1997 Mercury Cougar: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Mercury Cougar: 0 recalls, 76 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (30): the most common themes are leaks (7), overheating (5), warning light on (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (10): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (3), leaks (3), noise or vibration (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (9): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3).
- Fuel system (8): the most common themes are leaks (4).
The 1997 Mercury Cougar has 76 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 13 Cougar model years for complaints (well below the 129 average). Complaints peaked in 1999 (14 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 71,550 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (62 complaints, 2 recalls), 1998 (1 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 | 16 | 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 1997 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.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Mercury Cougar have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1997 Mercury Cougar. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1997 Mercury Cougar problems?
Owners have filed 76 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (30), transmission & drivetrain (10), brakes (hydraulic) (9).
What gas mileage does the 1997 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 1997 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.