FaultScore

FaultScore report

1996 Mercury Cougar problems

Owners have filed 77 complaints about the 1996 Mercury Cougar with NHTSA between 1996 and 2011. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 9 worst.

B

FaultScore 26/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mercury Cougar.

How this is worked out

The numbers

77

Complaints

4

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries reported

61,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

9%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 17 vs 50 Severity 47 vs 50 Early failure 15 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 17
Against the median year of the Mercury Cougar. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 47
9.1% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 15
9% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1996 compares with every other Mercury Cougar

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1996 Mercury Cougar

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 23 29.9%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 6 7.8%

Median failure at 61,000 miles

Brakes 6 7.8%

Median failure at 40,327 miles

Tires 5 6.5%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 5 6.5%
Body & Structure 5 6.5%

Median failure at 72,827 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 4 5.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 40,550 mi

Other & Unspecified 3 3.9%

Median failure at 44,000 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 3 3.9%

Median failure at 114,000 miles

Seat Belts 3 3.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Fuel & Propulsion 3 3.9%

Median failure at 80,700 miles

Suspension 3 3.9%
Electrical System 3 3.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 40,550 mi

Steering 2 2.6%
Equipment & Accessories 1 1.3%
Lights 1 1.3%
Airbags 1 1.3%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe 5 19.2%
Engine 5 19.2%
Cooling System 3 11.5%
Gasoline 3 11.5%
Rotor 3 11.5%
Anchorage 3 11.5%
Motor 2 7.7%
Tread/Belt 2 7.7%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

10,000 – 24,999 miles 1 4.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 9 39.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 2 8.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 5 21.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 5 21.7%
150,000+ miles 1 4.3%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Sep 1996 peak 6 Aug 2011

NHTSA investigations into the 1996 Mercury Cougar

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

EA01001 Opened 5 Jan 2001 Closed 31 Jul 2001 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESS

Recalls on the 1996 Mercury Cougar

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

96V070000

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

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: THE DRIVER'S DOOR, WHEN CLOSED ONLY TO THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, MAY NOT SUSTAIN A 1,000 POUND TRANSVERSE LOAD.

96V007000

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

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: BLOWER MALFUNCTIONS LIMITING OR STOPPING OUTPUT CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 1996071 3,296 units in Canada

Structure

THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S 206 - DOOR LATCHES, HINGES AND LOCKS. THE DRIVER'S DOOR, WHEN CLOSED ONLY TO THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, MAY NOT SUSTAIN A 1000 POUND TRANSVERSE LOAD AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD. CORRECTION: DRIVER DOOR LATCH WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACED.

Recall 1996017 245 units in Canada

Heater And Defroster

THE SEMI-AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL MODULE MAY MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE ERRATIC BLOWER OPERATION, HIGH BLOWER OR NO BLOWER REGARDLESS OF CONTROL POSITION. SHOULD THE NO BLOWER CONDITION OCCUR, THE VEHICLE'S DEFROSTER MAY NOT CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD OF FROST/FOG. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE SEMI-AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL MODULE WITH A REVISED DESIGN MODULE.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 40,550 miles Racine, WI Crash 2 injured

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

NHTSA complaint #10057124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,550 miles Racine, WI Crash 2 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #10057124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bradenton, FL Crash

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

THE GAS DID NOT SHUT OFF DURING IMPACT,ALONG WITH THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING. THE DRIVER COULD OF BEEN KILLED TODAY. PLEASE FIND OUT WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THANK YOU JAYNE HOWARD.

NHTSA complaint #738438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jackson, NJ Crash 1 injured

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

WHEN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, SEATBELT BECAME UNLATCHED

NHTSA complaint #729488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 61,000 miles Akron, OH

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 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

NHTSA complaint #10421395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Temple, TX

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.

NHTSA complaint #10378684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 114,000 miles Dearborn Heights, MI

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. 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.

NHTSA complaint #10344201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,359 miles Farmington Hills, MI

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 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.

NHTSA complaint #10213808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,700 miles Canton, MI

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 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.

NHTSA complaint #10155402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Woodbridge, VA

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.

NHTSA complaint #10154769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,109 miles Grande Prairie, 00

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 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.

NHTSA complaint #10139306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 12,918 miles Oklahoma City, OK

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

NHTSA complaint #10125564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 44,000 miles Milwaukee, WI

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.

NHTSA complaint #10123922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 44,000 miles Milwaukee, WI

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

NHTSA complaint #10123922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 146,000 miles Dayton, OH

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.

NHTSA complaint #10117043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 58,000 miles Cleveland, OH

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

NHTSA complaint #10108701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,654 miles Lubbock, TX

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

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.

NHTSA complaint #10101992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,654 miles Lubbock, TX

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 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.

NHTSA complaint #10101992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,654 miles Lubbock, TX

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

NHTSA complaint #10101992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fostoria, OH

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 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.

NHTSA complaint #10100504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 95,000 miles Altamonte Springs, FL

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 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.

NHTSA complaint #10095591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 275,000 miles Broadway, NC

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.

NHTSA complaint #10091879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rockton, IL

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

NHTSA complaint #10083353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rockton, IL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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

NHTSA complaint #10083353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Temple Hills, MD

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 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.

NHTSA complaint #10070006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Temple Hills, MD

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

NHTSA complaint #10070006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,550 miles Racine, WI Crash 2 injured

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

NHTSA complaint #10057124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,550 miles Racine, WI Crash 2 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #10057124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 109,000 miles West Islip, NY

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

NHTSA complaint #10055735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.