1991 Mercury Cougar: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 73 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (22% 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 73 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Headlights go out for various intervals and is preceded by flickering and/or blinking which causes loss of visibility which increases my risk of a crash. Also note a burning smell from vents when this happens. My vehicle is a 1991 cougar and I went online to see if there was a recall for this problem. Noted recall for same problem on 1992 and 1993 models not for 1991. Called ford motor company and asked if there was a recall for my model since it has the same issue as 1992 and 1993 cougars. Was told no recall for this and to pay to get it fix myself. They would report problem to proper department. *tr”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Dec 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1991 mercury cougar. The contact smelled something burning while driving 50 mph. The headlights and instrument panel lights dimmed and the headlights began to flicker. The dealer stated that the circuit breaker had a short circuit. Recall number 99v275000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch) was found. The current and failure mileages were 141,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2007
“Dt: the contact stated car was revving when starting it up. When putting it in drive in went down somewhat. It felt like it was going to take off by itself. This happened on 8-31-05. Back in 1998 the contact was having the same problem. She took it to a dealer, and they replaced a chip that had broken under the hood. She felt this was same problem that she experienced in 1998. The contact was planning to take vehicle to a dealer close to her as soon as possible. She was not going to drive the car because she was afraid. She will have it towed.*ak updated 11/2/2005 - *nm”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving 60 mph, the anti lock braking system failed. As a result, when applying the brakes the pedal went to the floor. *ak the vehicle had been making noises since it was new. The consumer thought it was normal. The consumer was unable to find the parts. *sc *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2004
“The car starts and runs well. But ever so often without any warning the engine will stall, and then it will crank right up. Lucky for me it hasn't stalled while I was making a left turn with a semi barreling down on me.”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2003
“Vehicle was acting sluggish and white moke came form tailpipe. Vehicle was going 35mph and overheated, causing driver to pull over. Consumer indicated that continuing to drive will cause head to warp. Dealer was notified. *ak *tt”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2002
“While driving 15-20 mph vehicle began to overheat, consumer pulled into service station to have vehicle inspected, the service mechanic stated that the head gaskets had blown. Dealer has yet to be contatced. Please provide further details. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2002
“Headlights go off while driving, brakes continue to make noise, key switch prob. Recall repair, heater blows cold, car died after excel. Restarted and drove 50 ft. Died again and know in shop & been told gaskets or busted head. I love this car and have taken extra care, engine and car keep spotless, car is never left outside. All took place within 1 mo. Is it all tied together with one thing? *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2000
“When consumer took vehicle to dealer for check up,technician found that engine had a blown head gasket wich happened without a warning. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2000
“While driving on highway headlights started to dim , and went totally out. Pulled off the side of road. They came back on after waiting 10 minutes. Drove about another ten miles, it happened again. *ak”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - 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.
THE PARK ROD ASSEMBLY CONTAINS A PARK CAM WITH INADEQUATE SURFACE HARDNESS, WHICH COULD LEAD TO PARK DISENGAGEMENT OR NO PARK ENGAGEMENT WHEN THE LEVER IS PLACED IN PARK.
Remedy: REPLACE PARK ROD ASSEMBLY ON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.
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 1991 Mercury Cougar reliable?
NHTSA has 73 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Mercury Cougar. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Mercury Cougar problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 95,000 miles or less.
Does the 1991 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.