1997 Mercury Cougar problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 112 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 37.3 times the median Cougar year — the 1997 model ranks #8 of 37 Cougar years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 33 reports (30% of the total).
112
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1997 compare to other Cougar years?
What are the most common 1997 Mercury Cougar problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 33 | 29% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 13 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 11 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 8 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 8 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Other | 6 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 6 | 5% | — flat |
| Suspension | 6 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 5 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Seats | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL WELL OVER SEVEN YEARS AGO, AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL THE CONSUMER WAS NOT EXPERIENCING ANY PROBLEM WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD MENTIONED IN THE LETTER. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE RADIATOR LEAKED ANTIFREEZE ONTO THE STREET. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND ACCORDING TO THE…”
“BRAKE LINE CORRODED BY BATTERY ACID AND BROKE, RESULTING IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF BRAKE FUNCTION AND SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH VEHICLE THAT STOPPED AHEAD. BRAKE COMBINATION VALVE LOCATED IN FRONT OF BATTERY. ALL THE BRAKE LINES RUN PAST THE BATTERY FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER AND TO THE WHEELS AND ARE…”
“THERE IS A LEAKAGE WITHIN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. WHENEVER CONSUMER PUT GAS INTO THE VEHICLE, THE GAS LEAKS OUT, AND THE CONSUMER CAN SMELL GAS IN VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN REPAIR SHOP THREE TIMES FOR THE FUEL INJECTION. ALSO CONSUMER HAD TRANSMISSION IN REPAIR SHOP FOUR TIMES. VEHICLE IS…”
“THERE IS A LEAKAGE WITHIN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. WHENEVER CONSUMER PUT GAS INTO THE VEHICLE, THE GAS LEAKS OUT, AND THE CONSUMER CAN SMELL GAS IN VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN REPAIR SHOP THREE TIMES FOR THE FUEL INJECTION. ALSO CONSUMER HAD TRANSMISSION IN REPAIR SHOP FOUR TIMES. VEHICLE IS…”
“TIRE DELAMINATED. STEEL BELT BROKEN PER FIRESTONE SERVICE. REPLACED BEFORE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. CHARGED FULL PRICE TO REPLACE PAIR OF TIRES. FIRESTONE STORE REFUSED TO RETURN DAMAGED FRONT TIRE AND MATCHING FRONT TIRE.*AK (TIRESIZE: P215/70R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P215/70R15 )”
1997 Mercury Cougar — common questions
Is the 1997 Mercury Cougar reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 112 complaints put the 1997 model at #8 of 37 Cougar years. It is one of the Cougar years to avoid.
What are the most common 1997 Cougar problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (33 complaints), brakes (13 complaints), transmission (11 complaints).
Does the 1997 Mercury Cougar have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1997 Mercury Cougar.
Is the 1997 Mercury Cougar under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
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.