MYRModel Year Report

1988 Mercury Cougar

▲ Better than typical
1988 Mercury Cougar
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:44:00.212Z

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
55
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
5

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Seat belts

33% 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 1988: 55 complaints 1988 55 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 1986 1987: 33 complaints 1988: 55 complaints 1988 55 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 1988: 55 complaints 1988 55 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

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% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.

FIRE

Electrical system

24% · 13 reports

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-18

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-03

Vehicle speed control

18% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.

CRASHINJURYDEATH
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, 2005-04-22

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-07-11

Vehicle surged when key put into car, causing accident/injury.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-19

Engine and engine cooling

11% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and gas recirculation valve (egr valve).

FIRE

Visibility

9% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing windshield and switch/wiring.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 5 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    1988-08-31Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-12-02 Floormat/accel pedal intrf
  2. I
    1989-10-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-02-02 Throttle sticking
  3. I
    1990-02-08Engineering analysisClosed 1991-02-28 Throttle sticking
  4. I
    1995-03-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-07-31 Faulty seatbelt buckles
  5. I
    1995-07-31Engineering analysisClosed 1997-09-30 Faulty seat belt buckles
  6. R
    1996-06-07Electrical system96V071000 The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Mercury Cougar — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seat belts: 18 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 10 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

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