1983 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: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
DRIVERS SEAT UNDERNEATH THE CHASSIS IS COMING LOOSE. RESULTING IN SEAT FALL THROUGH THE FLOOR BOARD. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950309
1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
CAR QUITS RUNNING WHEN YOUR MOVING OR DOESNT START. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20001023
SAFETY TIMELINE
SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH FUEL TANKS THAT HAVE INADEQUATELY WELDED FRONT SEAMS THAT CAN LEAK.
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE WAS CORRECTED AT THE FACTORY; IF NOT, THE FUEL TANK WILL BE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER.
Campaign 83V012000 — check if this car was fixed
THE PARKING GEAR MAY NOT ENGAGE, EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION. THIS OCCURS IF THE LINKAGE INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION THAT ACTUATES THE PARK GEAR WAS IMPROPERLY MANUFA
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARKING PAWL ACTUATING ROD ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 83V028000 — check if this car was fixed
SEATBACK FAILURE
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
1983 Mercury Cougar — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 83V012000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 83V028000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1983 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 1983 Mercury Cougar?
The most-reported component is structure:frame and members, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1983 Mercury Cougar have?
3 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.