1990 Mercury Cougar
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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
17% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 15 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE CONSUMER PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND ACCELERATED WAY TOO FAST AND HE BOLTED FORWARD STRIKING A CONCRETE BARRIER. *DT CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL LETTER REGARDING RESULTS FROM INCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100420
9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVER ENTERED VEHICLE, PUT ON LAP/SHOULDER BELT, PUT VEHICLE IN DRIVE POSITION, SUDDENLY VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND TOOK OFF, TRIED TO APPLY BRAKES, WHICH DID NOT WORK, DRIVER STEERED VEHICLE TOWARDS A WALL, VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960815
THE VEHICLE'S CAMSHAFT SENSOR FAILED AND WAS REPLACED . *YH
NHTSA ODI report, 20021001
7% of complaints: seat belts — 6 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 5 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION MODULE WAS REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS DEFECTIVE. *YH
NHTSA ODI report, 20021001
SAFETY TIMELINE
BATTERY TO STARTER CABLES ARE LONGER THAN SPECIFIED; EXCESSIVE CABLE LENGTH COULD CONTACT ENGINE DAMPER PULLEY.
Remedy: REPLACE BATTERY TO STARTER CABLE WITH CORRECT LENGTH CABLE.
Campaign 90V026000 — check if this car was fixed
HOOD LATCHES FAIL
HOOD LATCHES FAIL
THE NUTS WHICH HOLD WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR TO THE WIPER MODULE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED AND MAY LOOSEN OR COME OFF. THIS CAUSES CHANGED WIPER PATTERNS, OR THE WIPERS MAY JAM IF TWO OF
Remedy: APPLY TORQUE RETENTION MATERIAL TO WIPER MOTOR STUDS AND NUTS AND RETORQUE.
Campaign 91V076000 — check if this car was fixed
THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING
THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING
FAULTY SEATBELT BUCKLES
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
1990 Mercury Cougar — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V026000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V076000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1990 Mercury Cougar reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Mercury Cougar is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Mercury Cougar?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Mercury Cougar have?
3 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.