1984 MERCURY COUGAR

1 recalls, 25 complaints - 18 TSBs

83V134000 Dec 20, 1983
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Defect Description
THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE D-SHAPED RING FOR THE SHOULDER BELT ARE INADEQUATELY SUPPORTED BY THE MATERIAL IN WHICH THEY ARE MOUNTED. THE ATTACHMENT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES".
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW ATTACHING HARDWARE TO IMPROVE THE STRENGTH OF THE MOUNTING.
530,000 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Complaint Statistics

25 total complaints 1 crashes 3 fires

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE2
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM1
STEERING:LINKAGES:ARM:IDLER AND ATTACHMENT1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Nov 2, 2004
Incident date: Oct 31, 2004
WHILE RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONSUMER WILL CONTACT THE DEALER IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS... Read more
Crash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL Sep 25, 2001
Incident date: Sep 3, 2001
VEHICLE STALLED AT ANY SPEED. HAS STALLED 4 TIMES SINCE PURCHASED 4 WEEKS AGO. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SAID THAT TFI MODULE AND IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO THESE COMPONENTS CAUSED ELECTRICAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Sep 25, 2001
Incident date: Sep 3, 2001
VEHICLE STALLED AT ANY SPEED. HAS STALLED 4 TIMES SINCE PURCHASED 4 WEEKS AGO. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SAID THAT TFI MODULE AND IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO THESE COMPONENTS CAUSED ELECTRICAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE Jan 29, 2001
THE IGNITION SWITCH IS TEMPERAMENTAL AND THE VEHICLE IS STALLING. *SLC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE Jan 23, 2001
THE IGNITION SWITCH IS TEMPERAMENTAL AND THE VEHICLE IS STALLING. *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Sep 18, 2000
VERY RECENTLY I FOUND THAT THE NHTSA HAS BEEN INVESTIGATING PROBLEMS WITH MANY FORD VEHICLES FROM THE 80'S, DUE TO STALLING PROBLEMS. I OWNED A 1984 MERCURY COUGAR FOR 2 YEARS AND PUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS INTO THIS VEHICHLE WITH NO SUCCESS. I KEPT ALL MY RECEIPTS KNOWING THAT SOME DAY THE PROBLEM ... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Jul 6, 2000
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES IN EMERGENCY STOPPING SEAT BELTS DO NOT LOCK UP. ALSO, A BUMPING AND GRINDING NOISE OCCURS IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE VIBRATES, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC Jul 6, 2000
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES IN EMERGENCY STOPPING SEAT BELTS DO NOT LOCK UP. ALSO, A BUMPING AND GRINDING NOISE OCCURS IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE VIBRATES, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR Jul 6, 2000
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES IN EMERGENCY STOPPING SEAT BELTS DO NOT LOCK UP. ALSO, A BUMPING AND GRINDING NOISE OCCURS IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE VIBRATES, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY May 5, 1999
SEAT BELT BUCKLE HOUSING CRACKED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
STEERING:RACK AND PINION Apr 28, 1999
Incident date: Jan 30, 1998
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE RACK AND PINION FAILED (WORN OUT), CAUSING POOR STEERING ABILITY, RESULTING IN REPAIR. *YC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Oct 5, 1998
Incident date: Sep 21, 1998
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE GIVES NO PRIOR WARNING AND CUTS COMPLETELY OFF. WHEN TRYING TO START BACK UP THE BATTERY LIGHT/ ENGINECHECK LIGHT KEEP COMING ON. CONTACTED DEALER . *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY Oct 5, 1998
Incident date: Sep 21, 1998
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE GIVES NO PRIOR WARNING AND CUTS COMPLETELY OFF. WHEN TRYING TO START BACK UP THE BATTERY LIGHT/ ENGINECHECK LIGHT KEEP COMING ON. CONTACTED DEALER . *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Oct 5, 1998
Incident date: Sep 21, 1998
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE GIVES NO PRIOR WARNING AND CUTS COMPLETELY OFF. WHEN TRYING TO START BACK UP THE BATTERY LIGHT/ ENGINECHECK LIGHT KEEP COMING ON. CONTACTED DEALER . *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Mar 23, 1998
VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY STALLS AND IS DIFFICULT TO START.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Jun 3, 1997
VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH WAS MELTED WHEN OWNER TRIED TO START VEHICLE. *AK
STEERING:LINKAGES:ARM:IDLER AND ATTACHMENT Dec 5, 1996
Incident date: Mar 1, 1994
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON, ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN BUT CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE/ HAD TO TURN IGNITION SWITCH OFF TO STOP. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Apr 25, 1996
UPON PARKING 1 HOUR LATER FOUND INTERIOR ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *AK
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Apr 25, 1996
UPON PARKING 1 HOUR LATER FOUND INTERIOR ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *AK
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Apr 24, 1996
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO THE IGNITON SWITCH. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM Apr 19, 1996
Incident date: Apr 1, 1996
CONSUMER SMELLED A VERY BAD ODOR/FUMES IN THE VEHILCE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Apr 19, 1996
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. SHE GOT INTO THE CAR AND STARTED THE IGNITON AND SMOKE CAME OUT/THEN IT WENT UP IN FLAMES. PLEASE DESCRIBE.*AK
Fire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC Jun 22, 1995
Incident date: Jan 9, 1995
FRONT BRAKE HOSE AT FACTORY CRIMPED CONNECTOR ON CALIPER, CAUSED EQUALIZATION VALVE TO FAIL/LOSS OF BACKUP BRAKING SYSTEM. *SKD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP Jun 22, 1995
Incident date: Jan 9, 1995
BRAKE WARNING LIGHT FAILED.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT Mar 9, 1995
Incident date: Mar 8, 1995
ENGINE IDLES RXCESSIVELY FAST UNLESS THE HEATER CONTROL SWITCH IS ON. TT

EPA Fuel Economy, 1984 MERCURY COUGAR

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
2.3L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd 16.0 20.0 18.0 Regular $3,400
2.3L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd 17.0 24.0 19.0 Regular $3,250
3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 3-spd 16.0 20.0 17.0 Regular $3,600
3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd 17.0 23.0 19.0 Regular $3,250
5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd 15.0 22.0 17.0 Regular $3,600
2.3L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd 16.0 20.0 18.0 Regular $3,400
2.3L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd 17.0 23.0 19.0 Regular $3,250
3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 3-spd 16.0 20.0 18.0 Regular $3,400
3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd 17.0 22.0 19.0 Regular $3,250
5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd 14.0 20.0 16.0 Regular $3,850

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1984 MERCURY COUGAR

18 manufacturer communications from 12 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC3
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION3
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER2
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE2
036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP1
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING1
131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1
190000 TIRES1
01157 Aug 6, 2001
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
9888 Apr 27, 1998
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC
9852 Apr 13, 1998
190000 TIRES
INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC
9874 Apr 13, 1998
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC
985A13 Mar 18, 1998
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE. *YC
97511 Mar 3, 1997
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD
96246 Nov 18, 1996
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
WIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *TW
96249 Nov 18, 1996
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
TORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW
96221 Oct 21, 1996
131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
WINDSHIELD AND INTERIOR GLASS - FOG/FILM. *TW
95212 Oct 1, 1995
036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE BECAUSE IT MAY BE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE RUBBER MATERIAL USED IN THE DISC BRAKE SYSTEM. IF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE IS USED TO LUBRICATE ANY PAR
BC8899950401 Apr 1, 1995
034420 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS
UNKNOWN
BC8899950401 Apr 1, 1995
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
UNKNOWN
BC8899950401 Apr 1, 1995
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
UNKNOWN
BC8899950401 Apr 1, 1995
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
UNKNOWN
BC8899950401 Apr 1, 1995
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
UNKNOWN
BC8899950401 Apr 1, 1995
113100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:SOLENOID
UNKNOWN
BC8899950401 Apr 1, 1995
138800 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
UNKNOWN
9562 Mar 1, 1995
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
ROUGHNESS CONCERN DURING BRAKE APPLICATION. *TW

NHTSA Safety Investigations, MERCURY COUGAR

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

DP94005 Opened: Jul 6, 1994 , Closed: Sep 22, 1994
DP, Closed , Model Year: 1994
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
There is no summary currently available
PE90073 Opened: Apr 11, 1990 , Closed: Jun 26, 1990
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1990
HOOD LATCHES FAIL
There is no summary currently available
DP80015 Opened: May 6, 1980 , Closed: Aug 27, 1980
DP, Closed
ENGINE FIRES
ENGINE FIRES
DP79004 Opened: Oct 24, 1978 , Closed: Jan 8, 1979
DP, Closed , Model Year: 1978
WHEELS
WHEELS

MERCURY COUGAR - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the MERCURY COUGAR across all model years (1967, 2002).

78 Total Recalls
2,652 Total Complaints
4 Investigations
170 Reported Crashes
92 Reported Fires
6 Reported Deaths

MERCURY COUGAR - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2002 3 127 View
2001 3 103 View
2000 5 283 View
1999 9 740 View
1998 0 1 View
1997 0 112 View
1996 2 77 View
1995 0 160 View
1994 0 178 View
1993 3 236 View
1992 3 122 View
1991 3 98 View
1990 3 104 View
1989 4 104 View
1988 1 72 View
1987 1 49 View
1986 2 20 View
1985 1 22 View
1984 (current) 1 25
1983 3 2 View
1982 4 2 View
1981 1 0 View
1980 2 3 View
1979 3 0 View
1978 2 2 View
1977 4 0 View
1976 1 0 View
1975 2 0 View
1974 2 0 View
1973 0 3 View
1972 1 0 View
1971 1 0 View
1970 1 0 View
1969 4 0 View
1968 1 0 View
1967 2 0 View
1962 0 1 View

Other MERCURY Models

Model Recalls Complaints
MILAN 288 3,214 View
SABLE 111 7,213 View
GRAND MARQUIS 105 4,962 View
CAPRI 56 60 View
MYSTIQUE 49 1,514 View
MOUNTAINEER 49 2,657 View
MARINER 34 1,718 View
LYNX 30 35 View