MYRModel Year Report

1986 Mercury Cougar

○ Not enough data
1986 Mercury Cougar
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:48:32.438Z

Only 13 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 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
13

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1986

Investigations
1

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 1984: 17 complaints 1985: 10 complaints 1986: 13 complaints 1986 13 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 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 17 complaints 1984 1985: 10 complaints 1986: 13 complaints 1986 13 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 1984: 17 complaints 1984 1985: 10 complaints 1985 1986: 13 complaints 1986 13 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

1986: 13 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 13 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

4 of 13 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and interior/under dash.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle caught on fire from the ignition area while driving. Please describe.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-29

Seat belts

3 of 13 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.

Vehicle speed control

2 of 13 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

Show complaint excerpts

Head gasket on 3.8 engine has blown two times in 8 months. Car overheats and has oil in radiator. Heater does not work. And very dim lighting on speedometer.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-11-10

The hood is held up with a thin metal rod and placed into a hole in the hood. There are several holes to put the rod into but only one is proper size and fit.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-06

Also filed under Structure

Service brakes

2 of 13 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Visibility

1 of 13 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle does not contain safety glass on side windows, vehicle collision resulting in cuts to face due to glass.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-10-14

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. I
    1986-03-26Engineering analysisClosed 1989-07-28 Seatback failure
  2. R
    1986-06-17Exterior lighting86V065000 Headlamp covers were installed on vehicles in error. Causing the cars not to comply with FMVSS 108, lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment.

    Remedy: Remove headlamp covers.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1987-10-12Fuel system, gasoline87V139000 Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.

    Remedy: Install retainer clips over the couplings to prevent coupling separation and fuel leakage.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Mercury Cougar — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 86V065000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 87V139000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1986 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 1986 Mercury Cougar?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 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.