1991 Ford Cougar

1991 Ford Cougar

The 1991 Ford Cougar was a sleek and stylish coupe that offered a potent performance package. It was powered by a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 140 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 4.6-liter V8 with 190 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque and a 5.0-liter V8 with 225 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The Cougar came with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

While the Cougar was lauded for its sporty handling and comfortable interior, it was not without its share of problems.

Engine

• 3.8-liter V6
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant and/or oil leaking from the area where the intake manifold meets the cylinder heads, reduced engine performance, overheating
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 4.6-liter V8
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or ticking noise from engine, loss of power, engine may stall or fail to start
    • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 5.0-liter V8
  • Head Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the area where the cylinder heads meet the engine block, overheating, loss of coolant, white or blue smoke from exhaust
    • Solution: Replace head gaskets
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 5-speed Manual
  • Clutch Master Cylinder Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, clutch pedal feels spongy or goes to the floor, leaks under the vehicle
    • Solution: Replace clutch master cylinder
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 4-speed Automatic
  • Torque Converter Lockup Clutch Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping or shuddering, loss of power, reduced fuel efficiency
    • Solution: Replace torque converter lockup clutch
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension Weak Struts
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise or clunking while driving, reduced handling and stability, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace front struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim or flickering headlights, dashboard lights, difficulty starting, battery does not recharge
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine cranks slowly or fails to start, grinding noise when starting
  • Solution: Replace starter motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Quarter Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust or corrosion on the quarter panels, behind the rear wheels
  • Solution: Repair or replace quarter panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Center Console Cupholders Breaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cupholders breaking or falling out
  • Solution: Replace center console
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1991 Ford Cougar offered a powerful performance package but was not without its share of issues. The most common problems include intake manifold gasket failure, timing chain tensioner failure, and head gasket failure. Other problems include clutch master cylinder failure, torque converter lockup clutch failure, alternator failure, and starter motor failure. The Cougar was also prone to rust on the quarter panels and cracking on the dashboard. These issues can be costly to repair, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.