MYRModel Year Report

1983 Mercury Cougar

○ Not enough data
1983 Mercury Cougar
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:10:14.053Z

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
3

Campaigns on file for 1983

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 2 complaints 1983 2 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 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 2 complaints 1983 2 1984: 17 complaints 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 1981: 0 complaints 1981 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1983 2 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

1983: 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.

Structure

1 of 2 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.

Show complaint excerpts

Drivers seat underneath the chassis is coming loose. Resulting in seat fall through the floor board. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-09

Electrical system

1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition.

Show complaint excerpts

Car quits running when your moving or doesnt start.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-10-23

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1983-01-28Fuel system, gasoline83V012000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1983-02-26Power train83V028000 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…

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the parking pawl actuating rod assembly.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1986-03-26Engineering analysisClosed 1989-07-28 Seatback failure
  4. I
    1989-02-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-06-13 Parking brake failure
  5. R
    2007-10-15Fuel system, gasoline07E064000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1983 Mercury Cougar — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 83V012000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 83V028000 · Power train
  • Recall 07E064000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 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, 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.