broke. *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The head gasket blew due to a failed part in the engine. *jb ph *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
When the car IS cold, the transmission does not respond to moderate to extreme accelerator pedal depression. It does not matter if I am in first or 4TH gear or the speed. The engine IS slow to respond in rpms when I ask for it, then goes to 2,000, then to 3,000, but with no change in vehicle…
When the car IS cold, the transmission does not respond to moderate to extreme accelerator pedal depression. It does not matter if I am in first or 4TH gear or the speed. The engine IS slow to respond in rpms when I ask for it, then goes to 2,000, then to 3,000, but with no change in vehicle velocity. The car responds relatively well with light, increasing depression to the pedal, but not to anything that would cause a down shift. The problem goes away after 8 miles or so of city driving. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The engine light came on and then the vehicle over heated. Which was caused by a blown head gasket. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I am the original owner of this 1994 mercury cougar with 33,465 miles as of mar 4, 2002. And there was a general recall issued on the problem in question which involves the potential for a premature failure of the engine head gasket(s).at the time of the notice this condition was not experienced…
I am the original owner of this 1994 mercury cougar with 33,465 miles as of mar 4, 2002. And there was a general recall issued on the problem in question which involves the potential for a premature failure of the engine head gasket(s).at the time of the notice this condition was not experienced and no action was taken. However this condition has now developed and IS causing severe engine over heating. I have brought this vehicle into the local mercury dealer and this head gasket failure diagnosis has been confirmed with the repair requiring a complete head gasket replacement and engine take down and rebuild costing 1400. As of this writing my efforts to have ford motor co to agree to pick-up and/or at least assist with the payment of these related repair fees has been denied. And I would very much appreciate your review and assistance in this matter.*jb
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
The consumer received a recall notice but failed to take the vehicle for service since the symptoms indicated did not exist. after two years the vehicle's low coolant light had come on. the check engine light had come on and the diagnosis showed that the head gasket had failed prematurely. the…
The consumer received a recall notice but failed to take the vehicle for service since the symptoms indicated did not exist. after two years the vehicle's low coolant light had come on. the check engine light had come on and the diagnosis showed that the head gasket had failed prematurely. the consumer requested to be reimbursed for the monies spent on repairs. *yh the water pump and the radiator had leaked. *scc
- Unknown or other
No summary. dt
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
The headlight lenses are plastic and are now severly crazed and yellowed to a point that driving at night IS a very definite hazard. I am replacing them because of this hazard. There IS no way that this part should have failed in such a short time span.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
At 23922 mi. (10/28/1997) dealer replaced transmission fluid to "fix" rumble strip effect when accelerating at 35-40 mph (1.5-2 rpm). fluid again changed at 53591 (02/13/2001) to try to fix same problem. transmission fluid changed again at 63677 (2/27/2002). a small leak was mentioned by…
At 23922 mi. (10/28/1997) dealer replaced transmission fluid to "fix" rumble strip effect when accelerating at 35-40 mph (1.5-2 rpm). fluid again changed at 53591 (02/13/2001) to try to fix same problem. transmission fluid changed again at 63677 (2/27/2002). a small leak was mentioned by mechanic. the rumble sound has now been replaced with the transmission not engaging...the engine revs, but no acceleration between 40-50 mph. the problem IS intermitent. this could lead to a rear-end collison. cannot rely on car!*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Head gasket failure causing antifreeze to leak in crankshaft, causing engine failure. ford refused to pay for engine replacement. timing cover gasket failed paid out of pocket oonly to find out recal 99b29. your website showed tsb # 00m10 sequence # 625 - info regarding engine replacements warranty extension program*yh. *Ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine compartment fire
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application.
- 10008279New service part - number 5 needle bearing and race kit - 4r70w transmission - service tip.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10000592Incorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge, lost of power, malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1336, p1309 and p0340.
- 6090538Information regarding camshaft position (cmp) sensor alignment tool chart. *Mjs
- 6090310Some service manuals may list the incorrect camshaft position sensor alignment tool for vehicles with various engine sizes.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 3030300Unknown
- 630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area.
- 625888Information regarding engine replacements warranty extension program.
- 625878Information regarding engine replacements warranty extension program.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 619424Subject regarding engine oil recommendations for use in 2001 vehicles - sae 5W-20 motor oil.
- 616522Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system.
- 616506Some vehicles may exhibit premature failure of the head gasket(s). This condition may result in engine coolant leakage, which, if not detected, can cause engine overheating.
- 613868Subject regarding owner notification program supplement #1 3.8L engine head gaskets.
- 613335Subject regarding a new transmission case and main control released for service on aode / 4r70w transmissions.
- 613329Illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) and / or the o/d light flashing.
- 613261Some vehicles with non-functional windshield wipers may require wiper motor replacement.
- 613082Some vehicles with non-functional windshield wipers may require wiper motor replacement. *Mjs
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 607436Some vehicles may have water contamination in the air filter and / or the mass air flow sensor.
- 606508Conditions with the brake lamps inadvertently disabling the brake shift interlock.
- 606460Experiencing a whine / buzz type noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio on vehicles with an in-tank electric fuel pump.
- 606428Experiencing a delayed or no 2-3 upshift, primarily when the transmission IS cold on vehicles with ford qality remanufactured (fqr) 4r70w transmission exchange units with julian build between 062-97 and 040-99.
- 606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year.
- 605562Subject regarding the availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment.
- 604751Information regarding reprogramming powertrain control modules (pcms).
- 603724Mass air flow (maf)- sensor contamination- service tip.
- 603695Experiencing a " buzzing " or " rattling " noise from the exhaust system.
- 601343A new silicone gasket and sealant.
- 601341Experiencing a whining / buzzing noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio.
Every Mercury Cougar model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.