1982 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: seats.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHEN DRIVING THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT STARTED TO SMOKE . TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19951120
1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
IGNITION MODULE FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20010123
SAFETY TIMELINE
INCORRECT INFORMATION ON TIRE PLACARDS CONSTITUTES A FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS". THE INFORMATION CONCERNING TIRE SIZES AND INFLATIO
Remedy: REVISED PLACARDS WILL BE INSTALLED BY OWNERS, OR BY DEALERS WITHOUT CHARGE.
Campaign 81V151000 — check if this car was fixed
SOME OF THE SUSPECT VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED PROPANE FUEL SYSTEM FITTINGS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT; FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT, REPLACE, AND SEAL CERTAIN FUEL SYSTEM CONNECTIONS AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Campaign 82V031000 — check if this car was fixed
SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH IMPROPERLY WELDED FUEL TANK SUPPORT STRAPS. UNDER CERTAIN COLLISION CONDITIONS, THESE STRAPS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SUPPORT THE FUEL TANK AND LEAK
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK RETAINING STRAPS FOR TYPE OF WELDS AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Campaign 83V050000 — check if this car was fixed
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHIC
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
Campaign 07E064000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1982 Mercury Cougar — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seats issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 81V151000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 82V031000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 83V050000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1982 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 1982 Mercury Cougar?
The most-reported component is seats, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1982 Mercury Cougar have?
4 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.