MYRModel Year Report

1996 Mercury Cougar

● Typical for this model
1996 Mercury Cougar
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:55:01.667Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercury Cougar Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 17 complaints 1985: 10 complaints 1986: 13 complaints 1986 1987: 33 complaints 1988: 55 complaints 1989: 84 complaints 1989 1990: 86 complaints 1991: 73 complaints 1992: 92 complaints 1992 1993: 198 complaints 1994: 145 complaints 1995: 109 complaints 1995 1996: 62 complaints 1996 1997: 76 complaints 1998: 1 complaints 1998 1999: 454 complaints 2000: 211 complaints 2001: 82 complaints 2001 2002: 95 complaints 2002
1996: 62 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19802
19810
19822
19832
198417
198510
198613
198733
198855
198984
199086
199173
199292
1993198
1994145
1995109
199662
199776
19981
1999454
2000211
200182
200295

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 35%

35% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and engine.

SERVICE BRAKES 10%

10% of complaints: service brakes — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 8%

8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cables.

VISIBILITY 8%

8% of complaints: visibility — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield and motor.

STRUCTURE 8%

8% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing trunk lid and hinge and attachments.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19960221 — equipment

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 MAXIMU

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEMI-AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL MODULES WITH MODULES CONTAINING REVISED SOFTWARE.

Campaign 96V007000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19960515 — latches/locks/linkages

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."

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DRIVER DOOR LATCH.

Campaign 96V070000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20010105 — EA (closed 20010731)

BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESS

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Mercury Cougar — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 96V007000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 96V070000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1987 ▲ 1988 ● 1991

WORST YEARS

■ 1999 ■ 2000 ■ 1993

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1996 Mercury Cougar reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Mercury Cougar is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Mercury Cougar?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Mercury Cougar have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.