1980 Mercury Cougar
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 17 |
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 13 |
| 1987 | 33 |
| 1988 | 55 |
| 1989 | 81 |
| 1990 | 86 |
| 1991 | 73 |
| 1992 | 92 |
| 1993 | 195 |
| 1994 | 137 |
| 1995 | 109 |
| 1996 | 62 |
| 1997 | 76 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 454 |
| 2000 | 211 |
| 2001 | 82 |
| 2002 | 95 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW FELL OUT. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT THE COST OF THE WINDOW WOULD BE PICKED UP BY THE CONSUMER. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990817
1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE USING HEADLIGHTS THEY WOULD FLASH INTERMITTENLY AT THE SAME TIME. ALSO, CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATON. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19991230
1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE USING HEADLIGHTS THEY WOULD FLASH INTERMITTENLY AT THE SAME TIME. ALSO, CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATON. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19991230
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS". REAR AXLE ASSEMBLIES INTENDED FOR OTHER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN THE INVOLV
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE ANY INCORRECT WHEEL CYLINDERS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Campaign 79V262000 — check if this car was fixed
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS IS RECALLING 1,937 FUEL FILTERS, P/NOS ALG 44/1 AND PUROLATOR F10024, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 14 AND FEBRUARY 13, 2008, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILT
Remedy: INTERCONTINENTAL WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING MARCH 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INTERCONTINENTAL AT 800-451-2593.
Campaign 08E019000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1980 Mercury Cougar — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 79V262000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E019000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1980 Mercury Cougar reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1980 Mercury Cougar?
The most-reported component is visibility:windshield, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1980 Mercury Cougar have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.