1996 Mercury Cougar
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Cougar › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Mercury Cougar. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1996 Mercury Cougar. Newest first.
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."
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
62 complaints3 involved a crash3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
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…
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
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
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.…
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 › Engine
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…
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 › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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…
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 › Engine
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 › Cooling system
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…
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
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
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 › Doors › Latch
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 › Doors › Latch
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · Service brakes, hydraulic · Structure
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…
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 › Engine
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…
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 › Cooling system
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…
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 › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Intake manifold has developed a crack. As a result, water leaked out, and the engine overheated. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Exterior lighting
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
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Power train › Manual transmission
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
- Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and attachments
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
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 › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
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…
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 › Cooling system
Temperature gauge went up, car overheated. Took vehicle to independent shop, and technician stated that intake plastic manifold cracked.*ak
- Structure › Body › Hood
While driving at 40 mph and with no warning. The hood flew open. Dealer notified. *ak *scc *jb
- Engine and engine cooling
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 › Engine › Gasoline
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…
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
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness
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.
- 6090542Information regarding front cover & water pump bolts-torque valve revision/3.8-4.2l. *Mjs
- 6090309Information regarding a change in the torque values of the engine front cover water pump bolts.
- 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.
- 6089651Subject on engine coolant leaking into the engine oil on some vehicles.
- 630628Some vehicles may exhibit an intake manifold crossover (first runner) coolant seepage condition.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 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.
- 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.
- 615262Some vehicles may exhibit an rpm flare on a forced 4/2 downshift.
- 615181Some vehicles may exhibit an rpm flare on a forced 4/2 downshift. Additionally, the commanded electronic pressure control IS at appromately 10 psi.
- 613562Information regarding replacment of engine front cover gasket. **Mr
- 613332Some 4r70w transmissions were built with a unique case and require a spacer to be installed between the low / reverse servo cover and retaining ring.
- 613326Information stating that the rear brakes on vehicles without the anti-lock brake system (ABS) were changed on 11/18/95 from drum brakes to disc brakes.
- 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
- 612301Information regarding several internal changes that have been implemented on the mrx-75 transaxle to improve shift efforts. *Mjs
- 612219Some vehicles may experience engine coolant leaks at the engine front cover gasket. Owner notification program providing replacement of the engine front cover gasket.
- 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.
- 607402Effective march 2, 1998m3.8l engine assembly IS added to fqr(ford quality renewal) assembly program.
- 606956Vehicles may exhibit a hard to shift condition in cold weather.
- 606508Conditions with the brake lamps inadvertently disabling the brake shift interlock.
- 606484Concerns with engine coolant leaking into engine oil on some vehicles.
- 606461Ford motor company has released a private labeled material to be used for iron particle / acid rain service repairs.
- 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.
- 606433Information designed to aid in the diagnosis, testing and repair of noise, vibration and harshness (nvh) concerns.
Every Mercury Cougar model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.