1990 MERCURY COUGAR

3 recalls, 104 complaints - 40 TSBs

96V071000 Apr 25, 1996
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Defect Description
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
7,900,000 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
91V076000 May 6, 1991
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Defect Description
THE NUTS WHICH HOLD WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR TO THE WIPER MODULE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED AND MAY LOOSEN OR COME OFF. THIS CAUSES CHANGED WIPER PATTERNS, OR THE WIPERS MAY JAM IF TWO OF THE THREE NUTS COME OFF.
Consequence
CHANGES IN THE WIPER PATTERN OR JAMMING OF THE WIPERSWOULD RESULT IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILTY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS.
Remedy
APPLY TORQUE RETENTION MATERIAL TO WIPER MOTOR STUDS AND NUTS AND RETORQUE.
125,000 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
90V026000 Feb 12, 1990
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
Defect Description
BATTERY TO STARTER CABLES ARE LONGER THAN SPECIFIED; EXCESSIVE CABLE LENGTH COULD CONTACT ENGINE DAMPER PULLEY.
Consequence
CABLE PROTECTIVE COVERING AND INSULATION COULD WEAR THROUGH AND CAUSE A DIRECT SHORT TO GROUND, RESULTING IN OVERHEATING OF THE CABLE INSULATION AND POSSIBLY A UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy
REPLACE BATTERY TO STARTER CABLE WITH CORRECT LENGTH CABLE.
72 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Complaint Statistics

104 total complaints 11 crashes 9 fires 6 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL15
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE8
SEAT BELTS6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY5
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP3
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Jul 19, 2018
Incident date: Jun 18, 2018
SEAT BELT DOESN'T STAY LOCKED AND LATCH BROKE, AUTOMATIC HEAD LIGHTS DON'T WORK THE DIGITAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DON'T WORK AND AS SOON AS IS GETS SO HOT IT VAPER LOCKS A LOT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jul 19, 2018
Incident date: Jun 18, 2018
SEAT BELT DOESN'T STAY LOCKED AND LATCH BROKE, AUTOMATIC HEAD LIGHTS DON'T WORK THE DIGITAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DON'T WORK AND AS SOON AS IS GETS SO HOT IT VAPER LOCKS A LOT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Jul 19, 2018
Incident date: Jun 18, 2018
SEAT BELT DOESN'T STAY LOCKED AND LATCH BROKE, AUTOMATIC HEAD LIGHTS DON'T WORK THE DIGITAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DON'T WORK AND AS SOON AS IS GETS SO HOT IT VAPER LOCKS A LOT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 19, 2017
Incident date: Sep 10, 2017
AFTER STARTING VEHICLE FLICKERING ON OFF OF DASH LIGHTS,PANEL COMPLETELY OUT AND NOW WILL NOT COME BACK ON,CREATING AN ISSUE DRIVING,UNABLE TO SEE SPEED,MILAGE GAS USAGE,WHEN CHECKING UNDER HOOD I WAS GIVEN AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK,THE MOTOR WAS RUNNING,IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF MOTOR
ENGINE Sep 18, 2017
Incident date: Jun 11, 2017
HEAVY TRAFFIC ON STATE HIGHWAY ENGINE OVERHEATING ALARM ACTIVATED,INCIDENT HAS OCCURED TWICE,IN TRAFFIC,EVERYTHING HAD TO BE TURNED OFF AND I HAD TO PULL OFF OF HIGHWAY, OTHER COMPLAINT DASH PANEL LIGHTS OUT WITH DEFINITELY ELECTRICAL ISSUE,ALMOST WILL NOT START,THIS OCCURED WHILE DRIVING AND NOW EI... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 18, 2017
Incident date: Jun 11, 2017
HEAVY TRAFFIC ON STATE HIGHWAY ENGINE OVERHEATING ALARM ACTIVATED,INCIDENT HAS OCCURED TWICE,IN TRAFFIC,EVERYTHING HAD TO BE TURNED OFF AND I HAD TO PULL OFF OF HIGHWAY, OTHER COMPLAINT DASH PANEL LIGHTS OUT WITH DEFINITELY ELECTRICAL ISSUE,ALMOST WILL NOT START,THIS OCCURED WHILE DRIVING AND NOW EI... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 7, 2014
Incident date: Jan 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 MERCURY COUGAR. THE CONTACT STATED SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD WHEN THE ENGINE WAS TURNED ON AND WITHIN SECONDS THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISED THE FIRE ORIGINATED AT A FUSE BOX LOCATED IN THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS DES... Read more
Fire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Apr 20, 2010
Incident date: Apr 2, 2008
THE CONSUMER PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND ACCELERATED WAY TOO FAST AND HE BOLTED FORWARD STRIKING A CONCRETE BARRIER. *DT CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL LETTER REGARDING RESULTS FROM INCIDENT. *TGW 04/06/10 THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND IT WAS FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE LINKAGE WAS DEFECTIVE. *JB
Crash 1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Jul 1, 2004
Incident date: Jul 1, 2004
TWO YEARS AGO THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER NHTSA # 96V071000. DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. ONE YEAR LATER THE RECALLED COMPONENT FAILED AND THIS TIME AN INDEPENDENT SHOP REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. ONCE AGAIN THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIF... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Oct 1, 2002
THE VEHICLE'S CAMSHAFT SENSOR FAILED AND WAS REPLACED . *YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Oct 1, 2002
THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION MODULE WAS REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS DEFECTIVE. *YH
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS Sep 25, 2001
Incident date: Sep 1, 1999
PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE WINDOWS CANNOT REMAIN ON TRACK. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON WINDOWS COMING OFF TRACK, DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THEY HAVE FIXED OTHER COUGAR WITH THIS PROBLEM, CONSUMER STATED SHE WILL BE DRIVING AND THE W... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION May 17, 2001
IGNITION WENT BAD. FORD NO LONGER MAKES THE PART. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Feb 21, 2001
Incident date: Jan 30, 2001
HEADS/HEAD GASKETS HAD CAUSED VEHICLE TO OVER-HEAT AS WELL AS SHUT ITSELF DOWN DURING MOTION. PROBLEM WERE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF HOWARD PONTIAC DEALERSHIP AS WELL AS PRESIDENT, THE FOLLOWING DAY USED CAR MANAGER DEAN SCHULATZ HAD OFFERED TO MAKE ANOTHER EVEN TRADE WITH ME TO A OLDSMOBILE ACHEI... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Jan 31, 2001
Incident date: Sep 20, 1997
THE HEAD GASKET FAILED CAUSING WATER AND ANIT-FREEZE TO LEAK INTO THE MOTOR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE NO HEAT. SLC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Nov 7, 2000
Incident date: Nov 4, 2000
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Oct 24, 2000
Incident date: May 2, 2000
NO SUMMARY
SEAT BELTS Oct 20, 2000
DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER BELT WILL NOT RETRAC/ IT COMPLETELY FAILED/ WILL NO LONGER FUNCTION, CAUSING LOSS OF SHOULDER RESTRAINT AND PROTECTION. POSSIBLY CAUSED BY FAILURE OF MOTOR OR BELTS.*AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE Sep 18, 2000
Incident date: Sep 1, 1992
ALSO THE FIRST YEAR I OWNED THE CAR, THE PAINT ON THE FRONT BUMPER STARTED COMING OFF, AND THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT MOTOR WAS REPLACED.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE Sep 14, 2000
Incident date: Sep 1, 1992
ALSO THE FIRST YEAR I OWNED THE CAR, THE PAINT ON THE FRONT BUMPER STARTED COMING OFF, AND THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT MOTOR WAS REPLACED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP May 31, 2000
Incident date: Apr 10, 2000
REPLACED ACCUMULATOR ON THE ABS ASSEMBLY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM OF INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF BRAKES WHILE TRAVELING 40+ MILES PER HOUR. FOLLOWING THIS PERFORMED ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC AND FOUND HYDRALIC AND PUMP ASSEMBLY LEAKING RENDERING THE CAR UNROADWORTHY AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. ADVISED THE ABS FAI... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES Apr 19, 2000
Incident date: Apr 19, 2000
WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 60 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL NOT BEING ENGAGED, ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND TOOK OFF. THIS PROBLEM ALSO OCCURRED ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS AT 30-35 MPH. DEALER REPLACED THROTTLE CONTROL VALVE AND CLEANED OUT THROTTLE BODY. *AK *ML
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Apr 18, 2000
Incident date: Apr 3, 2000
THIE 3.8 ENG IS THE SAME AS THE RECALLS ON OTHER FORD VEHICLE. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Apr 11, 2000
THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED ON A FEW OCCASSION AND THEN LATER THEY WENT OFF AND ON. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE YOU COULDN'T DRIVE THE CAR FOR FEAR THE LIGHTS WOULD GO OUT AND YOU WOULD CREATE OR BE IN AN ACCIDENT. THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY FOR A FEW MONTHS UNTIL MY BROTHER BORROWED THE CAR FOR A W... Read more
SEAT BELTS:FRONT Mar 16, 2000
I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHO I CAN TAKE IT TO REPAIR THE FRONT SEAT BELT. ITS THE MANUAL LAP PART THAT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH Feb 24, 2000
Incident date: Jun 30, 1992
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
SEATS Feb 24, 2000
Incident date: Jun 30, 1992
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY Feb 24, 2000
Incident date: Jun 30, 1992
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Feb 24, 2000
Incident date: Jun 30, 1992
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR Feb 24, 2000
Incident date: Jun 18, 1992
WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ON THIS VEHICLE NEVER ADJUSTED! NOT NOTIFIED! *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Feb 24, 2000
Incident date: Jun 21, 1990
THIS VEHICLE HAD NUMEROUS BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEMS WITHIN THE FIRST 3 MONTHS OF BEING PLACED IN SERVICE. THE FRONT ROTORS WERE WARPED AND UNBALANCED RESULTING IN UNEVEN AND EXCESSIVE PREMATURE WEAR TO THE FRONT BRAKE PADS.CALIPER RETAINING PINS HAVE INADE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC Feb 24, 2000
Incident date: Jun 21, 1990
THIS VEHICLE HAD NUMEROUS BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEMS WITHIN THE FIRST 3 MONTHS OF BEING PLACED IN SERVICE. THE FRONT ROTORS WERE WARPED AND UNBALANCED RESULTING IN UNEVEN AND EXCESSIVE PREMATURE WEAR TO THE FRONT BRAKE PADS.CALIPER RETAINING PINS HAVE INADE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Feb 19, 2000
HUSBAND IS A MECHANIC AND SAID NUMEROUS COUGARS HAVE COME IN WITH SAME PROBLEM. I FEEL YOUR HEADLIGHTS FLASHING WHILE DRIVING COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. CONFUSING OTHERS DRIVERS, ALONG THE DRIVER HIM/HERSELF NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Feb 9, 2000
Incident date: Jan 23, 2000
ENGINE HEAD GASKET FAILURE AT 75K MILES. FORMER FORD MECHANIC STATED HE HAD REPAIRED HUNDREDS OF THESE 3.8 HEAD GASKET FAILURES. NEW SHOP SPECS FOR REPAIR WERE FOR TIGHTER TORQUE THAN DONE AT FACTORY AND REPLACE ENGINE BOLTS WITH LARGER ONES. HE FELT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ITEM, SINCE IT WA... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Oct 20, 1999
Incident date: Jan 1, 1999
REPORTING A BLOWN ENGINE HEAD GASKET ON A 3.8L ENGINE, WHICH WAS REPAIRED BY A INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AT CONSUMER'S COST. ASKING NHTSA TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. TOO MANY COMPLAINTS & REPORT ON THIS BLOWN HEAD GASKETS FOR 3.8L ENGINE. WE ARE CALLING FOR HELP. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH Oct 19, 1999
Incident date: Oct 11, 1999
WHILE DRIVING THE HOOD LATCH MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE HOOD TO FLY OPEN, AND MAY HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. (EA90034). *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR Sep 22, 1999
Incident date: Dec 1, 1996
WAS DRIVING AND THE ROTORS FELL OFF DUE TO ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING DEFECT. TOOK TO DEALER AND HE WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Jun 21, 1999
Incident date: May 10, 1999
ENGINE FIRE. MJS
Fire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Jun 20, 1999
Incident date: Apr 2, 1999
THE INCIDENT OCCURRED TWICE. FIRST TIME AT 65MPH. CRUISE CONTROL WAS SUSPECTED AS PROBLEM SO IT WAS DISCONNECTED. THE SECOND OCCURRENCE WAS ON 5/7/99. SPEED 30MPH. IN BOTH CASES, THE ACCLERATOR SUDDENLY WENT TO THE FLOOR & THE VEHICLE SHOT FORWARD AT A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE ONLY WAY TO S... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL Jun 20, 1999
Incident date: Apr 2, 1999
THE INCIDENT OCCURRED TWICE. FIRST TIME AT 65MPH. CRUISE CONTROL WAS SUSPECTED AS PROBLEM SO IT WAS DISCONNECTED. THE SECOND OCCURRENCE WAS ON 5/7/99. SPEED 30MPH. IN BOTH CASES, THE ACCLERATOR SUDDENLY WENT TO THE FLOOR & THE VEHICLE SHOT FORWARD AT A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE ONLY WAY TO S... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY May 25, 1999
Incident date: Jan 1, 1998
WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL OR NEAR FULL, A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR IS PRESENT. APPEARS TO BE THE SAME AS ODI ID-807696 EXCEPT WE DON'T SEE ANY FUEL LEAKAGE. WHAT RECOURSE DO WE HAVE WITH THIS?
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Apr 13, 1999
Incident date: Feb 1, 1999
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED,CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *AK
Crash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Mar 26, 1999
Incident date: Jan 15, 1999
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FIRE DUE TO POSSIBLE RECALL COMPONENT (IGNITION SWITCH) FAILURE, NO NOTICE OF RECALL SENT TO CONSUMER PRIOR TO FIRE (#95S28).
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR Mar 26, 1999
Incident date: Dec 24, 1998
ALTERNATOR CAUGHT ON FIRE TWICE, COULD HAVE CAUSED INJURIES. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#. *AK
Fire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS Mar 12, 1999
Incident date: Sep 1, 1992
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATED. CONSUMER PUT FOOT ON THE BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP VEHICLE, BUT BRAKES WERE INOPERATIVE, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. DEALR INSPECTED VEHICLE AND COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. THE PROBLEM NEVER HAPPENED AGAIN. *AK
Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Mar 12, 1999
Incident date: Sep 1, 1992
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATED. CONSUMER PUT FOOT ON THE BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP VEHICLE, BUT BRAKES WERE INOPERATIVE, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. DEALR INSPECTED VEHICLE AND COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. THE PROBLEM NEVER HAPPENED AGAIN. *AK
Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES Feb 17, 1999
Incident date: Aug 7, 1998
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 65MPH THE ACCELERATOR WENT TO THE FLOOR BY ITSELF AND WOULD NOT COME UP, NO ACCIDENTS OCCURRED. CONTINUING A COUPLE OF MILES FURTHER, THE VEHICLE TOTALLY STOPPED. THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN THE CAR OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED, DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR Jan 22, 1999
DRIVERS SHOULDER BELT DOES NOT RETRACT, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERABLE, CAUSE UNKNOWN.*AK *JB
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE Jan 13, 1999
Incident date: Jan 11, 1999
MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELT ON DRIVERS SIDE DOES NOT GO DOWN INTO THE LOCKED POSTION FOR SAFTEY. MOTER DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. STUCK IN THE DOWN POSTION MAKING THE SHOULDER BELT UNUSEABLE AND UNSAFE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Oct 20, 1998
SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSING DAMAGE TO BRAKES AND TRANSMISSION.

Showing 50 of 104 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 1990 MERCURY COUGAR

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) 15.0 21.0 18.0 Premium $4,300
3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) 17.0 24.0 20.0 Regular $3,100
3.8L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) 15.0 22.0 18.0 Premium $4,300

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

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

Technical Service Bulletins, 1990 MERCURY COUGAR

40 manufacturer communications from 32 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION5
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE4
136200 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR3
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC3
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER3
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE2
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING2
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
002310 Nov 13, 2000
103600 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT
00213 Oct 16, 2000
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
SUBJECT REGARDING CLIMATE CONTROL - EATC - BLOWER MOTOR CONTROL SERVICE TIPS. *JB
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
99129 Jun 14, 1999
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
EXPERIENCING A WHINE / BUZZ TYPE NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO ON VEHICLES WITH AN IN-TANK ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP. *TT
99816 May 3, 1999
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT
982310 Nov 23, 1998
063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
MASS AIR FLOW (MAF)- SENSOR CONTAMINATION- SERVICE TIP. *AK
9888 Apr 27, 1998
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC
9873 Apr 13, 1998
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
EXPERIENCING A WHINING / BUZZING NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO. *TT
9874 Apr 13, 1998
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC
9852 Apr 13, 1998
190000 TIRES
INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC
9864 Mar 30, 1998
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT
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
97111097234 Nov 10, 1997
113000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
VEHICLES EXHIBITING A "SQUEAKING" OR "CHIRPING" FROM THE BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW BLOWER MOTOR SPEEDS. *YC
97610 Mar 17, 1997
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BLOWER MOTOR- "CHIRPING" OR "SQUEAKING" FROM BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW SPEEDS. *JD
9768 Mar 17, 1997
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FUEL ECONOMY- CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS VERSUS VEHICLE USAGE. *JD
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
95153 Jul 1, 1995
062100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
TEMPERATURE GAUGE - FLUCTUATING AND /OR INACCURATE HIGH READINGS. *SD
9582 Apr 1, 1995
136200 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
A REVISED SERVICE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR IS NOW AVAILABLE. *TW
9582 Apr 1, 1995
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
A REVISED SERVICE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR IS NOW AVAILABLE. *TW
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
9568 Mar 1, 1995
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
REVISED OIL PAN GASKET. *TW
9562 Mar 1, 1995
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
ROUGHNESS CONCERN DURING BRAKE APPLICATION. *TW
9546 Feb 1, 1995
136200 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
REVISED WIPER MOTOR. *TW
9546 Feb 1, 1995
136200 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT - UPGRADED SERVICE KITS. *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 (current) 3 104
1989 4 104 View
1988 1 72 View
1987 1 49 View
1986 2 20 View
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

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