1996 Mercury Cougar Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 5%of 62 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 114,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1996 Mercury Cougar, 5% of the 62 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 114,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“96 v 070 000/structure door assembly latches and locks: on two separate occasions while driving, the driver door flew open by itself. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer made some repairs at no cost. The consumer has a concern if the problem will recur.”
NHTSA complaint #10108701, filed 2005-01, 58,000 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Mercury Cougar. The contact stated that the drivers side front door and the passengers side front door would open while driving at any speed. When she closed the doors they could be pushed open with little effort. Ford was contacted and stated that there were no recalls. Nhtsa campaign id number: 96v070000, latches, locks, linkages, and door latch was, issued for her year, make and model vehicle. The contact was advised of the 10 year expiration period. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 114,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10344201, filed 2010-07, 114,000 milesRelated recalls
- 96V070000Apr 22, 1996When in the secondary latched position, the driver door latches may open when subjected to transverse loads less than that specified in fmvss no. 206, "door…Covers: Mercury Cougar 1996, Ford Thunderbird 1996, Lincoln Town CAR 1996 +4 more
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Mercury Cougar
21 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsTires
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Mercury Cougar
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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