MYRModel Year Report

1989 Mercury Cougar

● Typical for this model
1989 Mercury Cougar
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:49:00.445Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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
84
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1989

Investigations
6

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Vehicle speed control

26% 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 1986 1987: 33 complaints 1988: 55 complaints 1989: 84 complaints 1989 84 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 1989: 84 complaints 1989 84 1990: 86 complaints 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 1989: 84 complaints 1989 84 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

1989: 84 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.

Vehicle speed control

26% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing linkages and accelerator pedal.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

While driving the vehicle the plastic block that connects the throttle valve (Tv) cable to the throttle lever broke where it connects to the throttle lever.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-30

Engaged in reverse, vehicle suddenly accelerated into a wall, then engaged in drive, vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control, resulting in an accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-30

Had vehicle accident because throttle sticking wide open.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-28

Seat belts

20% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Shoulder belt did not grab/hold driver during 3-way accident; front right fender hit right rear bumper of stopped vehicle; driver's chest hit steering wheel.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-28

Electrical system

17% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing interior/under dash and switch.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle fire due to wiring incapable of handling 6000 volts of electricity.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-12-02

Under dash fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-10-10

Service brakes

14% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Engine and engine cooling

11% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Consumer slightly depressed gas pedal while idling and vehicle suddenly accelerated crashing into a retainer wall. Consumer sustained serious injuries.…

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-23

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1988-10-07Fuel system, gasoline88V165000 Plastic rollover valve mounting plate may not be properly sealed to the plastic fuel tank.

    Remedy: Replace fuel tank.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1989-06-09Service brakes, air89V081000 Due to contact between the brake caliper of the inboard front wheel and the front stabilizer bar, there may be increased brake pedal travel following low speed turning maneuvers.

    Remedy: Install acorn type front suspension strut nuts to eliminate stabilizer bar to brake caliper contact.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1989-06-09Suspension89V080000 Improperly heat treated rear suspension knuckles could experience high mileage fatigue cracks and eventual fracture.

    Remedy: Replace knuckles that have the affected lot codes.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1989-10-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-02-02 Throttle sticking
  5. I
    1990-02-08Engineering analysisClosed 1991-02-28 Throttle sticking
  6. I
    1990-06-26Engineering analysisClosed 1992-02-25 Hood latches fail
  7. I
    1993-08-30Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-12-30 Thrttl vlv linkage bushing
  8. I
    1993-12-30Engineering analysisClosed 1994-12-30 Thrttl vlv linkage bushing
  9. I
    1995-03-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-07-31 Faulty seatbelt buckles
  10. 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

1989 Mercury Cougar — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Vehicle speed control: 22 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 17 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 88V165000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 89V081000 · Service brakes, air
  • Recall 89V080000 · Suspension
  • Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1989 Mercury Cougar reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Mercury Cougar is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Mercury Cougar?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Mercury Cougar have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

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