1997 Mercury Cougar Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 8%of 76 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,970miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Mercury Cougar, 8% of the 76 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,970 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.
“Lower left ball joint broke when vehicle hit a pot hole. The vehicle stopped immediately grinding to a halt. The consumer inspected the vehicle and found the left wheel rim with extensive grinding damage and wear on the outside left front tire and the inside of the right front tire.”
NHTSA complaint #10046538, filed 2003-11“Left front lower ball joint on vehicle broke after hitting a pothole. The inside of the wheel rim showed extensive damage. The vehicle was towed and repaired. The mechanic switch the two left tires from front to back. The vehicle didn't wobble or have any vibration after the fact. The consumer had greased fittings installed on the vehicle, however the owner's manual stated no grease would be needed for 100,00 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10038298, filed 2003-09“When traveling the transmission does not shift into gear. Also, there is vibration in the front end. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has yet to replace parts. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #847454, filed 1999-09“Front end problems causing excessive vibration (several repair attempts), front brakes also experience locking up on occasions, both these failures are causing directional control problems. Mjs”
NHTSA complaint #548137, filed 1999-08Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 4% |
| 2000 | 1 | 0% |
| 1999 | 22 | 5% |
| 1997 | 6 | 8% |
| 1996 | 3 | 5% |
| 1995 | 8 | 7% |
| 1994 | 7 | 5% |
| 1993 | 4 | 2% |
| 1992 | 3 | 3% |
| 1991 | 4 | 5% |
| 1989 | 3 | 4% |
| 1988 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1997 Mercury Cougar
30 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsFuel system
8 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 30, 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