1997 Mercury Cougar Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 16%of 76 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Mercury Cougar, 16% of the 76 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“We have numerous complaints with this vehicle. One of which is the brakes. Another is the cooling system. There is a recall on the manifold but our local ford dealer wlll not replace even though we have asked them to do so. In addition the engine had a problem which no one could figure out.”
NHTSA complaint #10000759, filed 2003-01, 60,000 miles“I bought my Cougar in 1997. At 6,113 miles the front rotors were warped and had to be turned . At 8,788 miles the roters had to be replaced. At 15,718 miles the rotors were warped again and had to be turned again. At 16,992 miles the rotors were warped again and turned once again. At 20,990 miles more problems with the brakes,premium aftermarket rotors and pads were ordered and were installed at 21,461 miles.then at 26,402 the brake problem continues the rotors were turned again. …”
NHTSA complaint #713895, filed 1999-10“While traveling 30mph in traffic started applying brakes to slow down, had no brakes, and vehicle kept going. Brake pedal was almost to the floor. Also, cruise control had failed. Stopped vehicle and had it towed to mechanic. Was informed that brake booster plunger, had worn out, causing non braking ability.”
NHTSA complaint #898840, filed 2001-11“Front hydraulic disc rotors are 1/2 inch bigger that rear rotors which causes rotors to warp. Brakes overheat, steering starts shaking, and front end will nose dive if vehicle brakes too hard, causing wheels to lock up. Dealer notified. Please provide more information.”
NHTSA complaint #8012308, filed 2002-06“While driving brake disc rotors warped, causing extended stopping distance which may result in a crash. Dealer replaced brake rotors numerous times, but the problem has reoccurred. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #850124, filed 1999-10Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 4 | 5% |
| 2000 | 12 | 6% |
| 1999 | 77 | 17% |
| 1997 | 12 | 16% |
| 1996 | 6 | 10% |
| 1995 | 40 | 37% |
| 1994 | 29 | 21% |
| 1993 | 22 | 11% |
| 1992 | 8 | 9% |
| 1991 | 11 | 15% |
| 1990 | 9 | 10% |
| 1989 | 10 | 12% |
| 1988 | 3 | 5% |
| 1987 | 5 | 15% |
| 1986 | 1 | 8% |
| 1984 | 2 | 12% |
Other parts of the 1997 Mercury Cougar
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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