MYRModel Year Report

1988 Mercury Cougar

▲ Better than typical
1988 Mercury Cougar
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:43:32.883Z

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, 1988 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 1988: 55 complaints 1988 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
1988: 55 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.

SEAT BELTS 33%

33% of complaints: seat belts — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.

FIRE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 24%

24% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and interior/under dash.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

SON DRIVING VEHICLE, IT BEGAN TO SMOKE AND BURN UNDER DASHBOARD, HAD TO OPEN DOOR TO SEE BECAUSE OF SMOKE, VEHICLE SOON AFTER CAUGHT FIRE, JUNKED VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960618

THE IGNITION SWITCH DOES NOT IGNITE IF THE GEAR SHIFT IS NOT COMPLETELY UP. IT APPEARS THERE IS NOT ENOUGH COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION SWITCH AND THE GEAR SHIFT.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030903

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 18%

18% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

ON FEB 12, 1994 MY WIFE AND HER FRIEND TOOK MY RED 1988 MERCURY COUGAR LS TO CHURCH AT 6:30 PM. IT WAS AN EXTREMELY FOGGY EVENING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20050422

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNEXPECTED AND UNINTENDED ACCELERATION FROM APARK POSITION. INDEPENDENT ENGINEER IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE HOLDING THE THROTTLE OPENED, EA90-009. *AJ

NHTSA ODI report, 19960711

VEHICLE SURGED WHEN KEY PUT INTO CAR, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURY. *DH

NHTSA ODI report, 19960619

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and gas recirculation valve (egr valve).

FIRE
VISIBILITY 9%

9% of complaints: visibility — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield and switch/wiring.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19880831 — PE (closed 19881202)

FLOORMAT/ACCEL PEDAL INTRF

I 19891004 — PE (closed 19900202)

THROTTLE STICKING

I 19900208 — EA (closed 19910228)

THROTTLE STICKING

I 19950327 — PE (closed 19950731)

FAULTY SEATBELT BUCKLES

I 19950731 — EA (closed 19970930)

FAULTY SEAT BELT BUCKLES

R 19960607 — electrical system

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Campaign 96V071000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Mercury Cougar — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1987 ● 1996 ● 1991

WORST YEARS

■ 1999 ■ 2000 ■ 1993

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1988 Mercury Cougar reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Mercury Cougar is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1988 Mercury Cougar?

The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 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.