1995 Ford Cougar

The 1995 Ford Cougar was a mid-size coupe offered with a V6 engine and an automatic transmission. It was praised for its stylish exterior, comfortable interior, and peppy performance. However, it also had some reliability issues that owners should be aware of.

Engine

• 3.8L V6
  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, rough idle
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Head gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
    • Solution: Replace head gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 4-speed automatic
  • Transmission slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Gears slipping out of place, transmission hesitates to shift
    • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front suspension components (struts, ball joints)
  • Wear and tear
    • Description/Symptoms: clunking or rattling noises, uneven tire wear
    • Solution: Replace worn components
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000 per side
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Electrical system failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Electrical components not working, battery draining quickly
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair electrical system
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ Fuse box (under dashboard) * Fuse blown * Description/Symptoms: Blown fuse causing electrical components to not work * Solution: Replace blown fuse * Estimated Cost to Fix: Free - $10 * Recalls: None Found
• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, electrical problems
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700
    • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number 01V184000

Exterior

• Door handles breaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handles snapping off
  • Solution: Replace door handles
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard cracking and warping
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Heater core failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No heat coming from vents
  • Solution: Replace heater core
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 1995 Ford Cougar is a stylish and fun-to-drive car, but it has some reliability issues that can be expensive to fix. Common problems include intake manifold gasket failure, head gasket failure, transmission slipping, and electrical system failures. While there is no such thing as a perfect vehicle, these issues are important to consider before buying a used Cougar.