MYRModel Year Report

1987 Mercury Cougar

▲ Better than typical
1987 Mercury Cougar
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:27:07.144Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mercury Cougar Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1987 highlighted. 1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 17 complaints 1985: 10 complaints 1986: 13 complaints 1986 1987: 33 complaints 1987 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
1987: 33 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

SEAT BELTS 27%

27% of complaints: seat belts — 9 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 9%

9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

GAS PEDAL STUCK, BRAKES DID NOT STOP VEHICLE ENDED UP HITTING A TREE. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19951025

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 9%

9% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

GAS PEDAL STUCK, BRAKES DID NOT STOP VEHICLE ENDED UP HITTING A TREE. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19951025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19871012 — fuel system, gasoline

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

I 19880831 — PE (closed 19881202)

FLOORMAT/ACCEL PEDAL INTRF

I 19950327 — PE (closed 19950731)

FAULTY SEATBELT BUCKLES

I 19950731 — EA (closed 19970930)

FAULTY SEAT BELT BUCKLES

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1987 Mercury Cougar — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 87V139000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1988 ● 1996 ● 1991

WORST YEARS

■ 1999 ■ 2000 ■ 1993

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1987 Mercury Cougar reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1987 Mercury Cougar is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1987 Mercury Cougar?

The most-reported component is seat belts:front:buckle assembly, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1987 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.