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Body and structurePart report

1996 Mercury Cougar Body and structure Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
8%of 62 total for the year
Median mileage
72,827miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the body and structure of the 1996 Mercury Cougar, 8% of the 62 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,827 miles.

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.

“Check for coolant leak at intake manifold. Replaced intake manifold. There were regular oil changes and tire rotation. The engine light had come on, and the coolant light would come on and off. The dealer had to replace the engine sensor light and added a cup of water. …”

NHTSA complaint #10101992, filed 2004-11, 36,654 miles

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200222%
200156%
200073%
1999347%
199723%
199658%
199522%
199443%
199384%
199233%
199123%
199022%
198911%
198812%
198618%
1985110%

Other parts of the 1996 Mercury Cougar

Engine cooling
21 complaints
Brakes
6 complaints
Vehicle speed control
5 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
Tires
4 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
4 complaints
Electrical system
3 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
3 complaints
Other or unknown
3 complaints
Seat belts
3 complaints
Suspension
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1996 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