1991 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 | 84 |
| 1990 | 86 |
| 1991 | 73 |
| 1992 | 92 |
| 1993 | 198 |
| 1994 | 145 |
| 1995 | 109 |
| 1996 | 62 |
| 1997 | 76 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 454 |
| 2000 | 211 |
| 2001 | 82 |
| 2002 | 95 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
25% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE CAR STARTS AND RUNS WELL. BUT EVER SO OFTEN WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE ENGINE WILL STALL, AND THEN IT WILL CRANK RIGHT UP. LUCKY FOR ME IT HASN'T STALLED WHILE I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN WITH A SEMI BARRELING DOWN ON ME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040422
Also filed under VISIBILITY
18% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and front underhood.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
IN THE DASH ABOVE THE STEERING COLUMN A FIRE WAS STARTED FROM THE WIRING HARNESS POSSIBLY. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950803
Also filed under FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER and VISIBILITY
16% of complaints: service brakes — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing springs and accelerator pedal.
INJURY12% of complaints: seat belts — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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
THE PARK ROD ASSEMBLY CONTAINS A PARK CAM WITH INADEQUATE SURFACE HARDNESS, WHICH COULD LEAD TO PARK DISENGAGEMENT OR NO PARK ENGAGEMENT WHEN THE LEVER IS PLACED IN PARK.
Remedy: REPLACE PARK ROD ASSEMBLY ON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.
Campaign 91V048000 — check if this car was fixed
THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING
THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING
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
1991 Mercury Cougar — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V076000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V048000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1991 Mercury Cougar reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Mercury Cougar is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Mercury Cougar?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Mercury Cougar have?
3 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.