MYRModel Year Report

1987 Mercury Cougar

▲ Better than typical
1987 Mercury Cougar
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:43:46.779Z

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
33
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1987

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

42% of complaints

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 1987: 33 complaints 1987 33 1988: 55 complaints 1989: 84 complaints 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 1987: 33 complaints 1987 33 1988: 55 complaints 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 1987: 33 complaints 1987 33 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

1987: 33 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

42% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing switch and interior/under dash.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Brake pads constantly keeps running out on front driver, passenger front brakes are still good but rotor keeps running out unevenly, no brake fluid leaks but needs refill every 3rd about 3/4 of a pints bottle, making a left turn it accelerated by...

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-07-27

Also filed under Service brakes and power train

The vehicle caught on fire around the alternator. Please describe. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-09-11

Seat belts

33% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.

Service brakes

15% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Engine and engine cooling

15% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing catalytic convertor and gasoline.

Vehicle speed control

9% · 3 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Gas pedal stuck, brakes did not stop vehicle ended up hitting a tree. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-25

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Safety timeline

1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. 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 →

  2. I
    1988-08-31Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-12-02 Floormat/accel pedal intrf
  3. I
    1995-03-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-07-31 Faulty seatbelt buckles
  4. I
    1995-07-31Engineering analysisClosed 1997-09-30 Faulty seat belt buckles

Buy-smart checklist

1987 Mercury Cougar — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 87V139000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

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 electrical system, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Mercury Cougar have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

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