MYRModel Year Report

1980 Mercury Cougar

○ Not enough data
1980 Mercury Cougar
RENDERED 2026-10-31T23:18:20.831Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
2

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1980

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1980: 2 complaints 1980 2 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 17 complaints 1985: 10 complaints 1986: 13 complaints 1986 1987: 33 complaints 1988: 55 complaints 1989: 84 complaints 1989 1990: 86 complaints 1991: 73 complaints 1992: 92 complaints 1992 1993: 198 complaints 1994: 145 complaints 1995: 109 complaints 1995 1996: 62 complaints 1997: 76 complaints 1998: 1 complaint 1998 1999: 454 complaints 2000: 211 complaints 2001: 82 complaints 2001 2002: 95 complaints
1980: 2 complaints 1980 2 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 17 complaints 1984 1985: 10 complaints 1986: 13 complaints 1986 1987: 33 complaints 1988: 55 complaints 1988 1989: 84 complaints 1990: 86 complaints 1990 1991: 73 complaints 1992: 92 complaints 1992 1993: 198 complaints 1994: 145 complaints 1994 1995: 109 complaints 1996: 62 complaints 1996 1997: 76 complaints 1998: 1 complaint 1998 1999: 454 complaints 2000: 211 complaints 2000 2001: 82 complaints 2002: 95 complaints 2002
1980: 2 complaints 1980 2 1981: 0 complaints 1981 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 17 complaints 1984 1985: 10 complaints 1985 1986: 13 complaints 1986 1987: 33 complaints 1987 1988: 55 complaints 1988 1989: 84 complaints 1989 1990: 86 complaints 1990 1991: 73 complaints 1991 1992: 92 complaints 1992 1993: 198 complaints 1993 1994: 145 complaints 1994 1995: 109 complaints 1995 1996: 62 complaints 1996 1997: 76 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaint 1998 1999: 454 complaints 1999 2000: 211 complaints 2000 2001: 82 complaints 2001 2002: 95 complaints 2002

1980: 2 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19802
19810
19822
19832
198417
198510
198613
198733
198855
198984
199086
199173
199292
1993198
1994145
1995109
199662
199776
19981
1999454
2000211
200182
200295

Known problem areas

Only 2 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

2 of 2 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash and fuses and circuit breakers.

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-12-30

Visibility

1 of 2 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield.

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-08-17

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1980-02-20Service brakes, hydraulic79V262000 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…

    Remedy: Dealer will replace any incorrect wheel cylinders without charge to owner.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1985-11-25Engineering analysisClosed 1987-07-23 Power brake booster
  3. I
    1989-02-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-06-13 Parking brake failure
  4. R
    2008-03-19Fuel system, gasoline08E019000 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…

    Remedy: Intercontinental will replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began during March 2008. Owners may contact intercontinental at 800-451-2593.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1980 Mercury Cougar — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 79V262000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 08E019000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 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 electrical system, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1980 Mercury Cougar have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.