1996 Mercury Cougar: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Mercury Cougar: 2 recalls, 62 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Equipment Vehicle recall #96V007000 · 1996 · 10,600 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Blower malfunctions limiting or stopping output can adversely affect windshield defrosting and defogging performance increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will replace the semi-automatic temperature control modules with modules containing revised software.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #96V070000 · 1996 · 73,500 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: The driver's door, when closed only to the secondary latched position, May not sustain a 1,000 pound transverse load.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver door latch.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (21): the most common themes are overheating (6), leaks (5), noise or vibration (3).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (6): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3).
- Speed control / throttle (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1996 Mercury Cougar has 62 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 13 Cougar model years for complaints (well below the 129 average). Complaints peaked in 2000 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 80,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (109 complaints, 0 recalls), 1997 (76 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Mercury Cougar.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Mercury Cougar have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Mercury Cougar. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Mercury Cougar problems?
Owners have filed 62 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (21), brakes (hydraulic) (6), speed control / throttle (5).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Mercury Cougar get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Mercury Cougar repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.