1986 Mercury Cougar
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.
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 13 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 13 total reports mention: seat belts.
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.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20041110
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, 20040306
2 of 13 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE IGNITION AREA WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960429
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE IGNITION AREA WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960429
1 of 13 total reports mentions: visibility.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE DOES NOT CONTAIN SAFETY GLASS ON SIDE WINDOWS, VEHICLE COLLISION RESULTING IN CUTS TO FACE DUE TO GLASS.
NHTSA ODI report, 19981014
1 of 13 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 20040306
SAFETY TIMELINE
SEATBACK FAILURE
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.
Campaign 86V065000 — check if this car was fixed
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Campaign 87V139000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Mercury Cougar — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 86V065000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V139000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 seat belts:front:buckle assembly, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Mercury Cougar have?
2 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.