1990 Mercury Cougar: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 86 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (21% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 1996
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 86 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2018
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 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 eill not come back on at all”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“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 destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 89,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2014
“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”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Apr 2008
“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 notified. *nm”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2004
“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 acheiva so he could put the vehicle I were currently operatting back in service and do the repair work needed to make it a safe vehicle for the road, but upon finding out that I have put this vehicle in a private repair shop he had declined to come forth with the money to do the repair work ,he would have found if he had serviced thisvehicle prior to the sale of this vehicle.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2001
“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”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Apr 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 failure is a reportable safety concern and may be a basis for reimbursement of cost from manufacturer. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 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 wasn't properly done at factory. Have not had repairs done yet. Is there an investigation pending on this situation and/or possible recall being prepared? Thank you. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
Remedy: APPLY TORQUE RETENTION MATERIAL TO WIPER MOTOR STUDS AND NUTS AND RETORQUE.
BATTERY TO STARTER CABLES ARE LONGER THAN SPECIFIED; EXCESSIVE CABLE LENGTH COULD CONTACT ENGINE DAMPER PULLEY.
Remedy: REPLACE BATTERY TO STARTER CABLE WITH CORRECT LENGTH CABLE.
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
How other years compare
Check your exact Cougar by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Mercury Cougar reliable?
NHTSA has 86 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Mercury Cougar. The most complained-about area is electrical system (21% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Mercury Cougar problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 75,400 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Mercury Cougar have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.