Defect
DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ERROR, CERTAIN FLEXIBLE-BLADE ENGINE COOLING FANS MAY BE SUBJECT TO FATIGUE CRACKING AND BLADE SEPARATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.
Remedy
DEFECTIVE FAN WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN WITHOUT CHARGE.
1972 Mercury Cougar problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1972 Mercury Cougar — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1972 compare to other Cougar years?
Does the 1972 Mercury Cougar have recalls?
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
1972 Mercury Cougar — common questions
Is the 1972 Mercury Cougar reliable?
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Does the 1972 Mercury Cougar have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1972 Mercury Cougar. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Which Mercury Cougar years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cougar years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 1993, 1994, 1995, 2002, 1992, 1997, 1989, 1990, 2001, 1991, 1996, 1988, 1987. The cleanest record among Cougar years belongs to 1981.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.