MYRModel Year Report

1985 Mercury Cougar

○ Not enough data
1985 Mercury Cougar
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:21:28.073Z

Only 10 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 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercury Cougar Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1985 highlighted. 1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 17 complaints 1985: 10 complaints 1985 1986: 13 complaints 1986 1987: 33 complaints 1988: 55 complaints 1989: 81 complaints 1989 1990: 86 complaints 1991: 73 complaints 1992: 92 complaints 1992 1993: 195 complaints 1994: 137 complaints 1995: 109 complaints 1995 1996: 62 complaints 1997: 76 complaints 1998: 1 complaints 1998 1999: 454 complaints 2000: 211 complaints 2001: 82 complaints 2001 2002: 95 complaints 2002
1985: 10 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19802
19810
19822
19832
198417
198510
198613
198733
198855
198981
199086
199173
199292
1993195
1994137
1995109
199662
199776
19981
1999454
2000211
200182
200295

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 10 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 of 10 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ELECTRICAL SHORT OR SHOCK, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE, ENGINE COMPARTMNET FIRE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960426

WHEN SHE PUT THE KEY INTO IGNITION, THE CAR STRETED TO GET FILLED WITH SMOKE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960429

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 of 10 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

TIRES

1 of 10 total reports mentions: tires.

STRUCTURE

1 of 10 total reports mentions: structure.

SEAT BELTS

1 of 10 total reports mentions: seat belts.

Show complaint excerpts

DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE ON A FEW OCCASIONS WILL NOT LATCH OR UNLATCH. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19951215

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19860326 — EA (closed 19890728)

SEATBACK FAILURE

R Date not on file — service brakes, hydraulic

BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS MAY HAVE IMPROPERLY ANODIZED INTERNAL SURFACES CAUSING ACCELERATED WEAR OF A PISTON SEAL.

Remedy: MASTER CYLINDERS BUILT ON JANUARY 9, 1985 WILL BE REPLACED.

Campaign 85V025000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1985 Mercury Cougar — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 85V025000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1987 ▲ 1988 ● 1996

WORST YEARS

■ 1999 ■ 2000 ■ 1993

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1985 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 1985 Mercury Cougar?

The most-reported component is electrical system:ignition:switch, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1985 Mercury Cougar have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.