1986 MERCURY COUGAR
2 recalls, 20 complaints - 25 TSBs
87V139000 Sep 4, 1987
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Defect Description
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Consequence
COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
Remedy
INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Complaint Statistics
20 total complaints
2 fires 1 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY | 4 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY | 3 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH | 3 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION | 1 |
| SEATS | 1 |
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD | 1 |
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Nov 10, 2004
Incident date: Feb 11, 2004
HEAD GASKET ON 3.8 ENGINE HAS BLOWN TWO TIMES IN 8 MONTHS. CAR OVERHEATS AND HAS OIL IN RADIATOR. HEATER DOES NOT WORK. AND VERY DIM LIGHTING ON SPEEDOMETER.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 10, 2004
Incident date: Feb 11, 2004
HEAD GASKET ON 3.8 ENGINE HAS BLOWN TWO TIMES IN 8 MONTHS. CAR OVERHEATS AND HAS OIL IN RADIATOR. HEATER DOES NOT WORK. AND VERY DIM LIGHTING ON SPEEDOMETER.*AK
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
Mar 6, 2004
Incident date: Mar 10, 1986
THE HOOD IS HELD UP WITH A THIN METAL ROD AND PLACED INTO A HOLE IN THE HOOD. THERE ARE SEVERAL HOLES TO PUT THE ROD INTO BUT ONLY ONE IS PROPER SIZE AND FIT. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE HOOD AND YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE ACCIDENTALLY BUMPS THE ROD, THEN YOU WILL HAVE YOUR HEAD OR HANDS LITERALLY CHOPPED OFF SIN... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 6, 2004
Incident date: Mar 10, 1986
THE HOOD IS HELD UP WITH A THIN METAL ROD AND PLACED INTO A HOLE IN THE HOOD. THERE ARE SEVERAL HOLES TO PUT THE ROD INTO BUT ONLY ONE IS PROPER SIZE AND FIT. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE HOOD AND YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE ACCIDENTALLY BUMPS THE ROD, THEN YOU WILL HAVE YOUR HEAD OR HANDS LITERALLY CHOPPED OFF SIN... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Jun 12, 1999
Incident date: Jun 10, 1999
THE BRACKET THAT HOLD THE STRAPS FOR THE FUEL TANK RUSTED VERY BADLY, BROKE AND THE FEUL TANK DROPPED WHILE THE CAR WAS MOVING/ DRAGGED AND RIPPED A HOLE IN THE GAS TANK THE SPARKS COULD HAVE LIT THE GAS ON FIRE AND POTENTAILY COULD HAVE KILLED MY WIFE AND SON IN THE CAR.THE REST OF THE CAR IS IN GO... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Jun 12, 1999
Incident date: Jun 10, 1999
THE BRACKET THAT HOLD THE STRAPS FOR THE FUEL TANK RUSTED VERY BADLY, BROKE AND THE FEUL TANK DROPPED WHILE THE CAR WAS MOVING/DRAGGED AND RIPPED A HOLE IN THE GAS TANK THE SPARKS COULD HAVE LIT THE GAS ON FIRE AND POTENTAILY COULD HAVE KILLED MY WIFE AND SON IN THE CAR.THE REST OF THE CAR IS IN GOO... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Jun 12, 1999
Incident date: Jun 10, 1999
THE BRACKET THAT HOLD THE STRAPS FOR THE FUEL TANK RUSTED VERY BADLY, BROKE AND THE FEUL TANK DROPPED WHILE THE CAR WAS MOVING/ DRAGGED AND RIPPED A HOLE IN THE GAS TANK THE SPARKS COULD HAVE LIT THE GAS ON FIRE AND POTENTAILY COULD HAVE KILLED MY WIFE AND SON IN THE CAR.THE REST OF THE CAR IS IN GO... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Jun 12, 1999
Incident date: Jun 10, 1999
THE BRACKET THAT HOLD THE STRAPS FOR THE FUEL TANK RUSTED VERY BADLY, BROKE AND THE FEUL TANK DROPPED WHILE THE CAR WAS MOVING/DRAGGED AND RIPPED A HOLE IN THE GAS TANK THE SPARKS COULD HAVE LIT THE GAS ON FIRE AND POTENTAILY COULD HAVE KILLED MY WIFE AND SON IN THE CAR.THE REST OF THE CAR IS IN GOO... Read more
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Oct 14, 1998
VEHICLE DOES NOT CONTAIN SAFETY GLASS ON SIDE WINDOWS, VEHICLE COLLISION RESULTING IN CUTS TO FACE DUE TO GLASS.
1 injured
SEATS
Jan 8, 1997
Incident date: Jun 1, 1996
DRIVER SIDE SEAT TRACK AND ANCHORS MAKE CLICKING NOISE WHEN IN INCLINE POSTION AND FALLS BACK. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Jun 28, 1996
Incident date: Jun 12, 1996
SEAT BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTON BROKE. *SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Jun 19, 1996
WHEN DRIVING CAR STALLS. PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
May 16, 1996
Incident date: Nov 15, 1993
IGNITION SWITCH HAS BURNING SMELL COMING FROM UNDER DASH; KILLS BATTERY. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Apr 29, 1996
Incident date: Sep 3, 1995
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE IGNITION AREA WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Apr 29, 1996
Incident date: Sep 3, 1995
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE IGNITION AREA WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
Jul 26, 1995
Incident date: May 15, 1995
THE LIGHT FOR SPEEDOMETER IS OUT, CANNOT READ SPEED DAY OR NIGHT, CREATES POTENTIAL FOR ACCIDENT. TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Jun 12, 1995
DRIVER'S SHOULDER/LAP BELT BUCKLES INOPERATIVE, MALE WON'T STAY LATCHED INTO FEMALE PORTION. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
May 25, 1995
Incident date: Apr 26, 1994
FRONT BRAKES FAILED TWICE, BACK BRAKES FELL OFF. TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
May 25, 1995
Incident date: Apr 1, 1995
DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT DOES NOT CLASP. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
May 25, 1995
Incident date: Apr 26, 1994
FRONT BRAKES FAILED TWICE, BACK BRAKES FELL OFF. TT
EPA Fuel Economy, 1986 MERCURY COUGAR
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 16.0 | 20.0 | 18.0 | Regular | $3,400 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 18.0 | 24.0 | 20.0 | Regular | $3,100 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 17.0 | 21.0 | 18.0 | Regular | $3,400 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 17.0 | 24.0 | 19.0 | Regular | $3,250 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 16.0 | 24.0 | 19.0 | Regular | $3,250 |
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, 1986 MERCURY COUGAR
25 manufacturer communications from 19 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 5 |
| 034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC | 3 |
| 103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER | 3 |
| 114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING | 2 |
| 357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER | 2 |
| 061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 2 |
| 036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 1 |
| 131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD | 1 |
01157
Aug 6, 2001
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
01156
Aug 6, 2001
138600 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC
0015
Jan 10, 2000
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS
99222
Oct 18, 1999
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT
99196
Sep 20, 1999
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT
99152
Jul 26, 1999
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT
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
9848
Mar 2, 1998
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
ANNOUNCING THE FORD OEM AIR CONDITIONING RETROFIT KIT AVAILABILITY. *YC
97511
Mar 3, 1997
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD
962612
Dec 16, 1996
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
TRANSAXLE - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES AND TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSAXLE COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW
96249
Nov 18, 1996
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
TORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW
96246
Nov 18, 1996
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
WIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *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
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
There is no summary currently available
PE90073
Opened: Apr 11, 1990 , Closed: Jun 26, 1990
HOOD LATCHES FAIL
There is no summary currently available
DP80015
Opened: May 6, 1980 , Closed: Aug 27, 1980
ENGINE FIRES
ENGINE FIRES
DP79004
Opened: Oct 24, 1978 , Closed: Jan 8, 1979
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 (current) | 2 | 20 | |
| 1985 | 1 | 22 | View |
| 1984 | 1 | 25 | View |
| 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 |