One problem related to engine and engine cooling has been reported for the 1996 Mercury Cougar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Campaign 96v007000----on my 96 Cougarxr7 purchased in 2001--had to repace motor due to overheating--new motor started to overheat/blower caused this over-heating--because blower came on eratically mechanic did not find immediately//currently out of pocketexpenses around 6000. 00--dealer should of had this fixed before selling to me or at least notified me of this recall.