1991 Mercury Cougar Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 23%of 73 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1991 Mercury Cougar, 23% of the 73 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The car starts and runs well. But ever so often without any warning the engine will stall, and then it will crank right up. Lucky for me it hasn't stalled while I was making a left turn with a semi barreling down on me.”
NHTSA complaint #10069593, filed 2004-01, 95,000 miles“Headlights go off while driving, brakes continue to make noise, key switch prob. Recall repair, heater blows cold, car died after excel. Restarted and drove 50 ft. Died again and know in shop & been told gaskets or busted head. I love this car and have taken extra care, engine and car keep spotless, car is never left outside. All took place within 1 mo. Is it all tied together with one thing?”
NHTSA complaint #738145, filed 2000-12“While driving 15-20 MPH vehicle began to overheat, consumer pulled into service station to have vehicle inspected, the service mechanic stated that the head gaskets had blown. Dealer has yet to be contatced. Please provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #8001876, filed 2002-01“Vehicle was acting sluggish and white moke came form tailpipe. Vehicle was going 35mph and overheated, causing driver to pull over. Consumer indicated that continuing to drive will cause head to warp. Dealer was notified.”
NHTSA complaint #8012955, filed 2002-06“Vehicle experienced head gasket failure, recall on other models however Cougar was not included even though same engine as recall models, denied recall repair (98m01). Mjs”
NHTSA complaint #549571, filed 1999-10Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 11 | 12% |
| 2001 | 11 | 13% |
| 2000 | 26 | 12% |
| 1999 | 67 | 15% |
| 1997 | 30 | 39% |
| 1996 | 21 | 34% |
| 1995 | 19 | 17% |
| 1994 | 32 | 23% |
| 1993 | 105 | 54% |
| 1992 | 18 | 20% |
| 1991 | 17 | 23% |
| 1990 | 9 | 10% |
| 1989 | 9 | 11% |
| 1988 | 6 | 11% |
| 1987 | 5 | 15% |
| 1986 | 1 | 8% |
| 1985 | 1 | 10% |
| 1984 | 4 | 24% |
Other parts of the 1991 Mercury Cougar
11 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1991 Mercury Cougar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology