MYRModel Year Report

1987 Mercury Cougar

▲ Better than typical
1987 Mercury Cougar
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:55:13.030Z

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: 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 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
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%

42% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and interior/under dash.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20230727

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES and POWER TRAIN

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AROUND THE ALTERNATOR. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950911

SEAT BELTS 33%

33% of complaints: seat belts — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.

SERVICE BRAKES 15%

15% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 15%

15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing catalytic convertor and gasoline.

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

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (5 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 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.