1996 Mercury Cougar
US · Midsize Cars
The 1996 Mercury Cougar is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 3.8L 6-cylinder (FFS), 4.6L 8-cylinder (FFS)
- Transmission
- 4-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Economy
- 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 3.8L 6-cylinder (FFS), 4.6L 8-cylinder (FFS) | |
| Displacement | 3.8 L to 4.6 L | |
| Cylinders | 6 to 8 | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| Gears | 4 | |
| Drivetrain | RWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 15 mpg (15.7 L/100 km) to 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) to 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
2 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 6, 2026.
96V070000: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
WHEN IN THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, THE DRIVER DOOR LATCHES MAY OPEN WHEN SUBJECTED TO TRANSVERSE LOADS LESS THAN THAT SPECIFIED IN FMVSS NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DRIVER DOOR LATCH.
Reported April 22, 1996. View on NHTSA
96V007000: EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE CLIMATE CONTROL BLOWER DOES NOT OPERATE AS INTENDED. THE BLOWER COULD (1) STICK ON "HIGH;" (2) OPERATE ERRATICALLY WITH BLOWER OUTPUT VARYING BETWEEN NO BLOWER AND MAXIMUM BLOWER; OR (3) NOT OPERATE AT ALL DUE TO MALFUNCTION OF THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL MODULE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEMI-AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL MODULES WITH MODULES CONTAINING REVISED SOFTWARE.
Reported January 16, 1996. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved November 10, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 20, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: November 10, 2026
Data verified: November 10, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 1995 Mercury Cougar
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 3.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)), 4.6L 8-cylinder ((FFS)) · RWD
19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) - 1997 Mercury Cougar
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 3.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)), 4.6L 8-cylinder ((FFS)) · RWD
19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1996 Mercury Cougar have?
Varies by configuration: 3.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)), 4.6L 8-cylinder ((FFS)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 1996 Mercury Cougar?
Combined fuel economy is 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1996 Mercury Cougar front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: RWD.
Are there recalls for the 1996 Mercury Cougar?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 6, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.