1997 Mercury Cougar
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercury › Cougar › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Mercury Cougar. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
76 complaints2 involved a crash2 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train
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…
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
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…
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
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 › Exhaust system
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…
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
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 › Ignition
Ignition failed to turn with key. put lubricant (WD-40) in hole and tapped with hammer until key turned.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
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…
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 › Cooling system
I have a 1997 cougar XR7 with a 4.6 liter V8. around july 1, 2001, the intake manifold on the car cracked causing it to overheat. I had the car fixed, not knowing there was a recall on these intake manifolds. in march of 2004, I found the recall letter sent to me by lincoln mercury. I contacted…
I have a 1997 cougar XR7 with a 4.6 liter V8. around july 1, 2001, the intake manifold on the car cracked causing it to overheat. I had the car fixed, not knowing there was a recall on these intake manifolds. in march of 2004, I found the recall letter sent to me by lincoln mercury. I contacted the service manager, tim coats, at what was then ruston ford (i knew him as he did most of my vehicle's warranty work when he was at the lincoln mercury dealership in monroe, la.). I told him about the letter and I still had all my receipts. he sent everything in to lincoln mercury and I was reimbursed. the recall was good for 7 years, unlimited mileage beginning in february 1998. Last february, I was told my car was leaking antifreeze. as it was repeatedly pressure tested, and did not loose pressure, we could not find the source. finally, in june of last year, that intake manifold cracked. both intakes that cracked lasted approximately 70,000 miles and/or 4 years. I contacted the lincoln mercury dealer in minden where I got the part and was told that the warranty had expired and there was nothing lincoln mercury would do. I have since called lincoln mercury customer service 3 times and they have told me there IS no current recall on the car and due to the mileage, there IS nothing they will do. So, I replaced this intake with one from o'reilly auto parts. I have know found out this one IS cracked and leaking. o'reilly will warranty the part, but I have to submit the bill for labor with the defective part and hope they will reimburse. each time this happens, the labor runs around $250 - $300. then, it has to have new plugs and wires as they get wet. all I know IS there IS a serious problem. this will be the fourth intake manifold in 9 years, the car has 175,000 miles on it and I have to keep it until the first of next year. I no longer feel safe as you never know when the intake IS going to crack. the vin # IS [xxx]. nm *js
- Engine and engine cooling
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…
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 › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
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…
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 › Engine
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 › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
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 › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
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
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…
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 › Cooling system
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 › Wiring › Front underhood
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 › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
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
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 › Engine
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
- Fuel system, gasoline › Carburetor system
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 › Engine
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
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 › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · Equipment
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…
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 › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
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…
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 › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
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…
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
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.
- 10023943Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, or 6.8L 2V engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. This includes F-53 motorhome chassis. Updated 2/23/10.
- 10018959Extended 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.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 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.
- 6090873Locks failed. Yd
- 6090542Information regarding front cover & water pump bolts-torque valve revision/3.8-4.2l. *Mjs
- 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.
- 6090309Information regarding a change in the torque values of the engine front cover water pump bolts.
- 6090184Information on replacing and / or repairing malfunctioning (door, ignition and decklid) locks.
- 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.
- 627927Some vehicles may exhibit vacuum or air leaks in the intake manifold and / or engine system causing diagnostic trouble codes p0171 and or p0174.
- 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.
- 615292Some vehicles with CD4E transmission may exhibit a condition of no crank / no start in park. Vehicle will crank and start in neutral.
- 615213Some vehicles with CD4E transmission may exhibit a condition of no crank / no start in park. Vehicle will crank and start in neutral.
- 613562Information regarding replacment of engine front cover gasket. **Mr
- 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.
Every Mercury Cougar model year
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