MYRModel Year Report

1989 Mercury Cougar

● Typical for this model
1989 Mercury Cougar
RENDERED 2026-09-16T17:32:39.868Z

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

Complaints per year, Mercury Cougar Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1989 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 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
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%

26% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing linkages and accelerator pedal.

CRASH INJURY
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, 20030730

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 20%

20% of complaints: seat belts — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.

CRASH INJURY
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, 19950328

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 17%

17% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file, 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, 19941202

UNDER DASH FIRE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19941010

SERVICE BRAKES 14%

14% of complaints: service brakes — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER SLIGHTLY DEPRESSED GAS PEDAL WHILE IDLING AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CRASHING INTO A RETAINER WALL. CONSUMER SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES. TS

NHTSA ODI report, 20021223

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 (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 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.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Mercury Cougar have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.