1992 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.
30% of complaints: exterior lighting — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and headlights.
Show complaint excerpts
HEADLIGHTS GO OUT UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, SOMETIMES WILL BLINK BACK ON AND SOMETIMES NOT. VERY DANGEROUS WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. MUST PULL OVER AND WAIT EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME TO CONTINUE DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170922
22% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
FIRE10% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TWICE THE GAS PETAL HAS GOTTEN STUCK AND THE CAR ACCELERATED TO HIGH SPEED WHICH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960124
8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing delivery and tank assembly.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THRTTL VLV LINKAGE BUSHING
REAR FUEL LINE INTERFERENCE
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Campaign 96V071000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL LINE JUMPER
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAN
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PLASTIC CONVOLUTE COVERING AROUND THE FUEL LINES. IF THE LINES SHOW A LEAK, THE LINES WILL BE REPLACED FIRST.
Campaign 97V159000 — check if this car was fixed
HEADLIGHT SWITCH
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOG LIGHTS, IN WHICH THE HEADLIGHTS MAY GO OUT FOR VARIOUS INTERVALS AND WHICH MAY BE PRECEDED BY FLICKERING OR BLINKING AS A RESULT OF THE CIRCU
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLIGHT SWITCH WHICH INCORPORATES A CIRCUIT BREAKER OF REVISED DESIGN, AND INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR, IF NEEDED.
Campaign 99V275000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1992 Mercury Cougar — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V159000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V275000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1992 Mercury Cougar reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1992 Mercury Cougar is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1992 Mercury Cougar?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1992 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.