1997 Mercury Cougar Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 11%of 76 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the fuel system of the 1997 Mercury Cougar, 11% of the 76 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,500 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.
“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“Fuel was noted leaking from fuel lines just aft of the passenger side door. Upon further investigation, fuel was seem running down the fuel lines and side of fuel tank. Leak was caused by fuel lines chaffing through on top of tank. Car had 51,000 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10411712, filed 2011-07, 51,000 miles“There is a leakage within the fuel injection system. Whenever consumer put gas into the vehicle, the gas leaks out, and the consumer can smell gas in vehicle. Vehicle has been in repair shop three times for the fuel injection. Also consumer had transmission in repair shop four times. Vehicle is still in repair shop for fuel injection problems, and dealer can't determine the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #839002, filed 1999-06“On 7/29/2003 while fueling t gas was leaking under the vehicle. Owner looked under the vehicle and found three holes in the fuel line. Owner stated that driveshaft was rubbing on the fuel line which caused the holes.”
NHTSA complaint #10031533, filed 2003-07“Intake manifold 1997 Cougar, engine failure. The consumer stated that she had to pay 900.00 to replace a plastic part in the intake manifold and wants the part to be recalled.”
NHTSA complaint #10095192, filed 2004-09Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 49 | 52% |
| 2001 | 26 | 32% |
| 2000 | 46 | 22% |
| 1999 | 46 | 10% |
| 1997 | 8 | 11% |
| 1996 | 3 | 5% |
| 1995 | 9 | 8% |
| 1994 | 5 | 4% |
| 1993 | 10 | 5% |
| 1992 | 9 | 10% |
| 1991 | 6 | 8% |
| 1990 | 5 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 1% |
| 1987 | 2 | 6% |
| 1986 | 1 | 8% |
| 1984 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1997 Mercury Cougar
30 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 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