1989 Mercury Cougar

● Typical for this model

1989 Mercury Cougar
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:22:06.669Z

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 PER YEAR

1989: 81 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1980	2
1981	0
1982	2
1983	2
1984	17
1985	10
1986	13
1987	33
1988	55
1989	81
1990	86
1991	73
1992	92
1993	195
1994	137
1995	109
1996	62
1997	76
1998	1
1999	454
2000	211
2001	82
2002	95

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 19%

19% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 15 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

ENGAGED IN REVERSE, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTO A WALL, THEN ENGAGED IN DRIVE, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19950630

HAD VEHICLE ACCIDENT BECAUSE THROTTLE STICKING WIDE OPEN. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19950628

SEAT BELTS 10%

10% of complaints: seat belts — 8 distinct reports on file.

INJURY

EQUIPMENT 7%

7% of complaints: equipment — 6 distinct reports on file.

SEAT BELTS 6%

6% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 6%

6% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19881007 — fuel system, gasoline

PLASTIC ROLLOVER VALVE MOUNTING PLATE MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED TO THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK.

Remedy: REPLACE FUEL TANK.

Campaign 88V165000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19890609 — service brakes, air

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.

Campaign 89V081000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19890609 — suspension

IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLES COULD EXPERIENCE HIGH MILEAGE FATIGUE CRACKS AND EVENTUAL FRACTURE.

Remedy: REPLACE KNUCKLES THAT HAVE THE AFFECTED LOT CODES.

Campaign 89V080000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19891004 — PE (closed 19900202)

THROTTLE STICKING

I 19900208 — EA (closed 19910228)

THROTTLE STICKING

I 19900626 — EA (closed 19920225)

HOOD LATCHES FAIL

I 19930830 — PE (closed 19931230)

THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING

I 19931230 — EA (closed 19941230)

THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING

I 19950327 — PE (closed 19950731)

FAULTY SEATBELT 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

1989 Mercury Cougar — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (15 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for seat belts issues (8 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for equipment issues (6 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 88V165000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Verify recall 89V081000 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
Verify recall 89V080000 (suspension) has been completed.
Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1987 ▲ 1988 ● 1996

WORST YEARS

■ 1999 ■ 2000 ■ 1993

See all years ranked →

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 19% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Mercury Cougar have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.