1992 Mercury Cougar Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 20%of 92 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,777miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1992 Mercury Cougar, 20% of the 92 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,777 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Head gaskets blew a leak during vehicle inspection at rahway, nj inspection station. **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis*734305”
NHTSA complaint #10007016, filed 2000-10, 77,777 miles“This engine type has had a history of this reported problem (head gasket failure). I have contacted several mechanics, and they have all reported that the problems that I am experiencing, are due to head gasket failure. I have contacted ford mo. Co., but they have provided no answers/assistance, even knowing of this major defect with this engine type. This failure is obviously due to a factory defect, and I want it to be on record with every organization that ford should be responsible to fix at their cost. …”
NHTSA complaint #745542, filed 2001-05“When I drove my car to work it seemed fine. When I got into the car after work I idled really rough I thought it was the more expensive gas I put into it the night before, so I proceeded to the gas station to let them know. The car drove really rough all the way there. A red light came on on the dash just before I got to the gas station saying check gauges. The gauge showed that the car overheated. After having my car worked on about eight months ago for a overheating problem, it had been running really cool, so didn't think I would have a overheating problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #762625, filed 2002-06“Head gasket blew on my Cougar. Upset that this is a widesporead issue and that ford fails to warranty this clear defect. The defect rate for this exact problem is mind boggling. The fact that ford has 'chrrey picked' which years / vehicles to cover under warranty is absurd. The problem is related to the 3.8l engine and thus all such engines should be covered!”
NHTSA complaint #725590, filed 2000-07“The 3rd time the gasket's yes thats righ both of them have blown and how odd at 40k/80k/121k/ gee thats 40k for each head gasket ford fixed first one then said sorry your up s*creek with the 2nd one... And now the 3rd time what next????”
NHTSA complaint #734595, filed 2000-10Engine 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 1992 Mercury Cougar
27 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1992 Mercury Cougar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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